Welcome to Gaia! ::

This was the happiest Maia could remember being in a long while. For the past few months, she had been working for Chiro, acting as a second pair of hands to find all the various wonders of the world that were hidden under the ground. Reflections of a time long since past. There was so much hidden out in the jungle, he said. So much history and untapped potential. Though most of what they found looked a lot like just everyday objects, he was certain there were bigger treasures hidden farther down. He just didn't have the time or resources to spend on such a long exhibition to find it. Nor the courage to anger anyone out there by digging such large holes. He could imagine all races, especially the Alkadike, might be none too pleased with him doing that. Maia agreed. She had seen how angry her neighbors had been with kid her making even small holes all over town. She didn't see what the big deal had been. She hadn't been digging in flower beds. Small holes were so easy to bury back. She even kept the grass intact when she did it.

Ah, whatever. That was in the past and her future was bright!

The streets were crowded as usual as the young Shifter entered the town from her latest exhibition, hunting a part of the jungle on the east side of the town. She felt very grateful every time she came back that this was a job that encouraged her natural need for adventure and exploration. Being in town, even for a few minutes, made her very uncomfortable. It was so noisy and everyone crowded around each other, bumping and pushing. She didn't like having so many people in her personal space as they were. At least Chiro didn't require her to be here very much. Sometimes he even went out to her, instead. Probably to equally get away from the crowds.

Today was not one of those days. Maia had filled her bag with as much stuff as she could before deciding she couldn't put off delivering it. She found him, as usual, inside his office, sitting back in his chair with what appeared to be an arrow head in his hands. Weird. Didn't everyone in all races use those?

She greeted him and handed over her bag, sitting down in a chair while he looked over what she'd brought. Maia had the sudden urge to say something as she watched him looking at each one closely with the different tools on his desk, putting them aside into drawer wrapped up in paper to protect them.

"I know you're eager to get back out there, Maia, but this won't take much longer."

She hadn't realized she'd been fidgeting until she'd been called out on it. She forced her hands to remain still in her lap, but that only caused her leg to start shaking next. Chiro looked at her. Maia gripped her leg. Only to start biting at her lip next. When he than raised a curious eyebrow at her, she could no longer hold it in. Snapping to her feet, she turned to him and bowed with her hands on her knees, remaining in that position.

"I am sorry!" the young Shifter said quickly, eyes closed against whatever look he was now giving her. If she looked, she was afraid she'd turn and run and never come back, ever again. "I just wanted to say how grateful I am for you taking me on!" Jerking back upright, Maia covered her mouth with both hands, her face going darker than it already was. She hadn't meant to yell all that. Oh, why did she yell all that?

Her face went even darker when her response was a loud laugh. This was so embarrassing. She was so awkward.

"You are welcome," the male Wind finally responded, after he had quelled his laughter. This didn't help much to calm her down. Her hands remained over her mouth, hiding the frown on her lips. "I can also thank you. Having someone else to help has been great. I should have looked into getting an apprentice long ago."

Not sure what to say to that, Maia lowered her hands back to her knees and offered another bow, which Chiro returned with an amused bow of his head and a little smile on his lips.

----------

Wordcount: 769