.|| Chapter 8: The Grand Market ||. OVER! Thanks Everyone!

[Suhuba]

Chapter 8: The Grand Market

|| IC ||

Every year around this time, when the weather begins to chill and the mountains of Sauti expand their white tips, the nomads of the land come together in a great gathering. Originally, well before the Tendaji borders opened up to all, this gathering consisted mainly of the Sauti people and occasionally their Zena neighbors. However, after many years of the gathering growing in number, the people of Tale journeyed over out of curiosity. They too joined in, bringing their own wares and creatures and trading with the people of the mountains. And as Tendaji grew even more, with the Shifters and Alkidikes traveling well beyond the forest, they also took notice of the gathering.

Now, the annual market has grown beyond what anyone expected, spilling across the border between Sauti and Tale and covering the space with tents, carts, and stalls. Earthlings from all over Tendaji make the trip each year, filling the area with bright colors and socializing for all. It is a rare time where everyone, Matori to Zena, comes together to celebrate their diversity and sample the cultures of the other races.

Antiope was overzealous, her eyes wide as she took in the first day of the event. Every where she looked, she could see travelers of different coloring and stature. It was a new experience, because so many Obans and Matori were not settled in as permanent attendees, and rumors were that even some Yaeli had entered the area. This event represented so much to the Shifter, a passionate woman who wanted nothing more than to bring Tendaji together.

As she stood there, looking over everything, she caught sight of Enki. Jumping down from where she was perched (a logical decision considering she had to see over so many earthlings), she rushed over to the brash leaf leader with a bright smile that matched her glowing crystals.

"Can you believe it, Enki? So much has changed, I never would have imagined such a gathering if someone told me this would happen so many years ago. Obans and Matori, Alkidikes and Shifters; it's as if we were never at war with each other!"

Enki just smirked, his keen eyes looking out on the space a bit differently than Antiope. Instead of seeing opportunity for friendship and peace, he kept a look out for any rebellion, not trusting the idea of peace as much as the girl beside him. After all, there were many who were still sore and licking their wounds, and he made it his responsibility to ensure that if they decided to lash out, he would quickly ensure they are disarmed and removed from the area.

They had different strategies, but both had the goal to ensure that this event only helped the atmosphere of Tendaji, and wouldn't hurt it.

"Come now Antiope, we've only just begun. Surely there will be even more Earthlings here before the day is over..."

|| OOC ||

||. Chapter 8: The Grand Market starts Wednesday, November 30 and will continue for approximately 1 month.
||. Following will be an event with the results of the Meta chapter.
||. If your character is not signed up for the meta, they may not participate. You can PM Suhuba for late entries.
||. For the Meta, every post may be counted towards a versatile point. You may earn as many points as you post. Points are tracked in this thread.
||. You are limited to up to 2 posts between NPC posts (these should be spaced out by responses from others to your post, no needless posting just to get more points).
||. NPCs will post twice a week.
||. While the Meta is active, you may not start any new RPs (this includes characters not participating).
||. However, you may continue RPs that were started before the Meta starts. You are also welcome to write Solos/Journal Entries while you are participating in the Meta.
||. While a meta chapter is open, growths and character quests will be closed.
||. If you have any questions, please post them in the Main Thread.  

[Orpheus Solon]

SwordOfTheDarkOnes

Lixes - Post 1

Glancing from side to side with his mismatched eyes Lixes couldn't help but to feel excited over everything that he was seeing at the moment. This trip that he was taking marked the furthest from home that he'd ever been in his life! It was the best time for them to come out so far too because they were able to take part in everything that was going on. Lifting up on his tip toes in an attempt to see everything that was going on a little better he said to his much taller brother, "This is pretty exciting, huh? Interesting people as far as the eye can see!" There seemed to be people from every tribe here, the full spectrum of the rainbow, and others that were like Drexl and himself, those of mixed heritage.

It was all quite exciting and he wanted to throw himself head long into it all, to leave behind the tent that they were staying in so that they could go and check things out. They could see about buying neat things for themselves, get presents for others, find some tasty new food to try, and just wander around like the newbies that they were to such gatherings. Reaching out he caught hold of Drexl's arm, giving it a tug before he said, "Come on! Let's go have some fun, big guy!" He said before starting forward, taking the lead since he knew Drexl would follow him. Even if he wasn't the one that appeared as though he would take charge given his diminutive size he meant to do just that!  

[Orpheus Solon]

Aysun - Post 1

It was gatherings like this in which he felt a bit... lonely even despite the fact that he was surrounded by a lot of people. He knew that the place wasn't going to be for him per say but given everything that could be purchased in such a place how could he pass it up? There was always that chance that he might be able to find new beasts that were for sale after all. As such he'd left a family member, his Aunt Isa who was actually younger then he was, in charge of all of his beasts save for two. Flower, his sprite was sitting atop his head as per always, and Sinnika his radaku, who was carrying some empty packs that he hoped to fill while he was here. Even if they couldn't find new beasts for sale they could always fill up on treats for the ones that he had, not to mention other supplies that his group could use.

His hand tightened on the lead rope that he had on Sinnika, a precaution to keep him from running off, and he said, "Stick close and no pulling, Sinnika." He reached out to pat the radaku on the head before glancing up toward Flower and said, "Keep an eye out for anything interesting, as well as anyone we might know." It was hard to know who all would be at this thing after all and he was eager to find others to chat with while he was here since it would take his mind off the fact that most of his 'pack' weren't here.  

[Orpheus Solon]

jayoku

Rishima - Post 1

It had been some time since Rishima had really gone all that far from home unless it was to visit the Chibale Isles... and definitely some time since he'd gone to Sauti. Even the idea of coming had caused his stomach to twist a bit but he knew that it was something that he had to do. Just sitting around at home wasn't something that he could continue with, not just because it wasn't good for him to be such a recluse but because it would be good for Gerraden to be allowed to stretch his legs as well. He couldn't let his own misgivings about things negatively effect the younger male after all.

Glancing around he took in everyone around him, so many people from so many tribes, all of them chatting with one another and he felt for a moment hopeful. Maybe this would be a good thing? Maybe it would turn out well and it would be worth the trip for the atmosphere alone? That was what he was hoping for at least because he didn't want to continue to associate Sauti with only bad things he thought to himself. If instead it could come to be a place where people gathered together to chat and shop that would be far better then what it was to him currently.

Turning slowly he looked toward where Gerraden was waiting and asked of him, "Where do you want to go first, Gerr?" He didn't mind letting him take the lead in these matter since it would mostly be a lot of meandering around whole shopping from the looks of it.  

[Orpheus Solon]

jayoku

kaname423

Jerami - Post 1

Getting to go to the Grand Market was something that had helped to improve Jerami's mood greatly. Getting to travel somewhere with his sisters again and this time without having to sneak off, it was... nice. He wanted to make the most of the trip, to buy as much cloth as he and Bruin could carry between the two of them, as well as things like various colors of thread, buttons, lace, and anything else that could get his hands on that would allow him to continue to make himself pretty things to wear. He brushed his hands over the he wore at the moment, removing a bit of dust that clung to it, wanting to make sure he looked his best. A difficult thing to do when standing next to his two beautiful sisters though he thought to himself with a bit of a smile.

Brushing that thought aside he found himself wondering if they might be able to find another stand that was selling sweets while they were here as well. He was running low on the hard candies that he was a fan of and wanted to replenish his stock. He bought them from time to time when he could from the merchants of Andile but he'd yet to find any that were as good as the ones he'd found in Oba... not that he'd say as much out loud since it was still a bit of a sore subject. While he wouldn't say as much he was was hoping they might find an Oban vendor that was selling such things.

Turning to look at Bruin first he said, "Stick close, alright? I don't want you getting lost in the crowd." After that he looked to his sisters to see where they might want to start their new adventure at.  

[Orpheus Solon]

Eira - Post 1

Eira had barely been back home from her extended trip to Dernd when news of the Grand Market's beginning had reached her ears. It had been one of those things that she'd considered skipping at first, if only so that she could spend a bit of time at home. After a bit of soul searching though she decided that it would be a good trip for them to take as a group, though if they wanted to part ways once they arrived she was fine with that too. Either way she was going to the market to look for things to spruce up the inn, especially given the upgrades it was getting.

"Don't wander off and get lost, Callistos. I expect you to come back from time to time and check in with me. I don't want my darling son to get picked up by some strange woman." Or man... there were likely all sorts at this gathering she thought to herself, giving a little shake of her head before she handed off a bag of coin to him. Best that he had some pocket money of his own so that he would be able to enjoy himself she thought to herself. Reaching out a hand she gave him a pat on the head, "I mean it, regular check ins." She repeated before she allowed him to move away from her, wanting to make sure that he had heard her before he wandered off.

Giving a little sighing sound she muttered to herself, "He is growing up way too fast." And she wasn't that big a fan since it meant she was putting on years too... not that she felt she looked it. With a shake of her head she looked around, deciding where it was that she wanted to go first herself.  

[Orpheus Solon]

Callistos - Post 1

Callistos took in hand the money that his mother offered to him, tucking it away into his pocket quickly, before he gave her a bright smile, "Yes, yes, I will be sure to check in often!" Not only so that she knew he was fine but so that he could drop off the things that he bought in the tent that they were staying in. He wasn't really of a mind to just carry things around all day, that didn't sound like it would be any fun at all. His dislike for such manual labors would aid him in the check ups with his mother that she seemed so serious about.

After getting a pat on the head from her, as though he were still a youngling, he gave a wave and hurried off. Time for him to find something fun to do and some interesting things to buy! He was hoping for some new clothing, maybe some jewelry, and of course something to eat! He could go for some of the stuff they'd seen earlier, what he was certain was capramel meat that had been cooked on skewers over an open flame... just thinking about it had his stomach rumbling a bit as he quickened his steps. Food first, then shopping, after that he supposed that he'd just have to see.  

[Orpheus Solon]

jayoku

Gyuri - Post 1

Gyuri glanced around at the group that he'd come here with, watching as Callistos was allowed to go off on his own. It was something that he wanted to halt, wanting to be able to keep a close eye on everyone from the group... but at the same time there was a selfish part of him that wanted to wander off as well. Not alone of course, he kind of wanted to invite Borra, see if he wanted to go for a walk with him, then the two of them could talk, alone. At least as alone as one could get at a gathering such as this one.

As he thought such things his eyes turned toward Borra, locking onto him, and he found himself considering it. Would it be alright? Could he take the musician and wander off with him for a bit? Would Eira mind? Surely not... she said that she wanted the lot of them to go to the Grand Market but that they could explore on their own once they arrived. That surely meant Borra and himself too, right? So it should be alright for him to invite the other man for a walk. Now it was a matter of actually saying the words out loud he thought to himself, lifting hand to scratch it against his beard for a thoughtful moment as he gathered his courage.

Once he finally had himself psyched up a bit he reached out, tapping Borra's shoulder and asked, "Walk? With mean, I mean."  

[Orpheus Solon]

jayoku

Makani - Post 1

The Grand Market was... in a word, overwhelming. There were so many people around that his normal way of going about reading people was a bit on the muddled side. It was hard to see people as individuals in the manner that he saw with his magic. Instead it all just felt a bit like a blur of energy that made it hard to pick any one person out. It wasn't going to be easy to get around in such a crowd and as such he found himself for one staying still. It might be best if he either stuck around the tent or found himself a guide while they were here, huh?

He wondered if he should ask Sin'qua for her help? While he didn't exactly want to look in front of people, having been able to take care of himself for the most part since learning magic, this was one time he might have to swallow his pride. Concentrating he tried to 'see' around himself, to focus in on those closest to him, seeking out the energy that was Sin'qua's alone. If he could find it, find her, then he would head her way, and if he was lucky she'd be willing to be his guide for the day. Given that she did seem to like him well enough he might have a chance with her... provided that she didn't mean to stick with either Eira or Borra.

Once he'd found Sin'qua's energy he moved toward it, lifting a hand toward her, and asked, "If I could trouble you, Sin'qua? It seems it's a bit harder then I thought it would be to get around with so many people in such close quarters."  

[Zafine the crow]

Lilif - Post one


Lilif grinned as she knew it was the day for the Market. She hopped out of her bed and grabbed her bag as she packed a few snacks and a good amount of gems of the trip. She left enough room in her back to be able to fit the things that she buys in it so she wouldn't have to go and drop them off. She gently picked up her sleeping snake and gently set it over she shoulders slowly as to not wake him from his nap.

"Don't get lost" Eldin, her father, said as she had the habit of getting lost in crowded places. She sighs and nods as she runs out the door and off to the Market.  

[kaname423]

TAU - post 1

The smell of the foods and the extravagant displays of the market had Tau preoccupied. He barely ever left Tale, and at the insistence of his wife he had reluctantly gone. He didn't think there was anything wrong with just wanting to stay where his home was. Apparently Liira thought differently, but what how could he argue with a very preganant woman? The wife got what the wife wanted.

But now that he was here, well... it wasn't all bad. The smells, that's what got him. He would be dead set on trying all of the food by the end of the event.
 

[kaname423]

LIIRA - post 1

Liira could feel the pain in her feet already. Her stomach was swollen, her chest hurt, she felt hot even in the Sauti air. The joys of pregnancy. She grimaced, but knew that eventually she would have a baby to show for it all. The smells of the stalls were like heaven to her though. Now that the morning sickness had passed, everything smelled so good.

She could see it in Tau's eyes, he would be more than willing to get whatever food she wanted for her, as long as he could have some. "Tau, let's find something to eat. I'm hungry."
 

[kaname423]

YEJIDE - post 1

Yejide felt like it had been forever since she had even seen something other than Oban buildings. She had been stuck there for so long, basically grounded by her parents. It had been less than pleasant to say the least.

But she breathed in the cool Sauti air and sat on the ground, watching the people go by and shopping at the stalls. She had a fruit in her hand that she was currently munching on while she people watching. It was relaxing, and felt good that she had nowhere she needed to be.
 

[kaname423]

MIRIN - post 1

Mirin breathed in deep and grinned at the sight of the market. It was her first time actually in Sauti and she was ready to get her shopping on. She hoped that she could find some sailscales to add as a friend for her little Valya, and headed straight for the booths.

It had been a longer journey than she had thought, and Mirin really didn't have the best of patience. She had felt irritable the entire trip, whining to herself about whether she would ever even get there or not. But now that she was here, she basically had forgotten the less than pleasant waiting, and conveniently forgot that she would have to do the same on the trip back.
 

[kaname423]

JHANA - post 1

Jhana grinned with delight. Her and her two siblings were at the market and out on their next big trip by themselves. And this time they actually had permission to go! No sneaking out on their own and then being miserable and grounded for months. She looked to Shima and Jerami with excitement, "We're here!" The sights, the smells, it was all so different than the Oban tournament they had gone too. This was much much larger.

It was like the whole expanse as far as they could see was stalls and people and tents and fabrics. The people of Sauti had all of these pretty fabrics they used for coverage on their buildings, it was fabulous.

"What do we want to do first? I don't want to miss anything but I don't think it's even possible to see it all." She said with almost a whine to her voice.

Orpheus Solon

jayoku