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 Posted: Tue Oct 17, 2023 11:59 am
The last few days had been full of mixed emotions. Even though Quiana was resolved to leave there was still a bit of longing whenever she walked around Kiros and said her goodbyes. Quiana didn’t feel quite at home without her grandmother being on the island, but she knew that she would miss the memories and connections that she had made with the other Elidae living there. After the ceremony to honor Alkidike grandmother, Quiana had lingered longer than expected to make certain that her family and friends were all set for their own paths before returning to her own journey. Surprisingly enough though her decision to wait one more day had resulted in a major reveal that had startled so many others, thankfully though most were overjoyed with the news and took it as a sign that Esena would continue to prosper as Aisha and Elzira had. Apparently the great tree had matured like the others and was actually capable of producing hybrid blooms now! Quiana was in disbelief at the timing. Was this a sign that she could move forward with her affections and that her more hateful ancestors were truly wrong this whole time? Even the new trees were allowing hybrid children, the very notion both startling and inspiring for Quiana. Are you trying to tell me something, Esena? Even now as she walked along the Belrean docks, Quiana had to wonder at everything. The cloud of pollen leaving the island, the winds carrying it across the rest of Tendaji, had been almost like a beacon that it was also Quiana’s time to leave Kiros and explore the world.
Not that it would matter though, considering all of the events that had occurred before this particular revelation. Quiana’s lips curved upwards at the thought as she pondered everything. She had just decided on her future, a path of freedom where she wouldn’t care about such things. But now there was hesitation…the possibility of something she had never even imagined before coming to light with Esena’s changes. Did she dare mention it to Siel? He potentially had his own child now to worry about and she had already promised to help him, if wanted. Would he hate the idea or actually be interested in her news about Esena? “What a dilemma.” Quiana shook her head, the Elidae perching on the edge of a bench that was set up along the pathway that cut around the outer edges of the Belrean city. She had just arrived earlier that morning on a ship from Kiros and had decided to take her time wandering the docks before going to a nearby tavern for the evening. She just hoped that she could see Siel soon, the hybrid surprisingly on her mind despite everything that had occurred over the last few weeks. She hadn’t the chance to send any additional notes beyond the first saying she would be leaving Kiros within two weeks. And that note had been sent with a merchant ship that had been leaving when she first arrived in Kahi so Quiana could only hope to run into him here before going to the nearby tavern for the evening. If not then she supposed that a tour of the town would do and she had heard rumors of a vineyard and orchard a few miles away from the city, surely that would also be a good visit based upon what she had heard from other earthlings. For now though she simply sat by herself and watched the ocean waves, a quiet song coming from her lips as she sang an old ballad from her grandmother. There was still the feeling of loss that hung heavy on her heart despite the promise of a brighter future and Quiana was not loathe to forget the elderly Alkidike any time soon. Let's just hope that Siel is doing well and has good news for when we catch up. She mused quietly, a small smile crossing her lips despite the bittersweet song that she continued singing.
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Posted: Wed Oct 18, 2023 9:10 am
Siel tugged at the lapel of his new cloak and smoothed out the folks of soft, Oban silks. Personal feelings on the nation aside, he couldn't deny their taste in fabrics and flare for the dramatics when it came to style. It was breezy, while still being warm enough on the sea during his ride over and dried quickly enough that once a good rain came through he was presentable by the time his ship came to dock.
He could have gone out to look for Quiana the night they came to port, but something in him hesitated. Instead, Siel booked a space in a smaller, affordable row house and some time with a wash basin. If he was going to present himself as a newly changed man to a woman who'd likely lost someone close to her then he should at least be a clean one. It was still so odd, looking at his hair in the water's reflection, but after his journey he'd at least had some time to come to terms with the changes. He'd grown it out some, styled it with a little more flare, and did his best to make the color work for him.
At least, he hoped he had.
When it came time to find Quiana there wasn't any question as to where he would start. They both had a hedonistic flare to them so the tavern was where his feet carried him. Siel's overcoat, freshly embroidered with stars and other images of the night sky, billowed behind him as he walked giving the taller hybrid a measure of confidence. His anxiety was there, but also with a vein of excitement, especially once he entered the tavern and saw her.
Siel let out a loud guffaw and crossed the room to her. "Well here I am! What are your other two wishes?" He grinned. "I could walk in again, but I assure you you aren't dreaming~"
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Posted: Sun Oct 22, 2023 10:46 am
At least the music in the tavern was far more lively than her lonely ballads from earlier this afternoon. Quiana smirked at the thought, the Elidae swishing about a glass of spiced apple cider as she watched the players on the little tavern stage. It was a lot more of a formal looking place than the little one she had visited in Matori, that was for certain. The Belrean population as well was more diverse with their attire and attitudes, many seeming more at ease with her presence than others across the ocean. The paneled walls were a warm amber with speckles of other colors, the flickering lantern light from each table making dancing shadows to match with the few that were up and about swaying together while others nestled together in corners to chat while enjoying some ale and food. It was cozy, almost to the point that the crackling fire in the main room almost had Quiana nearly ready to retire to her room before a loud guffaw caught her attention and she sprang from her seat.
"Siel!" A bright smile crossed her lips as she ran to meet him, the Elidae excited to see her friend and reaching out to squeeze him in a warm hug. Normally she would try to dance around things more, teasing him for a bit but today she couldn't resist the urge to simply wrap her arms around him for a moment. "I don't know. I was preparing to drift away so it's hard to believe. Hmm...I may have to watch you walk in again." She teased in return before pulling back and pausing, a hand reaching out to gently lift a strand of his now bluish hair. "My dream may be off though, that's different. Still handsome, just more blue than before." She had a feeling about what had caused the change, it was hard not to hear rumors and talk when you were sitting in a tavern for the last couple of days with earthlings panicking and then joking left and right about how pollen could change them. Quiana had witnessed quite a few emotions from the population and then faced the stares of those who were suspicious about where the pollen came from, thankfully for her though Chiume had experienced the same things as Kiros so Quiana could easily point out the Vandrea as culprits more than her own Sisters...for this region at least.
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Posted: Tue Oct 24, 2023 6:32 pm
"Woah!" He barely had time to drop his bag before being swept up into the embrace of an Elidae. Siel didn't think he would ever get used to feeling this small, but instead of being scared of it the hybrid just hugged Quiana back. More was never a bad thing and any sorry excuse of a man who complained about it was never meant to be here, in the arms of a beautiful woman, to begin with!
"Ah, yeah, strange thing that," He turned his eyes toward her hand, watching out of the corner of his eye as his hair was lifted. "Something about pollen? It's the only thing that changed though and compared to some of the others I got off lucky." Rolling his eyes with a whistle, Siel stepped back just enough to pick up his pack. Back in Matori he didn't mind leaving his things lying around because most everyone knew him; Belrea didn't give him that same sense of security.
"Almost matches yours now."
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Posted: Wed Oct 25, 2023 8:31 am
"Sorry, had to truly check to see if my first wish was real." Teased Quiana as she smiled at Siel, the Elidae truly happy to see him. She hadn't realized just how much she had wanted to see him until he came waltzing into the tavern as he did. Now that he was here though? She was eager to catch up and see what news he had, even if anticipation of the reveal made her stomach knot with a bit of worry. "As for the other two wishes, well I'll keep those for later." Her gaze was still fascinated by his hair color, she had heard about others changing but Siel was the first earthling that she had previously known who had been altered by the pollen. It was different to actually know that silver hair was once there instead of the blue color, which Quiana did enjoy even as she missed the silver. Not like it mattered that much, Siel was still Siel...a handsome and enjoyable presence as usual.
"Ah, about that pollen." Quiana let out a soft laugh before gesturing for the table. "Maybe we should get some drinks and catch up. Nothing like my first tavern experience, of course, but just something to keep us warm while we talk." There were other ways of course to stay warm, the very thought making her cheeks flush, but that would be a bit too distracting for the moment. "And your hair does, doesn't it? Maybe you should claim Elidae blood now instead of Alkidike." She joked as she pushed out a chair for him before taking her own. Quiana's hands curved back around her mug of cider as she studied Siel some more, pondering everything and trying not to feel like there truly was some sort of fate pushing against her. Out of all things for the pollen to change, why blue hair? Then again she could also ask herself why the timing for Esena's maturity as well....what a strange world we live in.
"So...how are things?" She asked finally, her expression thoughtful while she peeked at Siel from the top of her mug as she raised it for a drink.
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Posted: Mon Nov 06, 2023 1:01 pm
"What?" Siel laughed, "You say it like you personally cast some kind of spell on us." He waved his fingers into the air, absolutely grinning while his bracelets and rings made little clinking noises. Shaking it off, the bard made his way toward his offered chair and gracefully accepted it. With a flourish, of course; how else did one sit with a long coat?
"I...am not a father." Siel reached for his glass and kicked back in his seat, throwing one arm over the back as he crossed a leg underneath himself. "Funny enough the boy's father is a man from Belrea, but the babe is doing well and they should be on their way back to Matori. " He still didn't quite know how to feel about the situation and it showed. There was an ease to Siel, a sort of resignation, and a vein of disappointment. As much as he'd feared what life would be like with a child having it taken away from him left the man empty.
"So, here I am."
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Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2023 7:36 am
Quiana smiled impishly as a server dropped off drinks, the Elidae accepting spiced cider for something to warm her throat as well. "Who knows? Perhaps I did." She teased lightly as she took a sip from her mug, Quiana relaxing as she settled back into her seat at the table. There was an air of mystery, a teasing feeling as she studied Siel and thought about the effects of her tree and its maturity. Though Esena was not the only tree to mature, so perhaps Chiume was more to blame for Belrea being affected in such a manner? Either way, it was what it was and both trees had opened up a whole new path for many who dared to veer away from traditional ideas that had split their race so long ago.
Her expression shifted though, Quiana feeling a mixture of emotions at Siel's own reveal. Was it bad if she felt relieved? Despite having an open opinion on certain matters there was a part of Quiana that was selfish and happy to hear the news, but another part of her felt bad for Siel as she studied him. Was he disappointed? "I see, either way I'm glad to hear the baby is doing well." She finally offered, the Elidae taking another swig of her drink before placing down the mug. Her hands stayed on the table, a discreet offering if Siel needed the touch, but other than that Quiana did not move towards him. "Are you upset by the reveal? I was not certain if you wanted to be a father." She acknowledged, her expression thoughtful as she studied him. Did he wish that it was his child, after all?
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Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2023 7:52 am
When Siel tossed up a hand for a drink he'd expected something local and that's exactly what he got. The stein was nearly as big as his head with a mead so thick it could have walked on it's own. Maybe he'd grown too used to the lighter drinks of Matori? Either that or the Belrean populace had some seriously strong guts. Either way, he took a drink because he'd be damned if he wasted any of it, and even if his mouth screwed up Siel swallowed the swill.
"I didn't? I do? It's...complicated." Siel sighed. How did he even begin to explain something he himself didn't have a handle on? "At first it scared me, but the longer I had to sit with the idea the more I got used to it. I, uhm...I don't know. It made me think I might not be a terrible father and that maybe one day I might give it a try. Until then, though-" Siel reached around to his side, dug out a little pouch and tossed it onto the table. A few balls of crushed herbs rolled out of it. "-I mix that with my tea. No more surprises. The healer gave me her word it worked."
Normally it was the women who took that kind of thing, but Siel couldn't handle another event like that. So, if it was good enough for women it was good enough for him, right?
"Can you imagine the poor sod with me as a dad? Poor thing wouldn't stand a chance."
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Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2023 8:04 am
Quiana tilted her head thoughtfully, the Elidae silent as she listened to Siel's words. She could understand the feeling in a sense. After spending time with her younger sister and her children, Quiana had softened a bit towards the idea of them. They could be cute, annoying at times, but overall not awful. Noelani's own children had been very sweet towards Quiana for the most part. They definitely had been a comfort when Quiana had said her farewells, the Elidae still suffering from her recent loss but thankful that she had others now to help fill the void left behind by her grandmother's passing. She had resigned herself though to never experiencing such a thing for herself until recent news had her thinking again...the very thought making her take another swig of her drink.
She did raise a brow at the mixture, but waited until Siel was finished speaking to finally open her mouth. "I mean...I could imagine it, especially considering our last interactions when there was a chance." She replied with a small smile. "I don't think you would do so horribly. If anything I may be a bit disappointed myself to not see a small Siel running around in the near future." Quiana joked quietly, her words soft and slow as she carefully considered how to present her current situation and test the waters and guess Siel's own interests. "And now you have that mixture so I can't even offer myself as a benefit to avoid such worries. Though there is always the option, along with others depending on your own desires." Even though her own community had changed, her mother tree following the path of Aisha the blooms there did not come as surprises from a simple night together. Still, it was strange to think that such an option was now open...
"What if one day you do decide to become a father?" She smiled at the thought, trying to imagine something that she had never thought would be possible in her lifetime. "Wouldn't it be a crazy world if suddenly the Elidae could have children with earthlings as well?"
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Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2023 12:19 pm
"Yeah, well," Siel started scooping up the stray compacted herbs and slipped them back into the pouch. He returned them to a satchel on his side with practiced ease, just as he'd done every evening since he acquired them. "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't interested in picking up where we left off in Matori, but this is just added assurance that nothing comes from adding a third." Also like their time in Matori. He'd needed to get out of Matori for a while; something about half naked bodies tended to be a breeding ground.
He'd crossed a sea for fun, travel, and distractions with a lovely Elidae. If something fell through then that was fine, but Siel had no other motivations. If anything the man was fairly simple so when she kept pushing the talk of children he found himself pausing. Just what was Quiana getting at? "Would it? I mean my father is half-Alkidike and the Elaria have been able to make hybrid kids for ....a...while...Quiana, what are you getting at?"
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Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2023 1:14 pm
"Hmm? Is that so." Quiana pursed her lips as she looked at Siel, her lips moving slightly side to side as she seemingly pondered things. Mostly she was teasing because it was no question if she was interested or not, she had already proven that during their time together in Matori. "I suppose it wouldn't hurt to repay a wish since you already answered one earlier. Though maybe we can share another one later on, if you're interested." She twisted a stray lock of hair back behind her ear, the Elidae leaning on the table as she watched Siel.
Honestly, as much as she posed as a perzi playing with its prey the Elidae was secretly nervous. Would he run away if she expressed too much interest? But then again there was a faith in Siel that she couldn't simply explain. He had been so good to her ever since they first met and even stayed to help her out after witnessing her as a drunken mess. So how could she lie to him now instead of offering him the truth? "Hmm...well, I want to have fun with you and explore everything we can together. But I was also sincere about my offer when you thought you were going to be a father, I would have helped out in any way that I could." She admitted after a moment, her expression softening though as she continued speaking. "If you were truly disappointed then perhaps one day you could consider another option, one that involves me instead. That strange pollen from the other day? It's a sign that Azehra and Esena have both matured, like Aisha and Elzira. I never thought it would be something possible in my lifetime, but here we are."
Quiana leaned back, crossing her arms as she peeked away with a rare flush across her cheeks. "I had resigned myself to never having a family of my own, I couldn't have faith in myself to do such a thing on my own nor could I trust another yet. I simply did not fit in with other Elidae and my wanderlust was too strong, but now....well, I think I'm softening towards the idea. Though if I did have children I would not force them to chose a path unless they truly desired it. I would much rather show them the joys of the world, traveling and living freely." She shook her head, finally glancing at Siel again instead of the scratches on the faded wallpaper. It wasn't as if she were in a rush for children, but the idea was definitely present as of late considering everything with Siel's potential fatherhood and her reunion with lost family. The world she had known, the playful antics had suddenly slipped away with so many revelations. Quiana still wanted her freedom, her spirit still playful and light-hearted, but another part of her was truly considering the future now. "A silly thought, right? Still, if I had to trust anyone for a partnership of sorts then I could easily imagine it being you. You've seen all various sides of me and haven't run away yet." She grinned, laughter dancing in her gaze even though her fingers tightened against her arms from her own inner struggle with the revelation.
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Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2023 1:43 pm
"Matured? Like tree puberty?" That had to have been insulting and Siel only realized the implications after saying it. He'd always known that Quiana would help him in any way that she could and he would extend the offer in kind, but this was....Oh, there was a vein of nervousness building up under his playful veneer now.
Quiana's crossed arms were as close to physical protection as a shield and Siel nearly choked on his spit. She wanted to have kids - with him - HIS KIDS. Not in the way he'd almost had them before, but a much more purposeful approach with ceremonies or paperwork or however the Aishan's did it. The people who wouldn't let your fathers go to Aisha. This was...deeper than Siel could process, but he knew it would leave a sting when he told Nimueh.
So...maybe he just...didn't?
"I don't think it's silly." He answered with all sincerity. This time Siel leaned across the table, his hair and jewelry hanging heavy on the sticky tabletop. "Wanna know the truth? I think you'd make a great mom and if I was going to purposefully do this with someone I'd want it to be you." Siel lifted his hand and put it out onto the table, palm up, in parody of what she'd subconsciously done moments earlier.
"I didn't expect this kind of thing when I came over, but I'm not against it. We already said we wanted to travel and see the world, so what's a few additions going to hurt?" The details about finances and things had been such a strong worry since he'd first thought about fatherhood that Siel didn't have the energy for it anymore. He wasn't built for that kind of indepth though, anyway, so why stress?
"I can't say what's going to happen to us but I'm ready to try if you are."
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Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2023 1:58 pm
Rather than showing disgust at the idea, the absurdity of Siel's connection to her words brought a laugh of surprise from Quiana. "Yes...I suppose that's one way understand it, but I wouldn't use such wording around other Aishans." Some definitely would find it insulting even if Quiana was not quite offended, especially since it was Siel. Their trees were their source of life, the only reason they could exist and the very existence that kept them strong as a race. It would be best to not belittle Esena, the one that would potentially be blessing them with blooms.
Quiana's stance shifted, the Elidae's shoulders slowly losing tension as Siel's words and acceptance registered with her. "Truly?" She repeated, her arms slowly uncrossing so that she could reach for his hands and give them a firm squeeze to express her appreciation and happiness. "You can take time to think about it, we can still have our fun in Belrea before even thinking of going to my home....but I am happy to hear that you aren't opposed to the option." She did laugh, a sly expression crossing her features as she let loose of the stress and worries from earlier. "Well, I wasn't exactly certain if I did want to offer it until I heard your news. But it's best to keep things exciting, no? I can't afford to let either of us get bored that easily." It would be an interesting challenge, a distraction from her own loss and a way to try and find a new place in this life that she was eager to experience. She understood that they were both still free spirits so Quiana was not one to expect complete devotion or any drastic changes to suddenly occur between them with this, especially with her own personality, but she had faith in their partnership. "We can be as we always are, just with a couple of additions tagging along whenever we're ready for them." She promised with a small smile as she leaned towards Siel in turn. "I am fond of twists and this is definitely one of the biggest twists yet for my life." Even more so than finding lost family, this was something that simply hadn't been thought possible...and yet she was excited to see exactly where this path would lead.
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Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2023 2:16 pm
Without a home of their own, these little dive bars were starting to become a place of personal revelations. There was a smell in the air that Siel had long since learned to block out, the fabric of his new coat was soaking up something on the edges of this table, but it felt just as 'comforting' as a cottage to some. Where was the adventure without a few odd patrons looking at them? Or some poor bard squealing out lines to a song they clearly didn't know?
"I mean, even if things had turned out differently in Matori it wasn't as if we were going to stay together. There would have still been chances." It would have given him responsibilities outside of their travels, but it wouldn't mean Siel couldn't still go out into the world. Admittedly this was the cleaner and easier route.
"Well...now that that's settled...maybe we could take a few ropes up to a room and see what else we can twist up? Maybe involving a headboard and a bottle of wine?" They could have stayed in the pub all evening or even taken a stroll through town, but...well, they'd already talked about having children so what was the point in delaying anything?
Just because it wouldn't happen that way didn't mean they couldn't practice.
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