☾ ❖ Rishima

[Orpheus Solon]

That First Step...

Rishima's skin was, in a way at least, how he knew when it was that he should be getting up in the morning so that he could get ready to face another day, head held high. He'd open up his mismatched eyes and lift up a hand to check it, if his skin still retained a silver sheen to it then that meant that he could get a little more rest, if it was a darker gray, almost black, then it was time to get up. It was actually rather convenient and it allowed him to keep pace with the other prentice of his tribe even though he felt some days that he was a few paces behind them. A part of that problem was one that he would sit squarely on the shoulders of his mother. The woman was a powerful one, he'd seen her when she was wielding her dual blade, she didn't seem to be afraid of anything at all... and yet when it came to him, when it came to training him, she seemed to spend far more time training him to be a proper woman then she did train him to become something more. He wasn't quite sure what he wanted to do with his life, there were after all two ultimate paths to walk in the Alkidike tribe provided they allowed him to do so, but it was a little difficult to figure out which would better suit him when he was being smothered by his mothers good intentions. He knew in part why she did what she did but that didn't make it any easier some days, in fact if anything he felt a little cut off from others around him.

Giving a wide yawn the halfbreed rolled over onto his back, lifting his hands up so that he could stare at them, watching as the darker color started to creep over his skin, announcing to him that the moon was setting and it's influence over his coloration was fading. It was time to get up was what that meant. The boy did so slowly, swinging his feet over the side of his bed before he stretched out all over. He was feeling refreshed, having gotten a good amount of sleep, and it allowed him to get up smoothly so that he could set about dressing himself. It was something that he did quickly, pulling on his pants and the wrap top that he'd laid out the night before, from there he grabbed up a few other things and padded off bare foot to see if he couldn't find his mother before she found him. It was a bit of a challenge, to see if he could get ahead of her in the mornings. The boy grabbed up a comb that she'd given to him and sent about carefully combing through a section of his hair which he felt, while pretty, set him apart from his tribesmen as surely as the little jewels on his skin. He knew that all of those in his tribe did their hair in dreadlocks and while he had a few of them it wasn't the entirety of his hair. His mother's answer was always that he should 'respect his father's culture as well' though he wondered how he could both do that and be a good Alkidike 'woman' when their tribe was in a war with the Shifter tribe.

At times he really wished the man was still around, as though he would make life less complicated, he could get advice from him, learn what it meant to be male instead of what it meant to be a male trying his best to be a female. He was well trained in that, sure, but there were just some things that he felt were still just out of reach when it came to true understanding. That wasn't to be though, was it? The man was long gone, having vanished while Rishima were still a little lotus from what his mother had told him. The only thing left of the man he'd been given, that being a pretty ring that the man had once given to his mother. Lifting his hand up he looked the piece over, watching it glitter in the faint morning light. It really was a pretty piece but he would much rather have his father instead of having a little trinket that used to be his. He could almost feel the residual pain left behind that the ring had given to his mother. It was a symbol of the man's love after all, just as Rishima was, and at times he wondered if perhaps she'd wanted to give him away as well to help ease her pain. It was passing thought, one that he shoved away instantly whenever it came up, and did so again at present so that he could set to work on his hair one more.

Rishima had considered going to another member of the tribe numerous times to ask for help in doing the rest of his hair into the same dreadlocks that made of a portion of his hair, hoping that he would feel more like a member of the tribe if he did so. He loved his father, or at least the idea of him since he'd never met the man, but given who he was now and where he lived he felt that he should try harder to be Alkidike, even if he was terribly curious about his father's side of his heritage. Strange that his mother would have him keep a part of his hair smooth and knot free as his father's hair had been but still she wouldn't really tell him anything about the man or his tribe. It would almost be easier to just go all out as a member of his mother's people, wouldn't it? Instead of clinging ever so slightly to a people that he knew nothing about. In fact from what all he'd heard thus far he wondered if he should be curious about them. The Alkidike seemed quite certain that the lands that were being fought over belonged rightly to them and that the Shifters were invaders trying to steal resources that didn't belong to them. That made them the enemy, right? At the same time he could only think about the fact that his mother had fallen in love with one of the members of that same tribe so there must be redeeming qualities to them, right? It made him wish he had someone other then his mother to talk with about such topic since they plagued him often but he didn't want to be a bother to her.

"Such a pain." He murmured to himself, giving a bit sigh, antennae giving a bit of a twitch. How often did he find himself with thoughts that just seemed to be running circles in his head until he was made dizzy by them? There was only so much that he could figure out on his own and sitting around doing nothing was never going to net him the answers that he desired. To really figure anything out he was going to have to seek out a member of the Shifter tribe which he was certain would throw his mother into quite the tizzy for sure. Were he to be caught doing such a thing he was certain that he would never be allowed to leave home again and yet it seemed like something he really should do at least once in his life. The biggest question being though, was he brave enough to do something like that. Giving a pause midway through pulling the comb through his hair he considered that question and felt that the answer was a resounding 'no' at the moment. He hadn't really started training to become a blade yet like the other prentice, he had no real close friends, he had an overprotective mother that seemed to want to keep him close by when he would remain safely under her watchful eye and under the protection of her blades so... no, he didn't he was quite brave enough to go outside of the village on his own quite yet.

Now that Rishima was really thinking on it he knew that he had to start a lot smaller, perhaps with just a walk all on his own around the village would be the best place to start? It didn't really seem like all that much but for someone like him, who felt as though he'd been tied with an invisible leash to his home since his birth, he really felt as though it were something that was on a rather epic scale. Alright, so it was decided then! He was going to go on a walk, all by himself, around the village and see what it was like to do even just that alone. From there... well he would see what the lone walk was like first, then he would decide upon his next move from there. He really hoped that it was the beginning of what would be a grand venture full of self discovery but he knew that before anything as important as that happened he would need to take the first step. Tossing his comb aside Rishima moved to do just that.

(( Word Count: 1556 ))  

[Orpheus Solon]

Meeting Itzal: Part 1

Another day, another time for Rishima to sneak out of his house it would appear. His mother was away doing important things for the tribe, she was such a wonderful and well respected woman if one put aside her 'youthful indiscretions' as he knew her relationship with his father was called by the other villagers. A part of him worried what it was that they might think of him but he'd yet to really figure that out since they didn't really go out of their way to converse with him and his mother did go out of her way to keep him at home where he would 'be safe'. Having him so separate from the others meant that he wouldn't be able to really fit in well here which was a shame. He wouldn't let it get to him though, instead he meant to try to make the best of his situation. Currently he was working on doing just that, peeking out of the front door, back and forth, then slipped outside. He was going to go for another nice walk while the woman was away, going to enjoy the fresh air, all of this despite the fact that his mother hadn't been all that happy with him for wandering off in the way that he had... but he couldn't help it. He wanted to get some outside experience, wanted to be able to keep up with others in his village, and wanted to be a be a true prentice! This meant getting over his fear of going all that far from home. Last time he'd made it as far as the edge of the village before his mother had caught him and brought him back home, scolding him all the while. It was worth it though, to be able to have a bit of time in the outdoors and today he meant to go even further then he had the last time he had a chance to get out and about. He was going to go outside the village boundaries today!

After a bit of sneaking about, not that he was a terribly inconspicuous person what with his strange coloration and rather rare gender, but he really was trying his best. Though given his lack of training to this point he likely did as well as the younglings when it came to his skills at sneaking about. Maybe if he practiced more he might actually be able to figure out the whole sneaking about thing? Of course sneaking really wasn't quite the Alkidike thing, was it? He didn't think he'd ever seen one of them skulking about, that was left for the lesser clans, or so his mother would have him believe. He really didn't think he could picture her especially slipping from shadow to shadow, instead she was more the sort to strut about, head held high, showing her confidence and arrogance. He knew that her people respected her for that... and well, those that did dare to say anything to her face, normally they faced her wrath which wasn't the prettiest thing to see. While there were others that might think badly of her, and him, she wouldn't allow them to speak ill of Rishima or his father. It was bad to speak ill of the dead after all or so he'd heard her say on many occasions. It was a sentiment that he agreed with, not liking hearing people talk bad about his father either even if he knew little of the man.

As he walked along Rishima looked down at the ring that he wore on his hand, running a finger against the smooth, glittering surface of it, "I wonder what you were like." He murmured to himself. What he would give to be able to meet the man he thought to himself, even if only for a moment. He was deep in thought one what it was he might say to the man first were they to meet, as he found himself at the edge of the village once more. He stood there, starring out into the deeper forest, paced a moment at an invisible line, then stepped forward over it. There was no way that he would ever be a proper candidate for pretince status if he kept hesitating he thought to himself as he walked forward, feeling his heart starting to thud in his chest almost painfully with each step forward that he took into the forest. There was so much to look at that look so much more wonderful now that he had broken the rules and left the village lines. The trees seemed bigger, the mushrooms seemed to glow brighter, everything was just so much better! Giving a smile he paused, eyes sinking closed, and he allowed himself for a moment just to experience the sounds, the smells, everything that the forest had to offer. It was during this quiet contemplation that he heard it for the first time, a growling sound, an animal for certain, but one that he'd heard to this point. Rishima's antennae gave a rapid twitch as he opened his mismatched eyes to look from side to side, "H-Hello?" He called out, knowing that the beast wouldn't respond properly but best to let it know that he was here, right? Taking a step toward the sound he said, "I am not going to hurt you... you can come out if you want." He could only hope whatever was out there wasn't planning on making a meal of him.

There seemed to be a long moment of hesitation on the part of the beast before it suddenly appeared from the underbrush, a good sized, strange looking beast, one that looked like a cross between a canine and a reptile, bigger then he'd expected to see appear before him, scuffed up as though it had been in numerous battles, with a matted mane, "Oh... my, look at you... having a bit of a time?" He asked, not making a move to get any closer, nor did he make a move to retreat, instead he stayed still and waited to see what the beast would do next. He'd... he'd heard of these things... what were they called again? It took him a long moment of thought before the name came to him, it was a Radaku, wasn't it? He had never seen one before now, only having heard about them and how they could be trained to be a mount for those with enough patience and wisdom to train one. He wondered... would he be able to do that? Could he manage a beast this size? To be able to tame it, train it, and ultimately ride it? It sounded like quite an endeavor, but in the end it would be quite useful, wouldn't it? It sounded like it might be fun as well, both to have a pet and companion around to spend his time with, as well as the idea that sometime in the future might carry him around on its back.

Lifting one hand slowly toward the beast that was standing there starring at him he gave the beast a smile, "My name is Rishima. I would like to make friends with you if you are feeling as though you want a friend like me." He told the beast, marveling over it's coloration. It was a deep, dark blue all over other then it's underbelly, eyes, and horns which were all a more bright blue. Looking closely at him it almost appeared as though the horns were glowing? How fascinating! Giving the beast a smile he continued on talking, rather enjoying having someone, even if it were a possibly dangerous animal, to talk with like this, "You are really pretty, did you know that? Though I think that you would be even more so if you were cleaned up, patched up, maybe brushed out... I have a brush back home, I could brush you out... though we should probably go to the nearby stream first, to get you washed up." He said, and it would seem as though speak of a bath finally seemed to get a reaction from the beast which tossed its head from side to side, giving a growling sound, obviously not very amused at the idea of being forced to get a bath and the reaction had the halfbreed chuckling a bit, "You don't like baths? Well you really do need one, it would be good for you. Come on, it won't be so bad." It was a cute reaction, like any youngling when they were forced with the prospect of a bath which was them running off in the other direction.

Walking toward the beast he gave him a smile, "Come on, bath first, then I will brush you out, and then we will have dinner, sound good?" The beast looked as though it might protest more until the word 'dinner' and instantly the Radaku's mouth was open, tongue lolling out, looking as though he liked the thought of free food that it didn't have to get. Rishima blinked a couple of times before he started to laugh out loud, unable to help it, "So the offer of food is a fair trade for me tormenting you with a bath, huh? I am glad to see that you are willing to bargain." Even if he felt that the bath was actually going to be good for the Radaku. Still, if food would get the beast to obey he might as well give it to the critter, especially since he was going to do so anyway, "Come on, let's get going." He said, moving to lead the way to where he could hear the stream. He'd gone there a few times in the past, always with his mother nearby, so he knew where it was. It was a neat thing, to be able to head there on his own... or at least without parental supervision, he wasn't exactly alone now was he? Glancing over at the Radaku he smiled again, "I wonder how long you have been around these parts, I've never seen one of your kind before." He commented to the beast that seemed more intent upon food then anything else, something that made him laugh a bit, "Not too responsive, huh? It's alright though. I am just happy to have someone to talk to. You see I tend to spend a lot of time on my own so this is new and different for me, how about you? Do Radaku move in groups? Or are you more solitary creatures?" As if the beast would answer... but really, Rishima didn't mind. He just wanted someone to talk to no matter who it might be, so long as it wasn't his mother.  

[Orpheus Solon]

Meeting Itzal: Part 2

The sound of the flowing water reached his long ears, and caused his antennae to twitch, before he smiled and continued on forward, "We are almost there! Let's get you nice and cleaned up, prettied up, and then we can go home to share a meal, what do you say?" He said, turning to look over at the beast that was walking along side him and the Radaku gave a sort of grunt sound in response to his words. This one it would appear was learning fast that giving an answer, any sort of answer, to the chattering halfbreed was a good way to get itself more and more into his good graces, not that it would appear as though it really took all that much in the least bit to make Rishima happy, "Here we are! Let's get you scrubbed off, then I can get a look at those wounds of yours." It would appear as though the dark blue Radaku had been in a rather brutal sort of battle with something out here in the forest, not that he was surprised. He knew that there were a lot of dangerous things out here, be them humanoid or bestial. Looking at the wounds that this one had though he would guess that it was a beast that caused them, they were to jagged for any weapon that Rishima had seen before.

Leading the way into the gently flowing stream he set to coaxing the Radaku in after him, something that took a bit of doing since it would appear the creature was more then happy to pace around next to the edge of the water for a while before finally coming in. When he did the boy slowly lifted a hand up and patted the creature gently on it's head, "There you go, good boy. I am very proud of you for coming into the water even though I can tell that you aren't that big a fan of it. Or is it just the bath part that you aren't a fan of?" He supposed that the creature could very well love the water but getting to play in the water and being forced into the water so that he could be scrubbed clean were two very different things. It was something that had him chuckling a little bit before he gathered up some of the tall grass at the edge of the water, using it to scrub the beast clean and, much to delight and amusement, it wasn't long before the Radaku was making a sound that was rather like a purr as he cleaned the beast up, "You are rather cute, aren't you? I would like it very much if you decided to stick around, I really do want a friend of my own." He murmured to the beast, a little shyly, as if he his words were ones that he didn't want anyone but the Radaku to hear. After all, asking a beast to be his friend was a little sad, it just meant that he was unable to make friends with his own kind after all...

Shaking his head to clear such things from his thoughts. He didn't want to think about that, or worry about it, not when he had the nice prospect of a friend in this one, "You know what else we need to do if you do decide to stick around? We need to decide upon a name for you. I can't just keep calling you 'Radaku' after all because that is what you are and not a name." It was a bit like how some people called him 'halfbreed' instead of by his name. Sure, halfbreed was what he was, but Rishima was who he was which was far more important if you asked him. Not that anyone did. Giving a twitch of his antennae he returned to scrubbing the beast off, giving a smile when grass and the water helped to rinse away the grit and grim, as well as the old blood, that was all clinging to the Radaku's hide, making him look far nicer, not to mention the various blues of his skin seemed to pop all that much more, didn't they? He really was a wonderful creature despite his scars and he felt that he might be a really good friend as well. Just the sheer fact that he had decided to come along with him, allowed him to clean him up, it proved that. Given the size of the creature, the claws and jaws it had, if he was really bothering him that much then the Radaku could have easily just eaten him and been done with it long ago. It didn't seem as though it wanted to do so though, instead he really thought that the creature wanted to be friends with him which was enough to make the lonely Rishima's heart soar.

"There we go." He said, dropping the grass into the water to let the current take it away along with everything that had once been stuck to the Radaku. He took a step back to look him over before nodding his head, "You are looking so much better, so much prettier! Ahhh, or is it handsome? You are a boy, right?" The beast gave him a growl and a nod, seeming to at least answer that question quickly enough which was nice of him, "Alright, boy. Now that you are all cleaned up how about the two of us head for home? I can get one of my brushes, get the snarls out of your mane, then we can have a snack." Another nod from the Radaku which had him chuckling, so food was the way to this one's heart, was it? He supposed that made sense, everyone needed food after all and it could be a hassle to get if you weren't the most adept hunter out there. He couldn't speak for the beast but Rishima knew that he probably wouldn't do all that well when it came to food if he were left on his own to fend for himself. It was one of the many things that he was grateful for when it came to his mother, that she was still helping him to take care of simple needs such as food and shelter... he just wished that she might allow him a bit leeway so that he could slowly learn to care for himself at the same time. It was something he decided that he would worry about later though, instead wanting to enjoy the time he was spending with his new friend just in case the beast decided that it needed to be on its way sooner then later.

Motioning back toward where he'd come from he said, "This way, if we head back home now we can get you nice and prettied up! Do you think you would let me braid your mane? I bet that would look nice." He said, antennae twitching in delight at the mere thought of it. He was sure that the Radaku would look quite cute with lots of little braids. The look he was getting from the beast though said that he wasn't quite as pleased with the idea of being so prettied up, "No? Well I guess such a style might look better on a girl, huh? I guess just brushing it out then would be the best." He said, scratching the beast under the chin as they made their way from the stream and toward home. He was quiet for a time, seemingly thinking quite hard on something before he snapped his fingers, his antennae standing up tall for a moment, "Ah! I've got it! How about we call you Itzal? It's perfect, it means 'shadow' and I think that you would likely blend in well to them, far better then I do for sure." The Radaku seemed to be thinking over it before giving a grunt of reply and a nod, accepting the name or so Rishima would like to believe, "Excellent! Welcome home then, Itzal, stay as long as you like!" He chirped happily as he motioned to the home that he lived in, pushing the door open so that the two of them could go inside and finish up the grooming process and after that it was on to dinner!

(( Word Count: 3189 ))  

[Orpheus Solon]

Opposites Attract... Maybe?  

[Orpheus Solon]

Meta Chapter 2: Sauti

 

[Orpheus Solon]

Meeting the Other Half  

[Orpheus Solon]

Determination

He had left home the first time in a meek manner, barely getting to the edge of the village. The second time he had made it into the forest and met with Itzal and made a good friend in the beast, and the third time, that being the charm, was when he'd met with Jerarda. Everything seemed to work hand in hand with getting him out of the house, out into the world, to be given a chance to become more then what he had been at home. The journey away from Jauhar, all the way to Sauti, had been a challenge on him and one that left him a little on the exhausted side, the meeting with the Shifter Chalcedony seemed to be invigorating though, he really felt it, he was ready to go back to his tribe. He had always been curious about what was going on with the Shifters, curious about his other half and now that curiosity had been sated. He could better focus on his goal, that being him becoming a Blade. To hold rank in the tribe meant that he would finally, surely, be seen as worthy in the eyes of his people, right? He could only hope so... and if not... then he would need to try to channel from whatever well that Jerarda got all her confidence from and continue forward even without the approval of his other prentice sisters.

Taking in a deep breath, steadying his nerves, his heart, and his breathing he let his eyes sink closed. He was going to get himself some rest now, tomorrow he would see about more training for himself, he was going to get stronger and he was going to be ready for the time that the opportunity presented itself to finally become a Blade... though he was sure that was something that wouldn't arise until after he was home. He could only hope that by the time he got home he would be strong enough to stand strong against his mother, almost certain that she was going to be against the entire idea of him becoming something that put him in danger like a Blade would be. He knew she wouldn't approve but it was his life, right? He wanted to take control of his life instead of living in the shadow of his missing father.

Lifting his hand up he opened his eyes for a moment to look at the ring, gave a bit of a smile, then lowered it to rest on his chest. He loved his father, even if he didn't know him, he meant to find out what happened to him, but he wouldn't let the man vanishing effect him anymore as his mother had allowed up to his point, "I hope you understand one day, mother." He murmured quietly, then rolled onto his side, curled up into a ball near to the snoozing Radaku, and let himself slip into a deep, restful sleep.  

[Orpheus Solon]

Class Quest

 

[Orpheus Solon]

The Scattered Thoughts of a Blade

Rishima knew full well that he had been sheltered ever since he was a little, tiny youngling fresh from the lotus blossom that he had been born from. His mother had done everything in her power to make sure that he wasn't put in harms way, was kept away from large creatures that might hurt him, told to stay put where he was safe, and away from the forest. He also knew full well why, it was because his father had gone into that same forest and just never came back. It was something that had weighed heavily upon the woman, coloring her actions, and in turn it colored Rishima's actions as well. It had been what caused him to run off the moment that one of his sisters offered a hand to him, that being Jerarda. So much had happened since that moment, including leaving Jauhar, going through the whole of Tale, and then enter into Sauti but all of that almost seemed to pale in comparison to what had happened in just one single day for the halfbreed Rishima because today was the day that he had gotten a rank in the tribe through doing something that he never expected he might do, that being fending off the attack of a wild beast to save the child of a foreign tribe. Before he had left home with Jerarda the closest thing he'd ever seen to a foreigner was his own reflection, in which he could seem many Shifter traits. But now, now he'd seen so many people, so many tribes, and he had aided a member of the Wind Tribe. It really was a strange feeling, to know that the little girl was alive due to his actions... even knowing that though he didn't exactly feeling overwhelming amounts of pride, if anything the thanks that child's mother had almost been embarrassing since he really wasn't all that used to such praise.

What came next was a rather deep conversation with the leader of their group, Yansa. He had almost thought that the woman would be upset with him for interfering in the lives of the Wind Tribe when it wasn't really his place to do so. It turned out though that it wasn't what she was thinking at all, instead seeming to be impressed by what he'd done. Then there was the conversation about his bloodlines, about his loyalties, about his beliefs, and once more he'd thought that she was going to be upset with him... or that she was going to toss him out of the tribe to fend for himself. After all, he held no real standing in the tribe, he was a half blood, he was a male, he was all of the things that real Alkidike were not... but instead of being thrown out of the tribe he was given something that shocked him beyond even her words of praise, he was given her trust in the form of his spear. His mismatched eyes turned to look over toward the weapon that he had strapped onto Itzal's body along with the packs that the large, darkly colored Radoku was wearing. It was a beautiful weapon, one whose head glittered dangerously in the moonlight. It was a weapon that he knew would one day taste blood but he hoped that the blood it tasted was that of beasts that he hunted down for the tribe for food, or dangerous ones that threatened them, instead of that of other people. He knew that theirs was a warring tribe but he didn't think that he was ready to fight with others... but it was important aspect of the Alkidike, wasn't it? Perhaps he should ask Jerarda about it? She was stronger then he was, smarter, more of the ideal woman of their tribe, so maybe he could ask her what she thought of the prospect of one day fighting with the other tribes? For the moment though, given that they were allied with them all, he didn't have to think about it nor did he want to.

Instead he focused his attentions on his familiar and friend, giving him a bit of a smile as he did so. The beast really was well behaved, wasn't he? It made him wonder if perhaps he might be able to ride him one day. He'd heard some whispers about it, how Radaku were riding beasts, but he wasn't sure what Itzal might think about that. Sure, he seemed fine with carrying around the packs and weapon but what about him? He was a lot lighter, and shorter, then the average Alkidike so perhaps he wouldn't mind so much? Or would it be yet another thing that would make him different from his sisters? He really didn't want that, he wanted to better fit with them... something he felt would be difficult if some of the looks he got were any indication. Still, he was a Blade now so he should strive hard to become someone worthy of the tribe, right? Even if he was different, even if his methods were different, he was Alkidike, right? Yansa had accepted him, gave him rank and a weapon, but there were still many of his sisters that he still had to convince... he just had to figure out what it was that he had to do to convince him. It was yet another thing to ask of Jerarda when he was able to get a chance... though as it stood he found it a little intimidating to approach her, not because of anything that she had done but because of that friend of hers. He got the feeling that Phenyo didn't much care for him and he wasn't sure if it had to do with his breeding or if it had to do with him being friends with Jerarda when it almost appeared as the long haired Alkidike didn't want to share her friend with him. Best that he gave them time to interact without getting underfoot, it might put him in a better light when it came to dealing with Jerarda's friend... though if it came down to it he could always attempt to pull rank and steal Jerarda away now that had a rank, right? Of course that meant dragging together enough courage to do such a thing, something he questioned his ability to do.

Walking over to Itzal he leaned against his beast, petting his neck lightly, "We are going to have to work a lot harder, Itzal. I want to become a Blade worthy of the tribe, worthy of my sisters, and worthy of going to stand before Mother." It wasn't something that he was looking forward to but he felt that, if he worked hard between now and when it was time to go home, that he would be ready for that confrontation which he knew full well was going to be... loud. His mother was never one afraid to speak her mind, even if it meant raising the level of her voice so that she would be heard above others. That sort of thing, the shouting especially, wasn't something that Rishima had really seemed to inherit from her, making him wonder if his father was a more soft spoken man. He really did want to find the man, though in a way that wouldn't cause any bother to his sisters or their tribe as a whole, but he knew already that it would be something rather tough, wouldn't it? After all to this point the only thing that he knew for certain, or at least partially for certain, was that the ring he wore currently looked like one that was made by a specific, outcast sort of Shifter jeweler and that the man might have met his father in the past so that he could get this ring made for Mother. It was a weak link, but a link nevertheless. He just had to figure out exactly how he would go about finding that jeweler... he lived away from the other Shifters, which was a bonus, meaning that it was possible that he could find him without getting too close to the Shifter villages which would likely cause his sisters much suspicion about him. He didn't want to worry them, or look like he was acting the part of a spy or traitor, he just wanted to find specific Shifter, not become a part of that group as a whole even if Chalcedony had seemed nice enough when they had talked.

Realizing that his thoughts were starting to run away from him he pushed away from Itzal, waving a hand above his head as though trying to wave away the thoughts that were currently weighing down on him before he once more gave his full attention to his loyal familiar, "I think that, when we are both ready for it, we should try riding." He told him, though technically it would be Rishima doing the riding and Itzal doing the carrying but he didn't clarify, instead putting the idea out there. Given that Itzal didn't glare, growl, and n** at him the idea was either one he'd never heard before or one that didn't annoy the beast. Exactly how smart the beast was, and what he understood, wasn't something that Rishima was certain about but the Radaku seemed to make it perfectly clear when Rishima suggested something or tried something that he didn't care for that was for sure. Deciding that it was better to focus on Itzal instead of his parents, especially given that the beast was here and neither parent were. Best that he and his friend stick close for now, until he saw an opening where he would be able to approach Jerarda and talk with her or a time when he might be able to slip off to talk with Chalcedony again, the latter of which would have to be done far more carefully then the former.

(( Word Count: 1661 ))  

[Orpheus Solon]

Meta Part 3: Zena

 

[Orpheus Solon]

Going Home

 

[Orpheus Solon]

Duel With Jerarda

 

[Orpheus Solon]

Rishima's Mother: Part 1

A bit on the roughed up side after the duel that he'd had with his sister, Jerarda, he didn't feel as though he were ready for this meeting with his mother. He could only stare at her back as the two of them walked along, hands clinging to the spear that he held in his hands at the moment. She was sure to be angry at the moment, disappointed even, he was supposed to be a good son, to stay home, to stay safe, to not wander off. She didn't want him to disappear as his father did... but he'd been unable to do for her what she wanted, not wanting to just stay home forever, and the moment that someone extended him a hand he'd taken it. Jerarda had saved him from a mundane life full of boredom, she'd allowed him to do so much more on their journey to Zena and back then his mother had allowed him to do in a lifetime. Still, she was his mother, a person he loved and respected, he didn't want to be a source of disappointment to her. His antennae gave a twitch as the silence seemed to linger between them as they walked, seeming as if his mother was wanting to put space between the two of them and Jerarda. Why he couldn't be certain but he could himself worry about that. Was it so that his sister wouldn't hear what she had to say? Was it that bad? His hands tightened on his spear that much more, his antennae twitching, steps dragging. Why wasn't she saying anything?!

"I'm sorry I couldn't be the son you wanted me to be!" He suddenly blurted out, something that caused the woman to stop in her tracks instantly, turning to face him at long last, starring down at him making him feel a bit like a Youngling once more, "I just... I couldn't... I couldn't stay here forever, I felt trapped and... and had to go... I know you are probably mad at me, mad at Jerarda for taking me, but I couldn't anymore! I had to do... something. I wanted to be a member of the tribe so... so when I learned from Jerarda that there was a group of us going on a journey... when she said that I would be going I... I didn't argue. I was scared, I knew I was useless, but I went anyway to get stronger." And he had, he'd not only gotten stronger but he had been given rank, given a weapon, he was recognized as a member of the tribe instead of just some sort of outsider who was born of his moments 'youthful indiscretions'.

Shaking his head he dropped his gaze, "I want to be more then someone that everyone sees as your mistake." He said clinging to the weapon in his hands. He didn't want to be nothing more then some halfbreed mistake, someone born between enemies.

There was a long, painful silence that followed his words before the women walked toward him, causing him to nearly flinch before he found himself dragged forward into a hug, with her holding him tightly to her, "You were gone so long, Rishima." She murmured, her voice wavering in a way that he had never heard from her before. Always his mother was so strong, making him feel as though he could never strive to be as powerful as she was, but now she sounded as though she might cry and it wasn't something that he was proud of. The very last thing he wanted to do was to cause his mother pain, "I knew that you wouldn't sit still forever even if I wished that you would. I thought that maybe if I kept you at my side forever then the various dangerous of Jauhar, the beasts, our enemies, the terrain itself, that none of it would ever be able to take you as it did your father." She told him, one hand stroking his hair in a gentle manner, pausing when she realized that it was all done up in dread locks now, something that caused her to smile a little, "Did your sister do this for you?" She asked in a quite tone of voice, finding it a little sad to see that he no longer had some of the smooth hair like his father did but at the same time this did allow for him to blend in a bit better with his sisters... or at least as much as a change of hair style could help him.

Rishima gave a nod of his head, "Yes, Jerarda has done a lot for me Mother, please don't be angry with her. I know she can seem a little rough around the edges at times but she puts her heart into everything she does!" He said, starring to her now, hoping that she could understand and forgive Jerarda for being the one that helped him to leave. Now that that he knew that she wasn't too terribly angry with him, or disappointed at all in him it seemed, he felt that he should really try to get her to see Jerarda in the light that he did. It seemed that she knew he would leave eventually but that didn't mean that she was likely to be all that friendly to the one that had led him off despite that understanding, "She looked after me when we first left, taught me all sorts of stuff, helped me when I got overwhelmed by a giant fish, and she still is looking after me, Mother! We are even planning to go to Aisha together, to see the mother tree." He said, giving her a smile, quite eager for that journey to begin. He knew though, before they were able to go on that trip, that he was going to have to face his mother and he was doing his best to do that now. It would seem his comment about Aisha threw things a little off track though.

The woman's eyes got rather wide at that comment, flabbergasted that her son was speaking of going to Aisha with someone! To meet with the Mother Tree? Did he even know what he was saying?! Giving a little gasping sound she quickly set to shaking her head quite rapidly at him, crying out, "Rishima! No matter how much you like this Sister of yours you are far to young to be going with her to Aisha to get a Lotus! I forbid it! I am far to young to be a grandmother!" Her tone sounded as though the idea of her son going to such a place with a young woman, especially that brute of a woman he'd been dueling with, was the most terrible idea imaginable! Surely he didn't think that he was ready after one journey with her, right? Surely they couldn't have gotten that close, that fast? Of course a moment later, as she saw her son's wide eyed look and his furious blush, she realized that it wasn't a Lotus that the pair were after, was it?

"M-Mother! I-I am not! Not... not looking to... I am not even... I just wanted to make a pilgrimage, t-to meet with Aisha, to see the Mother Tree, I feel that it would aid me in becoming an even better member of our tribe!" He cried out, taking a couple steps back so that he could lift a hand to his face, his cheeks on fire with a blush. The idea had never occurred to him to go to Aisha with Jerarda so that the two of them could get a Lotus, they were planning to go to see the Mother Tree for far different reasons then that. Of course now the words seemed to be replaying over and over in his head 'going with her to Aisha to get a lotus, going with her to Aisha to get a lotus'. It was enough to make his head spin. The two of them? With a daughter of their own? Surely not, right? No, no... of course not! Of course now that it was said to him it was a thought that was suddenly planted firmly in his head, one he couldn't banish despite his attempts to do so, and for a moment he could almost picture it in his mind. The moment he realized what he was actually thinking about his blush seemed only to spread first to his ears, then down the back of his neck, and even his antennae started to get hot, "I... no! W-We are friend, she is my dear sister! And I love her but... not like that, she is my idol, someone I strive to be like and catch up to and... oh geez..." He was getting a bit dizzy now. He was never happier to have his spear on hand, able to clutch onto it and lean against it, using it to keep himself from tipping over.

Resting her hands on her hips the tall Alkidike starred down at her son before finally giving a slow nod of her head, "That is good to hear because, as I said, I am far to young to be chasing after little grand babies and you, you are far to young to be handling a Lotus of your own. Keep that in mind, Rishima." She scolded the boy though it seemed to only make his blush that much worse. She supposed that she was going to have to give him a break else he was likely to overheat, keel over, and end up in a heap on the grounds of Jauhar. The last thing she wanted to do was embarrass her son to death. Giving a drawn out sigh of relief she said, "You really need to think about what you are saying before you say it, Rishima. You are going to make my hair go gray prematurely." She scolded him.  

[Orpheus Solon]

Rishima's Mother: Part 2

Rishima starred up at her for a long moment before he gave a nod of his head, "Ahh... sorry, mother. That wasn't my intention at all." Maybe she was right though, they should be more careful announcing that they were heading to Aisha together or at least be sure to make such an announcement in context. It would be embarrassing if anyone else started to get the wrong idea about them. Even more so if the Mother Tree herself got the wrong idea... he had no idea if such a thing were possible, he'd never seen Aisha after all, but one never knew. Even the most powerful of beings could surely make a mistake every now and again, right? Shaking his head, finally seeming to fight down his blush a bit, he said, "I will be more careful when I speak such words again." He said, wondering if he should mention this to Jerarda? Probably not, she didn't want her to get all riled up and try to knock his mother senseless for saying such a silly thing. For a moment he got the mental image of that happening and it wasn't really a thought he wanted to focus on. That would be one messy battle for sure, likely with a lot of colorful language and collateral damage if you asked him given he knew the two women would be duking it out quite well.

Shoving such a thought aside he said, "I... would like to be able to ask permission this time though, Mother, to be able to go on this journey, as well as to continue to train." He said, looking toward his weapon and then back again, "I... the leader of our group, Yansa, was the one that talked with me in length before giving me this weapon as well as the rank of Blade. I want to continue to strive for greater standing in the tribe, not just because I want to fit in but... but because I really, truly want to do good for our people. I am not what one thinks of when they think of the word Alkidike but it is what I am in my heart." He couldn't continue forward though, couldn't continue to rise in the ranks, if his mother decided to try to stop him though. It was likely the greatest fear that he had at the moment, that she wouldn't allow it.

"I would love to say 'no' to such a request right now." She said, giving a sighing sound as she starred down at her son. He would have many obstacles still, even with the rank that he had. Due to the Shifter blood flowing through him there would always be those among the sisters that wouldn't see him as Alkidike, but if he continued to train, if he rose in the ranks, even if they didn't like it they would have to bite their tongues and pay him the respect such rank deserved. It was the best way, save for her guarding him constantly, for him to truly be safe. It was what she felt he would prefer as well. Better to know where he was going as well then to come home to another vague note that said he was going with a sister he met on a journey to somewhere. How she'd wanted to wring his neck for that until she'd heard where it was the group was going and that they were led by Yansa, someone that even she respected, "I will allow it, just don't be bringing a bunch of Lotuses home any time soon, alright? I will need a lot of preparation and warning before you are allowed to do that."

The halfbreed boy was instantly nodding his head, "I c-can assure you that you have plenty of time before such a thing happens." He reassured his mother, doing his best to keep his blush from returning now that he had finally gotten it to fade away. If she would stop mentioning it for a time he would be a very, very happy person he thought to himself. Instead of saying as much he instead turned the conversation back to training instead, "I will work hard, Mother, I promise." He told her, wanting for her to understand and believe him when he said those words. He knew he had a rough road ahead of him but he felt that there was nothing that would be able to stop him now but himself. He knew that, while he knew he still wasn't as confident as he could be, and no where near as confident as Jerarda yet, he was better off then when he'd first started out. He was growing by leaps and bounds, so long as he continued to strive ever forward then he would eventually reach his goals of being someone that could stand side by side with his more powerful and well respected sisters. Some of them had started earlier then he did, getting the bonus of being full blooded and female, but he wouldn't let his father's blood be a weakness. He didn't know the man but he still loved him, he wouldn't let anyone look down on him because of his Father, not when the man wasn't present to defend himself. Instead Rishima would be sure to protect his father's good name as well he thought to himself.

Reaching a hand out the woman stroked her son's hair gently, "It is all that I can ask, that you work hard." She told him before withdrawing her hand, once more crossing her arms over her chest, "I would say that you should start with more duels, I watched yours and there is a lot that you could improve upon." She told him, deciding that if he was planning on living up the rank that Yansa had bestowed upon him that she should start to treat him the same way that she would any of the young sisters that looked to her for advice, "I watched your duel, there were times that you hesitated, I am sure this is due to who you were fighting, but when it comes to fights in the future, there will be a time where you cannot afford to hesitate. You must strike with all your might using the blade of your weapon. Do you understand me? Your enemies will take full advantage of any sort of hesitation, they will use it against you. You cannot allow this and at the same time you must take advantage of any openings you see. Steel yourself, Rishima, you will need to learn to be a warrior before a friend in most cases." Even with the Shifters, she'd loved one once, still loved him, but she knew where she stood when it came to the rest of them and vice versa. They were and would always remain bitter enemies due to the mere fact that the Shifters were in the way of the progress of the Alkidike.

Unable to help it Rishima starred a bit, antennae twitching rapidly, as he listed to the advice that was being given to him on battle and how he'd been doing from his own mother. Never had he thought that such a day would come. He listened intently, taking in what she was saying, and gave nods here and there. He knew that his hesitation was probably his greatest weakness at the moment. There was that part of him that didn't want to have to fight and kill, at the same time he was well aware that there were those wouldn't back down, those that would zealously fight to the death even if that wasn't want Rishima wanted to do. Because of this he would need to be careful, would need to need to fight harder, would need to stop himself from hesitating, "It's hard, knowing I will have to kill one day, but if it's what I must do for the sake of our tribe and our sisters I will." He told his mother, knowing that it was a part of life. Survival of the fittest and all of that. A part of him, despite enjoying the meeting, almost regretted the talk he'd had with Chalcedony. The guard had been kind, even knowing what Rishima was, something which made the idea of facing Shifters in battle more difficult. He might have been better off not making pleasant conversation with the man but, despite the slight regret about it, he was glad he did. He'd been given a hint that might help him one day to figure out what happened to his father after all. It was something he didn't share with his mother though, not wanting to worry her or get her hopes up where such things were involved.

"I mean to make our tribe proud, make you proud." He told his mother, giving her a smile. There was a lot to do between now and then, of course, but that wouldn't stop him from trying. The first step in all of it though was going to be the journey with Jerarda to visit the Mother Tree. He really did feel that the visit would give him perspective as well as help to cement his belief in himself. Jerarda believed in him, his mother believed in him, all that he needed down was to well and truly believe in himself, "I want to go home with you tonight, to rest up there, and to talk with you more but first I want to let Jerarda know everything is alright." He was looking forward to a bit more time with his mother now, ironic given he'd spent the journey home from Zena terrified. He was glad that Jerarda had been there to continue to urge him forward, back to Jauhar. Giving his mother a quick hug he turned on his way, hurrying to find Jerarda so he could let her know what was going on.

(( Word Count: 3320 ))