|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Thu Oct 05, 2023 6:03 pm
“Please do stay with us at least once a year, Quiana. Hopefully more, but at least that often.” Nanami added with a smile, an arm curving around Noelani to keep her against her side. “The children will love to see you and so will I. Hopefully Noelani as well.” She teased lightly as she rested against her beloved. Strange how one person’s appearance had turned their family upside down before somehow falling into place like a missing puzzle piece. It would be nice to have more family to visit, a welcomed company despite the chaos her visits could bring. The Kawena was still amazed that this was her life considering how reserved she had been so many years ago. From a reserved child to the beloved of a treasure hunter, a scholar who traveled through foreign countries and now had a family with Aishan connections that lived in Matori. How surprising indeed.
[Nanami 4]
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Oct 05, 2023 6:03 pm
“Hopefully you won’t get sick of me.” Quiana replied, a grin crossing her lips despite the situation. Had she not been surrounded by so much love then the Elidae probably would have crumpled already because of the heartbreak at her loss, but having so many around her kept her strong. “And yes, I will even try to steal seeds for you when I do send updates about my travels. I owe you that much.” She promised Chantara before reaching out to catch her hand before she completely pulled away, Quiana giving her fingers a thankful squeeze. She knew that there was something lingering there, but she also knew that her own heart was thinking about someone else instead of a casual fling. It would not be fair to Chantara who deserved someone to truly love her that would be faithful, a playful thing like Quiana would only lead to confusion and nothing that would last. If anything that realization helped to ease her heart, the resentment that may have existed against Noelani fading quickly the longer she had stayed in Matori. “I hold no resentment, your presence was just something to guide my steps towards the future that was best for me. I’m sure the trees have blessed us all in some way, to bring us together like this.” She mused with a warm smile. “If not for you then I would have never ventured to Matori and then I would have never learned about such an amazing world where I could make so many connections.”
[Quiana 5]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Oct 05, 2023 6:03 pm
Noelani simply rolled her eyes at Nanami’s playful teasing, the hybrid relieved that her beloved could feel comfortable enough to speak out like that. “I would be delighted if you just wanted to settle in Matori, but I also understand the desire to travel.” She replied with a thoughtful glance at Quiana. “If you made a special connection in Matori then I’m even happier for you.” Her older sister had mentioned some bard, hadn’t she? Not that she seemed the type to act like a devoted maiden, but there had been something in the way that she spoke of him that hinted at deeper emotions. “Though if you aren’t returning to Matori with us then where do you plan to travel next?”
[Noelani 5]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Oct 05, 2023 6:03 pm
Ah. Chantara simply nodded as the others spoke, her lips slowly curving upwards into a smile as she accepted the facts. There seemed to be hints of someone else, not that she would believe it was the only reason for her indirect rejection, but either way she just hoped Quiana could find happiness even if it wasn’t at Kiros. “You’ll know where to send letters to me, but I’ll need to know where I can send correspondence back to you.” She replied quietly, her expression flickering with interest at the question of where Quiana intended to go next.
[Chantara 5]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Oct 05, 2023 6:04 pm
“I can tell you the port city in Matori where we pick up our letters.” Nanami spoke up, her expression kind as she looked at Chantara. “While we prepare supplies I can put together an idea of where we are…just in case you ever need to send word or happen to visit Matori. I know the Elidae don’t leave often, but you’ve done so much for Quiana that we’ll be more than willing to help you should you need.” They could spare a guest room for the Elidae, if anything Nanami was also interested to learn whatever Chantara was willing to share about herbs. Perhaps they could send notes to each other, as a scholar Nanami would be delighted if the herbalist wanted to work on botanical ideas together. “My family deals with medicines so maybe I can also speak with you about such things, if wanted.”
[Nanami 5]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Oct 05, 2023 6:04 pm
Well, it looked like Nanami and Chantara had found something to connect over. Quiana smiled with relief as the Kawena proposed a solution to the question about correspondence. “Since I’ll visit Matori a few times that would be best.” She agreed. “As for right now? I have a friend who I’m supposed to meet in Belrea. We have a lot to catch up on whenever I arrive there at the southern port.” Her special connection though she doubted he would want to be tied down, not considering the situation he was stuck in at the moment. Quiana could only hope that even if the child did belong to Siel that he could find peace, her conversation with him had made her optimistic and she truly wished that he believed her words. She was more than willing to support him as necessary, all things considered. If anything the last year had taught her that it was alright to help out each other and to form connections, as scary as that thought could be to the younger Elidae who didn’t want anyone or anything to tie her down. It was harder to feel disappointed if you didn’t rely on anyone else in the first place, after all. And now she was slowly opening up to the idea of allowing others to get close again, the reunion with her mother helping to heal a wound that she hadn’t even realized existed so deeply before this. Perhaps family wasn’t quite so bad, her grandmother had been a blessing and now she had several in her life that she could safely rely upon should she ever need them.
[Quiana 6]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Oct 05, 2023 6:04 pm
”I see.” Noelani nodded. “Our doors are open to both of you, whenever you’d like.” She promised both Quiana and Chantara. “Still, if you’re planning on going to Belrea then we should depart and get you on a ship sooner than later. We’ll be exploring Kahi for a few weeks before returning home, to give Nanami time to introduce the children to the islands, but we’ll help you to find passage first.” Though Belrea was a surprising reveal. When had Quiana met a Belrean? Was that bard connected to Belrea somehow? Noelani definitely would try to get more information later, once Quiana was more comfortable sharing such things. How could she not be nosey? This was her sister after all! The very thought brought a smile to her lips. It was nice to know that she had a sibling now, someone who she could tease and speak with like how her own children played together.
[Noelani 6]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Oct 05, 2023 6:04 pm
Chantara nodded politely. “I appreciate it, truly.” She glanced at Nanami with interest, giving a slight tilt of her head as she pondered the option. “If you have notes on medical herbs then I can review them before sending back my own thoughts. That would be nice.” It would be interesting to see how the Kahi studied plants and Nanami had lived with earthlings long enough that she could perhaps shed some light on their perspectives as well. It was better to focus on her work than lingering on any hurt feelings, that much Chantara knew for certain and she was thankful to the Kawena for bringing up the idea.
[Chantara 6]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Oct 05, 2023 6:04 pm
“Oh good! Then I’ll send whatever texts I can by ship to the nearest Kahi port city. Should I address them directly to you, Chantara?” She wasn’t certain what the rules or customs were when it came to the Elidae. Quiana would be traveling while Noelani’s family had never really reflected any Aishan heritage because of her mother’s unique situation. It would be interesting to see how the other race viewed things, especially herbal and medical knowledge. “Belrea is an interesting choice.” She managed after hearing Quiana’s decision, the Kawena both amazed and intrigued about whatever story could unfold next. “Just be safe in your travels and we’ll do our best to get you supplies for the ship.” That much they could help out with considering they didn’t know how long it would be until they saw Quiana again.
[Nanami 6]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Oct 05, 2023 6:04 pm
“I appreciate it.” Quiana looked over at the beach one final time, the figure on the ocean disappearing over the horizon. Soon enough it would be time for the feast and she would have to face her loss once more. It would have been nice to get lost in talking with the others instead of leaving them behind, enjoying this afternoon together as long as possible, but Quiana knew her duties. Ocyale, no her mother, was also by herself out there and it was best if she supported her during this painful time. “I’ll head to the cove, but I’ll sneak back things to send with you since you cannot join.” She reached out to hug Noelani, Nanami and then Chantara before taking a step towards the path. “Chantara, are you going to join or go ahead with them?” At least the other Elidae could participate in the ceremonies, though Quiana also understood if she felt too uncomfortable.
[Quiana 7]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Oct 05, 2023 6:04 pm
“We’ll see you soon.” Noelani hugged Quiana tightly, her heart still aching for their loss. It was just best to be as supportive as she could while both her mother and sister navigated things together. Noelani wished she could have known Thyra more, but at the same time accepted that she had been blessed with her Matori family. She still had so many connections and relationships, none of which would have existed had Ocyale never been washed ashore in Matori all those years ago. Noelani was thankful that Quiana also saw it as fate, their strange story allowing them both to experience things that they never would have otherwise. Taking Nanami’s hand in her own, Noelani pulled her up from the rock so that they could start towards the path. She was more than ready to get away from this area so that they could explore and bond more as a family in Kahi before returning home.
[Noelani 7]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Oct 05, 2023 6:04 pm
“Yes, please. I go to the herbalist shop there once every other moon, so it should work out even if I need to visit more often than before.” She nodded towards Nanami, appreciating her help. The sudden question from Quiana had her hesitating though, the Elidae not accustomed to attending many events with others. “I…” She swallowed before slowly nodding once more. “I can go with you. I’ll also prepare some travel supplies again for you, it’ll be ready by morning.” It was best to stay as close as she could before her friend left on her travels, that way she could remember every detail and be there to support her before she disappeared again.
[Chantara 7]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Oct 05, 2023 6:04 pm
“Sounds like a plan.” Nanami allowed Noelani to tug her forward, the Kawena waving as the group split into two pairs. “Be safe and see you both tonight.” Maybe she could even review some texts or leave some notes before they left in the morning? There was still time, even if the morning was over there was always the afternoon and evening. Nanami just hoped that she could do her best to help out everyone even as she was also excited to be home for a visit despite the circumstances.
[Nanami 7]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Oct 05, 2023 6:04 pm
Quiana waved, the Elidae reaching out to take Chantara’s hand as she guided them down towards the cove to join the other Aishans who were celebrating Thyra’s life and rejoining with Aisha. Once there she made certain the nocturnal herbalist stayed close, constantly introducing her to others and involving her, while also keeping close to her mother who she immediately hugged when they finally found each other in the crowd. Truly, it seemed that Quiana was starting on a new path that would break free of the past. She would not be like her grandmother who allowed her lover’s mistakes to control her and stay tormented instead of moving forward, Quiana would be nothing like her Extremist roots and would instead do her best to find happiness in this world while opening herself up to others and helping those that she could. The very bow gifted to her by her grandmother, a final gift before her passing, would be used to protect others against evil not support it as before.
[Quiana 8]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reply
