Welcome to Gaia! ::

The beach? Was Esmeray referring to Matori, perhaps? It was what sprang to Maia's mind when she heard beach and relaxation. A popular vacation spot for anyone was in the sun, on a sandy beach near the water. Especially in comparison to the other environments available, Matori did seem like the most peaceful of the options. Would she want to go there herself? Maybe. If given the chance, she thought she'd go anywhere. Even into the bitter cold of Zena.

"I guess that does sound nice," she admitted, kicking at a loose rock with her foot. "I never really thought about going anywhere before." But now that she was, it only seemed inevitable that she might, at the rate she was going. It was difficult to remain in one place for long for the young Shifter. For now, she was still content to see as much of her own homeland as she could. "Might be nice to see and experience what it's like to live in another place. I wouldn't be too upset if I never do, though. It's also nice being somewhere familiar."

Could she go that far herself? All the way up to the cold in Zena? Maia wasn't sure. This conversation was opening up a whole new world to her that she hadn't yet considered herself before. She looked off into the distance for a moment, idling twisting the sleeve of one arm with the fingers of the other.

"Are they? I can't say I've noticed. I'm usually by myself." Including even when she had still lived with her father, the young Shifter had mostly been by herself. She found she preferred it. Though stopping every so often to have a chat with a stranger was also enjoyable. One could learn so much even talking to your own people. "I've never seen an Alkidike before. Or....I should say they've never revealed themselves to me. I try not to go too far north. I guess some clearly have, if they've fallen for some. Natural curiosity must be strong in them." She chuckled a little bit, more out of nervousness as the topic of love and starting families made her feel a bit uncomfortable. Romance with another person was such an alien and scary thing to imagine. She couldn't even count how many friends she had on one hand. Or even one finger, let alone....That. "I think it's a wonderful thing, though. So many hybrids. People finding ways to understand each other, despite all our different cultures."

Maia's eyes widened slightly, just a little bit at the news of the other Shifter having seen Alkidike before. What was the experience like, she wondered. If she found Esmeray again later on in the day or even tomorrow, she'd have to ask. Part of her was curious what they were like up close. What it'd be like to talk to one. Not that she'd ever have the courage to go that far. Maybe if one came to Earthling settlements, she'd get a chance herself.

"I've heard my own share of warnings as I've traveled." Mostly from the older folk making sure she, as a young person, knew of the danger to straying too far into the woods. She was thankful for her excellent sense of direction. She'd never accidentally go too far. She hoped.

"I would like that. if they don't mind. Thank you for the tour." And she watched with a smile as the younger Shifter rushed off to flag down an elder before turning towards the door. She was so looking forward to resting her feet for a while on something soft.