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 Posted: Thu May 14, 2015 6:29 pm
Zuberi was standing in the midst of the shop glaring at the swords. He was supposed to be there to pick up supplies for his journey. A journey that his parents had no idea about it. If they did they could have probably set up a caravan, guards, and a wagon full of unnecessary things that would have been more a hindrance than a help and all that after they tried to convince him not to go. Zuberi frowned at the thought. He had no intention of letting L'lhynd just leave. He didn't care what new laws were in place. L'lhynd was his, plain and simple.
The problem though was he wasn't sure exactly what he needed for a journey. He had never traveled out of Oban and even the journeys to different capitols had been with an escort. Journey alone in unfamiliar country would be...different. But it didn't matter. He would figure it out. He always did. Unfamiliar places and unprepared resources, none of that mattered when it came to getting what he wanted.
Though, right now, what he wanted was for the shopkeeper to replace some of these swords. It irked him how on grand display were expensive blades with jeweled hilts. Even from here it was clear the swords were useless. He didn't even bother picking them up to check their balance.
Who put gems on the grip?
He gritted his teeth that a sword, any sword, would be treated so badly. A sword should be treated with respect, not dressed up like a whore. He narrowed his eyes, unaware of just how many people were making a wide berth of the tall Oban, practically radiating waves of irritation.
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Posted: Thu May 14, 2015 6:49 pm
Muttering to himself Kdal looked around, grudgingly acknowledged that he was lost, and that all of the buildings looked the same. Or at least, he thought they did. To someone raised in Oba they could spot the differences and the meanings, like a purple lantern versus a red one in a shop front, or what that set of engraved flowers represented. He wished his parents had gone to Oba more, but they hadn't thought it safe, with the war and the very real risk of slavery prior to it.
It was a shame, the place was beautiful in its own way, now that the awe had worn off a bit. It looked like any other marketplace, and while the layout was different, Kdal was able to move around a bit.
Of course it didn't help him in the least with actually finding anything of use.
Sighing Kdal wandered around, stopping here and there to browse, not liking the way he was eyed by the shopkeepers. He knew he looked like an easy mark, with his wide innocent eyes and very obvious air of outsider. He didn't think it was the usual 'What Gender Are You' that colored their gaze, but how much they could rob him by. Any actual attempts at being robbed were dissuaded by having Dakri hanging out of his satchel. The Sail Scale might be harmless, but no one wanted bitten fingers and his familiar was used to being used as a deterrent by then.
Muttering to himself about the lack of helpful signs Kdal turned down a path, unaware of the bubble of space he'd just breached as he stepped up to the first shop that caught his eye. Swords mostly. Gaudily decorated and possibly terrible in balance. Frowning he ran a finger over the cloth before one of the swords, this one decorated with fiery red opals on the pommel and guard. Even the grip was fancy looking with the woven gold.
He shook his head, noting the shopkeepers narrowed eyes at the movement. He wasn't here for swords and the merchant clearly only had blades for sale. "Sir, do you know where I can find someone who sells Spears?" He asked, voice as neutral as he could make it.
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Posted: Fri May 15, 2015 2:30 pm
At the voice beside him, Zuberi's scowl darkened even more. "Not here." He turned to see who was talking to him. Standing there was an Oban, like he had been expecting, but a shifter. He frowned. It wasn't that he cared if the shifter spoke to him, it was more that most races just didn't. In fact, people avoided him when they could, so it was strange that this boy...girl...
He frowned. For a moment he just stared and tried to figure out if the shifter was male or female. It was hard to tell and for some reason that irritated him. His brow furrowed. Boy...girl...male...female... He dismissed it. There was no point trying to guess when the one with the answers was standing in front of him.
"Are you male or female?" he asked, not bothering to gentle his question. He knew the question might be considered rude, but things like that just didn't matter to him. He never did understand why being straightforward was considered bad. Why talk in circles when you could just get to the point.
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Posted: Fri May 15, 2015 6:28 pm
A slender brow raised at the question. What did his gender have to do with finding a training spear? He shifted his weight and examined the Oban next to him, taking in the rich clothing, the irritation on his face and in his voice. Nobility then, like most Obans were, exalted to their stations on the backs of their slaves. Former slaves now, oh how that must chafe.
"What does my gender have to do with finding a weapon?" He asked, amused. His outfit had been altered a little, a harness-like shirt replaced the breast band and bindings, but it did little to hide the slight flair of his hips. "I am male though." He added, not really wanting to add to the others irritation. He was a single shifter in a land that wasn't his own, he really didn't need any problems.
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Posted: Wed May 20, 2015 5:10 pm
"Nothing," Zuberi said in answer to his question. "I wanted to know." He didn't see why his question had to be somehow related to the other Shifter's question. Fortunately, the Shifter answered the question, stating he was male. Zuberi nodded with a grunt, satisfied with that answer. He nodded his head away from the shop. He had hoped to find a new shop to look at swords, but this one was worthless. He gave it another glance before turning his back on it.
"Come with me. I'll show you a good place," he said. Zuberi knew of an excellent shop, of course, but he liked to explore always in hopes of finding a treasure. It was a habit he couldn't break. Whenever he saw a weapon's shop he went inside, looking around for something. His uncle, after a most painful visit, had given him a recommendation of a shop in Awat, but he hadn't had a chance to go there yet and so he still looked over Oban.
Zuberi took a step forward, glancing in the direction of the shop and started walking. At least there was at least one good shop in Sulburi for weapons.
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Posted: Thu May 21, 2015 12:56 pm
The look Kdal shot the Obans turned back could only be described as amused and resigned. In all honesty he was used to being second guessed with his gender. It was a common occurrence with strangers and even some folks from his clan still made mistakes. It was worse with those who just refused to accept who he was, but this Oban just took his word for it. It was...refreshing, in a way.
The shifter followed his impromptu guide, eyes sliding over the booths they wandered passed. It was almost unreal, the amount of wealth located in this one strip. Gems of all sizes and shades decorated things that were purely ornamental. Jewelry, mirrors, clothing and even books glimmered in the light. The weapons were most lavished things he'd seen and he wondered if anyone would ever use them in a practical manner and not as something to mount on a wall, or to carry on ceremony only.
"I'm Kdal, and thanks for this." He said, lengthening his stride so that he walked only a little bit behind the man. "Never been here before and I know I'd get lost trying to find anything, even with directions."
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Posted: Tue May 26, 2015 1:35 am
Zuberi grunted at the man's word, more intent on reaching his destination. He turned down a street, to an area that wore subdued clothes, made for endurance instead of show. The shops were more functional instead of lavished, though he goods were sill obviously expensive. I was an area known for its quality. It also meant there was a sort of elitism in the air, one that Zuberi himself carried tended to carry.
As soon as they hit the area, Zuberi some of the annoyance Zuberi felt dispersed and he finally spoke again. "I'm Zuberi," he said in introduction then continued with mild curiosity. "Where are you traveling from if you've never been to Sulburi?"
For Zuberi, Oba had always been the center of his world. He had never traveled outside of it, not even to Matori. Previously, he never had to, so the rest of the world hadn't matter, but now that L'lhynd was gone, more than likely to Matori, the world suddenly seemed big and curious.
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Posted: Tue May 26, 2015 2:20 pm
Kdal felt his lips curve into a smile at the mans grunt. 'Quiet one this man.' He thought, 'That's different, and somewhat welcome. Anyone else from the clan would have been chatting my ear off already. ' Bare feet padded silently down the street and every so often Kdal would turn his gaze downward to make sure he didn't step in or on anything. There was nothing worse in his opinion then a foot wound. They rubbed against everything and was just generally inconvenient. But shoes were just as stifling and he rather liked the feel of dirt and grass between his toes.
He blinked, wondering when they'd turned down the path that held all the practical things. Clothing made for travel in nice shades. Expensive too, as he caught sight of a tag in passing. He wasn't quite sure that silk was good for travel, but this was Oba, it was a lot hotter here then back home. These dark skinned earthlings probably needed the lighter fabrics to keep cool.
Speaking of keeping cool, Kdal wiped away a trickle of sweat that tried to drip down into his pants from the small of his back, and wondered if it would be better to take off his sash and cool down that area. Then decided against it because said sash was probably already sweat soaked. He grimaced, there wasn't really anything more he could take off without becoming indecent.
"Well met Zuberi." Kdal replied, almost before his mind caught up to what he'd said. He blinked back to the present, shoving his minor discomforts to the back of his mind. "I'm part of the Wind Tribe, so a little bit of everywhere." He made a vauge gesture with one hand, "Adopted though, if you were wondering. Most recently from Tale. I discovered some...unsavory things there that made me realize that I have no combat experience whatsoever, and have decided to remedy that by obtaining a weapon in which to train myself with." He knew that was probably more information then Zuberi probably wanted, but Kdal was never really one to trade in information if possible.
Besides, all of that was more personal in nature and not really what sold at any rate.
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Posted: Thu May 28, 2015 3:49 pm
The man rambled on and Zuberi only half-listened to the information that had nothing to do with what he wanted to know. And what he wanted to know wasn't so important that he really wanted to enter into an aimless conversation until Kdal mentioned training himself. Suddenly he had Zuberi's complete attention. Zuberi slowed down and then came to a halt in the middle of the street. People gave the man disgruntle looks, but otherwise moved on.
Zuberi turned to face Kdal. "Are you planning to go and buy a weapon you've never used?" He asked, his voice hinting that this in itself was some sort of sacrilege that shouldn't have even been said in his presence. "And you're going to teach it to yourself?" He shook his head, his brow furrow as a new through occurred to him. " And you want a spear? Why a spear?"
"Swords," he said with utter conviction, "are superior." It was clear that though Zuberi was otherwise disinterested in most things, the speaking of weapons was a whole different matter.
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Posted: Thu May 28, 2015 4:37 pm
The look Kdal gave him was as dry as the desert, "I'm not idiotic thank you. I plan on buying two weapons. A staff for learning the movements and the spear for practical application." He shifted his weight as he stood there, shopping crowd parting around them with few dirty looks thrown their way. He wondered if the man was as obessed with weapons as he appeared to be, if the tone of his voice was anything to go by. Excuse him, swords over all other weapons.
"I want a spear because it's the weapon I'd rather wield. Swords don't appeal to me the way a spear doesn't appeal to you." Kdal pointed out in a flat voice, "Besides, I'm more likely to chop my foot off with one then I would be with a spear. It's harder to impale myself at any rate." He failed to mention that the familiars he lived with would be more than happy to injure themselves on a sword then a spear.
"But, if you must know, it's because I want to be a lancer. My tribe...has a few of them, and I admire them greatly."
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Posted: Fri May 29, 2015 5:19 am
Zuberi supposed that those were valid reasons He grunted and mumbled, "Swords are still better." He turned and continued onward to the shop he was taking the man. He was still a little confused though. He said a staff to learn the movements and a spear to actual use, but he never mentioned the most important thing. "Who is your teacher?"
As he asked his question they reached the shop. The shop was popular among fighters as it had high quality weapons that were made to be used instead of sparkle uselessly. As such there was a lot of people hanging around the shop, guards, professional fighters, mercenaries. Most people divided off into their own groups, but there were a couple of cross boundaries of rank. That tended to happen when it came to looking over a good weapon together.
It was also where people tended to set up sparring matches or find teachers. Despite the shop's popularity, some people in the area didn't appreciate it. Mostly those who didn't fight. The shop had a policy of serving all those who loved weapons and so didn't segregate their clientele like many of the upper-class did The owner loved weapons and was willing to talk to anyone who did too.
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Posted: Fri May 29, 2015 10:24 am
That was the question, now wasn't it? Kdal blew an irritated breath as he followed the Oban again. While he was sure one of the teachers of his tribe would agree (eventually) to teach him, he'd rather not hold his breath on that. The teachers were all strict, no nonsense, and most felt his shifting of genders to be nonsense. Stick with one and stay that way had been thrown at him more times than he'd rather recall.
Kdal was more than aware of the nuances of bodily structure and movement by now. He didn't need to be reminded of the things he lacked and the things he had. He made due quite well and was happy with the way he was. He didn't need to be one or the other to lead a productive life.
"I don't have one."He said finally, once they reached the stall. He could see a good business when laid eyes on the merchant, the shoppers. They were content and the weapons were of superior quality and he couldn't see a single decorative item amongst everything, except for some detailed work on scabbards and holsters. The place set him at ease, this was no front for something else and everything was honest. Or rather, as honest as it could be considering where it was.
"I'm looking for a teacher who wouldn't care what I am so long as I work hard."
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Posted: Thu Jun 04, 2015 5:33 pm
Zuberi frowned at the man's words. He didn't quite understand them. care what he was? He had teachers that wouldn't take on certain classes and some who wouldn't take on races beside Obans. That could possibly be what Kdal was talking about, but surely he would be able to find someone from his own people? Then again Kdal had said he was from the Leaf tribe though it was clear he was born a Shifter. Perhaps that was why. Maybe even if the Leaf tribe accepted him within the people, they still discriminated against him.
It wouldn't surprise him. Obans could be that way about those who had mixed blood. Still, no one should be prevented from learning how to use a weapon. No wonder the man hadn't seen the beauty of the sword. Zuberi decided this needed to be remedy and quickly if possible.
"I don't know much about spears, but I could teach you some basic moves with it. When I was younger we had to learn the moves of most weapons and when I grew older, I had to learn to defend against a variety of weapons when using my sword. If you're find with that, I'll teach you until you find a teacher or my knowledge runs out." He paused as a new thought occurred to him. "Or at least until I leave Oba."
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Posted: Fri Jun 05, 2015 6:17 am
Kdal seemed surprised at the offer and also a little wary. People didn't offer things like this for free without wanting something in return, and the Wind raised Shifter didn't think it would be his stellar presence. "Where are you going to go?" He asked instead of responding right away to the offer.
Frankly he didn't mind learning from the other. Zuberi had shown a passion for weaponry, swords mostly, and claimed to know a few things about spear work, without trying to pass himself off as a Master. Both were points in his favor. Another was that he didn't raise a fuss when he'd said 'Male' in response to his inquiry about his gender. Add in the fact that there hadn't been a single slur against his tribe or anything else about him, and it looked like Kdal wouldn't mind spending more time with the Oban.
It wasn't as if he hadn't been around people with grumpy dispositions before. No, Zuberi was more...introverted? Self-contained? Kdal wasn't sure if that was quite the word he was looking for, but it would do for now.
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Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2015 4:49 am
"Matori," Zuberi said. With anyone else that would have usually been followed up with why he was going to Matori, but Zuberi rarely felt the need to explain himself to people so he didn't. Instead he was more interested in whether Kdal was going to take him up on his offer to train him. He had expected an answer right away, but maybe the man was still thinking on it. There were certainly people more qualified than him. If Zuberi had been in his place he would have probably said no in hopes of finding a better teacher. Perhaps that was it? Zuberi shrugged and nodded to the shop. "Let's go in and se what sort of spear to get you." He began heading inside the shop.
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