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Posted: Thu Feb 22, 2024 5:42 pm
The day wasn't that much different then any other for Neryssa as she wandered the roads of Belrea. She had spent far too much time in Talrise. Her dreams of leaving on a ship seemed so very far away, even if a captain had said that he would allow her onto his ship. With the expectation that she would help out and entertain the crew on their down time. She chewed on a nail as she thought about it, worried that she would mess something up. Glancing behind her, mostly to make sure that her companion, Lygs the maglardilla was still on her back. She never truly understood why he liked that spot, but she wasn't about to tell him no. "Why don't you walk for a bit, cling to me all the time and you might lose the feeling of it." She advised her companion as it chittered an answer she couldn't understand, but she had a feeling it was disagreement. "Ah come on, besides you are heavy after a long time. With the pack of our supplies and what not." It wasn't that she was complaining, just she wanted Lygs to do something other then cling. Chittering agiain, Lygs dropped from Neryssa's back and scuttled at her side. She giggled watching her companion as the Sitara poked it's head out of her pack. The lazy lizard did very little, but she wasn't sure just what it could do besides laze. Shading her eyes from the sun as she glanced upwards, the Matori girl sighed as she stopped at a crossroads. Glancing at the signs she glanced down at the Maglardilla. "Which way should we go? Thelle or Valmon?"
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Posted: Sun Feb 25, 2024 7:35 pm
Solari had been out running a few errands before she’d decided to take a little break and walk around the city. Everyone was in close proximity and she was getting itchy fingers when she observed another Matori standing around. She did a quick once over of her attire, noting any pockets or items of value she might potentially acquire. However, Solari quickly reminded herself of the consequences if caught stealing in Belrea. Maintaining her facade as a law-abiding citizen was crucial to the bigger picture, and any slip-up could jeopardize her cover.
Suppressing the urge to pilfer, Solari redirected her attention to the companion with the Matori. Curious, she clasped her hands behind her back and made her way over. It had been a while since she’d spoken to any other Matori, maybe she’d chat this one up. Sol went to stand next to her.
"Your companions are quite unique," she remarked, nodding towards the Maglardilla and the Sitara. "It's not often one encounters such interesting creatures on the roads of Belrea."
She smiled warmly, hoping to engage Neryssa in conversation without raising suspicion. "If you're headed to Thelle or Valmon, you should travel with someone. It's always safer to journey in good company, especially with the wilderness being as unpredictable as it is."
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Posted: Tue Feb 27, 2024 3:26 pm
Neryssa just about leaped out of her own skin when someone spoke up behind her. She guessed that she had been so deep into her own thoughts and thinking that her companions would say something that she lost track of her surroundings. Turning quickly, she looked back towards the one that had spoken, she too looked like someone from home. Matori, the place of her birth and yet so far away. Flattening down whatever hairs might have stood a bit on end she soft smiled at this new face. "Oh? The roads here that bad?" She inquired tilting her head to one side a little. "Suppose everywhere has their own little nests of problems." Neryssa mused as she looked back towards the throngs of people. Neryssa was dressed simply, she bore no pockets in her clothing. The only things she held as valuable were small keepsakes from her family and home. They were of very little use to anyone else at this point. The attention went towards her companions. The Maglardila had traveled across the seas with her on the air boat, the Sitara was something she had picked up at a beast market on the island. "Lygs here traveled here with me. Had to fly home to get him before the airships left many seasons ago." She petted the Maglardila before looking at the face that poked out of her pack. "That one I got here, someone from the mainland had brough some critters here to sell. So I picked this one up, I suppose the pink was what attracted my attention."Spike's eyes blinked, stared at this new Matori before vanishing back into the pack. The folds could be seen moving as the lizard as it settled down to doze once more. The pack that Neryssa was carrying was one that had seen much travel, it was worn and tattered. It carried little, but a few essentials for her travels. She also carried very little coin, just enough for a room and meal. "So you say I should have company to travel the roads. Any idea what I may run into out there?" She asked curiously, forgetting that introductions were always a thing..
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Posted: Thu Feb 29, 2024 6:56 pm
From Solari’s point of view, Neryssa's startled reaction was both understandable and slightly amusing.
"Yes, the roads can be treacherous, not just because of the terrain but due to... unexpected encounters," Solari began, choosing her words carefully to not alarm her further. The roads of this region could be unpredictable, but it wasn't just the physical terrain that one had to be wary of. "Travellers sometimes share tales of bandits or unfriendly creatures, though I have to say, much of it could simply be travellers' tales."
"Your companions are quite unique," she observed, her tone one of genuine interest. "The pink Sitara is especially eye-catching. I can see why it caught your attention," she added, smiling slightly as she thought about the colourful markets that the mainland, where one could find anything from exotic spices to rare creatures. Returning to the matter at hand, Solari considered Neryssa's question about the roads.
"If you're travelling alone, it's wise to be cautious. While many of the dangers are probably exaggerated, it's not uncommon to run into trouble if you stray from the main paths or travel at odd hours. Having company, especially someone familiar with the local ways, can be invaluable.” She paused for a moment, debating whether to offer more than just advice. "If you're heading in the same direction I am, I wouldn't mind the company myself. It's always safer to travel in numbers, and it could be beneficial for both of us."
"I'm Solari by the way. I travel these parts quite frequently, trading goods and gathering books. Otherwise," she tapped her chin once thinking of who she might know who could help. "I'm sure I have a friend or two who might be going in the same direction."
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Posted: Wed Mar 20, 2024 2:47 pm
Neryssa listened closely to the other Matori, Solari. It seemed that perhaps traveling the roads wasn't the best of ideas unless traveling with someone? Well, she did have her companions. One would rather hide, the other would try and protect her, but she was sure Lygs would be on the wrong end of any weapon that was to appear. She did have her own dagger, but she hated using it. "Perhaps traveling with someone who knows how to fight is a plus." She seemed to agree, she wouldn't want her companions to become injured or killed for that matter. "Sometimes those tales can be proven to be true." She pointed out before looking back to the sign at the crossroads. "It would depend on which direction you are going, I wouldn't mind traveling with you." While she should be more careful on who she traveled with, Neryssa was quick to trust someone that seemed to also have come from Matori. The thought of the rainy jungle made her heart ache for home, but she was determined to continue on with her journey. "I have lingered here for far too long, I should see more of the island before I leap onto a ship and sale away." She comments, more to herself than anyone else, but it was loud enough for anyone to hear. "I am Neryssa, I'm a green as can be dancer."
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Posted: Sat Mar 23, 2024 8:02 am
Solari nodded in agreement with Neryssa's assessment. Travelling alone in unfamiliar lands could indeed be dangerous, especially for those without the means to defend themselves. As the Matori spoke of the importance of companionship on the road, Solari couldn't help but feel a pang of empathy. She had seen her fair share of dangers during her travels, and she wouldn't wish such hardships on anyone else. It was times like these she’d wished she’d had someone to travel with herself. Perhaps then, she’d make an exception and make sure Neryssa got to her destination. "Strength in numbers can often make all the difference." Solari nodded in agreement, perhaps more to herself than the other Matori.
As Neryssa expressed her willingness to travel together, she nodded. “I would just need to pack a few essentials before we set off," Solari said, gesturing down the road to a building. "Could you follow me there? It’s my home." She could take the opportunity to get a special item to one of her clients while she was at it instead of waiting for them to pick it up. She rarely delivered items in person, except when it came to Astrasol, so she was sure her client would appreciate the gesture.
Curiosity piqued, Solari turned to Neryssa with genuine interest. "As a dancer, what made you come to Belrea?" she asked.
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Posted: Thu May 16, 2024 1:00 pm
Neryssa watched Solari as she agreed with her about traveling alone would be dangerous, perhaps traveling with another Matori would be like traveling with her sister again. She often wondered what Nadiya had gotten to. She would have to ask her parents and siblings when she ever made it back home. Solari had pointed towards a house and mentioned that it was her home. "Sure." She nodded again turning to follow the other towards the home. "It's a bit of a funny story with how I got here. My sister and I came here when the first airships landed in Tendaji. But that was many years ago." She wasn't too sure how long it had been, she had just felt like she had been in a haze for so long. "How about you?" She asked curiously, "Though it would seem that many from Tendaji have migrated to the island." She glanced around at the other people that were milling around. Going about their own daily lives.
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Posted: Fri May 17, 2024 11:45 am
"It's fascinating to hear about your journey," Solari replied, casting a glance back at Neryssa as they walked. It had been quite a sight to see the airships, everyone had spoken about it for months on end.
"It's been quite a different journey for me," Solari continued, her voice tinged with a hint of wistfulness. "I came here seeking a new beginning and new business opportunities. Tendaji will always hold a special place in my heart, but there's something about this island that feels like home." She didn’t not regret leaving, no in fact it had probably ended up being one of the best decisions she’d ever made after all… But moving had also come with its own hardships, it hadn’t all been rainbows and sunshine.
She paused, her gaze wandering over the bustling streets around them. "Indeed, many from Tendaji have found their way here," she remarked. Solari extended a hand toward the door of her home. It was right next to the door of her bookshop since she lived on top.
"Well, here we are," she said, she opened the door and motioned for Neryssa to step inside so she too could come in and lock the door behind her. “The bookstore is mine too, I live on top.”
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Posted: Sat May 18, 2024 5:01 pm
Neryssa followed behind Solari as she spoke of her journey to the island and that many others had found their way over. Seems that many things had happened in the years that she had been "gone". As she stepped into the building that Solari called home, she peeked around curiously. She lived and owned a bookshop? Was it perhaps like the one she had met another Matori hybrid boy within? "Seeking new adventures, that sounds like the idea that my sister and I had as well. Though we got separated at some point and I wonder where she might be now." Neryssa mused before shaking her head. "You own and live above a bookshop? Do you happen to have any maps of the surrounding seas do you?" Neryssa asked absently as she thought of the trip she would be taking with a merchant ship. She wanted to get a good idea of what might be out there. She was excited and a little scared of leaving solid ground again. Though this time on the waves that some called home.
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Posted: Sat May 18, 2024 6:57 pm
"I'm sure you'll find your sister again someday. The world has a funny way of bringing people back together." Solari said as she climbed the staircase. "Yes, I own and live above this bookshop. It's a cozy little place though I think I may have to move sometime in the future. You're welcome to explore while I pack a few essentials."
The upstairs space was just as cozy as the shop below, with bookshelves lining the walls and sunlight filtering through curtains. Solari moved about gathering items she would need for their journey. She selected a sturdy backpack and began filling it with essentials: a few changes of clothes, some dried food, and a small medical kit.
"Maps? Yes, I have plenty of those," Solari said, turning to Neryssa. "If you want to take a look, we can go back downstairs once I'm done packing. I also might have some older charts that might interest you."
As Solari continued to pack, she made sure to carefully place a small, wrapped package into the bottom of her bag, ensuring it was well hidden from view. This package was for a special client, and she didn't want Neryssa or anyone else to see it. She tied her bag securely and gave it a final check, making sure she hadn't forgotten anything important. With her pack ready, Solari turned to Neryssa and smiled.
"Alright, I'm all set. Did you want to buy the maps?”
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