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 Posted: Wed Nov 08, 2023 2:06 pm
Kayde 1 Oba. It was always odd to return. The last time he had been here, he had been with Murie's show as an acrobat, stopping by to put on performances for noble and common folk, whoever had the coin to pay to watch. Before the show, Kayde had been living here as an orphaned child, well fed and taken care of but picked on by the Oban children in the household as the odd one out. His hair and skin made it easy for him to blend in with the others, so long as no one looked at his eyes and long ears or the bright crystals on his forehead that easily marked him as belonging to the north nation. He always wondered if he had been dropped off here so that he could blend in with the other dark skinned children. Though the question of why would always stump him. With no records of who even dropped him off as a baby, there was zero chance of ever finding it out. For all he knew, he was the product of some noble's affair and not from the north at all, but a true Oban by birth, if not fully by blood. It was an interesting mystery. Not one that he cared about too deeply. Just interesting to imagine the different reasons that might have been behind it. When he'd quit the show, he had remained in Jauhar up until the move to Matori. Suddenly being in one spot had started to make him itch. Every so often, he would travel to Oba, mostly on business to help his brother-in-law. Or, like today, to help the family that his own seemed to be inter-mingling with more and more. Between the lessons at the school and helping out with different festivals on the side, Kayde was slowly coming to meet and recognize the different members. Today was no exception. An opportunity to help out with a festival in Oba and to take his own son along with him for the experience of seeing something different than the ocean or cliffs.
The space roped off for the festival was mostly empty, filled only with the various workers and performers setting up their different stalls and areas. Kayde walked between them, greeting them here and there when they looked at him. He of course didn't really know anyone, but that never mattered. He could stop and chat with anyone. For now, he was on a mission. His course set towards the small stage in a corner, with an array of seats already before it, being set up in very orderly rows by s young Oban woman. He was here to meet with someone about doing a performance of his own. Elias didn't really need to be here at all. He was no performer. Had never shown an interet in it like his sister had. But it was good for the boy to do something other than swing that sword around or work his body.
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Posted: Wed Nov 08, 2023 2:07 pm
Elias 1 Not that the boy in question had minded going to Oba on a trip. He had always thought he'd go off exploring one day, but now that he was at an age when some really started to plan it out or even were already doing it, he was hesitating. Elias liked being in Matori, where he always had his small family around for company. He had Minke not too far away to hang out with. And he also had Cahira's family, making the school and the people in it feel like a second home to him. It had been overwhelming at first. For the first ten or so years of his life, he had had only three people around him. He wasn't used to having so many others who knew him or of him. Now he couldn't imagine not having it. Why would he want to leave that just yet?
The teenager weaved through the chairs, trying not to get in the way as he followed his father closer to the stage. Oba was such a different place, he couldn't keep his eyes still, causing him to almost trip up in someone or something. Now was no exception. There was a gasp and a hand on his arm steering him away from a man whose vision was half obstructed by a large box. He blinked and looked at the older Leaf man who had pulled him away. "Sorry."
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Posted: Sun Dec 10, 2023 3:37 pm
Festivals always meant a flurry of activity for those connected to the academy. Omari didn’t mind since he knew many of the students and even some of the staff were excited to prepare for such an event since it was a good chance to show off their skills to potential sponsors. The older students especially were working hard on their performances, hoping to find someone that would be interested to help their debut as an artist into society within the next couple of years. Others simply wanted to show off to their families, but still shared the desire to perform the best that they could during the festival. While Oba didn’t quite experience the bitter cold of winter like other countries there was still a time when the night was longer than the day, a very brief period in the long year, but it was one that brought out superstitions and beliefs about the gods. Essd and Nerad were focused in many performances this time of year, the king and queen of gods highly respected because of their roles concerning life and death along with judgment, but Omari had spent months working with the others on dances to highlight each of the gods to spectators instead of only the ruling couple. They would not be on some grand stage since it was part of so many activities this year, but the performances would continue on rotation for student demonstrations before going to the grand finale for those who had acquired the role of a god or goddess. Their dances would begin early tomorrow afternoon, going on until the next night when the festival was officially over, and those wandering the festival could stop in and see whichever deity was being portrayed in the moment through dance and music. Unfortunately some of those who had been involved with preparations and even a dancer had to miss the event due to mishaps and so Omari had written to his family seeing if anyone had spare time to visit. At the moment he was dodging those carrying in supplies while trying to direct those securing the backdrops painted by other students, the gleaming portrayal of the heavens highlighting the theme for tomorrow.
“No, no…a bit further left.” He directed, totally unaware of the others approaching as he focused on the students helping him to arrange things.
[Omari 1]
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Posted: Sun Dec 10, 2023 3:38 pm
Cahira found herself walking around the roped off square, admiring the stalls that had already been set up and noting those that would have goodies she was interested in for tomorrow. Some of her favorite steamed buns were being advertised and it even looked like there would be stalls for some local artisans and smithies to show off their wares. Anything related to weapons had her interest, Cahira already being chastised for leaning across a barrier to try to get a sneak peek at an engraved sword that had caught her gaze. “Sorry, sorry!” She chirped, waving a hand before darting back towards the center of the square. She was supposed to meet Omari and others here, having received a note that potentially Elias and his father would be joining in the festivities since her younger brother had asked for another dancer to help out with the performances tomorrow. It had been a bit since she had visited the desert country after working on establishing her swordsmanship school in Matori, Cahira deciding it was best to probably accept the request before she became too busy for such visits. Plus, she had someone she needed to visit with so the timing was actually perfect. She had personally headed into Oba earlier than the rest because she had wanted to catch up with her fellow swordswoman, taking a day to train together for old time’s sake and catch up, and now she was finally here within the city where her brother was waiting on them.
Most of the crowd simply moved around the hybrid as she pressed forward, others not really finding her to be an intimidating force in the frenzy of preparations despite her natural grace and confident stride as she dodged boxes and such left and right. It helped that only a slender sword resting beneath the silk sash tied around her waist was weapon today, Cahira opting for a more discreet weapon because of the festivities instead of a larger sword, and the rest of her attire was simple for traveling since she didn’t like wearing the finer clothing of noble women. The skirts were too restrictive for duels, at least in her opinion, and so she opted for her leggings with leather boots and a short top to keep her cool in the desert heat. Her biggest decorations were the golden ornaments that she wore, bangles and earrings which jingled as she walked along before finally locating the smaller stage in question and the others gathered there. “Oh! I guess I did arrive last.” Cahira mused with a grin, the hybrid raising a hand as she yelled towards Omari who was ordering others around like usual. “Looks like I found you, Omari! And Elias and Kayde!” She teased as she emerged from the crowd and smiled between the father and son, waiting for her brother to join them from his position on the stage.
[Cahira 1]
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Posted: Sun Dec 24, 2023 11:03 am
Kayde 2 Kayde wasn't sure exactly where he was supposed to be going, though some helpful Obans tried to steer him on the correct path to the one he should be talking to. If he could find Cahira, he would be able to stick to her. letting a more familiar face guide him to his destination. As it was, he couldn't locate her, either. Not that he was complaining too much. Not that he really complained abut much in general. It was nice to wander around, watching everything slowly come together. He had helped off and on back in Matori with gatherings, doing his best to pitch in to carry something or set something else up that he, at least, could manage as someone not as directly involved in it.
However, as he neared the stage area, Elias closely in tow, his ears began to pick up on something that sounded awfully authoritative. Like the voice of someone who might be more in charge than the guy with the box his son had almost collided with. But before he could inquire further, another voice, much more familiar, reached him. He turned to see Cahira approach and raised his own hand above his head in a wave.
"Perhaps. We got a bit lost," the Leaf admitted, the smile on his face reflecting how he wasn't feeling embarrassed by this fact in the least. "I assume you could help direct us to the correct person." Though the flick of his eyes towards the stage implied he already had a bit of an idea.
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Posted: Sun Dec 24, 2023 11:16 am
Elias 2 Following quietly along, the young hybrid was content to let his father do all the talking. All the talking. As his eyes, a mirror of Kayde's, took in all the amazing sights around him, lingering on the tease of stalls he would surely visit later on, when everything was more in swing, Elias sometimes had to trot to catch up to the older man as he continued moving on with his most recent directions. It shouldn't be too difficult to locate another member of the school's family, right? Just study the crystals on everyone's face. Maybe look for blue. But he kept his mouth shut, far too distracted anyway by what was all around him
Which of course almost caused an accident.
Still embarrassed from his near collision, Elias raised a hand shoulder height to himself to wave back at his teacher. While he had grown more mellow as he had aged into his teenage years, Cahira still seemed as energetic as ever. Which always put a smile on his face. It was very infectious. Not that it was helping to ease the tension he felt at being here, around so many unfamiliar people in such a strange new place. Helping out someone he had never met before. He didn't want to mess up and embarrass his family, his mother's teachings about putting on appearances strong in his head. So he continued to keep quiet and let the adults talk. Which he suspected wouldn't last long before one of them would drag him into the conversation.
Oba was the land of nobles. What did he say? What did he do?
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Posted: Fri Jan 05, 2024 11:54 pm
“Hmm?” Omari waved another student along before turning to watch his sister bouncing forward. As usual she was a bundle of energy, the sight making the hybrid smile despite the stress of the current situation. “Well, I suppose I never need introductions when you’re around.” He teased Cahira as he left the stage, gracefully jumping from the edge so that he could approach the others. “I hope I am the correct person. If not then I’ll be disappointed.” Omari teased the leaf earthling with a grin, holding out a hand in greeting. “I’ve heard a bit about you from the rest of my family. My apologies that I couldn’t visit Matori sooner so that I could meet you before this event. I do appreciate the help, especially if you can help a bit now since we’re a bit short staffed with preparations. ” That much was an honest statement, he did wish he could have visited sooner and truly appreciated the aid. Omari realized he had quite the task if he was to keep the stage active over the entire event so any extra bodies were a great asset. It was a much better option than him having to dance the whole time in between and he was curious to see how his mother’s school was helping others to learn dance, the leafling being recommended by his own mother spiking his interest.
[Omari 2]
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Posted: Fri Jan 05, 2024 11:54 pm
“It’s alright. I got a bit distracted when I should have found you earlier.” Replied Cahira with a small smile of her own. “They’re not kidding when they say you can find some of the most amazing things in Sulburi, especially during the festivals.” Despite her casual stance there had been a bit of tension beforehand as Cahira had somehow managed to get closer within the span of a few seconds, the hybrid prepared to help if Elias hadn’t avoided the collusion himself. It was something that brought a spark of pride to her gaze despite the fact that his distraction had nearly allowed such a thing, she was just proud of his growing reflexes for such a dodge! Speaking of which…Cahira simply waved off Omari’s teasing before glancing around at the group. “Alright, then let me properly introduce everyone.” She pulled her shoulders back and took up a stance to mimic nobility as she gestured towards each individual with flair. “Omari, my darling younger brother, this is Kayde and his son, Elias. Kayde is here to help with performances while my prized student Elias can also help with whatever needs done before the stage opens. Kayde and Elias, this is Omari the current head of the dancing school in Sulburi who is so ever grateful for your help.” She made a face before losing the stance and glanced towards Omari as if asking was that good enough? and then back towards Kayde and Elias with a bit of a sheepish expression. “Are you alright helping out before the event, that is? If so then maybe we could finish up the stage in time to explore the city a bit before night.” Oh and they would also have to show them the tour of the manor since they would be staying a few nights with them there! She was always interested in seeing what type of updates Omari had done since her last visit, after all.
[Cahira 2]
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Posted: Tue Jan 16, 2024 6:26 pm
Kayde 3 Not that he needed much to begin with, Kayde thought, his pale gaze flicking up to the crystals in the middle of the man's forehead. Much closer together than Shadiya's, but unmistakably the same shapes. Much like his own crystals were mirrored on his daughter's. How convenient crystal formations could be. How personal to each person and family.
"Have you?" the Leaf asked, his tone of voice and eyes showing the amusement he felt at being talked about. Not that he didn't suspect it. It was only natural for everyone to talk about everyone. Especially if his wife was involved. "Nothing too awful, I hope." He chuckled at his own bad joke. "I was bound to come out this way eventually. I can imagine it must be busy work, running all this yourself." And at such an age. He couldn't resist the thought creeping in. Weren't nobles more in the habit of taking things over much later in life? "It is very nice to meet you, at any rate. I've heard a thing or two about you, as well," he added somewhat slyly, enjoying the playful banter. "We are here to help with whatever you need. Including helping set up the stage if that's on the list. Except dancing for Elias." He glanced at the boy, noticing how stiff he was holding himself. Trying to be discreet, Kayde leaned in close to his ear and whispered, "You don't have to be so tense. Your mother isn't here."
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Posted: Tue Jan 16, 2024 6:37 pm
Elias 3 Thank the Gods he didn't have to give his own name. He wasn't sure if he could speak well right now. His body stiffened slightly as Omari approached them. Why did he feel so nervous? He normally wasn't so nervous. Was it just because Oba was the land of the nobles? There were so many here, he couldn't help imagining himself banging into one on the street and getting into lots of trouble over it. It was easy to forget when he was in Matori. Even if he met one there, which he rarely did outside of the school's family, it was such a light-hearted feeling of a place, with the sound of the water clear in your ears and the seabirds sharp above your head.
He was so tense, that when his father's voice suddenly spoke so close to his ear, he jumped a little, instantly giving a sheepish smile in return. Right. No mother meant he could calm down. If he slipped up and forgot his own strict teachings, it didn't matter. No one would tattle on him.
"Yes, sir," he answered automatically, directing it at both Kayde and Omari. "I mean...Yes. I am, uh, not much of a dancer, but I am willing to help with the set-up."
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Posted: Sun Jan 21, 2024 9:43 am
"Much appreciated, Cahira." Replied Omari, a small smile on his lips even as he shook his head at her antics. He had indirectly asked for such a reaction, after all. It was hard to upset him even with teasing like that, especially when it came from Cahira. Though it was more rare to be teased when he wasn't near his family, that much was for certain when he came to Sulburi and stepped up into his current role. His smile turned towards Kayde, more amusement dancing across his features at the warm reaction. "Nothing awful at all." He promised with a chuckle. "If anything I think my mother was afraid of losing you if I visited and tempted your family with life in Sulburi." But that would also upset his elder sister, wouldn't it? She was awfully fond of her first sword student from what he had heard as well.
Omari blinked as the father whispered something to his son, but simply smiled again at the willingness to help. "I'm thankful for the help. We have a few more backdrops to touch up, some of them lost a bit of paint since being stored away so we are going to add splashes of fresh color. There's also props to sort, costumes to hang on the rack behind the stage and even fake weapons to bring out from the crates and polish." They had several display racks for easier access, most of the props being placed into crates and brought over from the academy's storage for the event. It would be as simple as taking the time to shake out any wrinkles or polish any of the dull blades, nothing was sharp since he didn't want to risk injuries on the stage, but a nice polish would make them shine in the light during the performance.
"Feel free to take your pick of whichever you feel most comfortable with. I can handle whatever remains and I'm certain my darling sister will help too." Omari flashed a grin towards Cahira. "Afterwards, I'll gladly treat you all to a meal in the city."
[Omari 3]
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Posted: Sun Jan 21, 2024 9:57 am
"Omari is always busy with something." Agreed Cahira as she listened to Kayde, playfully shaking her head as if disappointed with her younger brother. He truly seemed to have forgotten how to relax! Though was that partly her fault? She had taken up wandering while leaving her younger siblings behind to help out around the estate and the academy. Kyril and Koril had a few years ahead of them, being the eldest, and had picked their own paths while their mother was still working hard here in Sulburi. None of them had taken to dancing like Omari and she had seen the passion he felt about this, there was no contest when it came to who should inherit the school. "We rarely see him in Matori because of how much he works, it's hard to get him to even appear at large family events now. But it's what he wanted to do ever since he was a teen, he was always chasing after mother to learn more." Not that she blamed him because he truly was dedicated to the academy, even Cahira had never imagined how many changes could be made to the small dancing school her mother had started all those years ago. She had heard tales about how the manor used to look from her older siblings, both Kyril and Koril visiting the place as younglings, but couldn't imagine it looking less than the fancy estate it had become.
Cahira smiled towards Elias, hoping that whatever Kayde said would help loosen up the teen. They were in Sulburi, it was time to have some fun! She was never one for the noble politics, she had weaseled her way out of most meetings while other siblings endured them in her place. A lot about Sulburi just invoked fun memories for her, the girl taking to picking fights and learning from some talented swordsmen and women within the city. Then there was also so much shopping and different types of food! She did love seeing how many foreign things could be for trade in the markets, especially new weapons. It probably was best that she stayed more in Matori because of her school else she truly would be broke by now, her collection growing back home every time she visited the city. "Sounds good to me." She nudged Elias lightly, trying to help him loosen up a bit. "There's a lot of weapon shops that we can see along the way to food. What do you feel okay helping with? I've helped with all of this before so I'm good to do whatever is left."
[Cahira 3]
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Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2024 4:39 pm
Kayde 4 Never a dull moment when you had siblings, Kayde thought as he watched the two interact. It always made him smile to see the bond family could have with each other. Having been an orphan with no ideas of who his parents were or if he wasn't a hybrid himself, it always made him a bit envious. He was glad his own children got along just as well. It would have broke his heart if they'd grown up hating each other.
The man chuckled, shaking his head. "Wonder where she got that idea from." Couldn't have possibly been Elka, teasing him for his inability to tell someone no when they needed his help. It wasn't like he was gone from home all that much. Was he? He didn't think so. "I don't know how my wife would appreciate the desert. I lived here when I was a boy. Not here in Sulburi. A different part of Oba. I'm not one for all this activity." He waved his arms around him, indicating the city as a whole. Kayde preferred a quieter existence. A home on the outskirts of any town or village he could retreat to when he needed to. The large house they lived in now was still something he was still finding it difficult to get used to.
"It's admirable work," he agreed with Cahira, looking first at her and than back to Omari. "I am happy if I can help ease the burden a little. I think..." He took some time to consider his options. Kayde was sure which one would peak Elias' interest. "I shall try my hand at painting."
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Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2024 5:03 pm
Elias 4 Thank the Gods no one was directly talking to him, yet. Though the conversation was light-hearted and casual, the teenager still felt a bit nervous. He'd never seen such a busy city before today. It was making him feel a bit overwhelmed on top of everything else he was feeling.
"I, uh..." Elias started when he felt the nudge. He glanced over at Cahira, giving her an apologetic smile for his strange behavior. Oba was just the same as Matori. Just much less water and blue. He cleared his throat and stood up straighter, wishing he'd brought a sword. Having one on his hip always made him feel more confident than he might have normally felt. But since he was here to help with a performance, he had left it behind, fearing it would be in the way. "I could polish the fake weapons." Than he caught the last thing from Cahira and turned to her, questions already dancing behind his eyes at what they might find here as opposed to what he could see in Matori. Of course, all that could wait. They were here to help first. Sight-seeing and shopping was second.
Even if his purse was feeling extra heavy in his pocket at the prospect of buying something from Oba to take home for his slowly growing collection.
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Posted: Fri Jan 26, 2024 8:26 am
“Hmm. One could only guess about what inspired such thoughts.” Teased Omari lightly in response even though he had plenty of correspondence with his mother about things beforehand. She was not prone to leaving out many details in her letters to him, that was for certain. If anything she was happy to tell him about any changes to her Matori school including the additional family that she had warmly welcomed into the area. He did give a soft sigh at the rejection, more of a playful gesture than anything else because he had expected something along those lines, but Omari accepted the fact that it probably wouldn’t happen. “It’s unfortunate, but it’s not for everyone. Our family mostly lived in Matori save for when my mother had business at the school here. I truly can’t blame your wife for wanting to stay with the ocean so close and a dancing school there as well. I think my own mother was eager to stay in Matori, giving the academy over as quickly as she could. We’re surprised she waited as long as she did, I think she was worried especially when one of my siblings decided to go running across the world to pick fights.” It was a joke amongst the family how Shadiya had been too excited that at least one of her children wanted to become a dancer like her, the others teasing the Oban like she had planned everything as soon as Omari took his first steps. If anything, Omari had surprised Shadiya by asking to take over the responsibility to help ease her burden especially when he noticed how weary his mother looked when it came to Oban politics and traveling to Sulburi for so many months out of the year. And even though he teased Cahira about traveling for her swordsmanship, Omari didn’t blame her for seeing more of the world. Traveling for that brief period to another country had also inspired him, teaching him that there was so much that could be shared within the academy if they expanded more. Though he did pause after a moment, curious to hear that Kayde had been raised in Oba, but Omari decided not to inquire further just in case it was something more personal. “Still, I do appreciate the help and I’ll gladly offer a tour later in the chance that the academy can persuade you otherwise.” Once more it was a tease, Omari truly not trying to force them to move to Sulburi even though he enjoyed joking about it since his mother had expressed her own playful worries about such a twist.
And his appreciation did include Elias. Omari glanced towards him before looking over at Cahira. “You could show him the stage weapons while I go over the paint with Kayde?” He offered with a small smile in their direction, giving a small tease as he glanced between the mentor and her student. “Just don’t have too much fun with them, okay?” Omari gestured towards Kayde to follow as he began guiding the way to the stage, dodging other workers who were still unloading and setting up props. Thankfully the backdrops were already spread out, scenes focused on the desert, oasis and ocean showing on the wooden boards. “The paint palettes are here, we can mix the colors together from those jars and just touch up any faded spots.” Omari pointed to a little crate that had the paint supplies with brushes spread across it from where he had started setting up before the others arrived. “I can touch up the desert if you’d like the ocean? You saw it more recently than me since I never visit.” Another playful jest, Omari thinking about Cahira teasing him for not coming home often now. It was true though that he could easily imagine the desert sands more than a Matori beach as of late. Thankfully the boards were mostly finished, just with some faded spots that they could touch up with the fresh paint and it was those spots that Omari focused on for the desert as he began to mix up his colors to get that warmer tan for the sand.
[Omari 4]
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