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 Posted: Thu Oct 05, 2023 6:02 pm
Flower petals in various jeweled-tone hues fluttered past in the ocean breeze. The vibrant colors of Kiros were just as Quiana remembered, but there was a darkness in the air today that dampened her mood. The last month had been a blur of activity, the Elidae reuniting with her long-lost mother and convincing her to return to Kiros after missing for decades. With the help of Omari the whole family had acquired passage towards Kahi within a week, time being limited since even Quiana did not know how much longer her grandmother had with her frail health. Since time was of the essence the group had split up, Quiana and Ocayle going straight to Kiros while Noelani and the others went to a Kahi port city to find lodging for a couple of weeks. Thankfully though the group knew that they could meet up at the hut Quiana shared with her grandmother, the pair having opted to place their hut on the outskirts away from most so that their secret visitors would not be considered within the Elidae territory. Quiana was just thankful to Chantara for keeping an eye on her grandmother while she was gone, the nocturnal herbalist lingering nearby and visiting almost every evening to keep the elderly Alkidike company and to care for her. Chantara was the one who actually met them and led them in a different direction, the Elidae explaining the situation and how she had actually moved Thyra to her own lodgings for the time being since she had gotten worse over the last couple of weeks. Similar to Quiana’s home though Chantara had her own on the outskirts thanks to her unique schedule and strange collection of dangerous plants which allowed them to travel without worry. Though Quiana quickly realized it wasn’t fighting with others that she had to worry about. Entering the room revealed her grandmother, more frail than Quiana had ever seen her before, and the Elidae’s heart twisted painfully in her chest. “Just in time.” She had whispered before rushing to her grandmother’s side, explaining everything to her before introducing Ocyale back to her mother who had thought her dead for so long. The Elaria could not lie and say that she remembered everything, but it looked like the sight of her mother triggered something within her and tears started pouring down both Aishans cheeks as they held each other. It was at that point that Quiana and the others left the room, leaving mother and daughter to reunite and find their lost memories together. And now just a week later they were saying their farewells to her grandmother as her body floated on the ocean, her spirit returning to Aisha. “Do you think she simply held on so that she could see mother again?” Whispered Quiana, her arms crossed under her chest as she simply stared at the ocean from their perch along the cliffs. Others had gathered at the beach to say farewell, including Quiana’s own mother who wanted to be close, but Noelani and Nanami could not even approach the settlement so they went to the closest spot to give them a distant view of the ocean and the proceedings. Quiana had joined them there after the initial ceremony, leaving Ocyale to spend her final moments with Thyra before the Alkidike was sent to the ocean. Now Ocyale was surrounded by other Elaria who recognized her, fellow warriors who thought her dead and wanted to catch up with her and offer their condolences.
[Quiana 1]
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Posted: Thu Oct 05, 2023 6:02 pm
“Perhaps.” Noelani stood by Quiana’s side, the treasure hunter placing an arm around Quiana’s waist in comfort. While the last month had been a whirlwind of preparation, it had also given her more time to adapt and accept the fact that the Elidae was indeed her older sibling. Even if they were only half-relatives, there were so many similarities between the two that they found it easy to bond. If Quiana had been prickly like other Aishans then perhaps the pair would have butted heads more often, but her open mindset and loving personality had quickly won over the family. It had been strange to meet her grandmother, as short as her time was with the older Alkidike it had been very revealing as Thyra shared stories and family history with them before fading away two nights ago in her sleep. “You gave her a miracle by finding mother and bringing her here, easing her spirit so that it could pass peacefully into the night.” Noelani managed, her own voice wavering with emotions. She had seen her mother’s heartbreak into pieces the night that her mother passed, the reunion all too short for the Elaria who had spent years without knowing the family she had left behind. It hurt, but at least there were no regrets since they had all managed to say their final goodbyes to the gentle Alkidike who had gotten caught up in so much fighting in the past when all she truly desired was peace.
[Noelani 1]
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Posted: Thu Oct 05, 2023 6:02 pm
”She was delighted to see you return home safe and sound. Her health was not the best at times, but she wanted to hold on to see you one final time.” Chantara mused, the usually reserved Elidae also offering her support as she leaned against a nearby tree. Her bright gaze was focused on the ocean, as if she could see more than what the rest could, but it was simply how the strange Elidae was. The darker clothing, the bloodstone at her throat and everything about her made her nearly seem like some ethereal creature of the shadows and less like an Elidae as she lingered around the group. Chantara gave an air of mystery and stuck with that, it was unusual enough for her to care and appear like this with the others in daylight. Still, she remembered Quiana fondly since her encounter and the last few months spent with Thyra had made her feel like she had family again even if only for a short time. “She had mentioned Ocyale before when she was truly feeling unwell and I know that seeing her daughter again was a blessing, but your safety mattered the most. Don’t ever forget that Quiana.” She could remember flashes of the time spent together, the nights when Thyra’s illness had nearly taken her before the Alkidike pulled through with sheer determination to wait until Quiana returned from her travels. How could she leave her alone in the world, after all? Perhaps finding out her daughter was alive with a family had been the blessing needed before Thyra decided to rejoin her other beloved in the spirit realm.
[Chantara 1]
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Posted: Thu Oct 05, 2023 6:02 pm
Nanami was sitting on a large rock, the smooth surface giving plenty of space for the others to also relax on, but her expression was conflicted as she looked around the group and then back towards the ocean. She was glad that Noelani had found out more about her family, but it was hard not to feel depressed at the fact that her grandmother had left them when they had only just found out about Noelani’s Aishan roots. “Her spirit must be at peace now. How could she be unhappy when her family was reunited again?” The Kawena offered quietly, lacing her fingers together as she rested her hands on her lap. She would have been sad to lose someone so quickly but at least there was a resolution, a chance to say her farewells before fading away. It was just a shame that only Ocyale and Quiana could be close at the end, the Elidae settlement was not open to foreigners and hybrids even if they were related, after all.
[Nanami 1]
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Posted: Thu Oct 05, 2023 6:02 pm
“Thank you, everyone.” Quiana replied quietly, squeezing Noelani’s hand in appreciation before letting out a sigh. “It helps to have support but the loss will hurt for a very long time, right?” That was how it worked. You could lose someone but they would always have a place in your heart, leaving a void where their presence would be missed. She was just thankful that they could all be here at the moment her grandmother left the island, her return to Aisha finally coming true and hopefully giving her the peace that she deserved. “All she wished for at the end was for the family to stay together, not for us to forget each other ever again.”
[Quiana 2]
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Posted: Thu Oct 05, 2023 6:02 pm
“Of course. You’re our family as well.” Replied Noelani quietly, her expression gentle as she nudged Quiana lightly with her hip. “Thyra was not the only one who found her family, don’t forget that.” Her own heart ached from the loss of her grandmother, but she knew it paled in comparison to the pain that Quiana surely felt from losing the person who acted like a mother when Ocyale had disappeared. The hybrid smiled towards Nanami, thankful that she had decided to come along with them even though she technically had no connections to the Aishan people save for her relationship with Noelani. “Once the raft disappears across the horizon should we return and prepare for the evening?” She knew their time in the area was limited, there was too much risk with staying this close to an Aishan settlement even with their connections, and now that Thyra was gone there was nothing to tie her family to this area. They would leave first thing in the morning, right before dawn to avoid any issues.
[Noelani 2]
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Posted: Thu Oct 05, 2023 6:02 pm
“I may not be related by blood, but I do consider you closer than most Sisters so I’ll help in any way that I can.” Added Chantara quietly, nodding towards Noelani. She had been wary of outsiders, but since they arrived with Quiana and had proven themselves quite capable the last few days she was more accepting of their presence. Others, however, would probably not find the cold Elidae quite so hospitable but this family seemed to be a special exception considering how things had gone the last few months while she tended to Thyra. And Chantara understood loss, her own mother’s passing had haunted her for years by leaving an aching hole in her chest that never truly faded away. “I can help you prepare. We can head down soon and if Quiana wishes to go visit with the others, I would recommend it this evening during the feast to honor Thyra.”
[Chantara 2]
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Posted: Thu Oct 05, 2023 6:03 pm
“That sounds best.” Replied Nanami quietly, her pale gaze drifting towards her beloved so that she could offer an encouraging smile. “There’s only so long that the children will stay still before causing chaos for your father in town.” As much as they wanted to introduce Thyra to her great-grandchildren it was far too risky a journey for younglings and so the adults had ventured here alone while leaving the little ones behind in a port city with their Matori grandfather. Thankfully though finding her daughter alive, seeing another granddaughter as well, had been enough to amaze the Alkidike. They had been honestly afraid of even revealing Noelani but Thyra was not like the other Extremists, she had simply joined their cause out of dedication to her own lover instead of actually desiring violence and hatred against others. Still, Thyra’s desire for peace did nothing to lessen their worries about being so close to an Aishan settlement like this one. So while Quiana and Ocyale had arrived days ago, Noelani and Nanami had waited before leaving town and recently joined the group right before Thyra’s passing.
[Nanami 2]
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Posted: Thu Oct 05, 2023 6:03 pm
Quiana had resolved herself to not cry today, but it was hard to not let the tears spill whenever she was surrounded by so much love. “I started out as a mischievous rogue, but it appears I’ve gotten quite the collection of friends and family now.” Her grandmother had been her only family for so long and Quiana had never quite fit in with others, even her flirtatious behavior and evenings spent with other Sisters never turned into something quite so serious. Now though she could confidently say that she had others in her life that she could ask for help that she would do her best for as well, as strange as the realization was. “You’re right though. I should go back down and save Ocyale from answering too many questions on her own. I’ll head back that way once we make some final preparations for tomorrow’s departure.” Perhaps others thought she would stay with the other Elidae now that she had returned, but Quiana knew without her grandmother on the island she simply didn’t have the heart to linger. There was still so much of the world to explore and her family was in Matori now.
[Quiana 3]
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Posted: Thu Oct 05, 2023 6:03 pm
Noelani took a step away from Quiana so that she could give her space, the hybrid opting to sit by her lover instead. “Are you sure, Quiana?” She asked quietly, her own heart conflicted at whatever decision Quiana made. On one hand she could have an older sister, an aunt to be around her children, but on the other hand…this was where the Elidae thrived by their tree, right? Could she make such a sacrifice for the family she had just met? Noelani reached for Nanami’s hand at the thought. She knew the kawena missed Kahi and had sacrificed these islands to live with her in Matori, but could Quiana do the same? It would be lovely to have someone else around, but at the same time Noelani wanted her sister to be happy.
[Noelani 3]
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Posted: Thu Oct 05, 2023 6:03 pm
Unlike Noelani, Chantara seemingly had anticipated such a decision. She knew all too well what it felt like to be an outsider amongst your own kind, but unlike Quiana the herbalist had a duty to continue her family legacy by serving the community in her own way. “I see.” A small smile crossed her lips, the Elidae resigned that she would be losing a Sister to wanderlust. “There’s a lot of the world to explore. Don’t get too carried away and remember to visit one day.” She reached for a pouch that was hanging from her hip and took out a threaded bracelet with precious sea stones found along the beaches near Kiros. “Wear this and don’t forget us.” Chantara held out the bracelet, an invitation for Quiana to move over so that she could tie the bracelet tightly into place.
[Chantara 3]
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Posted: Thu Oct 05, 2023 6:03 pm
Nanami squeezed Noelani’s hand tightly. “I think she’s already made her decision.” The Kawena murmured quietly, a small smile on her lips. “It’s always hard to leave your home but at the same time you can’t gain without some loss.” It would be greedy to think otherwise, right? Nanami missed the islands but she also loved her family and the life she had built in Matori. Even Oba had somehow charmed her with the treasures found within its cities.
[Nanami 3]
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Posted: Thu Oct 05, 2023 6:03 pm
“Mmmhmm.” Quiana nodded towards Noelani before stepping closer to Chantara so that she could tie the bracelet in place. “I thought about everything and I’m simply too much of a free spirit to stay in place.” She admitted as she studied the precious sea stone, her expression softening at the sight of it. How lovely. She owed Chantara a lot and refused to ever forget her. She had been the one to help her gather herbs with Quiana in support of her decision, preparing the medicines for traveling while sending her notes during her journey to Matori and helping out her grandmother who would have surely been at a loss without her. “It would be nice to see the world while knowing that I have a place in Matori where I can stay whenever I need some rest without paying a tavern fee. How could I not return for a visit here as well? I may visit Matori more considering how quickly younglings grow, but Kiros will always hold a special place in my heart.” It had been her home and in a way would always be her home. This was where her Sisters were, she owed much to the tree that bloomed her and the community here for supporting her family for so many years. It was just time for a change, for her to spread her wings and see the world where her grandmother had fallen prey to the Extremists’ plots and gotten trapped on Zinris before fleeing to Kiros, something that Thyra had almost refused to do before being dragged away by others. Even after the treaty she had refused to venture back into the world, the Alkidike punishing herself for the past up until her dying day. The very thought made Quiana’s heartache. How she wished her grandmother would have gone to Chibale one last time to get the forgiveness she so desired! Don’t worry, I’ll see the world for you and live a life full of so much kindness and love to wash away our bloodstained past.
[Quiana 4]
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Posted: Thu Oct 05, 2023 6:03 pm
Despite everything, a laugh did escape Noelani’s lips. “I see.” She managed after a moment, resting her head against Nanami’s shoulder as she studied her sibling. “Feel free to save as much coin as you want. Our home will always be open to you, Quiana. I am just happy that you hold no grudge against my existence…all things considered.” How she had worried Quiana would hate her and blame her for their mother staying in Matori instead of returning to Kahi. So far though Quiana had given her no reason to worry about such things, the Elidae simply seemed happy to find family and relieved that her mother had come to Kiros to say her farewells.
[Noelani 4]
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Posted: Thu Oct 05, 2023 6:03 pm
“My home will always be open to you, as well.” Whispered Chantara as she tightened the bracelet, her fingers lingering around Quiana’s wrist. While she had not participated in certain activities with the older Elidae it was hard to not be fond of her. Perhaps if Quiana had stayed then Chantara could have imagined something else, but she was not that greedy. She was just thankful to have a friend who didn’t seem to be afraid of her strange habits, the nocturnal herbalist commonly a topic of gossip and fear. Who could trust someone so mysterious who lived on the outskirts and dealt with dangerous plants, many of which only grew in the darkness of night? Unlike others Quiana had simply laughed at all the tales, offering her neck to Chantara teasingly before proceeding into her house to visit. “I expect updates and plant samples to be sent at least once every few months.” She demanded quietly as she released Quiana’s wrist and took a step back.
[Chantara 4]
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