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Posted: Tue Jul 17, 2012 12:07 pm
Jerarda stood up tall as they moved along, not as fast as she would like but fast enough that they soon approached the dwelling that must of belonged to Rishima and 'her' caretaker. It ...seemed weird to her, as most Alkidikes lived under the tree, in and amongst its roots, though were quite happy about climbing all over them as well.
Still she looked around, trying to appear dis-interested in the home. Small things caught her eye, the appearance of many feminine things, it was a humble home but she wasn't exactly one for boasting the best decorum when it came to her own living quarters. Crossing her arms across her chest a scowl on her face, this would come to be a standard expression and pose for her as she watched her 'sister' move about gathering things.
Near the end she was losing her patience. "Enough...you live off the land, you aim to take everything including the bed you sleep on." Jerarda snapped about ready to grab Rishima by the arm and haul 'her' out of here when 'she' proclaimed that 'she' was ready to go. Sighing she fiddled with the fetish on on of the strands of hair she had let out of her top knot before dropping her hand.
"Then we shall go Sister.. you shall find yourself amongst your people, as they say a journey is not about the destination but the experiences." Jerarda was trying to get back that level of cool she had before her outburst moments earlier. But honestly she was terrible at this.
"Can you follow me sister? We will be faster on the ground but must be swift."
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Posted: Tue Jul 17, 2012 1:45 pm
A little squeak escaped from Rishima when he was told that he would be living off the land. That was an interesting idea... one that was intimidating to him given he wasn't too well versed in such a thing but he wanted to learn, right? He gave a little nod, "A-Alright. I might need a bit of teaching, if you wouldn't mind, sister?" He could only hope that her idea of helping wouldn't be abandoning him to fend for himself. If nothing else at least he had Itzal to help him out, right? Shifting his pack on his shoulder he found himself wondering if he should keep it with him or if it would get in the way since she wanted him to live off the land. He starred at it for a moment then decided to keep it until she told him to do otherwise.
When she said that he would find himself amongst their people he found himself hoping that there would be more of them that would be as accepting of him as Jerarda was. Sure she was a rather gruff and intimidating sort of woman but she was being quite kind in how she had accepted him despite his many shortcomings as an Alkidike, "I am eager to be a part of experiences outside of the village, Sister." Even if it was an intimidating thing. He really, really did want to do this and now he had someone to give him the push that he was needing. He patted a hand against Itzal's head, "Ready to go?" He asked of the Radaku who merely gave a growling sound as though to say that he was waiting on Rishima just as the other woman was.
When he was asked if he could follow he nodded his head, "Ah! Yes, I will follow you, Sister." He said, giving him home a glance before his attention went to her. He wanted to be on their way and before his mother arrived, if they got a head start then maybe he would have a chance to be allowed to continue on the journey instead of having his mother arrive to take him home.
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Posted: Tue Jul 17, 2012 2:05 pm
Jerarda somehow doubted he'd be able to keep up and yet despite having this hunch she turned her strong muscular body and without much hesitation sprang forward into a sprint. As it was now she didn't want to leave 'her', this was more testing 'her' skills, even a half breed should still have the stamina to keep up with her. Even then though she seemed to forget that not everyone had the privilege to live like how she did, free from an oppressing care taker, able to do what she wanted when she wanted it was glorious freedom.
Because of her solitary type of life, oh she had a few good 'sisters' who kept an eye out for her, she was able to work on her own style of fighting. Since she wasn't allowed weapons she delved into other means, primarily by using her hands and feet. Long strides she felt the blood pump through her as she ran forward, fast and fleeting like a nimble creature she managed to jump over mushrooms and roots and she only slowed down when she figured she needed to climb a tree to see if they were heading the right direction.
Stopping she paused looking around and noticing...she lost her newly found 'sister'. Rubbing her hand on her face in frustration she trotted back the way she came...she could claim she was scouting ahead...yes that was it. Scouting. Making sure everything was okay and safe.
"Sister!" Jerarda called out cupping her hands to her mouth to make herself louder. "Sister Rishima! Come hither!"
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Posted: Tue Jul 17, 2012 2:31 pm
"Wow..." Rishima breathed, watching as the woman took off at a run that he couldn't hope to match but he would do his best, "Come on Itzal." He said to the dark creature that was circling around him, tail lashing, before he moved to race along after his sister, hoping that he would at least be able to keep up with her enough that he could keep her sight as they ran along. He was able to do so for a time but it wasn't long before the darkness of the forest seemed to swallow the Alkidike woman up. Coming slowly to a halt he looked around for a moment, antennae twitching, before he hurried forward once more after the woman again or at least where he was guessing she'd gone.
After a time he could hear Jerarda's voice calling to him, giving him a better idea of where she was, "Coming!" He called out after her, not wanting for Jerarda to think that he had given up so quickly because that was far from the truth. Sure, he wasn't nearly as fast or well trained at her but he wanted to believe that he could make up for it with the sheer desire to learn. He could only hope that the learning curve wasn't too difficult but given who he was following he knew it wasn't going to be an easy trip.
Alongside him, moving at a trot so as not to lose Rishima as well, the Radaku gave a little growling sound, as if to complain about the one that had run off. The huffy look on the beast's face had Rishima chuckling a little bit, "There is no reason to pout, we will learn to keep up." He said, sighing in relief when he was able to see his Sister once more, "Sorry, Sister, I will keep up better this time." He told her, pausing so that he could catch his breath when he was able to catch up to her. His antennae twitching a bit as he did so, giving the woman a smile even though he could tell that wasn't exactly pleased with the slow pace he'd been moving at. He really did need to learn to be faster, didn't he? He supposed the only way to learn something like that was by doing it, "I am sorry to slow us down, I will try to be faster so please don't change your mind about bring me."
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Posted: Tue Jul 17, 2012 2:46 pm
The longer that Jerarda was with her new 'sister' the less and less diplomatic she was becoming, she liked to believe she was a patient person and probably would claim that she was, but the truth was that patience was a tiring thing for her. Hearing Rishima call out her name she sighed and trotted over to where 'she' was.
"It's fine." Jerarda stated flatly trying to not sound quite so snappy as she should of known better. This one seemed to have lived 'her' life quite close to home..or rather tethered there. Jerarda made a not to speak to the elders when ever she came home about it.
"We need to scale a tree to get our baring, you can climb?" I hope...was the latter she left out as she didn't want to sound like she thought Rishima was completely hopeless. No she was taking 'her' to the others make a true Alkidike sister out of 'her'. Hiding in the forest was the worst way to try and learn and expand.
Pointing to a nearby tall tree (though they were all tall) she gestured the Rishima climb it. " I will come after you."
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Posted: Tue Jul 17, 2012 3:03 pm
Rishima chewed on his lower lip a bit when he was told that it was fine. She didn't quite sound as though it was all fine but at least she wasn't telling him to go home or something equally as heartbreaking. Her irritation was just something that he was going to have to make up for by trying harder, that was all. As she suddenly announced that they were going to have to scale a tree to get their barrings. He looked up into the branches of the tree that they were standing under before giving a nod, "Alright, do you think we might be able to see the others from up there?" He asked curiously, wondering how far off from them that the two of them might be at the moment. He didn't mind traveling with just Jerarda for a while though, maybe he would be able to learn a bit from her before they joined with the others? It would be nice.
The young half blood found himself ordered up the tree first with Jerarda telling him that she would come up after him. He gave a nod before he shrugged out of his pack, setting it down in front of the dark colored Radaku, "Here, look after this for me." He said, giving his pet a pat on the head before he moved toward the tree that he had been motioned at. Starring at it for a moment he took a deep breath and then moved to start the climb up. He'd climbed a bit here and there, mostly when he was younger and when his mother wasn't looking, and he wasn't too bad at it back then. Now though... well it would seem as though he weren't as good as he remember, fumbling a bit here and there, but he really did seem to be trying his best. From time to time the young prentice would turn his mismatched eyes down to look at the ground below that he was moving steadily away from, to Itzal who was laying near his pack while watching him climb, then to Jerarda who was following after him with that same, stern look on her face. He had a feeling that she was going to be one that was difficult, if not impossible, to impress.
"Phew." He murmured to himself when he'd gotten a good distance up, sitting down on one of the branches for a breath before looking down at his Sister, "Is this high enough, Sister? Or do you suggest that we go up further?" He asked of her when she got closer.
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Posted: Tue Jul 17, 2012 5:01 pm
Jerarda was surprised to see that 'she' could manage to climb the tree, it was nothing fancy and she could see 'her' fumbling around, missing a limb, foot slipping here and there but 'she' never fell and that much was a feat in her own eyes. The alkidike girl went after Rishima pretty much as soon as she was certain that 'she' wasn't going to fall to 'her' death.
Having years of experience climbing the tree's it didn't take long for Jerarda to catch up to 'her'. At the question she tilted her head letting her antenna feel for vibrations in the air. Tree leaves were about all she could sense and so she shook her head. Climbing to join her 'sister' on the tree branch before wiping a bead of sweat that was on her brow.
"No, we need to be near the top of the canopy, our sisters will be on the edge of the forest so we need to judge the distance between them and us. We will need to forage, bring back trophies for out sisters to make them proud." Jerarda proclaimed and this was all very good and all but without weapons the best they could do was to forage for fruits. Unless there was a river near by...then she could attempt to hunt for fish since she was convinced it would be child's play.
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Posted: Tue Jul 17, 2012 6:20 pm
The young half blood was, to say the least, quite shocked when he was told that the rest of their sisters were going to be on the edge of the forest, "Wow... where are they going?" He asked, wondering if Jerarda knew that much, or if she was as in the dark as he was about such a thing. He really had no clue but he had to admit that going as far as leaving the forest, that wasn't something that he thought that he would ever be doing in his lifetime. It added to his nervous excitement as well as the number of nondwa that were fluttering about in his belly at the moment, "Alright, I guess we continue the climb then." While he wasn't quite sure about it he supposed that if his sister felt they should make their way all the way up then he would.
He had to admit he was always curious to see what the top of the trees might look like, he'd never made it even anywhere close to that far before and figured that it would solve the mystery about whether or not there was a top to the trees. For one that didn't go far from his home it really had been one of those questions on his mind. While his mother had told him on a few occasions that 'of course there was a top to the trees' seeing it would be far different then just hearing about it. After a moment more of rest he moved to continue the climb up with Jerarda, not wanting to be left behind a second time.
As they climbed he thought about the other thing that she had said, how they were going to bring trophies to impress their other sisters with. He wondered if that tactic would work for him. It meant doing his best to find a worthy enough trophy but he really did want to try his best, "Alright, let's do our best to find something that will make our sisters happy." He said, antennae twitching in a happy manner. Just the thought that there was a chance that he might get in good with the other sisters by bringing along the right trophy was something that excited him more then it should but he couldn't help it. He wanted to welcome among his sisters after all and finally an opportunity had arisen for him to do just that, "You know, Jerarda, I think Aisha sent you to me." He said, giving her a happy sort of smile, convinced that they were supposed to meet and she was supposed to save him from his dull, shut in life by leading him along on this journey.
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Posted: Tue Jul 17, 2012 6:59 pm
Jerarda wasn't about to admit she had no idea where the Alkidike group was going, after all she was still angry about being left behind as it was....and for all Rishima knew she was leading the excursion. Rather than admit her lack of knowledge she only vaguely answered the question.
"We are on an important mission, to reclaim our lands back from the other tribes. To explore and claim the new lands before the outsiders can get at them." The greedy bastards....she thought inwardly to herself. Jerarda was of course guessing at the last part, she knew they would be exploring new lands but for what reason she couldn't tell.
As they climbed up higher and higher it felt like eternity before finally a head could break through the canopy and be able to gaze at the never ending forest of tree's to the west and then the plains to the east. They weren't too far, if they rushed they could probably make it to the rest of the gathering before next sundown. As it was they would need to travel as far as they could by night and rest at dawn.
"I cannot see our sisters...they may of moved off...we need to hurry if we are to catch up." The alkidike woman hissed her frustration, for she couldn't seem them because they had camped at the edge of the forest. They would only see them when the got close and most likely from the ground.
"Are you well rested? I wish for us to get as far as we can this evening."
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Posted: Tue Jul 17, 2012 7:37 pm
An important mission, huh? His antennae twitched again, "You think that they will allow me to go along?" He asked of Jerarda, if they were going to be trying to reclaim the lands from the other tribes, as well as claim the new lands, would they really allow someone like him to join them? He was half Shifter after all, they might think that he was a traitor or a spy. He could only hope that Jerarda would be able to vouch for him. He supposed that he would see soon enough.
As the two of them got to the top of the trees Rishima felt exhausted, gasping a little for a breath, then looked around the area, "Wow... look at that." It was almost dizzying up here, you could just see... forever in all directions. It was so unlike the forest where everything was blocked by various trees. He glanced over at his sister and saw that, instead of being as awed over the view as he was she just appeared to be annoyed more then anything else. She'd probably have been up here before though, huh? Of course something like this wouldn't be as amazing to someone that they'd already seen by now.
At metnion that she couldn't see their sisters, something he couldn't spot either, she was saying that they would need to hurry to catch up, "Alright, I will do my best to keep up with you." He said, giving his sister a smile. She seemed frustrated over the fact that they were unable to spot their sisters so he would need to work twice as hard so as not to add to her frustration, huh? When asked if he was well rested he nodded, "I should be fine."
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Posted: Tue Jul 17, 2012 8:14 pm
Jerarda didn't look at Rishima when 'she' asked about whether 'she' would be allowed to join in the excursion. After all she couldn't guarantee they would be happy about the half breed joining. Thus Rishima would have to prove 'herself' to them. "You are a mix breed....there will be some unrest with your presnce. Agitation. You must prove to them you are one of us....even if you are...different." It was the nice way of saying boy parts.
Giving a short sigh she ducked back under the canopy and then slipped back down to the forest floor. She made it seem easy the way she just lightly stepped from branch to branch letting her speed and momentum keep her going until she lightly graced the forest floor. "We will gather food and keep going. Do you know much about this forest? What are the greatest predators here?" Jerarda quested for knowledge of the area so she could show up her sisters when she got back to them.
Once Rishima had gotten back to the ground she re-orientated herself to the direction they needed to head and this time instead of sprinting forward she set off in a jog, it would be better to build up 'her' stamina this way she figured. It was a good way of showing how much energy she had...though it was a bit of a lie since she had been on the move most of the day and was pretty tired herself. But she wouldn't show weakness. Not now.
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Posted: Tue Jul 17, 2012 8:56 pm
He had to prove himself as one of the Alkidike? He gave a nod of his head, "I will do what I can to prove myself." He said, giving a nod of his head. He was going to have to work twice as hard to make up for being only half Alkidike, something that would be tough but he meant to overcome his bloodlines. While he loved his father, or at least the memory and idea of him, but it didn't mean that he should side with the Shifter against the Alkidike when he'd been raised by his mother. He might be connected to the other tribe that made their homes in Jauhar but surely he shouldn't allow himself to be swayed by that, right?
Shaking his head to clear the bothersome thoughts he started to make his way down the tree once more, finding it deceptively easier to climb down then it was to climb up, "How much do I know? A little bit." He said, as they made their way down, thinking on the questions posed to him, "There are a lot of various, dangerous insects from what Mother was saying." He said, he'd always been told about all of the dangerous things that were out there that could harm him, one of the many things he'd been told about to keep him inside. As he finally reached the ground he squatted down, hands resting on his knees, and he gave a sighing sound of relief, "Ahhh... phew, made it!" He was so relieved!
As he squatted down his pet and friend, Itzal, stood up and walked over to him with the pack in his jaws, dropping it in front of him which made him give a laugh, "Thank you, Itzal." He laughed, pushing himself up to his feet he set to brushing himself off. Glancing over at Jerarda he gave her a bit of a smile, "Alright, should we start searching for food now?" As much as he would love a break he somehow doubted his sister would allow it.
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Posted: Tue Jul 17, 2012 9:21 pm
Jerarda watched as 'she' worked her way down crossing her arms over her chest pondering on just how to make it so the others wouldn't reject Rishima instantly . Being 'she' looked more shifter than alkidike...though the antenna were a dead give away of 'her' heritage and blood line. Distracted it took her a moment to reply to 'her',
"Yes. Yes we will gather and hunt. Do you know of any streams nearby? I thought we could have fish for dinner." A rather large claim as she had no fishing experience, but she figured it would be easy enough. Her gaze watched as the radaku picked up the pack that belonged to Rishima and returned it to 'her'. That could be handy...having a pet to do all the dirty work...
Shaking her head at the thought, a pet would just mean she'd have to take care of it. Feed it and the like. Jerarda was much too busy for that. Moving off she noticed some fruits on the ground and went to go look at them. Squatting she poked at them, picked them up and tossed what was bruised and rotting though finding a few edible ones. At least she assumed they were edible. Taking a large bite of the flesh she chewed it, it was sweet and juicy...didn't seem poisonous.
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Posted: Tue Jul 17, 2012 9:35 pm
Tossing his pack over his shoulder and then looked thoughtful at her question, "A stream? Yeah, I know of one." He said, glad that he'd taken along some flasks because that meant that they could fill them with fresh water while they were at the stream, "I can lead the way, it's not too far from..." He paused, antennae twitching, "Well... not far from the village." He wasn't exactly sure where they were now in comparison to the stream since they had run a good distance and he hadn't really been paying attention so much to where he was as much as he was paying attention to where Jerarda was, not wanting to lose her.
Crossing his arms, head tilting to one side he seemed to be deep into thought, "Maybe Itzal can find it? He's pretty smart." He murmured, glancing over toward Jerarda as he picked something up off the ground and proceeded to stuff it into her mouth. His mismatched eyes got a bit wide when he realized what it was that she was holding and he hurried forward, knocking out of her hand, "No! Sister! You can't eat that it will make you... ahh... unhappy later..." He said, not wanting to describe the exact symptoms that went along with one of those horrible, unfriendly fruits. They were something that only a few sorts of beasts, such as Itzal who was eating them by the mouthful both the fresh ones and otherwise, were able to stomach, "Y-You should spit it out quickly..." He said, not wanting for her to end up with a twisting stomach ache amongst other things, if she were left ill they would never get anywhere...
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Posted: Tue Jul 17, 2012 9:46 pm
Jerarda had been about to swallow but thankfully was warned by Rishima and did just that. Violently at that. Bits of fruit were specked along the tree trunk and the ground as she dropped the fruit as if it had just bit her. For a couple more minutes she continued to spit as if it was the best way to try and make sure she didn't get sick off of it.
Why would a fruit so sweet tasting be bad? Then again the beguiling look of some plants could look innocent and yet be very poisonous...so enough said. "Ah...thank you." Jerarda stated gruffly, she wasn't really one to admit that she had been ...the foolish one here. "I will make sure to check with you in the future before trying to ingest anything else." Standing up she wiped her mouth away of any remaining juice before turning. Sighing she closed her own eyes and listened to the forest around them. Her antenna twitched as she felt the vibrations and figured that for now she would have Rishima lead.
"You seem more knowledgeable of the area...so you may take us in the right direction of the stream."
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