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 Posted: Sun May 30, 2021 1:39 pm
 (Lines by kaname423, colors by Elyessi)
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Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2021 9:32 pm
☘ Table of Contents ☘
❣ Table of Contents
❣ Omari
❣ Relationships
❣ Rps & Adventures
❣ Inventory & Art
❣ Reqs
❣ The Story So Far
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Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2021 9:40 pm
Name: Omari "Ari"
Stage: Stage 3 - Dancer Path
Race: Matori // Oban
Gender: Male
Base Traits: Responsible || Gentle || Engaging
Personality: As a child Omari was a kind, lucky spirit who wouldn't harm a fly. He was very sweet towards everyone he met and never felt the need to hold himself higher than anyone else. He enjoys dancing like his mother and while growing up was content just practicing in her footsteps while also watching the ocean, the boy lazily spending his days on the beach by their manor in Matori. Now as an adult, Omari has taken on more responsibilities and grown into someone who still has a golden heart but is much more firm when it comes to leading others. He is still soft spoken and very easy to talk with, the man surprisingly patient and open to ideas before presenting his own opinion on them. He has risen above others who judged him during his teen years to prove that he is simply not relying upon his heritage as the grandson of rich nobles, but is rather hard working and will push towards any goal he has in mind.
History: Born to Dexurn and Shadiya, Omari was a surprise baby that came along with his twin brother. Both boys are adored by the family and were perhaps slightly babied more than the rest of their siblings. For the most part Omari spent much of his childhood in Matori being watched by other family members if either of his parents have to be away. As a teen he decided that he would become a dancer like his mother and work hard to inspire others with his dancing. Now that he is older his aspiration to take over his mother's dancing academy is coming true with Omari actually taking charge while his mother settles down more in Matori. Shadiya has left Omari as the head of the academy and visits Oba only on occasion for some quarterly meetings with other noble families and for some festivities. Instead of simply leaving the academy as is, Omari is determined to grow it and has bought nearby property to expand the buildings so that they can fully hold those who want to chase the arts. The academy still focuses on dance, but now includes music and all the other arts to attract new students and patrons. He also has a passion for uncovering history and fully supports expeditions of treasure hunters who are bringing in artifacts and the like for the school to host in exhibits. It has gotten to a point that he has even thought to convert one of the spare buildings into a museum of sorts, hoping that with more momentum this could truly turn into a cultural center for Oba and Matori that attracts visitors from all over.
Some Notes: Looking for entertainers, artisans and treasure hunters who will help him grow the academy with talent and cultural history.
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Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2021 9:42 pm
♥ Relationships ♥
❣ Family ❣
Shadiya & Dexurn - His darling parents who reside in Matori.
Kyril & Koril - The oldest pair of twins that Omari really respects. Even if he does not seem them but maybe once a year now the pair hold a special place in his heart and he loves hearing about their growing families.
Cahira - His sword wielding sister who often comes back from adventures with interesting tales that have inspired performances before.
Shierra - His fire loving older sister, a mage who Omari also really respects.
Pynar - His older brother, the previous baby of the family who is super kind and the closest in age to the twins. He runs a sweet shop in Matori which Omari always visits whenever he is in the area.
Oly - His dear twin brother.
And all of his nieces/nephews - every year he'll do his best to try and send them presents if he cannot visit them in person.
❣ Friends / Foes ❣
Noelani & Nanami - Omari formed a contract with Noelani as she helps him with a lot of the digs, uncovering artifacts for the school's museum and Omari appreciates their aid greatly.
Calix - One of the patrons of the growing school, Omari is glad that he made a good connection with this family.
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Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2021 9:42 pm
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Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2021 9:42 pm
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Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2021 9:43 pm
Stage 2-3 Growth Form Character Name: Omari
Current Location: Oba [Sulburi]
Class Promotion: 3 - Dancer [Prima]
Journal: [X]
Growth Point Links: 50/50
[Betza's Return] + [The Reference] Solo Total [6,100 wc - 20 pnts]
[Treasure WE] w/ Oly - 5 pnts
[Back to School] w/ Zuri - 5 pnts
[Surprise Dinner Guest] w/ Nanami, Noelani & Quiana - 5 pnts
[The Event] w/ Maia - 5 pnts
The Aftermath w/ Shadiya - 5 pnts *new colors*
[Securing a Sponsor] w/ Calix - 5 pnts
Growth Blurb: Omari has risen to the challenge of taking over his mother's dance academy in Sulburi, he's grown as both a mentor and a leader by expanding the academy and protecting his students.
Physical Description: A bit more fancy this stage so feel free to take inspiration from the below, any golden embroidery and accessories.
[Outfit1] [Outfit2] [Outfit3] [Outfit/Accessories/Face] Hair can be similar to before or like the accessories inspiration, up to artist.
Body Type: Fit, Lean muscle like the accessory ref.
Preferred Artists: Kana [Full or Collab] or Scar [Full or Collab]
WIPs: Sure!
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Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2021 9:44 pm
♥ The Story So Far... ♥
❣ Living with his family in Matori. Omari will have a rather spoiled childhood and not worry about much while enjoying life along the beach.
❣ Growing up Omari will become interested in dancing, growing from a laidback child who is dedicated to studying the arts and wanting to take over the school from his mother.
❣ Now a teen...Omari performs and is accepted as a dancing student at the school in Sulburi, going with his mother to live there for most of the year before attracting the attention of the top teacher there. Betza, a famous shifter dancer, takes on Omari as his main student and even has him travel towards Jahaur for a bit while continuing his lessons.
❣ Returning to Sulburi after studying with Betza, Omari becomes a mentor before finally asking to take over the academy so that his mother can stay in Matori more and run a smaller school there. As the new head of the school he must face against potential threats, gain sponsors and seeks to open more buildings including a museum of relics as he hires treasure hunters to explore the Oban desert.
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Posted: Thu Jan 27, 2022 8:13 pm
♥ Dancer Path ♥
While others his age were bouncing back and forth with insecurities about their future paths and goals, Omari always knew that he wanted to become a dancer like his mother. It had never been a question for him even as a youngling. Their mentor often chastised him for not trying to expand his horizons, but Omari was resolute. “I will be a dancer! The very best one too!” He would always chime before dancing away from any future lectures, to the amusement of his siblings and to the frustrations of those who tried to teach him different studies. Why bother when he already knew that he was going to become a dancer? Maybe a few basic skills were nice, but other than that Omari saw no need for specialized training or mathematics or fancier studies and the like. The teen had always admired Shadiya while growing up and had fallen in love with the dance styles he had witnessed at her school in Sulburi. Years ago his mother had opened a dancing school in the old manor that she had apparently inherited from Omari’s grandparents in Sulburi and while Omari had always known the great building as a vibrant place full of life apparently it had nearly gone to ruin over two decades ago while his mother was on the run from his great-uncle, a true jerk. Thankfully his mother had caught her uncle in his schemes and the man had passed away while behind bars, something that had allowed their own family to grow after so many years of hiding in Matori. It had been rough at first especially considering that his mother had taken a Matori husband, something that even after the war was a tense topic among the more ‘pure’ families, but Shadiya was resilient. Now decades later his mother was well known in the capital and even attended meetings with other high ranking families which allowed her to do her best to work with charities and the like. Actually, not only did the school teach dancing it had hired mentors to teach students actual basic lessons and while Oban nobles and wealthy families would enroll their children there was room for others who applied for scholarships, a rarer thing in a country focused on ranking systems. Omari’s mother always welcomed however many she could with open arms, especially those who not only had talents but proved that they were willing to work as hard as possible to achieve their dreams. There was a whole floor dedicated to housing, rooms turned into dormitories to offer at least ten students places to live, which allowed those who didn’t have a home or nearby family some peace of mind. Omari was proud of that fact and if anything he would always do his best to keep his mother’s work alive, the school was simply a place that he adored way too much. The manor alone was a work of art with its tall structures, the sandstone arches that had carved vines in their golden bricks, the large garden that served as an oasis behind the building with its stage built into the pond for more private affairs and performances held by students to show their progress to sponsors of the academy. It was wonderful to watch, especially at the graduation ceremonies when the oldest students left the school to go pursue their careers throughout the world. Dancing was something sacred to Omari and he could not help but to feel touched every time he watched a performance at the school, especially those held by the seniors who had gained so many skills throughout their years studying under the different mentors. Omari was somewhat jealous when he watched those performances because he so desperately wanted to be on the stage with the others.
Truly, how could one not adore dancing?
After all, there were just so many different ways to express yourself with dancing! Visiting Sulburi and the school had allowed Omari to see so many different dances from all across Tendaji. Omari had watched dancers from all of the countries sharing their stories and cultures through the movements of their dances, the melodies of their music only helping even more to showcase their unique styles. He had learned so much more from watching their performances instead of just by attending lectures and reading documentaries about other areas. And he had definitely attended quite a few lectures in his lifetime already. So many that sometimes Omari felt like his head would explode with all of the different information! His parents had tried to keep him and his siblings mostly educated but thankfully there was less pressure on Omari to stick to the typical noble education, especially since his mother was more distanced from certain aspects of nobility and mostly only using her name and funds to help others at the school. As long as his siblings knew basic skills, how to read and write, then they were content with that which made Omari delighted. Kyril and Koril may have gone a bit further than most since one of the two twins had been expected to take over the family name, but now that Kyril was out in Sauti and Koril was out in Zena everything was a bit more hectic. Did they think Cahira would take over? She was always dreaming about adventures and lately had gone off into Oba to study swordsmanship, something that could surely take her far away from Oba if wanted. It was hard to imagine Cahira as a dainty lady, not when she could literally beat someone to a pulp and rarely wore anything fancy. Her favorite attire was either some simple light silks or leather leggings to help her fight easier. Omari pursed his lips before shaking his head. Who knew what the future held for any of them? There was also Shierra and Pynar who came before either Omari or Olokun, the youngest twins. If anything he hoped that he could at least take over as a dancing instructor at the academy one day. Would it be considered ambitious to want to take over as heir so that he could be the one to inherit the school one day? Not that I want to think about anyone passing! If anything he wanted his parents to have very long lives and maybe retire early to better enjoy the peacefulness of the Matori beach while Omari could try and help by taking over more for his mother at the dancing academy. He just wanted to help out, but it would be years before he felt confident enough to truly teach. He still had so much learning to do and he wanted to travel all over Tendaji first! Yael surely had some strange dances and he could only imagine the trends all the way over in Belrea! His mother had opened the school to mostly Obans and Matorians, but Omari wanted to go beyond that and create an open environment for all different sorts of cultures to mingle and learn from one another. He would expand the school and get its name outside of Oba to attract students from across the world. Wouldn’t that be wonderful? That was Omari’s biggest dream and he could only hope that one day it would become possible.
Surely it could, right?
Omari shook his head before walking forward along the beach. The teen had taken a morning walk along the cove that surrounded his family’s ocean manor and once more he found himself transfixed by how beautiful the ocean was against the horizon. If he could do so the boy would stay on the beach for the rest of his life. It was unfortunate that they had to travel towards Sulburi for the school, but at least Omari knew that his family always had a home here. The desert was beautiful as well in its own way. Omari enjoyed how the blazing sun always painted a picture every morning across the sands, the red rays turning everything crimson as it spread across the landscape. “I adore both sides, just like how I’m happy representing both countries.” Mused Omari as he stretched his hand out before his face, his lips curving upwards into a smile as he noticed the blend of Matori and Oba showing in his physical appearance. He doubted that he would be leaving his homelands like his oldest siblings. “I will learn to dance and I will grow the school that my mother started.” He promised the ocean as he jumped across the sands, his body twisting to some unheard melody. Omari was determined to become the best dancer in the world and even if he did want to travel for a little bit the teen always knew that his heart would be here in Matori and that his spirit would always be connected to Oba as well. These lands were the ones that he had grown to love so dearly and they would be where he would continue his family legacy. Omari smirked as he twisted and continued dancing across the sands, his heart already set on its future path.
[1520]
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Posted: Thu Jan 27, 2022 8:31 pm
♥ Growth ♥
It was time.
Omari had always been hidden away by his family but today was going to be his most outstanding performance. The teen had worked hard the last few years to train his body to perform some of the more complicated dances, something that had been extremely hard to keep quiet from his mother, but here he was prepared to show off his moves. It was just a bit of a sneaky move since he was going to break into the show and do his performance at the end before anyone could stop him. His mother surely would have allowed him into the dancing school without hesitation, but Omari wanted others to see that he was going to enroll based on his own talent and not by his connections. The music swelled for the final dance and the teen found himself taking a step forward away from the shadows. He had lingered at the back of the stage, hidden from obvious sight, but when the torchlight hit his body the shimmer of makeup and the silks that clung to his body showed that he was prepared to put on a show. I can do this.
While those who had been ready to leave found themselves freezing as the music suddenly came back, a new tempo promising another dance, the audience sank back into their seats as the hybrid took to the stage. A few of the students moved forward but Omari saw some familiar faces pull back and smiles of encouragement were sent his way as he began to move. Thump, thump, thump. Even the easy going Omari could be nervous and he had to remind himself that he was good enough to do this. It had taken him months to arrive at this point and while he was shaking the music slowly overcame him and he found himself moving into the performance. His body swayed with the music, the tempo rising and his body following with precise movements that matched the story of a dragon ascending from the ocean to defend its people, one of the most complicated pieces made based upon lore from the war. He had twisted his ankles so many times because of this but tonight Omari found himself pushing harder than before, his heart racing in his chest as he continued working with the music.
Eventually everything slowed as Omari sank back into the ocean and while there was a moment of silence, the hybrid slowly opened his eyes to see the crowd staring at him. Swallowing, Omari had to resist the urge to flee before the softest sounds of applause started to surround him and the next thing he knew the audience was complimenting his performance! The teen’s lips curved upwards into a happy smile, his breath almost leaving his body as he truly sank to the stage. Could he even move after doing that? He just hoped his mother wouldn’t be upset at him! I just crashed a performance to prove my worth to those who thought I was riding on my mother’s skirts. He mused before scanning the crowd, his gaze bright as he realized that he had truly succeeded with the dance. It was a turning point for him because he had never shared a dance with an audience before, all of his performances had been secretive and with just close family or friends.
“You did it, Omari.” A familiar voice caught his attention and Omari found himself being helped up by one of the mentors. “I think you made your point.” The Shifter smiled towards Omari before letting him go. “Now the true question is what next?”
“What next?” Omari blinked. “Staying with the academy?”
“Maybe.” Betza grinned. “But I think you should come with me first.”
“Where?”
“To Jahaur and beyond? I want to study some styles and if you’d like we can travel then talk to your mother about classes?”
“You want…really?” He had always imagined traveling around one day but this was so soon! But if he went with Betza that would mean he would have a guaranteed spot back at the school when they returned. Wouldn’t it be worth leaving home for that? Omari found himself nodding as he grabbed the Shifter’s hand. “Let’s do this.”
[716]
Omari has always wanted to be a dancer. This is a turning point for him because he was always protected by his family before and others thought that he was just a spoiled child who would get what he wanted simply based upon connections alone. Now that Omari has mustered up the courage to successfully perform in front of others he has proven that he has the talents to pursue dancing and will be leaving the comforts of home to go and study some other styles of dancing with one of the mentors, Betza.
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Posted: Fri Jan 26, 2024 7:40 am
♥ Betza's Return ♥
“Betza is visiting?” Omari blinked at the news, both wanting to smile and frown at the same time since he had conflicted feelings about his mentor’s return to Sulburi. He had spent just over a year with Betza while visiting Jahaur, training to be a dancer before joining the academy and eventually taking over from his mother within record time, but those months had been enlightening and very beneficial for his own dancing skills. He had grown while seeing more of the world, experiencing the heat of the jungle for himself and seeing all the travelers gathered in Neued, and then that courage had helped him to make a stand when he returned to Oba and the society that awaited him there. It was only natural that he would be excited to reunite with his mentor, the Shifter who helped him prove that he wasn’t simply a spoiled child of a rich family being given whatever he wanted. Omari had worked hard for this and he wanted to show Betza how much had changed at the academy since his last visit a couple of years ago. Yet he was wary since Betza had not sent word for so long, making the hybrid wonder if he was still on his side as he was before. Was this visit going to be a good thing or bring bad tidings? Though even if it was bad tidings it would be nice to clarify Betza’s stance, Omari trying to think about all of the potential things that could be discussed. Hopefully he would be staying for a few days if he wasn’t intent upon returning as a mentor and that would give Omari a chance to clear the air.
“He is.” Aithne smiled towards Omari, the Oban still adjusting to the new appearance of her employer and finding herself distracted with that so that she missed the conflicted look on his face. Though her eyes had changed as had others, the appearance of the Matori hybrid was more drastic with his skin, hair and even eyes shifting into different hues after the strange pollen touched their lands. It didn’t make him any less kind or handsome though, that much she kept noticing even as he paced across the foyer and towards the window as if to try and see the Shifter at the gates. “Though the notice said to expect him this afternoon, not immediately.” She added quietly, trying to hide her growing smile at what she considered to be the obvious excitement of her employer. “Still, I’ll go ahead and prepare some snacks and tea. Just in case.” She nodded her head politely, raising her hand to try and cover her face as she left the room before her amusement was completely visible to Omari. She was still fresh to the role, not really knowing if there was potential bad blood between Betza. She had just heard stories about the Shifter and how important of a mentor he was at the academy, even teaching Omari before he took over. Why wouldn’t Omari be excited for his return?
Betza. Omari walked up towards his office, the hybrid passing the library and going straight into the study so that he could open the balcony doors and step outside for fresh air and to keep an eye on the entrance. The curved platform with its ivory pillars was a perfect vantage point that would allow him to see if anyone approached the manor from the main street. Usually Omari wasn’t as impatient and often only used the balcony to allow in a fresh breeze to cut through the desert heat, the evening breezes the best time to find him when he was studying late in his office working on academy ledgers or research. At the moment though he was simply using the railings as a resting place while he kept his eye on the road. If it was anyone else perhaps he would have tried to keep his poise, but it was hard not to feel nervous about seeing his mentor again. Betza had seen him during his worst and better days anyways, and was almost like family because of it. So why did a noble appearance matter? Unless he did want to try and impress the Shifter, showing him how much he had matured over the last two years…the very thought made Omari shake his head. “I could go through with some elaborate plan to try and appear different, but he would probably still consider me the teen he traveled with once before.” If anything, trying to look impressive would probably only get Betza’s disapproval as the Shifter didn’t like dealing with such things and it would make Omari feel guilty as if he did have something to hide. He always scorned nobility and never judged anyone based on their heritage at the academy, actually putting down those who tried to use their family sway in getting privileges and such. Skill was always the most important thing to the Shifter, an actual dancer’s talent and passion always triumphed over a full coin purse. His beliefs were so well known that it had helped anyone greatly when Betza mentored them for a time. Not that the academy openly allowed such prejudices to pick their star dancers, but other mentors were admittedly swayed more at times by outside influences much to his mother’s disappointment. So having Betza choose a dancer to personally train outside of class? It spoke a great deal about their potential, that much was for certain.
It was hard not to reflect upon the past as he lingered on the balcony and kept an eye on the road that went through the markets and towards the academy. His family’s manor wasn’t necessarily at the top of the hill where so many other noble manors resided due to their differences in ranking, but despite their lower standing his grandparents’ wealth had grabbed them a good amount of land in the past and his mother had mentioned that her parents once worked closely with merchants so being near the upper markets was ideal at the time for them. How fitting considering this is now an academy with the markets being an ideal neighbor, the more attention the better. It was nice to see wanderers finding out about the academy for the first time, seeing the stone gates with the academy’s banner at the entrance welcoming any newcomer. The silhouette of two dancers, one striking a pose above with a fan and the other with ribbons, marked their banner with another one holding his family’s own symbol of flower sprouting in the desert under a moon right beneath. That same banner had been there when his mother ran the academy, when he first met Betza as a teen. Omari could remember his first impression of the petite Shifter whose personality made certain no one looked down on him. He was a great mentor at the academy for nearly a decade before deciding to retire and travel the world again, taking Omari with him to Jahaur for a time after being impressed by his debut performance as a dancer. It was Betza’s reference that Omari used to join the academy, the hybrid not wanting others to think he was relying solely on his mother’s support to join their ranks. While Betza visited a few times while Omari was dancing at the academy, it was not long before Omari rose up the ranks to help his mother with newer students as a mentor himself before finally suggesting that he helped take over completely so that she could stay in Matori longer. Ever since taking over though Omari had seen little of Betza, others spreading rumors that the Shifter had been bold enough to take an airship overseas and potentially even found a lover there to keep him in the foreign continent. Not that Omari minded such things, especially if Betza was happy with his life, but he did mind that he hadn’t heard anything from his mentor personally about it over the last year or so since they had last seen one another. And now he was just showing up at the academy with barely any notice? Strange indeed. Surely he had just been caught up with something, Omari having faith that the Shifter wouldn’t disappear completely and would eventually return to visit. He simply hadn’t been expecting today to be the day that such an event happened.
Not that he had too much time left to reflect upon the strangeness of it all. Just as the thought entered his mind, a figure appeared at the entrance of the academy. The petite Shifter looked almost the same as he did three years ago, his silver hair tied back into a long braid with metal ornaments woven in while he wore blue robes tinged in silver that seemingly shifted in the light as did his own skin while the moon and sun changed in the sky. A small frown was on his face, the thoughtful expression always making others worry that they would receive a scolding soon, but Omari didn’t worry about that as he pushed away from the balcony and started downstairs so that he could meet the Shifter at the front door. There was no need to have Aithne show Betza inside, not when Omari wished to greet his mentor personally. Omari kept a reign on his emotions, his wariness kept him from rushing into a hug and so Omari nodded respectfully towards Betza instead. “I was not expecting a visit from you, teacher.” Omari greeted as the gate swung open to allow the other man access to the academy grounds. “But it is nice to see you again. I hope you’ve been well.”
Betza took a moment, glancing about the newly planted gardens in front of the academy building, but eventually he stepped forward to pass Omari and head towards the front steps to the main building. “It has been a while, hasn’t it? I see that the buildings have grown since my last visit here.” He replied quietly, his silver gaze seemingly taking in everything while barely giving Omari a second look. It made the hybrid even more wary, not expecting such a cool introduction after so long apart. Had he truly done something to upset his mentor? The last correspondence he had with Betza was to let him know that he would quit being an active mentor to instead take over for his mother, being the head of the school leaving him with far less time for lessons even though he did still try to teach on occasion. All he had received then was a similar reply, not hearing anything else after the Shifter advised that he would be traveling outside of Jahaur and would see Omari in the future when his feet took him back towards Oba again.
“They have. Should I give you a tour? There’s even a museum that I’ve been working on establishing, an area to hold relics from wandering tribes that were lost to the desert over the centuries. They had some ceremonial dances that I wanted to study and possibly revive.” At least that was what had started his interest in history, now Omari was willing to study whatever the treasure hunters found after realizing how much he enjoyed learning more about their world and how it was before. Though he had the feeling their world history spanned further than what anyone could imagine with so many mysteries that may never be solved, the passage of time and natural changes were simply too great for anyone to track by themselves in one lifetime. But if he could at least learn a little bit, tracking a few centuries back even, then it was rewarding enough to know that much more about their world. Omari paused at the doorway, watching Betza thoughtfully as he considered the offer. “If not now then we could venture that way another time. I think you would be interested in seeing some of the tablets and the etched dances there. I’m assuming you may stay a night or two here? I can have a guest room made up by the evening.”
“I’m certain you’ve got snacks and tea prepared already. Let’s enjoy it and discuss the museum later.” Betza walked through the open doorway, the grand doors kept open during the day to allow in the desert breeze now that it was in the cooler season. Not that it affected much in Sulburi since it was a desert city, but the slight chill from the winter winds did help with battling the heat from the desert sun even if it didn’t bring snow like it did in other countries. “As for staying the night? We will see.” Well, that statement didn’t bode well. Was his mentor actually offended by something? Was that why he had been silent for over a year? Omari frowned as he followed after his mentor who already knew the way towards the greeting parlor, other than decor the interior of the main house hadn’t changed over the last few years with Omari focusing more on the outside grounds so it was fairly easy for the Shifter to navigate since he once lived here for years as a teacher. Despite pausing a few moments to study the changes, Betza noting the new curtains lining the arched windows down the halls changed over the years, new portraits of mentors and cased exhibit pieces from festival performances being rotated into the manor and the like, the pair arrived at the greeting parlor without any issues.
Thankfully Aithne was already prepared for Betza’s arrival and the table was set with a tray of freshly brewed tea, the cups having been poured when the pair were speaking at the entrance, little cakes in the shape of various desert flowers with sweet fillings were placed around the tray like decorations with fresh fruits and plain bread and cheese around the center. “Feel free to help yourself.” Omari gestured towards the display, the hybrid shifting and sitting down on one of the pillows set around the lower table as was typical in the Oban style. He reached for a few pieces of sliced fruit with a golden fork, arranging them on his own plate before plucking one of the flower cakes and setting it there as well. Omari went through the motions of arranging his plate as if trying to ignore the nerves that threatened to make his fingers shake with each move until he was more settled. Once he was comfortable the hybrid glanced over at Betza to see that he had taken food for his own plate, the Shifter waiting for Omari to settle himself. Was it that obvious that he wasn’t completely comfortable with this situation? Omari frowned slightly before letting out a soft sigh. “So tell me the truth, Betza. You didn’t just take a Belrean lover and ignore everyone else, correct? Not hearing from you like that can only make me assume that something happened to earn your disdain.” His fingers curled around the warm teacup, Omari holding it up in front of him as if not bothered by whatever was coming his way next.
“Ah. You understand me well.” Betza acknowledged as he laced his hands together and placed them on the table instead of reaching for anything he had plated. “How was I supposed to react when my freshly graduated student jumped straight towards being the head of the academy? There were rumors, so many rumors about how you took over.” His silver gaze looked weary as he took a moment to study Omari, conflicted feelings dancing across his expression. “At first I felt overwhelmed by the absurdity of it all and decided to linger in Belrea so that you would have time to prepare yourself without leaning on me. Then I was under the impression that you did not wish for my return, which was recently cleared up by another who pointed out the misunderstanding.” If one could call it that.
“Is that so?” Omari’s lips pressed together, a hint of disdain in his own expression. He remembered those rumors well, about how he had bribed others to allow him to move up the ranks or enticed some sponsors even by spending time together in the sheets and how some complained that his mother had allowed him to become a mentor far earlier than others just for the fact that she was ready to pass along the academy to blood rather than someone with skill. “At least you acknowledged that they were absurd. There was still no reason to ignore your student or to think that I would not want you to return. If anything your absence encouraged others to make trouble which did not help the rumors I was involved with at all.” Omari replied, his tone calm even though his gaze danced with heat at the very memory of that first year as headmaster. “If anything this color changing pollen was more believable than any of those rumors. You witnessed my dedication and skills for yourself, did you truly doubt me?”
Betza frowned, the Shifter glancing over Omari’s changed appearance and finally giving a slight nod at his words. “While letters can be filled with meaningless words and lies so easily slipped in, your expression is honest as always. I can tell how upsetting those rumors must have been for you.” They had been upsetting even for him to hear as he lingered in Belrea instead of returning back to Sulburi.
“So why not return to the academy to support me?” Omari replied, his fingers tightening around the teacup before him. “Your presence could have shushed so many of those rumors….” His voice trailed off, his gaze thoughtful as he recalled his mentor’s statement about not wanting Omari to lean upon him. “Even if I came out stronger without you here, it would have been nice to at least have a letter of support along the way even if you didn’t want me to rely upon your reputation once more. I was approached by you, after all. Don’t tell me that you believed me to be using you this entire time. You should know better.”
“So the student advises the mentor.” Betza replied after a long quiet moment, letting out a laugh despite Omari’s fierce response. “I suppose I had a moment of weakness as I could not comprehend how things had changed so quickly during my absence. Then I received other letters which advised me against returning. I am sorry that you had to endure so much on your own, but perhaps it is for the best that I was not here so that the snakes could be cut out quickly.” He offered, though his expression held guilt as he studied Omari. “It feels like an excuse now. My own emotions were used against me and I deeply regret it.”
“And so in Belrea you stayed while I had to fight against the devils here in Oba.” Omari shook his head, raising the cup towards his lips so that he could appreciate the soothing aroma of chamomile before taking a sip. It was something to distract him, to calm his racing heart and flushed skin since the memories of those years still bothered him in private like this. He was innocent and pure when it came to certain matters despite how flirtatious he could be and it ruffled him that so many thought he would just toss away his innocence to anyone for power like that! If those sponsors required certain attention then he wanted them away from his academy instead of within it. Too many artists had to deal with such things as it was and he wanted to create a safe space for them to truly shine, a chance to not be devoured by that world where some would be taken in for their beauty rather than their skills. Students needed to hone their skills, find romance at their own pace if so desired and not be dragged into something out of pure desperation. He frowned at the very thought, Omari shaking his head as he set his teacup back down. “I have standards, Betza. I’m not going to bed just anyone, not like that.” He addressed that part of the rumors with another frown before thinking of the rest. “Nor should you insult my mother by even giving those other rumors time. She would never leave her precious academy to me if it wasn’t for her faith in my ability to continue it for the next generation, blood be damned.”
“You’re correct.” Betza replied, his gaze slowly lifting from the table as he studied Omari. “You’ve grown so much over the last couple of years, Omari. I should have had more faith in you. Seshadri presented so much evidence against you at the time, but I realize it was fabricated now. At the time I simply didn’t know what to believe and I turned my back on it all since I was overseas. You truly did your best and refused to bow to their whims even though they tried.” He had seen it all ever since meeting Omari as a young teen, after all. He had watched Omari change from a playful laid-back type to someone who had blazed across a stage with passion and dedication; it shouldn’t have surprised him to see that his student would have a similar approach to running the academy. So why had he allowed those rumors to bother him so badly? He truly had been a fool until another presented facts and snapped him out of it. “I was misled by Seshadri and when you were in the midst of the confrontation I worried that my return would only make things more complicated for you.”
Sesahdri. Of course. Omari’s hands threatened to shake at the very mention of that cursed name. “What changed your mind? It sounds as if you never questioned the forged letters, after all.” Omari asked finally, trying to reign in his temper which had flared at the very thought of those rumors. “You waited so long to return, I honestly was surprised to see you come back. As for whoever misled you, I have the feeling they were dismissed from the academy within the last couple of years. Baila being one of them, she was full of venom once she realized that she couldn't have her way with me and gain control of the academy. Seshadri and another were working with outside sponsors to try and have the students for private affairs, I refused to allow that to continue as well.”
“Your actions came to light despite everything.” Betza admitted, a small smile crossing his lips. “Your mother had enough of my absence, I believe. She had someone track me down and sent a long letter with a list of accomplishments that the academy has had over the last couple of years thanks to your guidance. I’ve been in Sulburi for the past week gathering information and just witnessing your dancers at the last event was enough for me to realize I was a fool. You’ve been doing well, Omari. I was the weak one who allowed Seshadri’s letters to sway my opinions. I should have known better.” The Shifter shook his head. “I did send letters at first but I’m assuming they were intercepted with Seshadri forging some very unwelcome ones in their stead. Then I received your mother’s notice that clarified matters, showing me that my own messages had not been getting through and that I could return here. So my time in Belrea came to an end and I decided to come here to speak to you directly instead of risking more lost letters.”
“Still, I was a fool for not tracking you down myself or questioning the sudden lack of correspondence.” Acknowledged Omari, pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration for not realizing that someone would have sent Betza a letter to try and deter his return. Not only that! They had intercepted and even forged letters! Betza was the best mentor they had, a famed dancer across the capital, so why would they want him to return when they were trying to sabotage Omari? Once again his mother had somehow managed to see past all of this and found a way around it, getting Betza closer to the truth instead of sitting in silence as Omari had. “I had to gather so much against them, showing their true colors to save the academy and once they were gone more ideal sponsors approached. I even got involved with the Cyrillus family, their heir being fond of the arts and willing to support our students. Do I need to give a performance for you, to show that I can also still dance without missing a beat? Would that be enough to ask for you to return to the academy? We could use a mentor like you and despite everything I would appreciate the chance to rebuild our bond.”
“If anything, I should be the one to give a performance to prove myself.” Betza protested, shaking his head and letting out a sigh of his own. “I would be honored to return, if you would have me after I caused you grief. I am just thankful that you came out of this stronger and proved that you could handle things without another holding your hand.”
“Let’s consider this a fresh start, shall we?” Omari found himself smiling, holding out a hand towards Betza as a peace offering. How could he be angry when he nearly had fallen into a few traps himself over the last few years? It was a mistake on both of their parts, Omari for not thinking that someone could have gotten false information to Betza and for his mentor to stay silent instead of coming back to see things for himself much sooner. “You came back and apologized, I know how much that means coming from you. I’ll gladly welcome you back and show you just how much stronger I’ve become since we last met. It doesn’t hurt to rely upon those you can trust, right? So I won’t consider it a sign of weakness to have some additional support from you, Betza.”
The Shifter smiled as he took Omari’s hand, warmth coming back into his expression as Omari realized the cool introduction had simply been Betza’s way of being wary since he didn’t know how his return would be received. But he should have known better. Omari would not hold things against the Shifter who truly sought his forgiveness and wanted to work together once more. They were both victims of those trying to take advantage of the situation, Omari knew that as a young heir who took over such a place there would probably be more rumors and drama surrounding him. All he could do was rely upon those who had his faith and hoped that they would also continue believing in him as he fought against the tide, pushing to continue growing the academy and making a better place for young artists who truly wanted to learn.
[4500 WC]
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Posted: Mon Feb 19, 2024 9:28 am
♥ The Reference ♥
A beautiful day for a walk. Omari stretched his arms as he looked around the academy grounds, the hybrid having taken the chance to go venture into the gardens for the afternoon since gaining a secretary who helped greatly reduce the pile of work that once waited for him. It allowed him a bit more freedom, Omari taking to strolling around the grounds more and checking in on students even teaching a class on occasion like he did once before. Thankfully the arrival of Betza had also been a great help since classes resumed, the Shifter taking on more general classes instead of privately mentoring a select few. He had picked one of the newer students, an Oban and Sautian hybrid with plenty of potential, and while Betza offered her lessons in the evenings at least he spent every other morning with an actual studio full of students for other lessons. And then there was an art section to review, Omari having kilns brought in for those wishing to work with ceramics while he debated adding an area for any glass artwork. His sister was an expert at working with glass but she lived mostly in the forest now which limited her ability to teach in Sulburi, and Omari was also fearful of having too much fire risk in one building so the idea had been delayed for now. At least the museum was growing, the hybrid pausing at the steps of the outer building that housed relics and texts about ancient history that others had been digging around for in the Oban deserts. “It’s not bad.” The voice nearly made Omari jump, but the hybrid kept his poise as he turned slowly to see Betza approaching from the opposite path. Was he just returning from classes? That was the way towards the larger dance studio so it would appear so.
“You truly believe so?” Omari smiled as he glanced away from Betza and looked back to the building. The stonework was fresh, the building being built on an older garden from an adjacent manor that had been abandoned and purchased by Omari, and the building itself wasn’t as large as the main manor but it was large enough to host a gallery of rotating objects for those interested. There were more displays throughout the manor, precious objects enclosed in glass for those who wandered through the halls and wanted to see some pieces of history throughout. He had shown Betza around a couple of days after the Shifter returned to Sulburi, the pair spending the time to explore the halls and discuss what type of classes he would offer for the students here. Ever since then Omari had caught the Shifter a few times over the last month wandering around the museum in his free time, exploring the exhibits and asking Omari whenever something new arrived from the treasure hunters to display.
“I do.” Betza smiled in return, the dancer moving past Omari and towards the entrance to get out of the sun. “I wonder if you’ll ever bring in items from Jahaur. I hear the jungle can hide quite a bit of ancient history, one just has to explore to see what they can find.”
“You know that’ll be quite a project.” Replied Omari with a soft chuckle. “Maybe one day though, if I have time to spare when I’m nearly retired.” It would probably take years just to settle the Oban deserts, he couldn’t imagine expanding towards Jahaur especially since witnessing the jungles for himself during his visit there. Just getting to Neued had been tough on its own with a path that led straight there! Venturing beyond that, just visiting the clearing for a moonlight performance that one night had been intimidating for the hybrid who was accustomed to open areas. He hadn’t even visited Kyril yet at her new home in the forest in Tale, how did one manage to actually live surrounded by so many trees? He had gone from ocean views to more sand with the desert but at least he could see how far the horizon stretched instead of being blocked by trees at every turn like in Jahaur. How did anyone not get lost there? Still, there had been some truly beautiful sights there with the cascading waterfalls into the emerald rivers that twisted through the trees with the shimmering crystals sprouting throughout the ground lighting the way. “Perhaps one day I’ll brave Jahaur again for a brief visit, not for any digs though. I did enjoy Neued and exchanging performances with those living there.”
“Ah, was it that you missed the company of some?” Teased Betza, reminding Omari of the Shifters who had flocked after the hybrid had demonstrated some of the Matorian dances he knew and bonded with them over performing together during his stay. One of them had even made an offer to keep Omari busy past the evening, much to the hybrid’s embarrassment at the time as he politely declined. Omari and Betza’s sister had also gotten along well, much to Betza’s enjoyment even though he knew it was not that type of affection. “My sister is happily living with an Alkidike, you know.”
Omari shot Betza a look, shaking his head at the teasing. “And I’m happy for her. I’m far too busy for those things, anyways. It was just nice being able to see the culture and learn some of the older dances, the ballad to Serin was also one of the most beautiful pieces I ever heard.” They had attended a festival under the full moon, Omari being escorted by Betza as they settled in for an evening of performances that included the traditional song offered by a young songstress that Omari wished he could have brought back to work at the academy with Betza. Her voice still echoed in his ears now, the subtle melodies of the background singers with their deeper voices only highlighting the delicate notes she sang on that stage bathed in moonlight. “I do hope your sister and her family are well though. It has been a couple of years since I’ve heard anything about them.”
“They’re fine.” Betza replied, his expression thoughtful as he looked over Omari as if debating something. “She had a new bloom a moon ago, the twins are delighted with their little brother. They did apparently take in a Vandrea to train, she’ll be staying with them for the next few months if not longer.”
“Oh? Is that so?” Omari raised a brow. “Congratulations to her and I’m sure having a Vandrea will be an interesting experience.” He had personally never seen the newer Aishan race, only having just met an Elidae when Quiana showed up looking for Noelani, and had only heard rumors about the Vandrea who lived near Belrea. “Strange that she came all this way for training, your sister-in-law must be a very talented mentor.”
“She is indeed. Sasi mentioned many Alkidikes come their way to train with her.” Betza acknowledged, “Though the Vandrea had a sister apparently. She’s an Alkidike who would be interested in participating in the digs. Would it be too much if I asked that you consider hiring her? I trust Sasi’s judgment and she did send a letter recommending her.”
Omari pursed his lips thoughtfully, pondering the option. “I suppose that it wouldn’t hurt to have another pair of hands if she truly wants to explore an Oban desert. I’m not going to lie that it is a bit surprising to hear an Aishan interested in such things, but the more the merrier. I’ll just have to meet with her first. Is she staying nearby?”
Betza nodded, reaching into his robes so that he could pull out a rolled piece of parchment with worn edges from being reviewed a few times. “Here’s the letter. She’s staying at an inn nearby, I directed her there once she showed up yesterday afternoon.”
“I see.” Omari accepted the letter from Betza without hesitation. “Hopefully she can wait another night. Do you mind letting her know that I’ll meet her here in the morning?” It would give him time to prepare and potentially speak with Kieran about another joining their ranks, the party preparing to leave for the desert within the next couple of days since the event was over.
“That should be acceptable. I’ll let her know soon since I’m finished with classes for the day.”
“Sounds good. Thank you again, Betza.” Omari smiled towards the Shifter, showing his appreciation. “Your classes have been going well, it’s nice to have you back. Having you back as a mentor is worth fulfilling any request, even one like this. As unexpected as it was.” He added playfully, knowing he probably would try to respect any wish from Betza since he did truly appreciate all of his help since returning to the academy.
“Mmhmm. I’ll keep that in mind.” Betza bowed his head in appreciation before turning to walk back down the path, the Shifter going to seek out the Alkidike so that he could give her the news and prepare for tomorrow. Omari simply watched him leave, tilting his head for another moment as he simply stood around and wondered about what type of Alkidike he could expect to meet tomorrow. One interested in earthling culture….that’s interesting. Not bad, just interesting. He just hoped Kieran would be alright with the idea, the hybrid not quite certain about the Yaeli’s feelings on Aishans even though he was a friend of Noelani who was part Aishan herself. Surely it’ll be alright. Like he had said before, the more the merrier…right? Omari nodded at the thought, finally turning so that he could check on the exhibits and then return to his study to prepare any necessary paperwork for another new treasure hunter joining their ranks.
[1640 wc]
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