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 Posted: Fri Sep 29, 2017 9:45 am
It had been surprising to say the least when elder Ganora came to Mnyiri upon her return. She had been settling in well at her friend Osika's home, and upon hearing a knock at the door had just assumed it to be one of her friend's relations. Strange that it had been the elder who had all, but tried to banish her instead.
They'd had a long chat that night. The elder had confessed that while she didn't care for the mixing of Aisha's blood she could still see the benefits that Mnyiri brought to their tribe. Still, bitter feelings ran hot and soon enough Mnyiri was ready to toss the old woman out when she asked Mnyiri for a favor.
"Please, come teach the younglings about Yael. The Dretch have them terrified, and maybe hearing stories from a new world would sooth them. Don't tell them about the elaria; just...just tell them about what you saw. That's all I ask."
And so...Mnyiri really didn't have a choice. When the next time came around for elder Ganora to watch over the youngsters Mnyiri was there, ready to spin her tail and answer their questions.
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Posted: Fri Sep 29, 2017 10:53 am
Sabra (via slack)
In between council meetings and assisting with Eshe Danika barely had time to herself. Even if the older mystic tried to get Danika to rest the young Alkidike refused. Ever since the Dretch had appeared she worked nonstop to both prepare herself and to keep her mind from worry. Even today she was trying to go on an errand for the older mystic when a sight caught her attention - the sight of little ones sitting around as a warrior retold tales of a foreign land.
Despite her best intentions Danika found herself leaning up against a tree in the shadows and listening. Once before the Dretch learning about the earthling world had been a goal of hers and even now hearing the other Alkidike talking about them caught her interest.
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Posted: Fri Sep 29, 2017 10:59 am
"Girls, today we have a guest with us; this is Mnyiri," Ganora motioned to the hybrid who stood behind her, ", she's the one I told you about; the one who went to Yael."
"Did you fight the elaria?"
"Yeah what did they look like-?"
"-bet they were ugly-"
Ganora shhed the group and clucked her tongue. "We're not talking about the elaria today." The collective 'awww' that went over the group was enough to make Mnyiri laugh.
"There's so much more on the island that some silly elaria. Like, earthlings with glowing eyes and priests that can speak with the dead." Of course she made it all the more dramatic by sneaking up behind Ganora, raising her hands like the undead and dragging her voice out. The sound of chimes coming from her bells ruined the spooky motif, but Mnyiri paid them little mind.
Her focus was on those she could see; the little ones who, despite their earlier words, were inching just a little closer.
"So, what should I talk about first?"
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Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2017 3:59 pm
A faint flicker of amusement crossed Danika's features as she leaned against the tree thoughtfully. Simply listening in was a treat for the young mystic who for the most part shared the same curiosity and enthusiasm as the young buds. Not that she would be allowed to show such reactions in public, but still the burning desire to know all the things was there. She simply had to be patient and wait in the shadows to see how this Mnyiri spun her tales. It had been a while since Danika had gotten close enough to listen to any Alkidike tales and this time it seemed to be especially unique because the woman speaking was a traveler - a traveler who had been to the other lands, someone who had seen the prison that the other sisters had been sent to as well. It was truly, truly interesting indeed.
The corner of Danika's mouth turned upwards into a sly smile as the younglings scooted closer. If she dared to show herself now the fun would be over. Her antenna flicked back in dismay because she did wish to reveal herself but the young mystic instead settled for leaning against the tree. She would make herself known in due time, but for now she was in tune with the youngling who was raising their hand like a buzzing insect with their fingers going back and forth in excitement.
"Oh, oh! How do their eyes gloooow....that can't be true! Are they made of crystals like on our trees? Do they even see out of them?" The flurry of questions almost made Danika laugh but she simply raised a hand to cover the noise before it fully escaped her lips.
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Posted: Tue Oct 10, 2017 11:52 am
If the elder had picked up on another presence then she was doing a good job at hiding it. Mnyiri's antennae flicked towards the trees, but she didn't pay her sense much mind. So what if someone else was out there? If anything it could be a parent, or an older sibling to the younglings, maybe even another elder coming to check on the hybrid spinning her tales. It might also not have even been an alkidike at all, but some kind of creature, making it's way through the trees. Either way she didn't think it was a dretch (they moved too damn fast to be waiting like that) and so, Mnyiri continued.
The girls' excitement was infectious. She couldn't stop herself from smiling and getting closer, simultaneously bending at the knee to make herself a little closer to their height. It was a fools errand, since they were supposed to be sitting down, but most were bouncing up on their knees at this point, jutting those little palms up for questions. One of the little ones even make her laugh.
"No no, they eyes aren't make of crystals. They're the same as an earthlings eye; sort of." Mnyiri raised her fingers and pointed at her own eye, "So, where the white part of an earthlings eye is theirs are black, and the colored part is always a bright silver. The food they eat makes their whole eye glow, and it's really neat to see at night." The first couple of times she'd seen it had been beyond freaky to Mnyiri but the shock wore off over time. "Like little moons on their faces. I don't really know why they glow, I couldn't get close enough to find out, but I DO know that once they stop eating their own food...the glow vanishes." She moved her hands down to fan her fingers out, almost like she was making a magic trick.
"And they can see out of them just fine, but some of their eyes are better than others. I've seen a few of their kind with little circles of glass in front of their eyes, held together by wire, to help them see. They call them lens."
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Posted: Wed Oct 18, 2017 12:15 pm
SABRA VIA SLACK
Glowing eyes because of their food? Danika rose a brow in interest as she continued to listen to the story teller. She supposed it could be a possibility for such a think to occur considering how their own forests glowed with an unnatural light at times. Strange to think that they could lose that glow. Would many dare stop eating their food because of that? Would they even see the same because of that lack of glow? Danika could only imagine it being a hindrance to have a light in the corner of your gaze at all times. Perhaps that was why they needed the lens?
Blinking Danika felt warmth travel across her cheeks as she realized that she had been caught up in the other Alk's stories. What was she a youngling again? Her antenna flicked back sheepishly as she took a step to the side. Surely she should just go along her way now and leave the tales to the younglings.
But....it was pretty interesting if not a complete fantasy tale. Had the other woman truly survived a trip to Yael? Danika pursed her lips thoughtfully before turning once more to study the speaker. She would wait a few more moments and then reveal herself when it was done. If her own movements hadn't already gotten her spotted that was. All Danika could do is raise a finger to her lips to shush the one youngling who had noticed the young mystic lingering in the background.
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Posted: Wed Oct 18, 2017 12:16 pm
One of the older girls snorted, and called out, "I bet you read all that in some book! There's no way you could'a gone ta Yael and come back. Even if the glowing freaks didn't kill ya the elarians would have"
It...wasn't as if Mnyiri wasn't prepared for hecklers. She'd come up with a contingency plan, repeated it to herself several times over the course of a few hours and tried to work around it, but nothing compared to the pure hatred blaring at her from such a small body. The bulk of the extremist hoard may have been shipped off to Yael, but their mark remained, tainting further generations. And the last thing these kids needed to focus on now was hatred.
"That's enough, girl! Show some resp-" Elder Ganora's booming words had almost ruined the moment, but Mnyiri was determined not to let the anger take hold. So, she placed a hand on the elders shoulder, and continued to smile.
"Oh I went alright. There were tons of people who didn't want me to come back, but I'm here. Now, if you don't have anything to say about Yaeli culture or what the island was like, I'm going to have to ask you to keep it down. Your sisters are trying to learn."
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Posted: Wed Oct 18, 2017 1:30 pm
SABRA VIA SLACK
"I'm sure even if it came from books that someone had to survive a trip there to witness it." Danika couldn't help herself as she strode boldly from the shadows of the trees to reveal herself. Could she bare to watch a Sister get berated like that? Of course not. Would she get in trouble with some of the Elders for speaking up like this? Most certainly. Danika didn't care, however, since she was not about to let such rudeness linger. Obviously differences in opinions would always exist, but the young mystic refused to let hated seethe openly throughout her people.
"I'm sure you took a few souvenirs from the island. The way you described things did not make it seem as it came from a book either." Danika smiled slyly, "Unless you are its author." One of the older girls, the very one who had spoken before, looked as if she were to offer a snippy comeback before the dull markings and the regal appearance of the mystic dawned on her. All she could do was open her mouth before closing it tightly and looking away.
"Mystic. Why are you?"
Danika smiled at the Elder, "I was walking through and happened to catch interest in the conversation. I for one would enjoy listening to more about these strange people." She nodded her head towards Mnyiri, "I apologise for interrupting. You were handling things well but I still couldn't resist speaking up." That said Danika spread out her skirts and perched on the ground by the back of the group, "May I inquire how their island appeared? How different was their forest from ours?"
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Posted: Wed Oct 18, 2017 1:41 pm
Mnyiri's eyes widened when the young mystic made her presence known. The last, and only, time she'd ever really seen Danika had been at the gathering, though that had been notably stained with the arrival of the dretch. She couldn't really think of a reason why the mystic would be listening in on what they had to say but-
Ganora gasped, "I-I didn't know you were so close, and I'm sure the children would have behaved better had they known." While Mnyiri had her doubts on that subject, considering just how evil some of these little grubs could be she couldn't help being amused by the whole thing. Who knew that today, when the same b***h who'd try to banish her wanted her to speak, that the mystic would make an appearance? Not only that, but one in her defense?
Mnyiri quirked her lip in a toothy grin. "Oh I like you. " She ignored the aggrieved looked Ganora passed her way and stepped forward, pressing up closer to the children and consequently closer to Danika as well.
"It's tropical, like Jauhar, but it lacks vibrancy. The humidity is strong enough to curl even the thickest of dreads, which gives the entire island a misty feel at times." She spread her hands out around her knees, wiggling her fingers to mimic a thick fog. "The ground is rather rocky, and there are more caves underground than I was prepared for. Great, wide, gaping crevasses are scattered on the grounds, so if you aren't aware - SWOOP!" Some of the younger girls squealed, "it sucks you in, and you're swept away by an underground river."
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Posted: Wed Oct 18, 2017 3:57 pm
Sabra's on slack again (we need an intervention)
Danika's lips curved into a soft smile of amusement, "It is no problem, I rather enjoy observing how my sisters behave." She gave a knowing look towards the Elder, "I feel my presence sometimes make it tense for others and I didn't wish to ruin the mood." The young mystic paused and glanced about the group thoughtfully, "So please continue as you normally would." It seemed that the hybrid sister was the honest sort herself and that was plenty to encourage Danika in her decision to stay and participate in the small gathering.
If she weren't afraid of all the gazes upon her Danika would have laughed in return to that comment of affection and instead the mystic simply gave Myniri a small nod though her gaze beamed warmly towards the other Alk. At the description Danika found herself forced to raise a hand to cover the laugh that almost escaped her lips, "I see." She finally managed before regaining her posture, "Do the people live in those caves?" She reached up to thoughtfully twirl a dread in her hands, "It doesn't sound like the most enjoyable environment, does it?"
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Posted: Wed Oct 18, 2017 4:07 pm
[6/10]
Elder Ganora seemed as if she wished to say more, and struggled to hold her tongue. For the moment the stage wasn't hers, and she as much knew that. Thankfully, she was quiet, which is all Mnyiri needed to keep the attention of the little ones (as well as her newly appointed 'student').
"I'm sure the man I met could have made a home out of them." She smiled. "He was the adventurous sort, with his own set of stories, but I think he preferred the company of his lady friend to that of a dark, lonely cave. Can't say I really blame him, right girls?"
Several of the little ones nodded, and one even made kissy lips to another while batting her eyes, to which her 'intended' just laughed.
"It's definitely weird, but Yael has it's own charm. It's easy to tell that they've been separated from everyone else for a long time, but I can't exactly say that I wouldn't go back. Oh! I brought something to show you all."
Mnyiri held up a finger, then turned to dig around a pack she'd brought. It took her a bit, those moments filled with plenty of bouncing and humming, before she brought out a unique item; a pair of glasses. She held them up for all to see as if it were the greatest of war prizes. "I bought these while I was there! I don't have poor eyesight, so the lens are fairly plain, but here, have a look," She handed the pair off to the closest youngling, instructing her to pass them along when she was finished.
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Posted: Wed Oct 18, 2017 4:23 pm
Amusement flickered across Danika's features as she noted the reactions of the younger sisters. It was a blessing to see them being able to be so relaxed and carefree in the moment. Her days had been so full of worry about the Dretch and about her studies as a mystic that the young Alkidike had honestly forgotten how to simply relax and enjoy life. The Great Mother was sure to be sorely disappointed in her for becoming so somber as of late. Hadn't she always been the one to find a light in any type of darkness? We'll see. It wasn't so simple to cut off worries just like that, but being here in this group with Mnyiri speaking to everyone like so was helpful in easing Danika's mind. "I see. I suppose they've adapted just as we have to our life in Chibale." Just as the Shifters had the tree tops to live in and they had the forest floors then surely these Yaeli had their caverns and rocky homes to live in as well. Danika shifted as she studied the strange objects being passed around, "Must have been difficult to obtain such a special piece." She commented quietly, "So they go on your nose and somehow stay by your eyes?" Danika reached out a hand to a shy sister and took the glasses with a small smile. As she twisted the strange things in her fingers the mystic pursed her lips thoughtfully, "Must be awfully annoying to move with something constantly in front of your eyes, I could only imagine what would happen if you are fighting with these on and Aisha forbid they lose them as well..." Shaking her head Danika stood so that she could walk towards Mnyiri and pass the glasses back to her, "Make certain to keep your prize close. They seem rather delicate and it would be a shame for them to get damaged." The mystic smiled, "May I ask for your time once you've finished discussing the Yaeli?" Her voice had dipped to a soft whisper intended only for Mnyiri's ears as she pressed the glasses into the other Alk's hands, "Don't feel pressured into it, but simply know I would enjoy to talk more to such a well versed traveler."
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Posted: Wed Oct 18, 2017 4:46 pm
"It was not the easiest purchase," Mnyiri mused. The seller had outright refused her on a number of occasions and it was only when she'd been able to bribe another yaeli to seek them out for her that she'd got her hands on a pair. They were a superstitious lot, who had a lot of logical fear towards her kind, so it hadn't surprised her that it was so difficult. Everything on Yael had been difficult; but so very worth it.
Mnyiri took the glasses carefully from Danika, and held onto them instead of simply placing them back into her bag. "Many Yaeli have an additional strap that goes around the back." To demonstrate the proper way to wear them, Mnyiri places the spectacles atop her nose, then slid the arms around the backs of her ears. Since they were mostly for fashion she didn't have to worry about a splitting headache, even if it was still strange to wear.
At first it may have seemed as if she hadn't heard a word of Danika's whispered speech, but Mnyiri leaned in, presumably to give her a better look of the glasses, and whispered, "Of course, anytime you want me I'm yours."
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Posted: Wed Oct 18, 2017 4:53 pm
Danika pursed her lips in a thoughtful frown, "So I see." Still she couldn't fathom wearing such a strange thing around her face. Perhaps if it was beneficial to an archer by helping them see from afar she could try to imagine the possibilities of a window in front of your eyes, but for the mystic who fought with the blades it seemed more a hindrance than anything. An interesting piece of an outside culture, however, but something that she was thankful she didn't need to use in her own life. "Thank you." Danika seemingly peered at the glasses, "If you would like I'll be up ahead in a clearing towards the right. Once you are finished here seek me out there if you can spare the time." She pulled away before wiping her hands on her skirts, "I appreciate everyone allowing me to visit, but I must go to my studies now." The mystic bowed her head to the group respectfully, "Take care my Sisters." Walking away Danika stole one small glance towards Mnyiri once more before cutting away from the gathering and up through the woods. Once she had walked a ways towards the familiar clearing Danika sat down on a smooth stone that was nestled in the roots of giant trees hovering above. Crystals glowed faintly as she closed her eyes slowly and allowed the shadows to ease her mind. Not that she truly intended to fully meditate, but it was nice to take the few moments to simply clear her mind.
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Posted: Wed Oct 18, 2017 5:05 pm
[8/10]
Mnyiri nodded her head, and said her goodbyes to the mystic. She watched her, lingering on the strange form that had dropped by before going back to her lecture. It was hard not to want to speed things along simply for the sake of leaving, but she owed the girls more than that. Still, it wasn't as if their attention was in it anymore; as thrilled as they had been in the beginning, and excited as they were when Danika was around, trying to keep their attention afterwards was impossible.
So, when she'd finished the girls were itching to move and run, as children usually did. She saw them off with a smile, a cursory wave to Ganora, and after packing up her supplies Mnyiri traveled down the path. She wasn't entirely sure what she was getting herself into; what could the mystic want to talk to her about? She'd seemed inquisitive enough, but that might have also been something more passive. She could have very well been pissed at the words Mnyiri was saying, and hiding it for the sake of the children.
It didn't take her long to find Danika, and when she did she allowed her pack to slump off her shoulders, not so gently falling to the ground at her feet. "There was something you wanted to talk about?"
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