Moose::
Neued was a wonderfully large, open place that seemed to hold endless possibilities. Mnyiri had never seen so many earthlings in one place before, though the longer she stayed the less novel the experience became. Shifters seemed to come from the trees themselves here, but there were just as many Obans and Matorians. The fire earthlings Mnyiri purposefully avoided, though the water earthlings she enjoyed observing.

Their eyes were just as strange as her own to the general populace, though Mnyiri was much more interested in their strange ears. Or were they fins? What purposes did they serve, and if they were pierced, would they hold earrings? It would have been a real shame if they couldn't; Mnyiri quite liked piercings.

The abnormally tall hybrid walked easily through Neued's streets, one hand clasped loosely about her spear while the other fiddled with her top. It was nice enough to have a larger bust, but trying to find clothing that both kept them in place AND allowed her to be fashionable was rare. More than once she'd flashed some poor soul while bending over to observe them. Not that it bothered her; Mnyiri just wished they would return the action. "I neeeeeed..." She murmured, "what do I need?....Crap. If I come back without the stuff Rhonann will kill me, but what was it?" She'd been too wrapped up in her own explorations to bother doing the shopping she'd been sent to do.

Sabra::
Thoughts of travel had always enticed her. Nadiya had spent countless days skipping along the beaches wondering about the outside world. Every chance she had the girl would daydream of all the possible adventures she could eventually find. Now that she was out here? Nadiya felt more of a prisoner than anything. I wanted to leave on my own terms, not like this. Her family's shock at her decision to want to become a bard had made her an outcast. Her brother, Ahren, had then decided to take things into his own hands by convincing their parents to allow her to travel with him.

The life of a traveling merchant had once seemed so magical to her, but now that she was being dragged the experience had lost its charm. I suppose I should still try to make the best of it. And indeed as they arrived in Jauhar the girl found herself in astonishment. Sure she had seen all sorts of races in Matori markets, but to actually be in Jauhar?

The whole environment was breath taking. "It's so beautiful." Nadiya spun on her heel as she twisted through the crowds. Of course Ahren was in a merchant meeting to see who wanted his wares leaving Nadiya peacefully alone. It was a rare moment to breathe, but without her flute the girl still felt a bit saddened. I wonder what would happen if I just slipped through this crowd and was never seen again... Not that she could or would ever do that, right?

Shaking her head Nadiya almost was run over by a pair of younglings. Gasping, the petite girl twisted out of the way just in time to avoid collision but instead collided with a rather long pair of legs. "So sorry!" She managed before blinking in surprise towards the much taller alkidike. Sure, she had run into one before in Matori but this lady was super tall! Nadiya flushed as she realized she had been staring, "I uh...didn't mean to bump into you."

Moose::
Having been much too preoccupied with her orders for the day, Mnyiri hadn't bothered looking down until the stranger had already collided with her. She gave a knee jerks reaction, stepping back with a shocked little gasp the moment it all happened. With a little bit of distance between the two of them she was able to tilt her head down and really get a good look at the earthling.

"It's alright, no harm done." The staring didn't bother her at all. Being in this sort of environment had made her accustomed to it, though she returned the act ten fold. Her earlier thoughts on Matori ear piercings returned to her, causing Mnyiri to lean not so subtly to her left in a vain attempt to catch a peek. She couldn't see any, however, and that made her a little disappointed. It seemed that she would never know. "Do you live here?"

Sabra::
As the alkidike stared down towards her, Nadiya felt herself leaning forward on tiptoe. Even if she barely reached the other's chest the movement made her feel slightly more at ease about her height. Anyone else she could feel perhaps a bit short with, but this lady made her feel like a youngling all over again. Perhaps to her that is what I am. The thought made Nadiya grin sheepishly before she realized the other girl was staring.

"Something wrong?" Nadiya braced herself and stopped herself from taking a defensive step back. The action actually caused her to raise a hand towards her hair. Was something stuck in it? No, there was just her ear...had the Alkidike been looking for her ear? The thought created a flush against her cheeks before she blinked at a sudden question.

"Me, live here?" Nadiya shook her head quickly, "I'm from Matori of course! My brother is here for business and dragged me along." She bit her bottom lip before glancing back up towards the Alkidike, "What about you?"

Moose::
"Nope." Mnyiri popped the syllable with a grin. "Just looking." The skin of the fins had seemed rather thing and didn't see like they would be very suitable for earrings. Not that she thought they needed anymore decoration, mind you. With ears like that she wouldn't pierce them either.

"Oh yeah, 'of course'." Mnyiri snorted. "How was I supposed to know that? Lots of water earthies live here." Especially after the war. Apparently a lot had changed in the settlement after the Obans had done their deeds, though Mnyiri had been far too young to see. The bit about Matori though...that caused her to break into a rabid sort of grin. "Are you serious?! You've got to tell me about it, I want all the details, no skimping. What's it look like? Is it warmer than here or colder?" The more excited she began the louder the bells in her dreads chimed. It was as if they were singing through the energy pouring out of her.

Sabra::
Nadiya pursed her lips in silent protest. Just looking at what? Instinctively she pulled a strand of hair to try to hide her obvious ears. Were they really that strange looking? I supposed compared to everyone else... Even Alkidikes had semi-normal ears...at least longer and pointed sure, but not webbed like hers.

Nadiya's face only darkened a bit more at the retort, "Well I didn't mean it that way!" She protested with a pout, "I just mean that I'm totally lost here...I've been gawking at everything all morning. It's so different here compared to Matori." Of course other water earthlings lived here! She had been stupid to reply like that...Nadiya almost sighed before the flurry of questions caused her to take a startled step back.

"Eh?" The girl held up her hands in defense, "Hold on! I think if you keep going you might forget to breathe!" She actually laughed, her voice similar to the chiming bells. "It's more open than here with sandy beaches and a great body of water surrounding us. Still ilt's warm about like here too." She smiled fondly, "The waters are the prettiest mix of blues and greens...you should go and see it in the sunset. The skies color everything then and it's like fire is dancing on the waters." Flushing she glanced towards the source of the previous chiming, "Are those bells in your hair? They sound really lovely..."

Moose::

Not if I focus I won't." It was almost a game to Mnyiri at that point to see how much information she could share without getting winded. As it turned out the exercises, as well as her training routines, had given her a healthy set of lungs. She crouched down so she was a little closer in height with the earthling, arms laid casually across her thighs after depositing her spear on the ground next to her. "I really would like to go someday. It sounds so pretty that it's almost like magic." From what little she'd seen of it magic was incredibly destructive, but also the most gorgeous thing. It was so odd to her, but enchanting all at once. "Maybe I'll go out that way someday, but not until all this business with the extremists dies down." Even as she said it Mnyiri looked around, her voice low in that one moment. Alkidike hatred was at an all time high, which was impressive given their history. Even if she wore a cloak there would be no way to disguise herself in a crowd and that made the wonderful beaches of Matori a far off dream.

"Oh, these?" Mnyri lifted her hand to tap one of her bells, drawing forth a bit of sound. "I love music, but I've never really had the skills to play it, you know? So when I fight or run or whatever I can make my own unique music. Plus, I stick out anyway, so why not make it pleasant?"

Sabra::
Nadiay just shook her head in amusement at the Alkidike's enthusiasm, "If you say so." Her gaze still beamed with interest as she found herself studying the other girl. Perhaps it was because she was Matori that the girl could appreciate the unique traits found in others. Rather than finding it weird, she thought the alkidike's features were quite intriguing.

"It really is. I mean I might be biased, but I always feel like it's the perfect setting for a story~ If you enjoy romantic adventures then Matori would be a perfect setting." She sighed wistfully before the Alkidike's comment knotted her chest, "Oh." Her smile faded into the faintest of frowns, "I hope things clear quickly. I rather prefer peace to fighting." Even she had felt a bit for the extremists. Hadn't they been fighting for what they thought was just? It truly was a tragic story that she could appreciate even if she didn't deem their actions as right.

Nadiya smiled at the explanation, "They sound really lovely. I've always enjoyed listening to bells." Her gaze was a held a mix of emotions as she stared at the little bells, "That's truly genius of you. Even if you can't play there will always be a faint melody to keep near. I wish I had thought of such things so I could have music even when I don't have my flute with me." She did giggle a bit at the other's observation, "I suppose that is true. Not that you stick out badly of course! Well I mean it's obvious that you're much taller than others....but it's not a bad thing. I mean I feel that you're pretty actually." Flushing Nadiya just shook her head, "And there goes the rambling again."
Moose::
While she wasn't so sure about romance it did sound like the perfect setting for a story. She could easily imagine many a tale being born from the water front. Maybe one day she would get the chance to go, though she didn't except that would happen any time soon. "Me too. It makes it hard for us to live when there's one group making everyone angry." If they had just stuck to themselves then maybe she could have ignored the extremists, but noooo they tried to take over Sauti. Very intelligent, much wow.

Mnyiri leaned back against the structure at her back to relieve some of the strain on her calves. "My mother hated them," she replied sardonically. "She said it made me a terrible huntress, which was true, it does, but I like them." Pausing for a moment, Mnyiri raised her other hang to bring it up to the bell she'd been playing with. She nimbly worked it out of it's hold in her dreads and held it out to the other girl. "It's not a flute, but it kind of works, right? At least you can hear something sweet until you can play again."

She listened to the other for a while, her smile growing brighter by the minute before reaching out to bring her into a very abrupt, very sudden embrace. "Aww, you're so sweet! I'm the only alkidike for miles and most of people here won't talk to me, but you think I'm pretty and oh gosh I wish I could put you in a bottle and keep you forever."
Sabra::
Nadiya sighed, "You would think that wouldn't you?" She offered a faint smile, "I know that sometimes races just want to be blindly unjust against others. Even back in Matori there's tensions against the Obans still. Surely eventually someone will remember that the Alkidikes helped against their own sisters as well." Another thing she knew was the pains of being imprisioned in one area. Even if Matori was her home the girl almost bursted at the seams to travel. To think that any Alkidike would have to think carefully about traveling now just because of a few...it truly saddened her.

A small, bitter smile flickered across Nadiya's face. In her case it wasn't hunting that her mother thought music distracted from, but the thoughts were similar. For her family music was a distraction not to be pursued, "Re-really?" Her gaze instantly lit up as she clasped the bell in her hands, "I'll cherish it!"

At the sudden hug the girl laughed in surprise. Not that she was offended by far, having so many siblings taught one to become used to physical contact, but she truly hadn't expected it. So much for those rumors of vicious Alkidikes. Even though the squeeze placed her dangerously close to the other's chest, Nadiya just laughed at the compliments, "I don't think it works like that, but I appreciate the thought." She chuckled as she pulled back to smile at the Alkidike, "My family says I have my head in the clouds too much, but I can't help appreciating others. Everyone that avoids you is definitely missing out."

Tucking back a stray strand of hair the girl smiled, "By the way I'm Nadiya. What about you? Alikdikes do have names, right?" She couldn't help teasing as she glanced up towards the other girl.
Moose::
Mnyiri was somewhere between kneeling and standing, squeezing the smaller girl to her generous bosom. She was vaguely aware of their entire conversation being monitored by gawkers, though Mnyiri paid them little mind. The one male that had stopped with a firm scowl she managed to flip a very unsavory finger before laughing herself.

"Don't you dare change!" Her eyes widened, shifter-esque brows rising in surprise and mock horror. "If you hadn't been you then I might have been running around for half a day without speaking to anyone. Your family just doesn't know what a gem they have." There were too few in this world that would accept anyone, no matter their appearance, and it would be a tragedy if one were to be snuffed out.

Mnyiri stuck out her tongue. "Yes, we've got names, goof. Mine's Mnyiri."

A stray scent caught her off guard, and Mnyiri lifted her nose into the air to sniff it out. She looked to her right, spotting a few younglings with some sweet meat and instantly paled. "Rhonann! I was supposed to buy some bread for dinner tonight. She'll kill me..."
Sabra::
Nadiya could only flush as she smiled towards the alkidike, "Aye, aye. I'll keep that in mind." She bit her bottom lip thoughtfully. So really she could make a difference then? This stranger was calling her a gem to her family? If only they could think that. Always the odd one out...Nadiya closed her eyes briefly against the burning sensation. It would be really silly to cry like this, right?

"Thank you." At the tease, Nadiya laughed. "Well I wanted to make sure. No telling about things, you know~" In her mind she tried to repeat the name to make certain it would stick. Mnyiri...

Tilting her head Nadiya watched as Mnyiri seemed to catch something, "Rhonann and bread?" Blinking as pieces clicked in her mind, Nadiya smiled. "Need help getting some bread? I can get some for you." She winked playfully, "My brother's a pain, but he did leave me extra funds. I'm sure he wouldn't mind if I said I needed some bread to eat. A gal's gotta eat some food to grow after all~" Even if she was a squirt she was notorious for being able to handle a big meal.

Nadiya reached her hand out towards Mnyiri, "Come on we can get you some bread before you go back to your friend. There's plenty of time."
Moose::
Rhonann's my friend and we're traveling together, but I said I would get some stuff when I came into Neued today and I didn't and now I'm probably late." She ended only to inhale some much needed air and exhale it with a sigh. That was the problem with sending her anywhere; Mnyiri didn't mind running errands, but she was often so distracted that it took hours. She just hoped that it hadn't been as long this time as it was the last time she'd been late.

"Oh Aisha, thank you." What little tension that had managed to build without her seeped out all at once. She rose to stand at her full height, and took Nadiya's hand in hers. "My radaku was supposed to hunt some meat for her, but I doubt he did it because he's a butt face. If I can just get this then I can keep observing for a while before I go back.”
Sabra::
"So you do travel then." Nadiya smiled while a hint of envy crossed her mind. What would it be like to travel with Mnyiri instead of her brother? She could probably roam as freely as she wanted and play her music whenever she wanted. It truly was a disappointing thought that she couldn't show Mnyiri her music, "Either way, let's get you set up then." Seemed that her fun was almost over...

"Your butt faced, radaku?" Nadiya laughed despite her confusion. She hoped it was an animal of the area, but even then that was impressive. Beast charmers were always amazing to her ,but it seemed even Alkidikes could have trained familiars. "Let's get going then~!" Tugging Mnyiri after her the petite girl slipped through the crowds. Needless to say it may ahve been slightly comical to see such a tiny girl leading the way for a towering alkidike.

Still, it didn't take long for Nadiya to hand over some coins to a vendor for a basket of breads, "You think this is enough?" Blinking ever so innocently, Nadiya reached in to grab one of the smaller pieces, "I wanted some for me as well. Hope that's okay~" Even if the vendor had made a strange expression at seeing the pair, Nadiya just shrugged it off. Surely there were stranger sights in the world than just the pair of them.
Moose::
"Not far, just around Jauhar. I'm trying to find my sister, and I'm not exactly sure where she settled." She picked up her spear before walking, noting with no small mount of amusement that her weapon was nearly as tall as Nadiya.

She followed along with the petite female, looking out over crowd and trying to take in as much as she could. This place was so festive and bright, but also so completely confusing to her. There was a lot of potential in this crowd, yet some chose to sit around and talk. Which was fine in the short term, but she'd been here a while and that Oban woman with the hairy mole hadn't moved off her a** in three days.

Shrugging, she moved on and remained quiet as Nadiya purchased the goods. "Take as much as you want. It's just the two of us and I don't eat much." She picked at things here and there, effectively eating throughout most of the day. Mnyiri did pinch out a bite of a larger loaf before popping it into her mouth. "So, what can I do to help you? You bought the bread so it's only fair."

Sabra::
"Oh." So much for all those exciting adventures that she had began to write in her mind. Still surely Jauhar was exciting enough for some stories, "I hope you find her quickly then. What do you plan on doing once you find her?" Curious as usual, Nadiya couldn't resist throwing a few questions towards Mnyiri. Perhaps it was some tragic reunion? That would make a good tale also.

"Alright then." Nadiya pinched off more bread before popping it into her mouth. Somehow she managed to get the piece in there, even if her cheek did puff out a bit on the side. "Help me?" Nadiya blinked in confusion, "Umm...I actually don't know." It wasn't like she could ask Mnyiri to come in and kick through her family's home in Matori and rescue her precious flute. Though admittedly the thought did make her almost laugh. Now that would be a sight to see!

"I would ask you to listen to my music, but I don't have my flute with me..." Trailing off the girl just smiled sadly, "Perhaps if we ever meet again I'll ask you to critique me. For now if you have any interesting stories I can listen. I do enjoy finding inspirations for stories~ Other than that I can't think of much, you already gave me a precious bell as well."
Moose::
"I...haven't actually thought that far ahead." The question took her by surprise. What WAS she going to do after finding Illyra? Probably keep helping Rhonann but what about after that? Wow, now I'm depressed.

And it seemed like she wasn't the only one. Why didn't she have her flute? At one point she had just assumed Nadiya had left her flute behind in an inn, but maybe it was further away than that. "Okay, uhm, let me think...." What did she know that would be interesting enough to tell? She pondered on it, rolled it around in her mind before something big dawned on her. "Oh! I found this chest in the forest, this little earthling chest; it was old and nasty, but we got it open. Inside was all sorts of ledgers talking about the Oban slave trade and where the different slaves went. I...should have maybe not mentioned that." Did that sound racist? Probably. "Anyway, I'm trying to find someone to give them to so some families can be reconnected."
Sabra::
"Ah, well I'm sure you'll figure it out." Nadiya waved a hand as if to dismiss the topic, "Isn't that the exciting part of an adventure? You never know what's around the corner for ya." Though she was slightly disappointed in the confession, Nadiya would just place her own story there instead. Or better yet it would be something to look forward to hearing from Mnyiri should they ever run into each other again.

"A chest in the forest?" Nadiya's gaze gleamed with hope. What was inside? Was it full of treasures? Ancient weapons perhaps? Magical tomes? Mysterious gems even? As the story continued she felt her gaze drop, "Ah." Out of all things for Mnyiri to find...while she hadn't been a slave, her mother's past still haunted the family. It was part of the very reason that her mother was so determined to secure a hard working future for everyone. There was no time to play if you wanted to keep ahead of the race.

"It's fine." Realizing her own pause, Nadiya shook her head. "I'm not offended since I was born free. I'm sure there'll be others interested in it though. You really could reunite families with that!" Gaze suddenly shimmering with hope once more the girl grinned, "If you need I should be heading back to Matori within the week so I can always try to see if anyone would know what to do with it? If you want that is..."

She frowned, "But maybe it is best left with you. I really don't know where to start with such a thing either to be honest. But my brother is a merchant so perhaps he could have an idea..."
Moose::
"We could go back to the camp and I could get it for you. Your brother might know someone to give it to, or at least somewhere to start. I've tried talking to a few people here about it, but they either wanted nothing to do with it or just gave me a blank look." It had been disheartening to say the least. After Ariya had talked up the find Mnyiri was sure she'd found something far better than treasure. Now...well, sometimes she had wondered if it wouldn't be better to burn it.

"And and and you could meet my buttface radaku for yourself. Just...just don't pet him. Mvua is a grouch, and kind of snappy."
Sabra::

Nadiya practically jumped for joy at the suggestion. A reason to get away for a bit? Oh, she was definitely up for this! "Sounds like a plan. I just need to keep an eye on time...if I'm too late my brother may have a search party out for me." Even though she tried to brush it off jokingly there was a lump of dread in her chest. What if he did come after her? She had already encouraged her family's wrath just recently...she didn't need anymore from Ahren.

"I'll take the lists from you and give them to Ahren. He can easily spread them after all and hopefully it'll help some family." Smiling she bounced ahead of Mnyiri, "Come on lead the way! I want to see this buttface of yours~!"

Perhaps today hadn't been such a bad experience after all. Nadiya couldn't help smiling at the thought as she carefully tucked away her new treasure, the small bell from the alkidike.