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 Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2015 11:33 pm
 The angel stepped out of the teleporter with a basket under either arm full of specialty goods to trade. She couldn't help but fret she didn't have enough for what she'd come to the City for today. Perhaps she'd have to work out some kind of payment plan. She'd certainly never expected her tiny home business to pick up as it had, and suddenly she found herself dealing with larger scale issues than she'd ever had to manage before.
Not that it wasn't welcome, of course. The goods were always welcome and it was nice to know that her remedies and treatments were helping others at the same time.
Supply and demand. To make more remedies, she needed more supplies.
She slipped into the traffic of the bazaar with practiced ease, golden eyes scanning the stalls for her target of the day. She could handle making the potions, but that meant something to put them all in, and with as many going out the door these days...
Ah ha!
Putting on a warm smile, she stepped out of the bustling traffic and towards the glassware vendor's stand, looking for the colorful young demon she'd dealt with in the past. Takeko's demeanor was open and friendly, though there remained a hint of tiredness in her expression.
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Posted: Sun Jul 19, 2015 8:19 am
 Arelle never really had a slow day in the sense of not seeing any customers. Thankfully all sorts of people needed glassware and she made sure to make a variety for any kind of need. From practical to visually stunning, her glassware was made to catch the eye of anyone who was passing. It usually worked, but today was different. Again, she never really had a 'slow' day, but she was definitely seeing less people today than usual. Whenever she wasn't helping a customer she was rearranging her glass hoping that if she changed the arrangement-
Her thoughts halted when the teal angel practically floated from the crowd and appeared in front of her stall. Her ears perked and a huge smile appeared on her face. It wasn't just that she had a customer, she tried to be polite to anyone who stopped by her booth, but she genuinely liked this female angel. She was always so kind and told her interesting stories of what went on below the city. Arelle had yet to have the chance to see it for herself, so whenever Takeko showed up she was excited for some news. She supposed it was always just polite words, never anything detailing what went on, but it was enough to satisfy her curiosity.
Today there was something about the female that stung Arelle's heart. It took her a moment to pinpoint it, but when she did she didn't let her face give her away. Though the female always had such a friendly smile in place there was a hint of tiredness behind those beautiful yellow eyes. Arelle would never ask, it wasn't something you just brought up to a somewhat stranger, but it made her wonder what was going on below that the female wasn't saying.
“So nice to see you, Ms. Takeko!” Arelle said brightly with a slight bow of her head in respect towards her. She pushed aside her concern for the other so that should could focus up on the business at hand. “You've come just in time, I have quite a few pieces still available,” she motioned over the pieces in front of her. “I'm also starting to take requests if there was something in particular you like. It does take some time so we'd have to plan for another day for you to pick them up.”
Business first, then Arelle hoped the other had a moment to talk. There were times she was so busy she only had a moment to help Takeko before she'd have to turn to another customer. She couldn't complain about those days- being able to get the trade goods she needed was important, but it did mean having to wait who knew how long till she'd get to hear about life below. She wouldn't admit it out loud, but this was the best part about having a 'slow' day.
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Posted: Thu Aug 20, 2015 1:21 pm
The friendly voice calling her name helped feed some warmth into Takeko's smile. "Arelle, dear...so good to see you today. I apologize for not being around much lately. I've been a bit er...preoccupied," she glossed over quickly before she allowed herself to show any outward sign of her troubles. One daughter missing, another thought lost returning home...she'd been riding a wild series of trials and tribulations lately. It had long since started to show in her face, but she hoped that she could cover well enough that someone outside the family at least might not notice.
Long enough, hopefully, to do some business.
Takeko set the baskets on the ground at her feet, her eyes drifting over the remaining pieces for sale. She reached out, selecting a vial, turning it over in her hands, then replacing it to reach for a larger flask. A couple more bottles and containers were examined in a similar fashion before she nodded her head as if making a decision. She placed the pieces delicately back on the display, then bent towards her baskets. "I only have a few things with me today, what I could carry in one trip. I'm sure I'll need more, depending on what you'd like in trade, but..."
She lifted the cloth covering one of the baskets' contents, exposing the plethora of homemade baked goods within. "I'll need some more flour, but I can definitely make more if anything in here catches your eye, dear. And of course, I have the usual that you're so helpful with," she added, reaching into the second basket and removing several small bottles with liquid inside. "Good for treating stomach aches, fever, coughs, or headaches," she listed off, pointing to each appropriate bottle in turn. Smiling, she reached towards the second basket on the ground again, returning this time with several tanned furs. "My son was even kind enough to offer some of these if it might help. Don't tell him I said that though; he'd deny it. And I will need to save a few to stop by the fish market later," she said, seeming to make notes for herself.
Her own wares displayed, she reached for a couple bottles, eventually selecting four different styles from the display and setting them on the counter by her own offerings. She held a hand over them, then gestured to her own baskets. "How much for these, dear, if I needed say....three cases of each? A case is a dozen each, yes? The wait is fine; I'll need to get whatever you'd like to be paid for all that work."
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Posted: Thu Aug 20, 2015 5:16 pm
Arelle looked at the older female curiously. Preoccupied, huh? She wondered what sort of things the female became preoccupied with down there. Thoughts filled her mind, but she quickly dashed them away. Now wasn't the time, she was trying to help a customer! By the time she was focused again she caught the tail end of Takeko's look. It was so fast Arelle wasn't sure if she'd seen that right or not. Something was definitely going on.
She stood straight as the other began to explore her wares. She watched her pick up a few and analyze them, always feeling a flutter of nerves. This was her livelihood! It was always a concern that someone wouldn’t like something or she'd done something wrong. She got especially nervous around Takeko, she regarded the female very highly and always wanted to produce something special in hopes it would help her sell her own items!
Arelle came around her booth in order to see Takeko's baskets. She bent over with the older female in order to get a better look. The first basket revealed something that made her cry out immediately, “Sweet rolls!” She smiled a little embarrassed by her outburst. “Ah, I mean, they look delicious,” she said in a more even tone, clearing her throat as she did. The next basket held more practical items, many she was needing refills on and others she knew she could make a good trade on some supplies she needed. It was the last basket that really caught her attention. Though she'd seen several come through with furs, something that was very special to those in the city, she'd never seen any crafted quite like these. She motioned towards them, “These are lovely, do you mind?” She gently ran her fingers over them, shaking her head, “He has an amazing skill...”
She trailed off, standing up with the other to watch her make her selection. She wasn't surprised by a few that she picked out- knowing her usual choices. It was more the amount that caused her eyes to widen in surprise and her words to come out choked- “T-three cases.... Of each!?” She stared at the other for a moment before remembering her manners. She quickly stood straight becoming all business again, “Yes ma'am! I have a few cases back home of these two. You tend to buy me out of them so I have started to make a reserve just in case. These others I have about one or two cases. I will have to check on those. I know for certain I don't have enough for three, but it should only take me a few days to get those to you!” The more she talked the more animated she was becoming, almost like she was about to burst with excitement. She began to sweep the pieces off her booth and load them into what cases she had brought them in.
After a moment of her hustling about she paused, “Go ahead and finish up what you needed to do and I will get this order filled for you. When you come back I will let you know where I am at with it and we can figure out the final trade. Brought my cart so if you need to borrow it to get home you're welcome to!” She was all smiles as she went back to her packing, but managed to toss another comment over her shoulder before Takeko could leave.
“Business must really be booming, huh?”
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Posted: Fri Aug 21, 2015 11:40 am
Giving the young woman plenty of room to peruse her offerings, Takeko had to chuckle softly at her comment about the furs. "I can pass the compliment along, but I'll probably never hear the end of it if I do. I'm not sure he needs the ego inflation," she teased, seeming to dismiss whatever had been hanging unseen over her for a moment. A sparkle of mischief in her eyes, she'd also taken note of the young woman's response to the sweet rolls in the first basket.
She made it a point to remember the favorite treats of her friends.
As Arelle became a whirl of activity and energy, Takeko simply stepped back to watch with a smile. Yes, it was a large order to be sure...but she had some catching up to do. With so many back home now, it was as if her simple family home had become something more like a commerce center...or a village. Yet, most of the goods from outside had previously come from her own personal trading in the City. When she'd stopped going...
She kept the lingering guilt at bay. She'd had too much going on to worry about mere trade goods when there were family matters to be concerned with. Though...if more family was depending on her... It had taken many talks and much convincing to turn the search for Xiulan over to the rest of her family to help shoulder the burden. Though, if she could help the rest by playing this role, then she'd trust them to handle keeping up the search for the lost little one.
The suggestion to go take care of the rest of her business was a good one. Takeko lifted the basket of baked goods onto the booth, as well as leaving a selection of potion bottles and furs alongside, taking care to make sure that one Arelle had been admiring before was included. "Thank you, dear. I'll just leave these here with you in the meantime then. I just have a quick stop to make and I think that's going to be most of the rest of my business for the day."
She kept the second basket with a couple of vials and a few furs and turned to go when the final comment reached her ears. "Amazing what convenience does for business. So much easier than finding a healer for the simple things, am I right?" And she had a lot of missed business to make up for.
*****
Takeko returned to the glass booth a while later, the vials and furs gone from her basket. They'd been replaced by a large salmon steak and a bag of sizable prawns, packed in ice for the journey home. Oh, the conveniences of the City were a wonder! However, as nice as they could be on a visit, she could never leave her home, no matter what lovely things the City had.
She glanced around for Arelle, wondering just how much of the order might be ready. As she'd stated, she didn't mind waiting for the rest; she'd likely need to get more goods to fulfill her end of the trade anyway. Honestly, she'd thought she'd need to wait for most of the order. Hmm...perhaps she could retrieve some spare goods from home to cover her side of the deal...
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Posted: Fri Aug 21, 2015 12:48 pm
Arelle had to shut down her booth in order to collect the items Takeko had requested. It wouldn't be a problem at all, it was a bigger order than she usually got. Without needing to calculate any of it she knew she was set for the next few rounds of supplies. She figured she was missing about half of the items Takeko needed, though, so she'd have to gather those as soon as she was able.
For now her mind was set on packaging everything just right and getting her cart loaded. Her first load she took home. Couldn't leave her stuff laying around where someone could snatch it! She'd had a pair of young females do it to her a few times in the past. Even though she was vigilant in keeping an eye out for them she'd now and again lose an item to a blur of pink or orange. Never could get a good look at them.
She came back with the rest of her items that she had left back home as inventory. These paired with what she had brought to market did, in fact, make up half of the order. She felt some relief that she had made the extras when she had, hoping that Takeko would come back around for them. She did a jig here and there as she was loading them, prone to falling back into a child like attitude when she was excited. She wasn't that old so who could blame her? She set that last case in and brushed off her hands her face beaming, “That's it!”
She nibbled on a sweet roll she had brought with her. She'd taken the traded items home, but certainly couldn't leave this one behind! As it melted in her mouth she gave off a slight shiver of pleasure. She hadn't had one of these in ages it felt like! As she was drooling over her treasure she spotted the teal angel and waved at her. She bit down on a part of the sweet roll in order to hold it in her mouth as she gripped the cart's handles to wheel it behind her. She hurried over to Takeko, setting the cart down and pulling the sweet roll from her mouth. She was about to speak, but quickly chewed and swallowed her bite in order to keep from being rude, “A part of your order is ready!” She walked around the cart and lifted the wooden tops on the cases, finishing off the roll, “I am missing at least one case of each and these two only have one case. So I have half your order now and can get you the other half...” She trailed off, looking upwards as she calculated, “Depending on how soon I can get my supplies. Let's say two weeks. Does that work for you? I can rush the order if needed.”
She shut the lid on the case and took Takeko's hand in both of hers, “Thank you so much for this opportunity, Ms. Takeko! It's such a pleasure doing business with you.” She dropped her hands and stood straight all business like again, “Unless you need help getting this order home then I will need to push the due date, but I know this can be a lot to handle.” Her heart raced. She had been doing a lot of thinking on the subject and it both excited and frightened her. She'd get to see the land below, the land that most city folk spat on, but a land that was mysterious to her. She hoped her offer hadn't been too bold of her. She did legitimately want to help the other...
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Posted: Sat Aug 22, 2015 4:46 pm
Takeko leaned over as the boxes were opened, exposing the goods within. Everything certainly seemed in order, and she nodded gratefully. "Thank you so much for getting this together so quickly! I'm absolutely fine with the wait. This is enough to get me started for a while, as well as letting me have time to get my side of things together." While not quite as enthusiastic as the young woman, Takeko had to admit that there would be something calming about getting back to work again.
Seeming to pause for consideration, the angel moved to add her own basket to the cart's contents before turning back to Arelle with a kind smile. "I do hate to inconvenience you, dear." On second thought, perhaps rather than trusting her cart to a stranger, she'd rather accompany it and her goods to the destination. Tactfully, Takeko was quick to add, "However...I wouldn't mind some help if you're willing. It's just...it will be a bit of a trip with the cart to my home. Of course, you'd be welcome to stay the night if we get in late and head out again in the morning."
She knew well how some of the City-dwelling Pae'il looked down on the Isle, literally and figuratively. Maybe Arelle was just trying to be professional. "No pressure at all either way, dear. I can handle it myself if you'd rather not," she finished with a warm smile, tucking her basket in securely for the trip home.
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Posted: Sat Aug 22, 2015 6:40 pm
Arelle waved a hand at Takeko looking a bit embarrassed, “Don't mention it! I'm the one who is grateful for such an order! Pulling this all together was no problem!” She nodded looking relived at her words, “I'm glad it's enough for now. I will be sure to pull together a bigger inventory for you for later!” She laughed and waved the other off jokingly. No, she wouldn't expect orders like this again from the female. How rude of her to say so! She tried to cover up her words in the laughter.
“Stay the night!?” she squeaked. Her mouth open and closed a few times unable to to pull the words together in her mind in order to speak them. Her mind was racing with so many thoughts, the excitement building up inside of her. She'd only ever dreamed about a visit, but the opportunity to stay a night below!? How could anything be better than those words right now!
She realized that her reaction could be taken poorly so she quickly nodded at her, “Oh, yes! Actually...” she looked around and lowered her voice so other's couldn't hear her, “I really want to go, Ms. Takeko. Not many would admit it, but I, personally, have always wanted to see what is down there!” The last part of her sentence came out in a quiet squeak as she wiggled. “If you're sure! Don't wanna be an added burden.”
She began to mess with the cases, making sure yet again that they were secured. “I'm ready! How long did you say this trip was going to be? What sort of things are we gonna see on the way? This means I will get to meet your son who made the furs, right? Oh sorry that was assuming of me!” Now she was chattering excitedly, picking up the handles of the cart and wheeling it behind her as she walked with the older female. Her step was a bit quick, something that may not last as long as the journey would take them, but for now she was excited.
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Posted: Sat Aug 22, 2015 8:04 pm
Takeko remained quiet until Arelle leaned in to whisper her secret, then the laughter bubbled forth. She'd actually been worried that she was being a trouble, but if the girl really wanted to go...
"No trouble at all, dear. Happy to have the company. The trip might last until evening though, and I can't have you traveling back alone after dark. I insist that you stay the night. There's plenty of room now in my house," she mused. Since Vika and her not-so-little-anymore ones moved into their own home, she'd had some space open up in her own home. Mei Lien had taken one room, but that still left plenty of room for guests.
Falling into step beside the young woman, she thought about offering to take the cart...then decided to let the excited girl take it for now; the elder angel could take over when she undoubtedly got tired on the long trip. With a smile, she started answering some of the questions as they headed towards the teleport pad. "Well, when we arrive on the teleport pad on the Isle, we'll head east a ways over some of the flatlands south of the jungle. I actually live in Loka Nei Jungle, but the flatlands will be better for traveling with the cart a ways, then we'll cut north into the jungle towards my home. Probably get in sometime this evening given the time," she mused aloud. She had to laugh at the notion of someone being excited about meeting Kane. Seasons ago, she'd have never thought it possible, but now...well, he'd mellowed out quite a bit, though it was hard to pinpoint the exact cause. Had it been Vika? Nyra? Or perhaps more recently the arrival of his grandchildren...?
"Kane hasn't always been the most social of Pae'il," she admitted to the young woman. "However, don't let that worry you. He may be a little rough around the edges, but he's a good man. And since we'll be getting in around dinner time, and I have something he'll be very interested in," she nodded towards the basket of iced seafood in the cart, "I'm sure he'll be making an appearance if you're so curious."
Arriving at the teleporter, Takeko turned a smile towards Arelle. "Here we are. Are you ready, dear? I'll head through first; I'll see you on the other side!" With that, she stepped onto the teleport pad and disappeared in a flash of light.
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Posted: Sun Aug 23, 2015 8:42 am
“If you insist! I can't turn down such an offer!” Arelle said happily. “Do you usually take that long journey on your own? Must be lonely.” She was one to talk. She lived alone, worked alone, alone didn't bother her till her mind wasn't set on something. Walking till the evening? Yeah, she would have been going crazy! Then again, she didn't know what the trip looked like. For all she knew it could be so lovely and distracting.
“You live in a jungle!” Arelle breathed in her wonder. A real life jungle! Things she had only ever read in books. Of course, they sounded highly biased talking about the dangers and uncivilized like nature of it. Ms. Takeko didn't seem uncivilized at all and she certainly made the journey through her jungle often. Perhaps she should rewrite the story of the island below she had heard so often about. She'd probably get ridiculed for it.
Arelle tilted her head at the other while she spoke about Kane. She didn't know what she had expected, what from only seeing his work. She nodded slowly, “Thanks for the heads up. I'd hate to make anyone uncomfortable in their own home when you all have so graciously invited me there.” She made a mental note about it. She'd made sure she wouldn't overwhelm him with thanksgiving. Perhaps a nice wave would do. Oh man, now she was making herself nervous about meeting the rest of Ms. Takeko's group. Would they like her? Would she be seen as a stuck up city-dweller? She rubbed her hands against her side trying to get rid of the sweat that was starting to build there from her nerves.
She paused at the telepad and swallowed hard. She knew many used it, but it sounded like such an odd device. How in the world did it work so well? Would it be her fate for it to fizz out on her first try? She watched in slight horro as Ms. Takeko disappeared in a flish of light. Had she made it!? Of course she had! She'd done this a million times so she knew it would, but then why was Arelle feeling so sick to her stomach? Oh man, to go from being nervous about a first meeting to this- she'd mess up her stomach for days!
She took in a huge breath and let it out. She did this a few times calming her mind. If she did this this meant she'd get to see the island below for the first time. She'd dream of this day since she'd first heard of its wonder- though told to her to keep her from wanting to visit. It didn't work so well, Arelle was too curious in nature. She stomped her foot down- enough thinking more doing! With that she jogged quickly onto the telepad.
She gave off a shrill shriek and dropped the cart's handles. Had it happened!? Was she on the other side!? Her eyes were wild as she looked around, taking in deep breaths to calm herself again. It had happened so fast she wasn't sure if anything had happened at all- had it not been for the obvious landscape change, “I did it!” she shrieked again. “I'm actually here! Oh my Guardians look at this place!”
Her mouth hung open as she stepped off the pad, her eyes taking in the colors and the fresh breeze that blew. There wasn't a soul in sight which took her by surprise. She supposed the place was large, but she never expected it to feel so deserted! Were they hiding? Trees lined the area around them and off in the distance she could see some water, from a lake perhaps? A channel? Ms. Takeko was right, there was definitely a lot of flat land making it easy to take a lot in at once. She was feeling so overwhelmed! This was so much more than she had hoped it would be and the feeling of delight was making it hard for her to focus on just one thing at a time.
“The cart!” she squealed, running back towards the pad in order to grab it. She hoped she hadn't locked anyone down on the other side. She wheeled it over to the older angel and grinned widely, “Let's get going! I'm so ready to see more!”Teigra Not sure how much of the journey you want to RP! You're welcome to jump them to the Village whenever or we can have them journey together and chat for a bit ^^
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Posted: Mon Aug 31, 2015 10:35 pm
Stepping a short distance away from the landing pad, Takeko waited and watched for the teen to follow with the cart. Arelle's arrival turned out more amusing than anticipated and Takeko hesitated before interrupting her obvious excitement. Had she really never left the City before? Poor girl...she'd be sure to keep a close eye on her then without spoiling her enthusiasm. While Takeko didn't feel the isle below was as 'savage' and 'fearsome' as some of those in the City believed, it did still hold dangers for those unaware.
Arelle darted back to take the cart again and Takeko chuckled warmly at her youthful enthusiasm. All this for a walk. Ah, it was wonderful to take such joy in such simple pleasures again. Picking up the earlier conversation, she nodded and fell into step alongside the teenager. "It's not a long trip when you can fly," she noted, shifting her feathery wings to settle against her back. "However, with a cart, well...it's nice to not have to make that long journey alone."
"You'll be my guest tonight," she continued, "So no worries about making anyone uncomfortable. My daughter recently has come home and is staying with me for the moment, but the rest all have their own homes nearby." It was no longer only her little home by the river canyon anymore. Kane had recently started teasing her about how she now had 'her own little village to mother over'. She was happy enough having them all around. She wasn't self-centered enough to focus on the fact that most of them had been drawn together because of her, making it 'her' community. No, they were a family, blood or no, and all were welcome there. Simple as that.
Thinking back to her earlier comment, she wondered if she'd been inadvertently rude. Glancing towards the young girl's wings, she realized she wasn't able to tell whether the other used them often or not at all. Hoping she would not offend with the question, she asked, "Do you do much flying yourself, dear? I mean, nothing wrong of course if you don't. I imagine you have to make more deliveries like this with the cart than by air. Likely safer for the glass as well. I'll admit, I was just curious...I'm not sure how things are growing up in the City," she finished with a sheepish smile, stopping herself before she rambled more. Long trip ahead, Takeko. Tone it down. Let the poor girl just look around and ask her own questions.
Irish Night Fox I figure a mix of both is good. A little chatter, then we can jump ahead into the jungle maybe. XD
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Posted: Wed Sep 02, 2015 2:12 pm
She blinked slowly, taking a side glance over her shoulder. Flying? She ruffled her feathers slightly as she shook her head at the question, “Not really. I- uh- never got the chance to fully learn and practice.” She blushed a little at that and laughed, “And like you say, it's a lot easier for me not to. I just- I left home as soon as I could to learn this trade. So where other's learn from their parents I never got the chance.” She attempted to shrug it off, “A worth while trade I'd say!” Still, seeing all of the birds in the sky did make her wonder. What would it be like to soar free out here? Back in the city it wasn't all that impressive, too many obstacles in the way, but out here it looked so wide open...
The end of Takeko's question caught her interest, “You weren't raised in the City?” She supposed that shouldn't be so surprising. All sorts of angels and demons were raised out here. The older female just seemed to know the city so well Arelle had kinda assumed she had moved out, “Were ya born out here?” She got wide eyes at that, “What was it like?”
She hadn't noticed how easily she fell into step with the other, her heart feeling full. It was just as she had hoped it would be. Her eyes flew this way and that as they walked, and for a good while she kept quiet just taking in the sites and sounds. It was so unlike some of the books she had read. Sure, the place was 'wild', but not in uncivilized way. She didn't fear for her life. It kinda made her sick to her stomach how some labeled this place so wrong. They were missing out on something so fascinating and beautiful.
She turned her head and tilted it at Takeko, “Is it really as dangerous out here as they say? It looks more like a paradise then what they tell us...” She had a look on her face that seemed to be in a sudden war. Why would they lie to them like that? Why would they make sure a place seem so... so bad?
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Posted: Wed Sep 02, 2015 5:43 pm
Takeko smiled kindly, relieved that the young woman hadn't been offended by her question. "I do suppose the City is a bit crowded for any Pae'il to be flying this way and that while inside," she chuckled. "I can only imagine the collisions on every corner!" Her eyes drifted towards the sky, following a soaring V-shaped flock passing by overhead. It made sense, she supposed, if one never left the City not to feel the call of the open air above. Or all around in the case of the floating City. Odd; a grand city floating through the air, and yet it contained residents who never heard the call of the open sky.
The teen's next question actually caused her to laugh and Takeko shook her head. "Dear, when I was your age, there was no City! At least...no one lived there or could, considering the shape it was in." She paused, a tug of a frown at the corner of her lip. "Good Guardians, how old you must think I am now, the way that sounds." Of course, a youth who had grown up in the City and never left, well...that was her entire world. To suggest that it had once not existed as she knew it, and that she was chatting with an individual who discussed such an idea so casually. Heh, she must sound ancient.
Though they weren't actively rushing, the ground seemed to pass quickly beneath their feet as they conversed, Takeko lapsing into a moment of reminiscence. "Yes, dear, I was born down here on the Isle...though, the Isle itself once floated up in the sky as the City does now. If you can believe that. Now I probably sound like some kind of crazy old woman," she teased with a smile. "Still, crazy or not..." Her eyes panned the horizon, the long grasses of the plains stretched out before them, the sound of the rolling cart behind them in her ears, and a smile on her face. "It's what I remember. And so much more."
She fell quiet for a while. It wasn't an uncomfortable silence, though; but a pensive one, that allowed one to focus on their surroundings instead of oneself, to note the sounds and sights and smells and reflect on how it all connected.
After the silence was broken, she turned to take in the troubled expression that awaited her. With a light frown of her own that told more stories than her words would, she sighed and shook her head lightly before reaching up to lay a reassuring hand on Arelle's shoulder. "It can be. There are places that are far more dangerous than others; places best left avoided. But, that doesn't mean that everywhere is the same. There are also places of great beauty, and wonder, and peace. Good and bad. Two sides of one image. Knowledge is sometimes the best weapon for aiding one in avoiding trouble. Or knowing how to deal with it when it's unavoidable. However, no worries, dear. We're keeping far from the true dangers of the Isle on this trip. And we'll be home well before dark. No worries about getting lost or any of that. You're safe with me," she assured Arelle with a smile.
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Posted: Sat Sep 05, 2015 9:29 pm
“There was no city!?” Arelle looked like she was about to fall over at that simple statement. “You were there!? What was it like? What was this place like? I can't believe I have found my own walking history book!” She squealed, looking beyond excited before holding up a hand, “Sorry! I didn't mean it like you were old or anything. I just mean- I- I really like learning! I can't believe I'd run into someone who'd know all this stuff! I promise I don't think you're old!” Oh, gosh, what kinda mess had she gotten herself into? She'd been given shelter for the night and was being rude to her host!? Yikes!
Arelle hung her head in embarrassment as she let the other speak, fall into silence, and continue on. No way was she going to interrupt with her big mouth again! Plus, she was hearing so much more than she had ever read. She had always had a feeling those books felt a little biased, but this, this was coming from someone who had actually lived it. Someone who seemed to have a level head on things that had happened and not a biased mind to filter it through. This made her eye brow's furrow.
“Have you ever written it down, Ms. Takeko?” she asked in a soft voice, before lifting thoughtful eyes towards. “Every book I have gotten my hands on in the city have never said it like you just did. I have read them and felt the harsh and judgmental tone in it all. It feels...” she looked away trying to find the word, but finally spat out, “Like brain washing.”
“Oh, Guardians, forgive me.” She covered her mouth with one hand, keeping the other on the cart, “I don't mean... I-” she huffed and tried to gather her thoughts back up. “I don't believe it to the the Guardian's fault. Perhaps we've just taken things too far and perhaps you can set that balance right again! I mean, we could have easily overlooked other books along the way to fill our libraries and we just need the right ones back!” The excitement seemed to perk back up in her then she faltered not sure how the other would take what she had said. She wasn't even sure where she stood with the Guardians. Most were called heretics out here, had she turned away?
“I mean, or like you said, just giving power back to kids like me. In the form of knowledge like you said! That can't be wrong, can it?”
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Posted: Tue Oct 13, 2015 2:56 pm
The angel's gentle smile started to fade as she sensed the growing anxiety in the young woman's tone. Certainly the term 'brain washing' had to be a bit harsh. Especially given the way she immediately started backpedaling; no, clearly that wasn't what she'd meant. It was a poor choice of words. Likely the books had been a bit...heavy handed with their words and the eyes of youth had a tendency to exaggerate things.
She reached out to lay a reassuring hand on the teen's shoulder before she started to speak. "I have written much on my herbal studies and what I've learned from nature; however, no, I have not written anything aside from that on what I have seen in my time here on the Isle. I suppose the thought never occurred to me. I never thought I had anything to add to what others have likely already written before me. Perhaps I was wrong."
"In any case, I am sure that the wealth of knowledge that the City has available cannot be quite so one-sided. And if it were, well..." She took a deep breath to collect her thoughts. "I have always thought of the Guardians as...sort of, parental figures," she started slowly, resting a hand on the cart as they walked. "They are there to teach us, to guide us, to watch over us as we live and grow. Yet, they cannot do everything FOR us...for there are some things we have to learn for ourselves through experience. They give us the knowledge and tools that they can, but it is up to us in the end to make our choices, take action, and live with the consequences."
She smiled briefly at Arelle, a look that spoke of knowledge and experience. "You're too young to have experienced it just yet, but perhaps one day, when you're a parent, you'll understand just how hard that role can be. You want to do everything you can to protect your children, to shelter them from the world and its troubles. Perhaps to the point of pretending that bad things don't exist, that they are far enough away that they can't touch your tiny little world. You paint a picture of how ideal life is, without preparing for the possibility that one day that paradise may be touched by the darker things reaching in."
"Then, perhaps, there is the other extreme: to paint a dark picture of the rest of the world, in order to keep your children close, where they are safe and protected, within sight and away from all the dangers outside. Perhaps it is inevitable not to err on one side or the other, denial or over-protectiveness. Yet, we can at least strive for balance, even if we cannot fully attain it."
As the angel fell silent, she frowned at the growing tension in the air. This was supposed to be a leisurely travel day; yet here she was getting all serious with ideological and personal philosophical matters. "I'm sorry, dear...if the topic has gotten too heavy. We can talk about something else if you'd like? I mean, I don't mind either way..." she smiled sheepishly, then glanced ahead where the path began to curve towards the jungle.
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