It took some getting used to. Abashai was a desertman, and yes, he had traveled much of eastern Mizahar, from Eyktol through Cyphrus and extensively in Sylira. But the Benshiran had never known a humid heat like the jungle held. Nearer to the beach, it was surprisingly comfortable, the ocean breeze blowing a fresh cool wind that kept the body comfortable, but once you entered the thick foliage of the rain forest, the hot moisture was trapped, a stifling contrast to the dry heat of his homeland.
Shai had taken to dressing much more lightly than usual. His leather pants had not seen the light of day since their arrival, nor had his wool shirt. Cotton was all he wore, and often went bare chested when work was to be done, no longer concealing the wing-like designs of Yahal's mark upon his back.
Nya had already scouted the land surrounding Syka quite thoroughly. The cat took much liberty to stretch her predator limbs after being cooped up on the ship. Those that arrived with them surveyed the land as well, eyeing sections of land for their own enterprises. It was time for Abashai to likewise get to know the terrain, Nya acting as a guide to share what she had discovered so far. They had ventured from the beach into the jungle a ways, Abashai carving a path with the heavy, curved blade of his khopesh.
Abashai had found himself very content since landing. It was like a fresh start, something both he and Nya needed, individually and together. Few people, beautiful surroundings, the thrill of exploration and the unknown. It was very appealing to the man. Nya would sense it, his demeanor more cheery than usual, his interaction with her more personal and relaxed. Even his complicated feelings for her seemed to begin to straighten out in the sea breezes.
"It would not be a bad idea to stake a claim to some land here." He ventured an idle thought as they explored. "We don't know how long it will take to find the Pearl, we can hardly reside here long without becoming part of the settlement. They need us." Shai continued. " We will at least have some land to build on, if we want." He waved his free hand frantically at a large buzzing insect. Certainly, someone around here had a concoction that would ward of the plethora of bugs that infested the jungle.
"We may not be tradesmen, but we can contribute. I don't know about other kelvics, (they heard there were others among them) but few could be as large as you, or hunt as effectively. I am handy with this," he indicated the heavy desert sword, "... for what that's worth. And we have a unique amount of knowledge and experience with things very old and mysterious." His hope, yet unspoken, was that the need to learn to survive in the wilderness settlement would sharpen them in many ways, teach and hone skills that would make them stronger, adaptable, even better survivors.
Shai had taken to dressing much more lightly than usual. His leather pants had not seen the light of day since their arrival, nor had his wool shirt. Cotton was all he wore, and often went bare chested when work was to be done, no longer concealing the wing-like designs of Yahal's mark upon his back.
Nya had already scouted the land surrounding Syka quite thoroughly. The cat took much liberty to stretch her predator limbs after being cooped up on the ship. Those that arrived with them surveyed the land as well, eyeing sections of land for their own enterprises. It was time for Abashai to likewise get to know the terrain, Nya acting as a guide to share what she had discovered so far. They had ventured from the beach into the jungle a ways, Abashai carving a path with the heavy, curved blade of his khopesh.
Abashai had found himself very content since landing. It was like a fresh start, something both he and Nya needed, individually and together. Few people, beautiful surroundings, the thrill of exploration and the unknown. It was very appealing to the man. Nya would sense it, his demeanor more cheery than usual, his interaction with her more personal and relaxed. Even his complicated feelings for her seemed to begin to straighten out in the sea breezes.
"It would not be a bad idea to stake a claim to some land here." He ventured an idle thought as they explored. "We don't know how long it will take to find the Pearl, we can hardly reside here long without becoming part of the settlement. They need us." Shai continued. " We will at least have some land to build on, if we want." He waved his free hand frantically at a large buzzing insect. Certainly, someone around here had a concoction that would ward of the plethora of bugs that infested the jungle.
"We may not be tradesmen, but we can contribute. I don't know about other kelvics, (they heard there were others among them) but few could be as large as you, or hunt as effectively. I am handy with this," he indicated the heavy desert sword, "... for what that's worth. And we have a unique amount of knowledge and experience with things very old and mysterious." His hope, yet unspoken, was that the need to learn to survive in the wilderness settlement would sharpen them in many ways, teach and hone skills that would make them stronger, adaptable, even better survivors.