[Flashback] Wandering (Cherie)

[Razia]

Timestamp: 34th of Spring 506 AV Just on the outskirts of Wind Reach, the sun, though masked in a thin veil of cloud, peered down though the high reaching treetops in glittering streams. It speckled the forest floor, dotting tree trunks and seeping into the array of colored leaves that sprouted and sprawled about the branches and undergrowth. Though not inhabited by any civilization, the mountain wood teemed with life. Chirps and chatters of every tone and volume echoed to and fro, rising and falling in a chaotic chorus of energy. The pathway down the mountain was rough at best, unyielding to the faint of heart. However, the young Inarta that trotted through tangled bushels and thick walls of bark and leaves was anything but. Her slight frame was donned with a thick leathered tunic, which hung loosely though tied about her waist with a wide leather belt. Her steps did not disturb the static morning air, nor did the outstretched fingertips of her right hand, which brushed against the rough surfaces of trees. Her mud caked bare feet guided her steadily forward, knowing the winding path with a fond familiarity. A pair of leather boots dangled from her left fist, swaying this way and that with her dancing step. She was at home in this forest. Once the undergrowth grew thicker, her pace slowed, and she bent down low, half crawling through a tunnel of vines and branches to emerge into a large clearing, dotted with patches of untamed grass. Setting the boots down, along with a small pack she carried, she sat in the center, producing a leather sack from within. Gathering her legs and crossing them, she daintily set the pouch in her lap, unraveling it to reveal a small heap of bluish berries that stained her fingers as she scooped them into her mouth little by little. Flooded in contentment, the young girl flopped back, fiery hair gathering flecks of dew that still clung to blades of grass. Her eyes trailed to the sky, where she stared, bewildered, as the clouds slid by and eagles circled about. Much lower than the giant shadows of outstretched wings flitted a much smaller bird. A falcon flew to and fro, dancing about midair, chirping to its master. The Inarta lept to her feet, raising a gloved arm and allowing the falcon to perch. She nuzzled its silken chest, whistling a greeting in Nari. The falcon responded with a chirp, spread its wings and diving down to the ground before gliding upward and spiraling the girl. She chuckled to herself, snatching up the pouch of berries and stuffing it back into her pack before slinging it over her shoulder. "Eager to see more of the mountains, Andaer?" She chimed, lifting her boots from the ground and adjusting her pack. The falcon whistled, fluttering toward the opposite edge of the clearing. The red haired woman broke into a sprint. "Hey now, don't get too far ahead!" She shouted, delving into the unknown forest in pursuit of her feathered companion.

[Cherie]

She had never been to this side of Wind Reach before, the sun felt brighter here and the silence never seemed to be disturbed by arguing tradesmen or yelling farmers. Cherie crossed the little stream the ran down the mountains and headed towards the tree line. As the tread though the snow she admired the forest growth, it startled Cherie that none of the trees had bow markings left from the archers practicing and not one plant seemed to be squashed. As she continued she herd the screech of an Falcon and looked up towards the sky, the graceful shape of a falcon circled the mountain. Who could be looking after that falcon? He certainly doesn't look wild.

Cherie followed the falcon, running as fast as she could towards it, her fiery red hair streaming behind her as her black cloak fluttered in the wind. She soon came to a stop when she heard a shout, "... don't get too far ahead..."

Cherie looked around and listened for any more shouts, none came. She yelled out of curiousity, "Hello?"

It might just have been the wind howling She started jogging at a slow pace towards the mountain, she soon reached the edge of the Mountain. She started to clamber up the mildly high surface, stopping for a break she looked down at the trees. A cracking branch echoed through the woods and Cherie, being only 13, panicked. She grabbed her only protection - her fathers dagger. The tree leaves swayed as the wind howled, revealing what looked like to be someones blazing red hair. It was another Inarta. But who would be here, this deep in the woods?

Calming, Cherie put the dagger in its sheath located at her waist. She started towards the fiery haired stranger. As she neared the Inarta, it became apparent that she was fairly short. Cherie waved and smiled at her,

"Hello, I'm Cherie."

[Razia]

Razia whipped around at the sound of a resounding voice, starting as the young Inarta girl dissolved out of the undergrowth. She was frozen for a long moment, examining the adolescent before her. Her sudden appearance, or just the fact that she was exploring these parts of the mountains, marked her brave. She couldn't have been older than 13 years, and yet she ventured out into the wilderness with a broad smile on her face, approaching strangers... Razia liked her. She reminded her of herself, which was always an aspect that put someone in her good opinion. Confident in response to the girl's forwardness, Razia dismissed the fact that this girl was a stranger and turned to face her. Loosening her shoulders, she lifted a hand in a timid wave, cocking her head to the side, "Nice to meet you, Cherie," she yelled in response, trotting over to the girl and offering a hand, "my name is Razia." The Inarta gave Cherie an impish smile, bending only slightly to be at the same eye level (the young girl was almost as tall as she was). Her aqua eyes drifted down the dagger that hung from the girl's belt. Interested, her gaze flickered back up to her face, "And what brings you this far from town? Itching for an adventure?"

[Cherie]

The stranger introduced herself as Razia, she smiled as Cherie, she was almost as tall as her, but seemed much older. The girl continued, "And what brings you this far from town? Itching for an adventure?"
"I was exploring, I've never been here and am interested to see how different it is from my home forest."Cherie smiled sweetly and held up her bow, "I also wanted to practice, but I couldn't find a good spot."
They were standing in a small clearing close to the mountain. Cherie was happy to have found someone else. She wasn't scared she just didn't like being alone and preferred company on her little adventures. Maybe someone that also didn't know the present surroundings.

Cherie wasn't actually looking for anything she just walked further from her home to enjoy the wilderness. The shops were her boundary, she never left outside of the center city but ventured outside on rare occasions, such as these.

Her aunt prevented her from leaving Wind Reach and always said, "It's the law." Cherie wanted to leave and explore the world but she was only 13 and the law, is the law. She would argue, "Couldn't you talk to someone?" or "But, I'll be safe." but it never worked .

Cherie looked around and then back at Razia," What are you doing out here? Do you live around?"

[Razia]

Razia was surprised at the girl's response. So young to be learning archery... Yet most of the other children did. Razia was one of few Inarta to know little about marksmanship. Though she regretted it terribly now, she'd never picked up a bow in her childhood. Her father was skilled enough to teach her, but she never possessed the desire to learn. If she decided to begin now, it would be an embarrassment. Almost a full fledged adult, she couldn't engage in a child's activity. Smiling at the sight of the bow, however, Razia nodded. "I live up in Wind Reach, but I come out here to explore. Sometimes those walls can feel so confining... The fresh air is nice." Immediately after her words left her lips, she fought to gain them back. What kind of role model was she setting for this girl? She ought to say 'people shouldn't wander into the woods without adult supervision' or 'it's so dangerous' or 'you should follow the law and stay in town'. Inwardly cursing herself, she directed her attention back to the skies. They seemed clear, though the occasional eagle ducked through the clouds high above. Perhaps she would get into less trouble if she kept an eye on this girl. "I think I know of a place you could practice," she stated. What if Cherie though she was trying to lure her into some trap? Perhaps her parents were near, and Razia would come off as some kidnapping lunatic. Though she was fairly well-known in Wind Reach, it being a fairly small city, she was sure that people could mistake her as a stranger. Hopefully, that was not the case. Hopefully, this girl would not be suspicious of her. Perhaps she could even teach her a thing or two.

[Cherie]

Razia smiled at the sight of her bow and nodded."I live up in Wind Reach, but I come out here to explore. Sometimes those walls can feel so confining... The fresh air is so nice."
Razia seemed to want to take back her words but Cherie just smiled as Razia thought about something. "I think I know a place you could practice," Razia continued. Cherie nodded and looked around her surroundings. "Do you do Archery?" Cherie questioned. Maybe the Inarta could teach her something. Cherie's aunt had taught her well but maybe the girl could teach her a new thing, or 2. Cherie asked, "So which way?"