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 Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2023 9:14 am
Each ray of morning sunlight felt like embers dancing across her eyes. Quiana groaned as she closed them again for what felt like the hundredth time, the Elidae still recovering from her first drinking experience. And what an experience it was! Quiana’s lips twitched into an attempt at a smile before quickly falling down into something that was more akin to a judgmental frown, all aimed personally at herself of course. How was she supposed to walk out of this tavern room and meet Siel after being such a fool yesterday? Ah, maybe this was how the downward spiral of drinking occurred…you made such a fool of yourself that you continued drinking to repeat and forget it all. Quiana started to shake her head at the thought before thinking better of it, the walls did not spin like they did last night but there was a dull ache in the back of her skull that did not feel like it was leaving anytime soon. So she settled for twisting her pale locks back into place, the metal and pearl ornaments gleaming prettily in the sunlight along with her beaded dress even though each shimmer and shine made her want to flinch away. A final sweep around the stolen room, the Elidae still feeling guilty for taking something from Siel but not being able to fight him last night in her tipsy state, and Quiana shouldered her traveling bag so that she could leave the room. As the door closed quietly behind her the Elidae crept down the steps, avoiding the main area of the tavern the best that she could, and finally emerged into the sunlit world outside.
Raising an arm above her face, Quiana glanced around to look for Siel. Was he truly going to appear and help her to look for family today even after last night’s display? Surely it could have been worse but it was still a frustrating feeling to know that she had been so vulnerable, something she did her best to avoid showing anyone. How much had she even said last night? It was all in fragments and she could just hope to the mother trees that she hadn’t done something terribly awful. Best to get it out of my system now before I actually meet my family for the first time. She tried to reassure herself with the thought as she decided to wait outside for a few minutes more just in case Siel truly would show up to help her today.
[Quiana 1]
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Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2023 9:15 am
Moose by Discord
Siel slipped out of the bartender’s room with the morning light. In one hand he carried his boots – a vain attempt at silence – while the other held his bags. When he’d offered his room to Quiana he’d thought about staying in there with her, albeit on the floor, but the thought of her waking up and having questions didn’t settle well with him. So, instead, he’d gone to another’s room. One that had always remained open to him in Matori and thusly hadn’t gotten a wink of sleep.
By the time he’d stepped outside and slid into his boots, doublet still open at the chest and hair undone Siel knew it was going to be a long day. He’d barely even drunk anything but his limbs ached and – why in blazes was that sun so bright? Tossing his baggage over his shoulder, Siel walked around to the front of the inn and spotted Quiana. Even though her appearance was as effervescent as ever there was something in the way she hung her frame that spoke of last night.
“It’s easier to bounce back when you’re younger,” He commented with a sympathetic smile, “after a certain point it’s all nausea and headaches.”
[Siel 1]
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Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2023 9:15 am
Quiana's lips pressed into a tight pout, her excitement at seeing Siel dampened immediately at the commentary, and she couldn't help the slight huff that eventually escaped as the words continued burning in her mind. Or was that the headache from the morning sunlight burning everything it touched? Either way she was not that old! "I'm not ancient...." She protested as her cheeks flushed at her next words. "That was just my first time." The Elidae looked over Siel, tilting her head thoughtfully despite the aching behind her own temples, and there seemed to be something off about him as well. Was he truly alright with helping her? Did he feel ill as well? "Are you certain about this? Did you drink a lot last night too?" She vaguely remembered being helped into the room, but he had slipped away before she could stop him. Not that she blamed him, what room was there on a tiny inn bed for two larger than average people? Their Aishan heritage definitely had not been in the tavern owner's thoughts whenever those narrow rooms had been designed. Quiana could only hope he found rest wherever he had sneaked away too last night.
"Either way I will bounce back." She straightened her shoulders proudly, flicking her locks over a shoulder as she dared him to tell her otherwise. It was a bit of an act, the bold movements still making her body scream silently at her but Quiana held firm. Despite her reckless behavior last night there was still a spark of pride that Quiana held onto, the mess of yesterday was just something she would have to overcome...while avoiding as much alcohol as possible going forward. She could act weak and try to gain more help, but at this point in her life she knew that she couldn't rely upon others to take care of her. Siel had been a blessing, but how would it be fair to just lean on him the whole time she was in Matori? She wasn't finding family for their charity either, she was simply trying to reunite a mother and her child by dragging her lost mother all the way back to the island. This is for grandmother...not for me. Perhaps it was partly for her, but she was still bitter about being abandoned so admitting any desire for a rekindling with her mother left her stomach in knots. Or was that once more the alcohol talking? Quiana's nose crinkled at the thought before she focused back on Siel. "Do they have something light for breakfast around here? Herbal teas could do wonders to help recovery...regardless of age." She wasn't going to let that one go, most definitely not.
[Quiana 2]
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Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2023 9:15 am
Moose by Discord
“You’re no tadpole either.” At first he didn’t pick up on her irritation so Siel’s mindless smile just brightened in the morning light. With his hair free and untied, it fell over his shoulder like tousled silk. “Oh, me? Don’t worry about it; this’ll wear off. Just another earthling tradition.” He’d asked his Baba a few times growing up, mostly after puberty had settled in, what Aishan’s did with each other if children weren’t involved and Nimueh had done his best with what Siel had to throw at him. Honestly, most were off the wall questions that the man likely didn’t even know himself and others were just…uncomfortable.
Ah. So it was the age thing. Sidling up closer to her, Siel looped his arm with hers and gave it a pat before leading them down the street. “If you’re that worried about getting your morning tea I’ll just have to be your eyes. Make sure you get there in one piece, right? Wouldn’t want nana falling in the street.”
[Siel 2]
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Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2023 9:16 am
Of course she wasn't a...a tadpole! Quiana's simply shook her head, straightening her belongings one final time before taking a step forward. "Alright then, I suppose if it'll wear off we'll just endure." She stated simply, ready to move forward before Siel decided to tease her. The sudden touch made her shoulders tense before she realized it was just Siel and the Elidae slowly relaxed again before registering his next words which had her once more straightening her shoulders, a flush bright on her cheeks as she glanced down at him. This was definitely her karma for being such a mischievous child, it had to be.
"You know I'm wondering if silver hair is a sign of age, not just an earthling trait." She replied with a glance over Siel as she pressed closer to him as if offering support instead of pulling away from the teasing gesture. "But if it saves your pride, I'll let you walk alongside of me so that you aren't just hobbling along." Silver locks did mark the Elders that she had seen before, including her own Alkidike grandmother, but Quiana still found the color attractive especially on Siel. Not that she would mention that to someone teasing her about age! "Either way tea is a good way to start the day, especially if you have a lot planned..." Quiana frowned as she repeated the words. That at least was her grandmother's habit, something she had grown accustomed with but now she was wondering if it was something that elders tended to rely on more than the younger generations. "Young body, old soul..." She murmured with a sigh. "Whatever, as long as I can feel attractive and dance the night away later then I'm not at my grave just yet." She bumped her hip into Siel before tugging the pair of them along the path, the Elidae actually interested in all that the market had to offer them despite the lingering headache from last night's drinking. Now did they simply get tea and start asking questions?
Quiana glanced around thoughtfully, her gaze darting back towards Siel even as she ignored the curious look from others as they also browsed through the open market. "I'm looking for an Elaria and Matori hybrid, dark blue hair with markings similar to mine. I guess we can shop while I ask around to see if anyone recognizes her and where she lives..."
[Quiana 3]
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Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2023 9:16 am
Moose by Discord
“It’s a sign of age, dignity and wealth; none of which I have even a scrap of.” Siel puffed up his chest and gave a bark of self-deprecating laughter. It drew a few sharp, surprised glances from those around them, but if Siel noticed he didn’t let on. He was far too used to being in the public eye to care about a few weird stares. Besides, what was weirder? A hybrid taking pride in his ‘failings’ or the pair of them, strolling casually down a street of Matorians?
“Should be easy enough to spot. It’s hard to hide an Aishan hybrid, especially an Elarian. Maybe after we get some tea we could go to the amphitheater? There’s usually some kind of performer always jostling for a spot midday to get some extra coin. It draws in children, mostly, so maybe you can see her kids?”
[Siel 3]
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Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2023 9:17 am
Quiana couldn't help the laughter that left her lips. The Elidae shook her head at Siel's display, her expression bright with amusement. "I suppose we're even there then." She mused quietly. "I most definitely am not holding up to the pure Aishan standards of dignity by relying upon someone like this, especially after last night's display." She flushed as she glanced over at Siel. "Thank you again for that and for this. I hope I didn't do anything too stupid." Just flashes of memories, of being a bit too emotional....a little clingy and nearly having a panic out in front of the tavern...well it was definitely not the worst situation possible, right?
Tugging at Siel's arm, Quiana pointed towards a little stall with an elderly Matori woman tending to it. "I think there's some tea there." She pondered the rest of Siel's words and nodded again. "That's the hope, right? I'm assuming there's not many out and about like her, especially with children that have Kahi blood in addition to Elarian roots." Still, the brightness of the sun made her thoughts stumble with a flash of pain and she had to glance back towards the ground to avoid the return of a splitting headache. "Let's just check out that teashop first, then the amphitheater." Surely this was just a normal reaction after having a lot to drink....it wasn't just her being weak....Quiana could only hope.
[Quiana 4]
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Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2023 9:17 am
Moose by Discord
The Bard shook his head with a little smile. “It’s nothing. You got a little chatty, but we all do at the end of a long night.” He wasn’t about to admit that she’d opened to the point he thought about writing it all down. There had been so many little details to keep track of (mothers, ailing grandmothers, Kahi hybrids…) that Siel wondered if he would even remember them come dawn.
Despite appearances, Siel knew a fair amount about tea and its properties. Not as much as his dear sister, of course, but enough to know if a brew was worth it. So, when they approached the stall and he caught a whiff of some of the steeping tea Siel’s body relaxed. When he turned to Quiana though and saw her looking a bit pinched his smile grew. “You’ll be wanting something with ginger to help with your head and your stomach.”
[Siel 4]
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Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2023 9:17 am
Quiana's fingers lingered over a ceramic mug, the speckles of gold against the russet brown glaze catching her attention. "Ginger, hmm?" She murmured before nodding. "I'll trust your judgment, I don't believe I've had anything with ginger before." At least not that she knew of. Since her family had exiled themselves from Zinris, the other exiles, the idea of trading such goods with earthlings was never a thing as they sheltered within the islands of the Kahi. The Kahi had various spices and herbs that her grandmother received from other Sisters on rare occasion, Quiana experiencing even more of the foreign foods and such while living with the Hapuna for a few weeks, but growing up it had mostly been whatever she could gather with the other Elidae since her grandmother did not enjoy mingling with non-Aishans. It wasn't a spiteful feeling, but rather something more akin to guilt considering how she had participated with the Extremists all those years ago.
Thankfully though the elderly Matori woman overheard their conversation, the merchant coming over with a wooden box. "Feeling unwell? Then I would recommend this mixture with some ginger." She advised, her smile kind despite the strangeness of the foreigners visiting her shop. Over the years this particular port had seen quite a few varieties of visitors but even she had to pause to study the Elidae. How unusual! Quiana boldly raised her gaze against the scrutiny, her shoulders relaxing after she realized the Matori was simply curious and seemingly held no hostility in that amber gaze. "Is that alright?" As Quiana nodded, the Matori started to work up a steaming teapot. "I'm assuming you'll both appreciate a cup now. If you walk up the little path right there I have some seating, you can enjoy the ocean view which is perfect for couples to enjoy. My niece can bring this to you along with some of my hot oats with local fruits mixed inside, a bit extra but definitely worthwhile and good for sickness."
[Quiana 5]
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Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2023 9:18 am
Moose by Discord
“If I could just get a black tea with lemon that would be grand.” Something stouter for stamina was needed that morning and a little extra bit to help the ache in his bones. Any other day Siel would have found a nice little spot on the beach to curl up on and nap until the sun started to drop. Today, though, he needed energy.
Siel offered up the extra coin easily. “Sounds perfect.” He didn’t so much as bat an eye at the ‘couples’ comment. This wasn’t the first time he’d been caught in a misunderstanding like that and wouldn’t be the last. Siel had just learned to roll with it instead of causing a fuss and to add to it he cheekily looped his arm back with Quiana’s to lead them toward their designated seats. “Okay, so, I have to ask; is this your first time away from home? Ever?”
[Siel 5]
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Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2023 9:18 am
"Thank you." Quiana managed quietly, not worried about the couples commentary...partly because she wasn't as familiar with earthling phrases. Couples could mean partners or pairs in training or something, right? Either way Siel didn't seem bothered and instead he was even taking her arm again as they walked up the path towards the little stone benches sitting there. The sight of the ocean was indeed nice, the waves crashing against the pearly sands below almost relaxing to watch despite the ache behind her eyes. Slipping free of Siel, Quiana leaned back against the bench to stretch out her back. The tavern bed had been decent, but it was still an adjustment sleeping in so many foreign places as she traveled across the land. Not like her home had been some sort of luxury, but the swinging hammocks definitely settled better than some of the earthling rooms she had rented. "Depends." Quiana replied after a moment. "I traveled through the islands in Kahi, but this is my first time being so far away from home. Not many Elidae were really trusted to leave home until we were more settled and you know....not considered the runaway daughters of Exiles. It was risky being in the world and still is slightly despite some treaty between Aishans." She admitted as she slowly pulled herself back up, her body shifting so that she could cross her legs more comfortably. "What about you? I'm assuming you're well versed in traveling."
A shuffling noise along the path grabbed her attention and Quiana smiled as a Matori woman in colorful skirts, her hair braided and tucked neatly beneath a scarf with leaves patterned on it, brought them two trays of food. "Please enjoy." The young woman's gaze lingered over both Quiana and Siel, interest keeping her longer than necessary before she finally poured hot water over both cups of tea leaves. "If you need anything, you'll know where to find me." She added with a final glance before waving and wandering down the path, her hips swaying.
"Well, at least most Matori have been truly kind." Mused Quiana, though there was a gleam of amusement in her gaze. She was innocent, but not that innocent to not understand and recognize attraction from others. "So much for horror stories about how the Elidae would be hunted if we left our island. Not that everyone said such things, but there were a couple of Elders that truly seemed to believe it." She admitted with a chuckle, her fingers wrapping around the steaming cup of tea as she simply enjoyed the scent and hoped that her stomach wouldn't churn when she finally sipped at the tea. "I suppose....we've only really danced together thus far and learned something about our relatives. What about each other though? Or is that prying too much?" She managed, peeking over at Siel. "You play music, sing and dance? Is that how you make money while traveling?" It must be nice if so. Quiana had a wistful expression at the thought. Sisters would enjoy a performance but she only got to barter on occasion with it while the Elders would chastise her for wasting time instead of learning more useful skills. Thankfully her spark of magic and precision with archery had gotten a few to loosen their judgment about her, but even then she knew that her carefree atttitude definitely chaffed at a few living on the islands. Had she been raised in Zinris...well that would have been a different story! At least...that's what she had heard before during the countless lectures from others whenever she skipped lessons to instead laze about the beach.
[Quiana 6]
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Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2023 9:19 am
Moose by Discord
“So, like the Elarians.” He commented ruefully. Instead of sitting, Siel leaned over the back of the bench and crossed his arms over the top. The shuffling noise caught his ear and for a moment the Bard straightened his posture. She’s a pretty little thing. Her appearance was lovely though it was the way she carried herself that drew Siel in. That kind of confidence was just about as rare as her ability to make a statement, then walk away instead of lingering and letting it wilt. Siel very obviously watched her go with a smirking look toward the Elidae.
“Oh she’s friendly alright. I bet she’d be really good friends with the both of us if we played our cards right.” While Siel enjoyed harmless flirtation from time to time with no real end goal beyond amusement, he also enjoyed other things. Things that maybe a certain Elidae may also enjoy though with her experiences around earthlings he doubted that was on the table.
“It is.” Siel reached for his own cup of tea and took a draw. “I’ve traveled my entire life, but I spent most of my childhood in Matori.” He shifted around to sit on the bench and threw one arm over the back. “My papa’s a sword dancer so sometimes when we settled for performances he would partner with a few musicians. That’s how I got started, just sitting back and watching them, and it just kind of stuck. I didn’t start playing with the intention of making a living out of it, but doing anything else just felt odd.”
[Siel 6]
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Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2023 9:19 am
Quiana nodded then stopped herself with a wry expression crossing her features as she pondered the comparison. "Sort of. Just you know...the Elaria and Extremists would have hunted us down like I assume others were hunting the Elaria when they first appeared. Or did they even do that? Honestly, I know earthlings can be prickly with attitudes but so far no one has tried to stab me minus a petty theif who didn't make it far...did the earthlings even ever threaten any Extremists? Perhaps I'm just lucky." Or did the Extremists just want to kick out everyone for more power? Quiana made a face at the thought before shaking her head. "I suppose the past is the past for a reason, I'm just glad I can be here now." And the Matori server definitely proved those words, Siel's gaze wasn't the only one momentarily distracted by the confident movements...Quiana frowned before laughing at really good friends. "Is that so? I know some Sisters who were really close." She teased lightly, the small smile lingering on her lips showing that she understood certain implications. "I preferred other bonding activities though I never kept anyone close for long, it was simply too much." The flirtations and other such sweet gestures did help keep some Sisters on her side, allowing her some benefits to missing training lessons whenever she was assigned various chores or tasks to complete in place of them. Though training years felt like ages ago, the last person she had been close with was....well it was best to not linger on such things. Best to just live in the moment. Quiana's gaze brightened at the thought, the green orbs glancing over Siel with amusement and interest. "Wait....are you interested in playing your cards right?"
Even if he was then he would need to wait until after she had more time to enjoy the tea, each sip seemingly soothing her skull and easing the pounding pain that had been there since morning. "It honestly sounds lovely to me. You've got talent so why not spend time doing what you love? I tried to barter song and dance more than hunting and gathering, personally. Matori has a beauty to it and the ocean is near so I would assume a childhood here was not the worst." It was an ideal location compared to the harsher landscapes she had learned about. Perhaps the ocean breeze was slightly chillier at night, but the sounds of the crashing waves always made her feel at home. "I don't blame my own family for settling down here...as strange as that sounds." The only grudge she held was that her own mother hadn't taken her along for the journey. Quiana had been a youngling, but why not come back later or at least say something so that they didn't think she was dead for so many years? The thought brought a bitter taste to her mouth despite the honey in her tea. "I'll need answers once we find them. I just hope that this amphitheater can point us in the right direction."
[Quiana 7]
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Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2023 9:21 am
Moose by Discord
“I mean, considering the Extremists started a war I’d say you lot carried a bit of that rebellion in you. For better reasons, mind you; especially in my case.” He wasn’t about to sit there and complain about Elaria stealing away from a mother tree who hated hybrids. Although apparently now she didn’t? I mean, Quiana had a sister who was a hybrid and she had more hybrids so it was just…a little ironic is all. “One of my fathers was abandoned because of his blood in the war and the other was nearly gutted so I find the existence of Elidae to be the sweetest little cherry on the top of a very large, very bright cake.” Hate all earthlings? Hate their hybrid spawn? Best to marry them and infect new trees in new, exotic lands!
Maybe the bitterness of his tea was starting to turn his mood.
At the question of cards though…”Hmm? With her or with you?” Or with both? Siel raised a curious brow over the rim of his tea cup, and slowly, ever so slowly, gave it a sip. “We can head down to the amphitheater whenever you’re ready and if the mood strikes you I’m sure our little friend would be open to some bonding exercise later. And if you show me what kind of music you play then maybe I would be too.”
[Siel 7]
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Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2023 9:21 am
"Oh." Quiana's expression shifted, her body tensing as Siel revealed history that made her wary. "I'm thankful you find our existence sweet, not sour. I abhor the actions of my ancestors, it's probably best that my family strayed from my Extremists' path a long time ago." She could never ask someone to forgive the older generations, not after everything they had done to others, but she hoped that they wouldn't carry a grudge against the new generation that was innocent of such actions. She couldn't blame him though if the sight of anyone Aishan turned his stomach....Quiana's antennae seemingly drooped at the thought. If her family hadn't gone to the new island with the rebels then she could have very much been an Elaria raised in an Extremist camp herself. Would Siel have even considered helping her in that case? "I appreciate you, Siel. I'm sorry for the past violence towards your kin, even if it's not my fault I still have some of that damn blood, and I won't blame you if you ever need to get away from me because of it."
Quiana forced a smile, her heart still twisting as she pondered the depressing aspect of their conversation. "I suppose only time would tell, no? It would be an experience for me." She admitted before taking a drink of tea, suddenly anxious to get moving. Perhaps it was nerves or the fading headache that gave her a burst of energy but Quiana found herself finishing the tea quickly. The ocean view was beautiful, but it did nothing to calm her anxiety that she shoved down with a laugh. "Music, hmm? I'll gladly show you whatever you'd like once we get some more information." She promised as she stood from the bench and held onto the empty teacup. She could return it to the Matori and then they could go from the amphitheater. And then from there on....well they could just see whatever the afternoon and evening held for them. "I'm ready if you are." Quiana wiggled her fingers towards Siel, enticing him to follow her as she went back down the path.
[Quiana 8]
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