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 Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2015 7:39 pm
Callum hung behind his Gran while she over looked bolts of cloth at a merchant's stall. Ever since the rumors had started the woman felt fidgety without her grand-son close by, so he had tried his best to alleviate her fears. That being said, spending the better part of ones day browsing for odds and ends did not an exciting day make.
His nimble fingers were busying themselves by placing his hair into a fish tail that hung over his left shoulder. Demand for weaponry was higher than that of simple cloth these days, and while Callum had been attracted to the brighter patterns his Gran was looking at drab, practical colors. They would assist in his blending in should fighting happen which was the important thing. If only he could get as excited about it as his Gran. Of course, when she asked him questions he would smile and comment on the stability of the different shades of blue. She was dead set on his wearing blue, and while Callum liked the color, he much preferred orange.
It reminded him of home. Sauti seemed so far away from him now, and with each passing day Callum felt his feet itching more to travel. A sharp pull on one of the feathers in his hair nearly brought him to the ground. When Callum looked behind him he saw Faulina fluttering, tugging on the feather to get his attention. "What is it, girl?" The young Kinfa pulled until he walked with her. If he hadn't gathered enough attention by simply existing, then surely being led by a bright pink youngling bird would do the trick.
She brought him to a fruit stall, and he rolled his eyes with a sweet smile. Callum held his forearm aloft, aligning it parallel to the ground so that she could land. "You're so spoiled." He stroked the tufts of feathers just above her beak. It was a little game she insisted on playing every time they went to market. Faulina knew that her appetite wouldn't be sated since Callum lacked the funds to indulge her. However, she also knew that if she pressed him enough the lad would return to barter something of his for fruit.
It was to her advantage when he reached around his back and pulled a bracelet from his pack. Was it worth it...? Faulina chirped out a whine. Leaning in, the young Kinfa brushed her feathered head against his ear. "Alright, alright, I hear you." Callum chuckled. Still, his heart felt torn and it showed. The bracelet meant a great deal to him, so when he bartered it off for a few pieces of fruit he felt a part of his soul go with it. Really, he had been under bid and ripped off. In the end it mattered little in the wake of the happiness seen in his little girl.
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Posted: Sun Jun 14, 2015 11:30 am
Painted Moose So I wrote a whole reply and lost it because my computer spazzed. Shoooooooooooot me. So this one might be sloppy compared to it. 8'D
Her gaze brought the worst of the stares. Because of that Talisia made certain to keep her gaze towards the ground while she walked around others. It was much easier to do that than to have to put up with the questioning stares. Still despite her differences the girl felt more freedom here than she had ever felt before in her life. Here she could breathe freely without fear of her mother's shadow lingering over her.
Her mother had always said that Talisia and her twin would never be able to survive for long in the world without her protection, yet Talisia was surviving. Sure the people could stare at her sometimes, but those were just stares and not real daggers going into her skin. I'm more like a puzzle that someone is trying to figure out. She was so mismatched as a hybrid featuring the different attributes of two races that even she got confused at times. Who am I supposed to be? Was she more for Jahaur or did she belong back in her home at Zena? Not even she could figure out the mystery.
Dris had helped her so much though. By giving Talisia room and helping her to adapt the girl found that she was beginning to enjoy Jahaur. Though it had taken a while for her to get used to the fact that she no longer could hide beneath furs and instead wore bare strips of cloth that somehow people took as clothing here. Her hair was too wild for the braids that she attempted and so once more Talisia had given up and let the wild curls hang down past her shoulders.
Her force of change in clothing was what dragged the girl to the market for a rare visit. She needed the new cloth and silk to make clothing for herself and so after packing up some of the fine pieces that she had taken with her from home for bartering the girl had headed out. Her interest in the cloth that her fingers trailed over was taken away though as she noticed bright movement from the corner of her gaze.
What was that? Blinking her gaze Talisia noticed the pink Kinfa and immediately her gaze lit up. What a cute creature! Her surprise at seeing the bird up close grew even more as she noticed that the little one had an owner. The boy though was unique like her and stood out in the crowd. Another hybrid here? Surely she realized that others existed, but this was the first time she had encountered another one in Jahuar.
Watching their interaction made a rare smile light up her face. It was simply too adorable watching how the boy spoiled the kifna. He truly must love and care for her. It was no secret to see that his decision to give up the bracelet meant a lot to him. The sight made her heart clench as she worried about Silva. She had been here for days, but the raptrix had been hidden from her again. What was he up to? Was he adapting well to the new area? She could only hope for the best.
Her distraction made it easy for someone to barrel past her. Tumbling forward towards the pair Talisia found herself flushing as she stared face to face with the other hybrid and his familiar. Her surprise kept her frozen in place for a solid moment as her bi-colored gaze studied his face. As the moment passed though she regained a sense of herself and took a step back. Quickly looking down towards the ground the girl stood quietly. Should she speak or just go on her way?
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Posted: Sun Jun 14, 2015 12:22 pm
Sabra Knight Haha, that's fine. xD I wrote mine while I was drinking last night so that's a thing.
Callum, though, had moved forward in an instant to steady the girl. "Woah, woah, easy there," His concern only grew after Faulina's stunt. "Are you okay? No bumps, bruises?" The gangly youth looked up to his feathered companion and whistled; two sharp and one low. Begrudgingly she returned to him and settled in his arms. Faulina seemed to prefer his holding onto her, though she rarely let him get this snuggly, than to have his hands on another girl!
"I'm very sorry for Faulina here. She takes a while to adjust to other females." Callum tried to smile, though it was obvious he was still concerned for the girl and a bit miffed with his Kinfa. Her feathers were puffed in his hold, and he took great care to hold onto her talons to prevent an attack. Callum let his gaze openly study the girl, who was so very quiet and withdrawn, as he tried to assess her. It was surprising to see another hybrid in this area, let alone one so obviously containing an Ice lineage. "Is there any way I can assist you to make up for it? I may not look it, but I am fairly strong. I can hold your items as you shop and help you carry them, or...Bergchi, your eyes are amazing. "
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Posted: Sun Jun 14, 2015 3:19 pm
Wincing as the kifna flew away Talisia couldn't help but to frown sadly. Maybe she's shy? At least that was her hope so she didn't feel completely rejected by the beautiful creature. Her thoughts didn't get a chance to linger long as the feel of someone touching her caused the girl to freeze in surprise.
Holding back the urge to jump away Talisia nodded and pulled back. Her bi-colored gaze stayed on the boy as she studied him through her surprise, "I'm fine." Her gaze lit up longingly as the bird came back at the stranger's whistles. If only I could have a familiar who responded to my call so willingly. Then again what made Silva so wild and free would be lost if that were the case. It was better just knowing that her familiar acted to defend her of his own will and judgement. Even if that meant that some times she would not see him for days. She just hoped he was well.
Awhile to adjust to other females? So she was very protective of this boy. Talisia had a faint smile flicker across her features, "No need to apologize. She's just protecting the one she cares for." Her gentle gaze slid towards Faulina, "Don't worry I don't intend to do anything with him." She added quietly. Talisia studied how the kifna was being held with a soft sigh. It might be best for her to move on if the bird was that uncomfortable with her here. There was no need to ruin the stranger's day after all.
Blinking she finally realized that he was staring at her. It wasn't scorning though, but more of a curious gaze she felt. Oddly enough even though she crossed her arms in a protective manner after he had touched her the girl felt herself relaxing. "Thank you, but I think I can manage on my own. If I couldn't carry my own belongings then I would have been dead long ago....my what?" Talisia felt her cheeks flame as his final words registered. He thought her eyes were amazing? Was that a good thing? "You don't think they make me look strange? She found herself blurting out the question and quickly covered her mouth with a hand, "I'm sorry I'll get out of your way. I'm probably an odd sight to walk with, right?
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Posted: Sun Jun 14, 2015 4:01 pm
"She really is quite sweet once you get to know her." Faulina made a furrowed sound from within her chest that was akin to a growling squeak. It wasn't much, perhaps something the young bird had picked up from larger kinfa, but to her it was clear. This female was not to get near her boy!
"Faulina, we've talked about this," Callum chided. Looking down to the avian he opened his arms enough for her to spread her orchid wings. "Go now. Go to Gran and watch over her." With a rustle of feathers she took off, sailing over a few heads before disappearing into the trees. Callum watched her as one would a rebellious child. There was love there, but a growing distress over her actions. She responded to his calls, but little else.
She certainly was abrasive. There was a frigidness to her that betrayed the softer core as soon as he complimented those hetero-chromatic eyes. It was charming, in it's own way. "Strange makes them sound like a bad thing. I would say they're 'unique' or even 'rare'. Like a lost gem in a hidden cavern."
He found himself reaching out to take her hand in his. "Please, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. If it's standing out your worried about I think we're past that." Of course Callum had noticed the odd looks passed their way. Who else would stand out among the Shifters but those who were so obviously hybrids? "If you hadn't noticed, I'm a little different myself."
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Posted: Sun Jun 14, 2015 4:24 pm
Talisia smiled, "I'm sure she is." She watched wistfully as the bird lifted into the air. Maybe one day she would learn more about this area and find some more friends of her own. Beasts of course not the earthling ones. They often made her feel uneasy and far more tense than she did with animals.
"I never denied that they were a bad thing." Talisia replied quietly lowering her gaze once more. There was a surprised expression in there that was innocent and childlike as his compliment hit home. He thought they were like a rare treasure? What a strange person I've encountered.
At the touch to her hand the girl looked up in frozen shock. Why was he casually touching her so much? It was something she had never been used to before now and each time the stranger did it she found herself confused. His words about standing out made her finally move again. Of course he was a hybrid too so she must have insulted him by acting like she was a disgrace herself. "Oh, I'm sorry I meant no offense." She gently pulled her hand from his grasp, "I'm just not used to finding others like me."
Not only was he like her, but he seemed so comfortable in the open as well.
How did he manage it?
As she realized that she was staring Talisia cleared her throat to try to hide the awkwardness, "As it is do you know of any good cloth? Obviously I'm not exactly of the Jauhar lineage only and so this new climate has really forced me to get new clothes."
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Posted: Sun Jun 14, 2015 5:02 pm
Sabra Knight Part of my response is still in your previous response from when you quoted. xD
Callum looked down to his now empty hand. The youth flexed his palm, moving the crystals on the back of his hand before reluctantly bringing it back to his side. He put his hands around him awkwardly since it felt odd just leaving them to hang. Callum was used to strange looks, so unlike the girl before him, he stood confidently before her gaze. What else should a freak do but to be ready for an exhibition?
Callum laughed and shook his head. "No no, it's fine. I grew up with hybrid's for friends so I'm used to it all." Of course, that had only been two and for such a brief amount of time. Ming'we and Minga were his world; his two siblings from different mothers. "Just be careful when if you travel, alright? It's not safe for our kind in the jungle. I would hate to hear of anything bad happening to you."
Perking considerably, Callum nodded and held out his arm to motion towards the market stalls. "I know your pain all to well. I'm not from Jauhar myself, and this humidity is absolute murder. Follow me and I'll show you to some venders." Callum turned, little whisps of white hair falling around the crystals on his upper shoulders. "So I take it your from Zena?"
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Posted: Sun Jun 14, 2015 5:32 pm
Painted Moose I think I fixed it. xD If not I'll find it and edit again.
Spotting how he reacted to her retreat the girl felt a tinge of guilt. He was so nice to her yet she had just rudely pulled back like that. No, I shouldn't let myself get spoiled by some guy. Most likely she would never even see him again since Jauhar was such a huge place. This was a chance encounter and she had to keep reminding herself of it. Better than raising her hopes right?
"More?" The question slipped out and she found herself flushing, "It's just I'm not used to it. Hybrids were so rare back home that my eyes didn't help making me stand out either. Let's just say I normally didn't get to see others much." She froze as she realized she had said too much. Why was she talking so much? She normally was so quiet and stern with strangers. I really am getting too relaxed.
She shook her head at his concern, "For a passing stranger you should save your worry. I made it by myself across several lands so I doubt this will be any harder for me. It also helped having a giant raptrix to growl away any strangers that meant her harm as well. But that was a fact that she preferred to keep to herself.
"I don't understand how so many people easily survive it." This humidity was the toughest obstacle for her yet. As they moved the pressure of the crowd nearly made her reach out for him, but as he turned back towards her the girl quickly pulled back, "Yes, I am though I left it behind for a reason so I prefer not to linger on it. So you are not from here originally either though?"
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Posted: Sun Jun 14, 2015 5:46 pm
Callum's smile dipped into a empathetic look. "I am...very sorry to hear that. No one should have to think themselves alone in a crowd. I hope that you find something more in Jauhar." Although Callum wasn't entirely sure what it was exactly the girl was seeking, or maybe even why she had come here, Jauhar offered a new beginning. As someone himself who was trying to find his footing he could understand the pain of trying to reinvent yourself when you needed to break from a rough past.
"You're right, forgive me." Callum's smile returned and when he looked back he noticed the change in her eye, with his own shifting with the rising moon. These changes were oh so much more subtle in Jauhar than in Sauti, since the vast majority of souls around them changed their skin tones as well. Thankfully Callum's father had adjusted him to it by existing, or he might have had a panic over it like he did the tree climbing.
"I'm sure they think the same of Zena, Sauti...Oba...all the others. Natives have a way of adapting. I just wish I could pick it up as quickly as they can. It's a little embarrassing when a child can climb a vine faster than I can." He shook his head with a little grin. The teasing was adorable when coming from the young, and hurtful from the adults. "You are correct in that assumption," Even with his smile and light hearted talk, Callum was quick to steer the conversation away from himself. He stopped just short of the same cloth vendor he had visited with his Gran not so very long ago.
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Posted: Mon Jun 15, 2015 9:30 am
Her heart twisted at his empathetic look. No one should be giving her a look like that! It just made her worry about what life this other hybrid came from as well. Still at his mention of a new life and chances in Jauhar brought a faint light to her gaze."Maybe." I mean I did meet him after all. And who would have thought that she would have ever taken so much time to be social with some stranger?
Looking away from him she blinked her eyes out of habit. The shifting was something that she was slowly getting used to. It was nice though seeing that the shifting of colors was common here and not just some strange trait that her eye had picked up. I nearly forgot that my father did the same since it was so long ago...
"That is true. A lot have troubles in Zena as well." A rare laugh slipped from her at his comment about the children, " I'm sure one day you will be as nimble as any child on the vines here." She commented after looking away with a flush. His light attitude was in contagious? Now that was a scary thought for Talisia.
As they approached the cloth vendor she looked around in awe. There were so many pieces here! Back home she had never really been allowed to go to market and had only lived with the choices brought to her, which indeed had been very limited. "How do I pick?" She asked softly before trailing a finger over some indigo cloth.
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Posted: Mon Jun 15, 2015 9:42 am
"Perhaps when I've grown a full beard I'll be sprinting around like a child showing off it's first tooth." Callum laughed. With time came an understanding of how the forests worked. At least now he knew that the shifter's had ladders made of vine to climb up instead of grappling with the bark as he had his first few days.
Her flushing was precious, and so interesting to look at one blue skin. It was more so obvious than ever that this girl wasn't used to compliments. A pity, given her beauty. Callum would have to change that.
"Follow your heart," Callum leaned over to inspect the cloth himself. Of course his position was just so behind her that his arm ran parallel to her own. Perhaps if he hadn't been so close then he would't have heard her at all. "This would compliment your skin, as well as highlight your hair. Now where is it...I could have sworn I saw something earlier that would be perfect..." Murmuring to himself, Callum took a few steps away from the girl to speak with the vendor.
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Posted: Mon Jun 15, 2015 10:01 am
Talisia covered her mouth at his retort. The image of the hybrid as an old man running around after the children in trees really was pretty funny. "I'm sure it won't take that long." He really was an interesting character. It looked nice being able to brush off troubles with a laugh. Talisia just shook her head though. I'm sure there's a lot of strength to it. Something she didn't have.
"Hard to do when my heart is silent." Protested Talisia before freezing. Her hand lingered over the cloth in surprise and she had to hold her breath while he lingered there. He's...he's too close! Obviously it was that discomfort that made her heart race at his sudden warmth next to her. Talisia could think of no other reason that he was making her suddenly so nervous, "You think?" She managed softly before letting out a breath of relief as he stepped away. Who knew being social would be such a hard thing?
"Let me know if you find it...I'll be over here. Swallowing her nerves the girl walked around towards the other side of the cloth stall where she could take a moment to herself. What was up with all the surprises today? Perhaps going to the market was a far more dangerous ordeal than she had originally believed after all.
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Posted: Mon Jun 15, 2015 10:14 am
Silent? Oh no, her heart was as clear to him as the shift in her eye. There was a bounty of warmth lying in wait that for some reason or another found itself unable to be expressed.
Perhaps it was his lack of personal boundaries that made Callum ignorant to the effects he had on the girl. He knew her to be shy, though he assumed that was the crux of it all. Already she had warmed to him considerably, so he saw no problem at all in making his presence known at times.
He haggled around with the vendor, who at first explained that the cloth he sought was no longer available, then it was the last piece but much to expensive, and now it was just like the rest. Of course it helped that Callum had greased his palm with a golden, jeweled earring he had taken from his pouch. It didn't cover the full expense, but it brought it down enough that she shouldn't have to worry over price should she want it.
When Callum returned he held it out for her inspection. "It's the same indigo as the other bolt, but I thought this might be more appealing to you." The base color may have been indigo, but it was hard to tell. Within it was a shifting of colors between darker purples to lighter blues, interlaced with silver patterns that occasionally swirled. To Callum it looked like the night sky on a particularly clear night.
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Posted: Mon Jun 15, 2015 10:49 am
Talisia had been so lost in her thoughts that she never realized the boy was next to her until he spoke, "Oh?" She nearly let out a protest but was caught as she noticed the material. It truly was a beautiful piece...hesitantly she reached out a hand to touch the material lightly, "It's unique." Back in Zena most of her clothing had furs and jewels to decorate them so to see a piece like this that was beautiful in itself was a change.
She looked up from the cloth to smile at the hybrid, "I think you helped me a lot then. I really do like it." It probably would be expensive, but several pieces of gold and jewelry in her pouch told her that the trade would be worth it.
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Posted: Mon Jun 15, 2015 10:59 am
"Just like you." Callum quipped. He let the soft fabric fall around his hands before transferring it to her. This is the type of rich cloth that would be wasted on someone as plain as himself; but on her, it would shine.
He shifted on his feet, the little feathers in his earrings swaying this way and that. "Happy to be of service." With the pay cut he had scored for her then perhaps she could even buy a few more pieces. It would certainly go a long way in building up a wardrobe. "Is there anything else you would like some help with?"
Nearly as soon as he had asked the question Faulina came back to him. She let out a call, and once he had noticed her the young kinfa settled on the top of one of the four posts holding the stall together. Callum furrowed his brow. "You were supposed to be with...Oh." He turned to see an elderly shifter, giving him what could only be described as 'the look.'
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