Noelani stared at her first mug of ale, the hybrid perplexed by the bitterness of the brew. She had seen her grandfather drink it on occasion but never had personally tried any before since her grandmother often said it was bad for divers to partake in such things often. Still she was in dire need of some respite and so she had taken the chance to settle down at a tavern, a place that she never would have entered before going out into the world as a treasure hunter. “It’s alright.” She mused after taking another swig, swishing the amber liquid in her mouth another time before chewing on some stale bread to soak up the ale and the lingering taste. What she had not expected was for a woman to slip into the seat next to her, a young lady with fiery red eyes and dark chocolate curls that surrounded a heart shaped face. From what Noelani knew of the area the woman was probably from Oba with deep purple clothing and orange crystals that dotted along her cheeks.

“Enjoying the ale?” The woman smiled as she studied the hybrid, obviously not as shy as Noelani who scooted back in her seat at the sudden proximity of the oban. “It can have a bit of a harsh taste for those not used to it. Are you new to traveling? Haven’t seen you pass through this trading post before.”

“It’s my first time here.” Noelani acknowledged with a nod. “I’m preparing to go out exploring.”

“I see.” The woman sighed almost wistfully as she motioned for the server to grab her a mug. “A fresh one for my friend as well.” She smiled towards Noelani. “Hopefully that’s alright! My name is Yulitte, by the way. Never seen someone like you before, but speaking of adventures always brings a fire to my heart though I’m over such things.”

“Over such things?” Noelani found herself blinking, the Oban’s very presence a whirlwind for the normally reserved hybrid who was so new to this world after being raised in seclusion for so long in Matori. “What do you mean by that?”

“Ah, no name?” Teased Yulitte before taking a mug for herself and taking a long drink. “I’m settling down in Oba for good after traveling about for a few years. Time to get married and have a family with some man my family picked out.”

“O-oh!” Noelani’s cheeks warmed at the accusation. “Noelani.” She managed quietly before frowning at the flood of information. “So you’re getting married? Won’t you miss traveling?” All of her life she had always enjoyed the idea of adventures and always admired her parents for going all across the world. They had never settled for traditional ties or anything like that, simply keeping to themselves while relying upon her father’s parents to help raise Noelani while they sought treasure.

“I suppose.” Yulitte took a final sip to empty her first mug before asking for another mug from the waiter. “Part of why I sat down here was because you had the appearance of a fresh traveler so I thought I would come check you out.” She smirked, amusement making her crimson gaze glow in the dimness of the tavern. “Hope that’s okay since I’m already settled into this seat. Still, I think I’m alright with getting hitched finally since it would be nice to have a stable place to call home. I enjoyed my freedom, but I think there’s still other freedoms to be found in a wealthy situation within the capital.” She winked towards Noelani. “If someone was interested in entertaining a roaming noble that is. My family wants heirs, but I just want a good time which of course I can’t afford without their coin so I’m hoping my husband compromises as long as I can get him what he wants.” She wrinkled her nose. “Of course I’m planning on delaying that for as long as I can, but eventually it’ll happen which I’ve accepted.”

“Ah, that’s a lot.” Noelani blinked with some confusion which caused the Oban woman to laugh.

“I see! A young traveler so innocent to the world! Did you not venture outside of some tiny village?” Yulitte chuckled. “I suppose as lovely as you are it would be a shame for me to tarnish such a gem. As it is if you do have any questions about adventuring out there then feel free to keep me company while I drink.” She winked towards Noelani. “I won’t ask to share a room, but I do appreciate a companion while eating since it can be lonely otherwise. A fine time to share my stories before we go along our different paths. Mine to my own shackles of choice while you have your freedoms as an adventurer before deciding if it's truly the life you want for the rest of your years.” Flustered, Noelani could only nod as she decided to stay around for the evening before going separate ways from Yulitte. Even if certain things that the woman hinted at escaped Noelani at first, there was no denying the other things that the young hybrid picked up on along the way as they kept talking. Still, Noelani was not one to indulge in such things especially since beneath the adventurer there was a romantic at heart that truly hoped that her path would take her to a special someone one day that she would never leave to play around with others like Yulitte seemed to want.

[922]