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 Posted: Wed Mar 13, 2024 5:44 pm
Alassiel and Z’ran had decided to go on a short trip to visit the world of Kahikina. Z’ran unfortunately had gotten sick on their way over to the settlement and that day had decided to stay back while prompting Alassiel to still go out if she wished it. So settling a top Rygha with her backpack for the day, she headed out. She’d first wanted to visit some kind of secluded beach she’d heard about and had asked a few locals how to get there. It had been a pain, but she’d eventually made it to hang out in the warm waters. Rygha was really enjoying himself in the waters and Alassiel watched him on the beach as she took in a bit of sun herself.
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Posted: Wed Mar 13, 2024 5:54 pm
Zandala was strolling along her favoured stretch of beach when she noticed an unusual sight. It was rare for strangers to find this secluded spot, a place she considered her sanctuary away from the bustling village life. Her initial surprise morphed into mild irritation upon seeing the intruder—a stranger who was clearly an Earthling, lounging on the sand with her mount paddling in the water, both seemingly at ease in her sacred haven.
Approaching with a guarded curiosity, Zandala's eyes narrowed, taking in the Shifter’s foreign demeanour and her pet's contented frolicking in the waters. Despite her reluctance to engage with Earthlings, she still wanted to show the woman she was a friendly. "Hello," she called out, her voice tinged with a hint of wariness.
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Posted: Wed Mar 13, 2024 5:58 pm
Alassiel, basking in the tranquillity of the secluded beach, was jolted from her reverie by a voice. Instinctively, her hand darted to her side, grasping the hilt of her trident. Her eyes swiftly scanned the surroundings, locking onto the figure of Zandala. Her senses heightened, a mix of caution and curiosity stirring within her. Rygha, sensing her sudden alertness, ceased his playful antics in the water, moving closer to the shore, his eyes fixed on Zandala with a protective gaze.
Despite the initial rush of wariness, her grip on the trident loosened, but she did not fully let go, old habits advising caution. This was an Alkidike after all.
"Hello," Alassiel replied, her voice carrying a warmth that contrasted with her guarded stance. She observed Zandala with a discerning eye, taking in the details of her appearance and posture, trying to gauge the nature of her intentions. "I hope I haven't intruded on your peace. I was just enjoying the sun."
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Posted: Wed Mar 13, 2024 6:04 pm
Zandala's initial irritation ebbed away as she listened to Alassiel's words, her posture relaxing slightly but her alertness remaining fully intact. It wasn't every day that she encountered a Shifter on this secluded beach, or any outsider for that matter. Observing Alassiel's trident, Zandala felt a begrudging respect for the stranger. Her own experiences in the vastness of the world had taught her the value of caution and preparedness. "It's rare to see newcomers find this place," Zandala responded, her voice softer. "This beach is a hidden gem, cherished by those who know it."
The tension that had briefly flared between them began to dissipate albeit slowly. Zandala's gaze shifted from Alassiel to the mount, a creature of evident intelligence and loyalty. "Your companion seems to enjoy the water." Then after a moment, she added. "Do you mind if I join you? It would be weird if we each shared one end of the beach."
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Posted: Wed Mar 13, 2024 6:07 pm
Alassiel felt the remnants of her wariness melt away as Zandala's shift from guarded to inviting echoed her own desires for peace and companionship in this unfamiliar territory. "I would welcome some company," Alassiel replied, her voice reflecting the sincerity of her offer. She gestured to the space beside her, an unspoken invitation for Zandala to share in the tranquillity of the beach.
Rygha, now more relaxed but still observant, moved a bit away, allowing for the new guest to approach. Alassiel watched with a gentle smile.
"As for Rygha, he finds joy in simple pleasures, much like the water here. He's quite friendly, once he knows you mean no harm," Alassiel explained, hoping to ease any lingering reservations Zandala might have towards the creature. She then turned her gaze back to Zandala, curiosity lighting her features. "This island holds a lot more beauty than I had imagined. I'd be grateful for any stories or insights you're willing to share about it."
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Posted: Wed Mar 13, 2024 6:10 pm
Zandala accepted the invitation, her steps measured as she moved closer, but always out of reach should anything happen. The presence of Rygha, now seen as less of a threat and more of a curious companion, added a layer of interest to the encounter. Settling down beside Alassiel, Zandala allowed herself a moment to appreciate the serene beauty that surrounded them. The rhythmic sound of the waves, the soft sand beneath her, and the gentle warmth of the sun created a perfect backdrop for this unexpected meeting.
"Each part of Kahikina has its own story, its own energy. I moved here recently, so I don’t know all of the tales." Zandala didn’t like sharing this kind of information with a stranger, and even less with an Earthling. “Why did you decide to come here of all places?”
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Posted: Wed Mar 13, 2024 6:13 pm
"I came here seeking a bit of an escape, a vacation of sorts," Alassiel began, her gaze momentarily lost in the horizon where the sea kissed the sky. "My daughter set out on her own journey a little while ago but still, leaving our home quieter than I'm accustomed to. Her departure has given me both a sense of loss and a newfound freedom. I hadn’t left home in a long, long time.” Alassiel smiled softly, a mix of melancholy and pride evident in her expression. "It sparked a curiosity in me to explore, to see the world beyond Matori. Kahikina seemed interesting."
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Posted: Wed Mar 13, 2024 6:15 pm
Zandala listened, finding an unexpected resonance with Alassiel's words. The mention of her daughter's departure unravelled threads of her own memories, ones she had neatly tucked away. "I understand that feeling," she began, her voice softer, reflecting a shared sentiment. "My daughters, too, have long since left on their own paths. The quiet that follows their absence... it's a silence filled with dread, isn't it?"
She paused, allowing the sea's rhythm to fill the brief silence that followed, contemplating the journey of her own heart from emptiness to a different kind of fullness. "Recently, I've had the joy of meeting my grandchildren. It's a strange and wonderful experience, seeing the world anew through their eyes. They remind me of all the reasons I chose to make Kahikina my home. The tranquillity here, the closeness to nature, it's healing, in a way. It reminds you that life is ever-changing, ever-flowing, like the tides."
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Posted: Wed Mar 13, 2024 6:18 pm
"You're lucky to have grandchildren," she replied with a wistful smile, a hint of longing in her voice. "I don't have any yet, but I can imagine the joy they bring." She and Z’ran had certainly thought about adopting another child within their family but it had never gotten anywhere.
Her thoughts drifted briefly to her own daughter, imagining the day when she might hold her grandchildren in her arms, feeling the weight of generations intertwined in a single embrace. "I look forward to the day when I too can experience the wonder of grandchildren," Alassiel continued, her voice carrying a hopeful tone. "For now, I cherish the memories of my daughter's laughter."
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Posted: Wed Mar 13, 2024 6:21 pm
Zandala nodded in understanding, a pang of empathy echoing in her heart as she recognized the longing in Alassiel's words.
"I understand that sentiment," Zandala replied softly, her gaze turning towards the distant horizon where the sky kissed the sea. "We were very lucky to be blessed by the Tree." It was sad that Alassiel’s daughter had not given her any grandchildren yet, Zandala couldn’t imagine her life without them now.
“I am sure your daughter will bless you with them one day.” She said, trying to sound hopeful. Part of her wondered how they’d gotten onto this subject, it was weird to share such feelings with an Earthling.
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Posted: Wed Mar 13, 2024 6:26 pm
Alassiel sensed the shift in Zandala's demeanour, the subtle transition from shared empathy to a guarded reservation. She searched for a different topic, something a little more common.
"How is life here in Kahikina?" Alassiel asked, her tone gentle yet curious. As she spoke, Alassiel observed Zandala's reaction, mindful of the delicate balance between curiosity and respect for her companion's boundaries. She understood the Alkidike's hesitation, the reluctance to share personal sentiments with a stranger. Ally did have Alkidike friends, few, but some, but from her look, Zandala wasn’t the usual kind she encountered back in Tendaji. No her outfit told of a different story.
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Posted: Wed Mar 13, 2024 6:30 pm
Zandala appreciated Alassiel's attempt to steer the conversation toward a more neutral ground. The question about life in Kahikina provided an opening for exploration without delving into personal matters—a welcome relief.
"Life in Kahikina is... different," Zandala began, her gaze turning towards the horizon as she pondered her response. There were many things she was unwilling to share with this Earthling. “It is not like home, more peaceful, more mundane...” She paused, considering how best to convey the essence of Kahikina to her newfound companion. "There are challenges, of course, as with any community, but there's also a sense of unity."
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Posted: Mon Mar 18, 2024 4:40 pm
Alassiel nodded, taking in Zandala's words. "Thank you for sharing," Alassiel replied as she glanced around the serene beach, the unfamiliar landscape stretching out before her in all its splendour. Now, however, she did want to get back onto the trail she was on, perhaps the Alkidike could help her do just that.
"I find myself a bit lost," Alassiel admitted, a hint of sheepishness colouring her tone. "Would you happen to know the way back to the main trail?" She was happy to have found the beach, but the call of the ocean had made her stray further than anticipated and she didn’t think she’d make it back on her own now.
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Posted: Mon Mar 18, 2024 4:43 pm
Zandala's annoyance simmered beneath the surface, a subtle tension threading through her response. Despite her reluctance to assist the Earthling, if she wanted her off the beach she’d have to help her. She’d have to go a bit out of her way to do it too, but it was best to just keep things civil.
With a resigned sigh, Zandala relented, her voice tinged with a hint of irritation. "Follow me," she replied curtly, gesturing for Alassiel to trail behind her. As they began to navigate the winding paths that led away from the beach, Zandala kept her pace brisk, her steps purposeful as she guided them through the lush foliage of Kahikina.
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Posted: Mon Mar 18, 2024 4:46 pm
Alassiel nodded in appreciation, sensing the tension beneath Zandala's surface. Despite the Alkidike's evident annoyance, she decided to try and lighten the mood with some small talk.
"So, what led you to settle here in Kahikina?" Alassiel ventured, her tone gentle as she fell into step behind the reticent guide. She observed the graceful way the Alk moved through the dense foliage, admiring her familiarity with the island's terrain. "It must be quite different from your previous home," she continued, casting a sidelong glance at the Alkidike. "But there's a certain allure to this place, isn't there? The way the sunlight filters through the canopy, the songs of the birds... "
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