Solo or RP Format Counts as 5 RP growth Points Solo word minimum is 750, RP post minimum is 7
Tendaji may not be bustling like the cities of ages past, but that doesn't mean someone can live their life without encountering someone else who is a bit...different. What is the story of you meeting a person who is going in the opposite direction. Maybe they are traveling and you meet in a cross roads, or maybe they are settling down to start a family while you're getting ready to leave. Or possibly it's someone with such a different personality it's like oil and water. This is your chance to tell us that story and what happens when you cross paths.
[ This prompt is all about crossing paths - briefly and of characters who wouldn't normally find themselves interacting with each other. Explore what happens when two people who are going in opposite directions (figuratively or literally) find themselves briefly encountering one another. We would like to see strangers meet on this one, so take some time to bring your characters out of their comfort zones. ]
Lioe missed a few things about Tale, but the twisting paths through the trees and along the ground were not among that list. He had expected that Belrea would have a much more organized layout, but even now he was able to turn a corner and get himself lost in the web of winding roads. He knew that unless he actually took the time to study a map and explore the streets, he was going to keep on getting lost.
Of course, that would require him to explore places where other people walked. Old habits were hard to break.
He approached a crossing of paths where three different roads met. Lioe stood locked in place, peering down the various directions. This was just too many options! Which way was home?
Sabra Knight
Posted: Wed Apr 19, 2023 6:16 pm
Cornetified
Kaimana had decided to take a couple of days to himself, the Matori opting to explore some local countries while the rest of the crew relaxed after their Kahi adventure. Coming back from Belrea had been an exciting journey but the man was definitely tired after so much adventuring. First Belrea with the horrible storm situation, then Kahi with surprising fires and so many things to document and map out, and now back towards Matori where he hoped to take time to visit his old village. Now though Kaimana found himself distracted by a rare butterfly that had landed on some wildflowers, the pale pink and golden speckled wings fluttering slightly in the sunlight as the little insect searched for nectar within those delicate petals. It was not surprising that he crouched down to sketch, but once the outline was completed and he had filled in the markings the Matori realized that one of his legs had gone numb and so he tumbled back into the crossroads, rolling into what appeared to be another foreigner...or not?
Blinking, Kaimana looked up at a young man with shocking orange hair that made him think of Belrea but then there were other features that seemed more local to those who lived in Tale that caused him to frown. "Uh...hello there." Kaimana held onto his sketchpad and piece of charcoal as he laid on the ground, his legs slowly recovering some senses as the blood came back after he had been locked in place for so long while sketching.
Sabra Knight
Feral Galaxy
Offline
Cornetified
Precious Loiterer
Offline
Posted: Mon Apr 24, 2023 4:55 pm
Which way..? At least he could rule out the way at his back! Probably. Maybe..
Lioe's heart leapt into his throat when there was sudden movement in his peripheral vision. He yelped and started to bolt, but the figure hit his leg and sent him spinning. He was barely able to keep up on his scrawny legs! At least it gave him the chance to see that it was an earthling and not some ravenous beast trying to eat him!
With a couple blinks of confusion, he looked around before focusing on the other man. A Matorian? "..Hi...Are you alright?"
Sabra Knight
Posted: Fri Apr 28, 2023 7:42 pm
Cornetified
It would be a lie to say that Kaimana wasn't a little amused by the younger earthling's reaction to his sudden appearance. "I'm fine." Kaimana grinned towards the hybrid. "I'm more worried about you. Didn't mean to give you such a fright." He stretched as he spoke, the Matori placing his sketch materials on the ground so that he could begin rubbing his legs to get the blood flowing again. "Hate that weird buzzing feeling when I've been sitting for too long." He explained before finally standing and dusting off his clothing. Bending down Kaimana picked up his sketchpad and charcoal pieces that were still on the ground before finally looking back towards the stranger thoughtfully.
"Are you not accustomed with the wilderness of Tale? Should I guess that you're from Belrea then?" Kaimana's grin lingered as he couldn't resist teasing the other earthling. "Or are you just a skittish local jumping at the rustling bushes?" Not that he could blame the stranger considering how dangerous witu or sermals could be, but at the same time most from the area had a weapon at the ready or a companion better prepared to deal with such issues. Even Kaimana with his sketch supplies hanging from his side had a trident laying on the ground nearby, left there for the moment until he was either ready to move on with his travels or until something forced his hand.
Sabra Knight
Feral Galaxy
Offline
Cornetified
Precious Loiterer
Offline
Posted: Thu May 04, 2023 8:11 pm
Lioe took a step back and ducked his head awkwardly. "No, no, I'm fine. Just.. you know, you came out of nowhere." His brow rose a little and he peered down at the stranger's legs before he gave a nod of understanding. "Yeah. That's not very comfortable." He had experienced the prickling legs many a time after sitting with his books.
The questions managed to bring a heat to Lioe's cheeks. "Actually, I have experience with things that pop out of rustling bushes here, and that didn't end well before." Though he was miffed at the implication.. he also couldn't deny the man was partially right. Skittish was a word for him when out in nature. If he needed to, he had a small dagger on his hip. Of course, he wasn't at the point where grabbing it was yet instinctive. "I grew up here, but I live in Belrea right now. Just back for a visit."
Sabra Knight
Posted: Fri May 05, 2023 2:06 pm
Cornetified
"Lots of things tend to do that in this particular area." Teased Kaimana with a chuckle. "Just be thankful I wasn't a witu." Finishing his stretches, the Matori finally sorted his belongings and faced the stranger. The commentary about the experience had him raising a brow, the interest and amusement both very clear. He could only imagine what else would have popped out of rustling bushes at the younger man!
"Ah, then that makes sense." Kaimana nodded thoughtfully, his arms crossing as he studied the stranger. "I just visited Belrea a little bit ago, the cities are definitely far less surprising unless you decided to take a back alley away from most eyes." Those he knew could have plenty of surprises some even worse than a wild witu or sermal. "So I'm guessing you have family then? Interesting to see someone with connections to both Tale and Belrea, to be honest." Another chuckle left his lips before he shifted and held out his hand towards the Belrean hybrid. "I guess it's rude to ask questions without an introduction first, right? Name's Kaimana and I'm from neither Tale or Belrea, just passing through on my way back to Matori."
Sabra Knight
Feral Galaxy
Offline
Cornetified
Precious Loiterer
Offline
Posted: Sat May 06, 2023 7:46 pm
The mention of a witu sent a subtle shudder through Lioe's back and a grimace to his lips. "Believe me, I'm thankful." Especially since he doubted his savior from his last witu encounter would be lurking nearby to save him again. He gave the stranger a quick onceover. Well, the guy looked capable enough, but he had no desire to test that theory.
"Yeah. My parents are.. an interesting pair." His eyes darted to the extended hand with hesitation. Well, he didn't seem that bad... Lioe reached out to shake the hand in return. "Lioe. ..And yeah, some family stayed here while the rest of us moved to Belrea." He cocked his head slightly. "It sounds like you've been all over. Do you travel a lot or was this a special trip?"
Sabra Knight
Posted: Sun May 07, 2023 11:59 am
Cornetified
A knowing look crossed Kaimana's expression as he noticed the reaction to the witu. Definitely has dealt with one of those before or at least heard stories. He noted with amusement, the Matori more intrigued by danger than deterred by it which seemed to be the opposite for the stranger before him. In all actually if there was a witu nearby that had scared the hybrid then Kaimana would be going on the path towards it rather than running away. Talk about standing at a crossroads!
"I see." Kaimana grinned towards Lioe as he shook the hand. "Must be quite a trip just to visit family then. I suppose I do travel a lot. It's part of my job as an artist and guard for a cartographer. We map new areas and trade routes for merchants while I sketch out any interesting flora or fauna found along the way. We just finished up a huge expedition over in Kahi so I'm coming back home for a few months to rest up and see whatever else comes up." He nodded thoughtfully before looking over Lioe again. "So you're just visiting which I assume means you normally stay put in Belrea, right? If so I can always offer to help you along the path until we need to split ways. I'm fairly confident in my witu handling experience."
Sabra Knight
Feral Galaxy
Offline
Cornetified
Precious Loiterer
Offline
Posted: Mon May 08, 2023 5:45 pm
Lioe shrugged lightly. "The long trip gave me the chance to catch up on my reading." He managed to pull up a small smile. "It's not just family though. It's a multipurpose trip for work as well. I'll be buying books to take back over to the shop to sell there."
He couldn't help a somewhat surprised expression. This guy accompanied a cartographer? He had just been thinking about... "I don't suppose you have a map of this area on you that I could look at? I don't have anything to pay you for walking with me, and I just need directions back to Blackleaf Inn."
Sabra Knight
Posted: Mon May 08, 2023 5:55 pm
Cornetified
"Ah, a bookworm." Kaimana replied with a teasing grin. "It's a shame you didn't meet the cartographer that I work with because he absolutely adores books and would probably have a few that he's already read with him." Kieran burned through those things like nothing which both amazed and scared Kaimana. Did the man's brain ever take a break? No wonder he needed glasses from pouring over those things so quickly and so often!
A laugh escaped him. "I don't need payment." Kaimana managed after a moment with a grin. "I can sketch you a quick map to the Blackleaf Inn, if you prefer though since I was actually going the opposite way it seems." The Matori opened his sketch book, turned around a few times to survey the area, and then started to quickly sketch with a piece of charcoal he had tucked away behind his finned ear earlier. "There's an old knobby tree once you take the left path here, it'll make another split in the path but not as bad as this only left or right, but make sure after you take that left you go right at the next part to avoid looping back here." Kaimana explained as he quickly sketched out the map, using mostly landmarks since he wasn't as great with actually mapping out the exact lines and such like Kieran.
Sabra Knight
Feral Galaxy
Offline
Cornetified
Precious Loiterer
Offline
Posted: Mon May 08, 2023 7:22 pm
Lioe couldn't help how his shoulders slumped at the apparent missed opportunity. Now he was lost and missed out on meeting a travelling book lover.
His brow rose with interest at the denial of payment. "You are a rare find," he murmured, relieved to be getting a map. As long as it didn't lead him into a trap or something... but that was surely unlikely. He took a step closer to peek with interest at the map being made, noting the words as they matched up with the drawing. "Thanks. I appreciate it."
Sabra Knight
Posted: Mon May 08, 2023 7:32 pm
Cornetified
"Thanks, heh." Kaimana chuckled. "Though usually I'm more rare and annoying according to others." The Matori finished the rough sketch of the map and handed it over towards Lioe. "And done. If you ever visit Matori maybe you'll find me there and if not I'm heading to do some work in Sulburi soon with that very cartographer."
"As it is I hope you have a good journey and try not to get lost again, alright?" Kaimana couldn't help teasing once more. "Are you certain you'll be okay going on your own? It can be a bit dangerous out here, especially if you aren't used to the area."
Sabra Knight
Feral Galaxy
Offline
Cornetified
Precious Loiterer
Offline
Posted: Mon May 08, 2023 8:04 pm
Lioe felt a smirk rise. "Annoying? I can't imagine why," he teased back as he accepted the map. "As intriguing as it is, I probably won't be going down to Oba. As you managed to note, I don't like leaving home much. Once this trip is done, it'll be right back to the airship field and Belrea for me."
It was tempting to ask for Kaimana's company a little longer.. but the man just said he was going the other direction. Lioe certainly wouldn't want to go out of his way to lead someone around. "I will be fine. I do appreciate the help, but I will let you continue on your way. The inn isn't too far off from here by the looks of it." He gave the map a little shake as though to use it to reassure Kaimana. "I'll be careful if you will try to avoid falling into some other unsuspecting soul."
Sabra Knight
Posted: Mon May 08, 2023 8:41 pm
Kaimana simply grinned at the teasing, happy that his playful nature was being accepted instead of receiving a more abrasive response. "Duly noted. Maybe if we ever stop in Belrea again I'll look out for a writer with your features." He promised before waving off Lioe and wishing him the best on his path. "I'll keep that in mind, just make sure you jump quicker just in case the next thing to startle you is actually a witu." He joked before turning and preparing to go along his own way, the Matori gathering his supplies and humming under his breath as he walked along.
