Open Share a Blessing

[Naiya]

9th day of Fall, 516 AV
10th Bell
Dawnwhisper Pavilion

Naiya cooed at the wuepo in her arms, still not entirely comfortable holding him, but sure that she wanted him in no other place. The wuepo, her wuepo, was not the one she had imagined. Her mind had constructed a wuepa, with her father's tan skin and her bright hair. Instead she found a wuepo laid across her chest, his father's eyes filled with knowledge beyond his time in the world, and the hair that was spares across his head was dark unlike her own.

Yet he was clearly hers, undeniably a mix of features that promised to be a reminder of the man they missed every day. Yet, there was only elation each time she gazed at the little one, followed by disbelief and joy. She had brought this wuepo into the world.

She had imagined that this day would be harder, that while they opened their home to the people to bless her child she would be unbearably painful and tired. Instead she felt fairly wonderful, undeniably proud and excited to greet friends and familiar faces as they came to welcome the spirit back into their world.

There were aspects of the birth that were less wonderful, ones that had her seeking the advice of her sister, and of her healer and friend. Mostly she sought company. This child was, in Naiya's own mind, as much Khida's as it was her own. She sought the woman frequently, hoping to share the amazement she felt with her wife.

The word of a wuepo had surely spread, there was no doubt that those near had heard the urgency of movement late in the night, and seen the ins and outs of what was clearly labor. She could hardly recall much of the aftermath of the labor, she'd dozed with the wuepo, watched with great care as Waisana had checked on both her own health and the health of the wuepo. Now she was awake again, and it was a time of blessings.

She wore what basically mimicked her son, a cloth of dark colors and many layers to keep her from bleeding, a breastband covered her, but was easily displaced to feed her little one. She was still propped by pillows and blankets, covered from the waist down despite the heat. Her corner of the pavilion dedicated to the birth continued to serve afterwards as a comfortable place to rest.

-----------

Naiya space Pavi | Common | Tukant
other space Pavi | Common | Tukant

[Cynelaf Earthsong]

Disquiet rippled off the people of the moving city, much as the heat waves danced and shimmered in the sweltering heat. As the sun approached its zenith, animals and human alike sweated and slowed, the mood in and amongst the pavilions a nervous, somber cloud, that did nothing to provide relief from the soaring temperature. If anything, the tempers of the inhabitants tended to flare, more than puddle, with each drip of perspiration that trickled down face or back. People sought the solitude of a quiet corner or took themselves off to perform tasks which would reduce the friction of irritable proximity. It was a good time for Cynelaf and Bebinn to make their call.

It was her call, really. He did not know the Dawnwhispers, not to speak to them anyway, or to call them friends. He knew them as one knew most in the city – by name, by reputation – good or bad. Naiya was an acquaintance of his aunt. No – his wife! He had to constantly remind himself that Bebinn was now his wife. How exceedingly twisted life could become, he had thought, as they trudged along, side by side. The fact that he had married her was related in a convoluted way to the fact that now was a good time for them to venture forth into the city. The more people who had retreated to seek out shade or some other form of respite from Syna’s fierce solicitude for the earth, the less likely it would be that they would run into Ranulff. And that was a person they both very much wanted to avoid.

But their uneasiness over that possibility had dissipated as they reached the Dawnwhisper pavilion. Bebinn entered first, Cynelaf taking one last look before following her inside. He might have just left her there, to return later and fetch her back home. She was nervous, however. Perhaps Naiya might be quite worn out by the ordeal she had just endured. She might not wish for visitors to stay overlong. Bebinn had convinced Cynelaf to come in with her and meet her one time friend. She had promised that, regardless of the new mother’s spirits, they wouldn’t stay too long. Besides, she had her own three to get back to, and though Sen’net was a completely trustworthy caretaker, the young woman did not wish to burden her over much, especially in the unrelenting heat. It wore a body out, and more so when that body had already seen so very many seasons.

Stepping under the tent flap, Cynelaf felt the stuffy atmosphere press against his skin, and wondered that the new mother had gone through her labor pains in such stifling warmth. He stood, awkwardly, as Bebinn made her way in further, and thence to the side of her friend. The young Drykas did not feel entirely out of place in a place of birthing. Bebinn had brought forth three of her own in the past few years. And birth itself was as natural as death, and he had seen his share of that too. But not knowing Naiya Dawnwhisper made him just a little uncomfortable. Maybe he should just sit quietly on the floor while Bebinn had her visit and made her congratulations.

But no, his wife – really he would never get used to calling her that! – called to him to follow, and see the child. Cynelaf had seen newborns before too, and in a word, they were quite unattractive. But he thought it would be rude not to do as Bebinn suggested and so he too stepped to where mother and babe lay, modestly covered, and no doubt hot for that fact.

”Naiya! How wonderful to see you! And congratulations!” Bebinn beamed at the two, bending forward to get a better peep at the baby, as Cynelaf peered over her shoulder. He couldn’t see much, and that was fine, but he gave a little wave and echoed, ”Congratulations.”

Bebinn straightened and half turned towards him. ”Naiya, this is my - this is Cynelaf,” she said. It was clear from her hesitation and last minute substitution, that Bebinn, too, found the arrangement slightly uncomfortable still. The blonde haired woman seemed pink about the cheeks, but that could well have been because of the heat. ”I’m sure you must have heard, about Latham.” Her eyes dipped down in notable sadness, and nervous fingers plucked at her skirt. Without having to think about it, Cynelaf raised a comforting hand to put it lightly on her back. They were not close as a husband and wife might be. But they certainly had a great deal of affection, friendship and respect for one another.

[Naiya]

Shai was awake when guests arrived, his little eyes taking in the world with rapt fascination. Naiya had trouble tearing her eyes away to greet the surprisingly familiar face. The woman's long blond hair was familiar, her face more so, although she had not seen the woman in years. It took her only ticks to recall her name, years of absence having burried it in her memory.

"Bebinn Riverborn," Naiya began, taking perhaps a few long ticks more to notice the cheva's mark on the woman's skin. Apology "Married now, I see. I have fallen behind on the goings on of your life." Her hands signed gentle regret to soften her words.

Greetings, "Cynelaf, it is nice to meet you." She realized that the name was indeed familiar, and her memory of recent gossip caught up to her. "I am sorry for your loss," both of you.

She beckoned them closer, her hands invitingthem to sit, Come, meet "Shai". She coaxed the child into her arms, better to let the others see him, Shai fussed some at the change, but settled as he spotted the new faces.

"Do you remember how we used to convince your brother to let us braid his hair, imagine how this poor wuepo will fair with so many women in his pavilion." She grinned at the woman, sharing a memory.

Cynelaf seemed perhaps uncomfortable, she shared a smile with him, "Us woman, chit chatting away with no consideration for you." Teasing Shaped her free hand, "There is tea in the kettle if you would prefer to escape."

-----------

Naiya space Pavi | Common | Tukant
other space Pavi | Common | Tukant

[Waisana]

The night had been a long one. She had worked all during the day and then when she should have been resting, it had been necessary to run to see to Naiya. There had been the hectic work associated with labour, the constant fight to keep her mind alert enough in the case of catastrophe, even as her body tried to lure her to sleep. Once the woman had given birth, there had been the afterbirth to deliver but Naiya had borne a glazed expression that proved that she was mostly out of it. For her, the hardest part was over and Waisana had found herself envying the other for being able to rest. The doctor had had to remain to check everything over, ensuring that mother and child were healthy before she'd finally taken her leave. Her mind had begun to shut down as she stumbled her way home and it was a minor miracle that she had entered the right pavilion. The teen had fallen onto her sleeping mat fully clothed and had been dead to the world for a number of bells afterwards.

When she finally awoke, Syna had already begun her upwards journey and the unfamiliar slant of the light confused the blonde. It took a few chimes for her to understand that there was something off about the morning because it was a later bell than she was accustomed to rising. Her mind continued to be hazy as the former night's exertions hadn't been fully purged but she arose anyway, the splash of cold water to her face bringing much needed alertness. She sought an alternative mode of dress as the clothes she'd slept in were crumpled horribly and damp from her night sweat. The teen dressed in the overly large clothes of her half brother, rolling up the sleeves of his shirt and the bottoms of his trousers so that she could function in them before she hurried off her own soiled clothing to launder them.

As Waisana wound her way between pavilions in her path to washing stream, she was aware that she would need to visit Naiya before she considered going to work. She would be afforded some leeway by the others in the River Flower given the night's enterprises and it was important for her to check on her patient. Of course, it wasn't all about work or personal concern today. Today was the perfect time to offer her blessings for the newborn and his mother. The Dawnwhisper would be open to any and all Drykas who wanted to give their well wishes. It could be a truly wonderful time as family and friends surrounded you and filled your home with positivity. She could understand that such a circumstance could be stressful and exhausting for the same reason as the necessity of accepting everyone into your home could take its toll.

When the doctor reached the washing stream, she worked quickly to get her laundry done. Each item was dipped into the water first to soak it thoroughly before she began to work the material between washing stones. She rubbed the cloth vigorously between two such stones in the water, careful not to wear the material thin as she tried to remove the various stains. Cold water drove many bodily fluids out of the fabric easily enough, the teen observing with satisfaction as blood and amniotic fluid lost their hold on her shirt and trousers. When she was satisfied that they were clean, she twisted each item of clothing, wringing it of the moisture it had absorbed. Each one was twisted every which way as the wringing was repeated over and over until the material felt damp to the touch and rarely dripped. She draped the washing over her bare arm and hurried back to her brother's pavilion. The clothing was hung up to dry outside, the teen judging that the drying would be good out in the air before she hurried off to the Dawnwhisper pavilion.

When she arrived, there were others there already. The blonde took in the appearance of the man and the woman, trying to place them. She had had contact with much of the Drykas population in the course of her work either directly or indirectly. Most had come for treatment in the River Flower at one time or another or she had accompanied a party to go herb gathering further afield than the city. Waisana didn't want to stare at them however, as she tried to determine if they were familiar. Instead, she approached the little grouping and greeted Naiya with a broad smile.

"Naiya!" You appear well. You glow. She reached out to touch her hand to the other's briefly before turning an indulgent smile on the babe in her arms. Beautiful wuepo. "You are blessed to have birthed such a child. He will be a handsome one. Many will want to marry into Dawnwhisper, I think," she chuckled, gently tickling the baby under the chin as she spoke. She cooed at him adoringly and smiled at his mother once more.

Well. Question. I check. Question. Wait if want, Waisana signed, gazing at the other questioningly. Naiya might not feel up to a brief examination now but she thought it best to offer given that it was unlikely to be so quiet again.

[Rufio]

OOC :

Sorry this turned out so rambling.!..plz feel free to 'skip' down to - "10 Bells, Dawnwhisper Pavilion"- for Ru's actual entrance~

▵　▿ 　▵

3 bells, stormblood pavilion

　　　　　　　　　　　　 rufio was woken gently by Ixzo's sniffing during the small bells—she had an Autumn cold. Rufio had not slept much anyway—news of her oldest friend's labour the night before had rippled through Endrykas.

While Rufio earnestly wanted to be with Naiya, for support, Ixzo had reminded her that Naiya had her wife, the doctor, and her family. So it was she was persuaded to stay in the Diamond Clan tonight, and see Naiya tomorrow.

　　　　　　It was early still.

The freckled Drykas slid an arm around her bond-sister's waist and snuggled close to her. Despite the heat, her bond-mate shivered with the flu. It worried Rufio.

　　　　Sleep did come, in restless half-dozes.

7 bells

　　　　Rufio awoke.

　　　　　　　She slipped out from the furs and tossed on a beige, frienged, crochet vest. Shunning her hide leggings, she wrapped a large mustard scarf about her waist instead, tying the ends in a knot at her hip to make a skirt.

Sweat was already glowing across her frecked complexion as she raised her arms to weave her cropped hair into braids tight against her head. It did little to tame the mess—at least it looked as though she had tried something.

With a quick glance at her bond-sister, Rufio reminded herself to buy some herbs whilst at market, grabbing a burlap sack as she slipped out of the pavilion.


8 bells, endrykas markets

　　A bumbling, excitable mess
　　　　—was Rufio this morning.

The city was already a hustle-bustle as the morning wore on. It surprised Rufio, who was never usually about this early (fortune-telling was an art best left to quieter, later bells).

Her ochre gaze danced as she perused the goods. Soon her Mizas were exchanged for fresh ginger roots, a pound of dried sage and hyssop. Blended together, these herbs would be a soothing remedy for flu.

When she turned towards the familiar green tents of Emerald—a boy dashed past, nearly careering into her, chased by a girl yelling "wait for me!". Rufio's attention was stolen by the tiny woven doll in the girl's hands as she fled past.

Inspiration struck. "I should get something for the wuepo, and Naiya."

So, she ventured into the Amethyst Clan. A spoke in the ever-moving great wheel of Endrykas she rarely treaded. She spent the next bell marveling with wonder at the talent with which the purple-clad Drykas bent their skill to craft.

When she happened on a modest pavilion showcasing an array of woven baskets amongst their wares, the half-Drykas was drawn to a large, oval basket beautifully painted.

Her reluctance to inquire its price well-founded. "Twenty gold pieces"—her jaw fell, incredulous. "I can buy a new falx for nearly the same!" Rufio argued with the man. He grinned through a thick black beard and gestured at his work with vigour, pride, value, skill bade his sign.

"Ahk, falx is for killing, you Diamond-folk have no appreciation for things that won't hack or maim. This, it is a precious thing! It is special, I made just one like it, it is one of a kind, and wood like that is rare, ah?" Rufio narrowed her gaze up at him—though at least two heads taller was he, she, not an inch intimidated.

Her lips pouted as she chewed on his response, thoughtful. Her fingertips brushed the beautiful markings along the weave of the gorgeously rich, cocoa-hued wood. A sigh of admiration lilted off her lips. The man grinned down at her and folded his arms across his chest with the hint of presumed victory in his stance.

　　　　Rufio held her ground.

She agreed "Your weaving is beautiful. It is worth more for this." (a little honest flattery to slick the steep slide of her offer) "Still, this is so much for it...eight gold." The man made a strangled noise in his throat, and gestured rigidly- "twelve."

Rufio peered down at the basket. With some thought, she ran her fingertips along the plush, red-fox pelt laid inside. Her heart warmed to his offer as Naiya's vibrant red locks and a childhood memory of her fixing berry-juices to her face in the visage of a fox leapt to mind.

Rufio was lit with a wolfish smile as she negotiated "Nine, the pelt with it."

He dug in, his big hands fidgeted with his beard as he weighed it up. The pelt was beautiful, she was asking for it at half its value. His gaze appraised hers.

That wolfish ochre stared back, alight with tenacity in their hue. Wiping sweat from his brow under Syna's heat, He relented. "Nine and five silver, with the pelt."

The freckled Drykas' nose-ring glinted as she tossed back her messy braids. Feeding off of competitiveness, she felt the desire to whittle him down farther. Sensing her mood, the experienced craftsman quickly employed his wits, gesturing coyly to Syna beaming above.

"Is a hot day, take pity, ah?"

Rufio chuckled. Weakened by humour, she acquiesced with a wistful sigh. "Alright, alright, you got it." Respect, appreciation, joy.

With that she made her way, at last, to mother and wuepo.

10 bells, dawnwhisper pavilion

"He will be a handsome one. Many will want to marry into Dawnwhisper, I think..."

Rufio heard warm laughter lilt in the Dawnwhisper tent as she ducked in and stood quietly a chime, letting her retinas adjust to the dimmer light. Watched with a warm smile as Waisana gently fussed over mother and wuepo.

With a grin splitting her features, the freckled Drykas paced in a little, letting her Shiber-tinted voice fall softly into the close-knit gathering. "So, a boy?"

Apology intrusion, greetings, excitement, concern. Her sign was a flurry of emotions as she approached a little more. Meanwhile, her ochre orbs danced to the two she didn't known of. Curiosity played in her smile as she bowed her head to them in respectful acquaintance.

"Naiya, are you well? Is wuepo healthy?" It was her concern that won out at first, creasing Rufio's brows. Her gaze flickered to Waisana with an affable smile, recognising her by reputation.

▵　▿　▵

Ledger :

-15C for ginger root (1lb)
- 16S for dried sage (1lb)
-16S for dried hyssop (1lb)
- 9G for exquisite basket
- 5S for fox pelt

[Naiya]

Waisana's return was one that brought a smile to Naiya's face, gratitude settling into her posture. The girl was dressed in overly large clothing, surely because her others were dirty, but it came to Naiya's mind that she might craft a second outfit for the woman as a gift of thanks.

Rufio's voice called softly from her entrance into the pavilion. Naiya waved away the woman's apology, her smile warming as her age old friend returned. Here was a woman she felt close to despite their separation.

"A boy." Naiya confirmed, "And, he is handsome indeed, after his father, surely." Naiya agreed, her gaze falling once more to the child in her arms. "I've decided Shai will be his name. Perhaps it's soft nature will lend him to a kind heart."

She beckoned the woman closer, inviting her to have a closer look.

The question that followed, echoed so closely to Waisana's, lent Naiya to quiet discomfort although she knew it was simply silliness, to be self-conscious about her health when everyone here could clearly see that she'd only just had a child. Yet the churning of her stomach remained at the thought of bearing the truth of such things to people so unfamiliar as Bebinn and Cynelaf. Wuepo check now. Agreement. She directed at Waisana, the sliding of her gaze to the familiar strangers a subtle indication of her preference to wait on her own health.

To Rufio she simply nodded, "He is well, as am I." Well was a fair term, she had certainly felt better, but hers was an easy enough birth if Seirei's twins were anything to go by. Besides, Rufio would likely linger, and she could help her concoct any sorts of herbal remedy Waisana prescribed far better than Naiya would on her own once the healer left.

Her discomfort seemed unwarranted as the approach of the well known healer presented the uncomfortable husband a great excuse to take leave with his wife in tow. They said goodbyes and left the three women and the wuepo.

Naiya let out a heavy breath, although her smile did not falter as she glanced at two people she considered dear friends. "There is tea" mint "in the kettle, mugs and a cloth on the stones of the firepit to protect your hand from the hot metal."

With a teasing grin, she fixed her gaze on her newest guest, the woman's dark brows furrowed with concern. "I'd offer to fix you a cup, but I've battled zith and come out less exhausted than I am now."

Her eyes flitted to Waisana, "I can only imagine you must be equally as tired, having risen in the night to come help me," great appreciation, concern.

-----------

Naiya space Pavi | Common | Tukant
other space Pavi | Common | Tukant

[Rufio]

　　　　
"I've decided Shai will be his name. Perhaps it's soft nature will lend him to a kind heart." Rufio smiled at that, and approved kind-hearted, like his mother.

When Naiya beckoned her in, Rufio settled the basket and soft fur she had resting against her hip, making a shy sign of gift. Her fingers twitched as if she wanted to say something else, more meaningful, but, for once, she was lost to fancy words for conveying the feelings.

Naiya knew her well, and rescued her. "There is tea" mint "in the kettle, mugs and a cloth on the stones of the firepit to protect your hand from the hot metal." When Naiya then fixed her with her gaze and teased, "I'd offer to fix you a cup, but I've battled zith and come out less exhausted than I am now", Rufio laughed and shaped her hands with affirmation strong like his father, so motherhood begins .

As the short, dark-haired woman made her way over to the tea, she felt an odd fluttering in her stomach as she wondered how she would take to motherhood one day. Surely she wanted motherhood, a desire warmly kept in every drykas’ heart, to make strong family and clan.

Rufio ruminated quietly as her hands stirred mint leaves in the simmering pot, and brought down three mugs for each of the three women left. Must find a husband first, Rufio wrinkled her nose at how grandmother Wildmane seemed to speak in her mind. Then the half-drykas thought about Ixzo, and the bond that had sprung up between them. Taken with her thoughts, as the fresh scent wafted into her freckles face, it distracted her, and she was happy to refocus herself in the present again.

Taking the cloth Naiya had suggested from the fire-pit, she lifted the pot and poured the mint infusion into the cups carefully. The freckled woman glanced to the doctor and mother, seeing if Waisana had checked over their health, and offering privacy quietly as she waited, before wrapping her fingers around the cups and disturbing them.