Quynh was frustrated. How was it that today’s lovely weather had turned into such a torrential downpour? She had taken a detour towards a local village to try to get more information about her mothers, the roaming Aishan warriors always traveling through the countryside to track down beasts and the like to hunt when they weren’t in the depths of the jungle around Chibale. They didn’t linger in towns, but even they had to trade for supplies on occasion and Quynh knew that they enjoyed this little spot near the Jahaur border. She had just enjoyed her own first night out in a tavern, the hybrid enjoying the earthling liquors perhaps a bit too much while dancing alongside of Ika, and had decided to venture out this way since they were headed back towards Jahaur. She had been so lost in her thoughts about that night and how eventful it had been, along with her cheeks flushing a deep color at the realization that she had finally confessed to Ika, that the dark storm clouds had taken her completely by surprise. The happiness evaporated within a few minutes as the heavy rain soaked through her clothing, the bright skirts clinging to her legs as the storm continued raging overhead with thunder booming in the distance. Her locs were completely messed up, the strands of twisted hair flattened along with her antenna that were pressed back by the rain, and her jewelry was completely scattered with a beaded bracelet even breaking as she rushed forward towards shelter. There had to be a place to wait out this rain, right? Surely there had to be something! Please Aisha, don’t let me drown out here like this! Especially not after she was finally getting closer to Ika and starting to explore the world more!

“I should have asked for something better.” Quynh let out a frustrated moan as she scooted further back into the trader’s wagon. It was cramped inside of the covered wagon that was tucked beneath trees for safety with the quhar pressed right next to the rig and they had so many boxes of medical herbs and the like which made her nose crinkle. Everything smelled so bitter and damp, especially in this humidity where the warm rain from the storm was not helping at all. At least the older earthling couple had been kind enough to allow her to scoot inside of the wagon with them, the pair on the other end checking their inventory after Quynh had helped them to tie down a few things just in case the wind somehow managed to rip through the covering on the wagon. It was pretty nasty outside with the heavy rain continuing down and the wind howling its rage as the storm continued rumbling on.

“What was that dear?” The older Shifter ask as she glanced from the box she was currently securing to check in on Quynh.

“Nothing!” Quynh quickly answered as she worked on removing her outer layers of clothing behind a little screen they had somehow managed to put up so that she could wear a dry dress from the earthling. Though the dress only barely covered her thighs it was better than being soaking wet and so Quynh dealt with it, the hybrid thankful that the soft material at least felt nice against her skin. Her mothers would have been aghast at the idea of accepting help from earthlings, but Quynh was a rebel when it came to traditionalist ideas and if anything she realized she should be appreciative that the earthling couple was doing so much to help out. Even if the space was very cramped and very, very smelly. It really reminded her of a medical ward in here, something that Quynh tried to avoid ever since one of her mothers had gotten seriously injured when she was a youngling. Thankfully the Elaria had pulled through, but she had a nasty scar from her upper side that cut across her stomach towards her hip with the experience only giving Quynh an upset stomach if she went near a healing ward. Nothing about those memories ever settled well with her and it was hard not to think about them when she saw such a place. Even now she found herself trying to keep busy now that she had changed clothing, just anything to pass the time. “Do you need more help?”

“Nah, that should be it. We have some fruits if you also want some food.” The Shifter glanced over Quynh as she emerged and had to place a hand over her lips. “I can try to find some leggings as well if you need, I truly didn’t think about the height difference.”

“It’s alright.” Quynh shook her head. “I shouldn’t take more of your clothing and I have some travel food in my bag as well…” That was completely soaked through now that she looked over at the satchel, a soft sigh on her lips. “Or perhaps some fruit would be nice. I have some coins though if you need help...”

“Don’t worry about it, dear. No one could anticipate the storm and it’ll be nice having a warrior who can help protect us if any beasts get disturbed from it.” The Shifter smiled warmly, patting Quynh on the shoulder as she offered a piece of fruit and prepared to settle in for the storm.

[843]