13th day of Winter in the Year 517 AV
It had been 13 days since Ialari first stepped foot off of the Veronica. She spent the first day and half slumming it on the beach. While maintaining some stark differences, Syka's beach still felt a lot like the beach she had spent so many seasons on back on the eastern coast of Syliras. There she had discovered a series of pre-Valterrian ruins which she claimed and called, The Retreat. It was in those ruins that she established a doorway to her Dominion. Splitting her time between living on the beach and at The Retreat and living in and shaping her Dominion, Ialari had come to know the comforts of the beach. It filled her with a sense of peace and freedom quite similar to what she felt living in the Kingdom of Sultros.
On the beach of Syka, she spend much of her initial time there reflecting on the journey that brought her there and her purpose for coming. Eventually she realized that in order to discover the reason she was drawn there, she would need to integrate herself into the settlement. With that in mind, she made her way into the settlement in search of whoever was responsible for new arrivals. Asking around, Ialari discovered that a man named, Mathias. The name was familiar to Ialari. Many seasons ago she had made a mistake in creating a Dominion door and ended up in Riverfall long before she traveled there intentionally. While there she encountered Mathias when he was first planning an expedition west of Riverfall. Although unable to join the expedition, she did have the pleasure of attending a party held by Mathias and even shared a dance with him.
Ialari found Mathias outside the Syka Mercantile. When she approached, he glanced over to her with a look of recognition. Ialari bowed her head and said, "Hello, Mathias, it's good to see you again." Her accent was still thick; something she had never really learned to soften much. Despite that, Mathias smiled as the memory of their brief meeting dawned on him.
Cheerfully he replied, "My dear, while I may forget names, I never forget a face. Especially one as pleasing as your own. It is good to see you again as well."
Returning his smile, "Ialari Pythone. I see your expedition was successful."
"Mathias smile faded for a moment yet returned in earnest. "It was not easy. A few false starts but yes, we finally made it. What brings you here to our humble settlement? I never thought I'd see you again."
Ialari, while having learned more of interacting with people from Kavala, was still a bit uncertain when engaging in more mundane conversations. Pausing for a moment to formulate thoughts to words she finally said, "That, my friend, is a long story best saved for a more appropriate time. In short though, I am here in search of something. In the meantime though, I was hoping to find a place to settle my things and maybe offer my services in return." She spoke slowly, trying to articulate her words in the most understandable way possible.
Being a man of many talents, Mathias had little trouble understanding Ialari though noted the exotic nature of her accent. "Of course, of course. I would be happy to help you find a place to stay and there are many opportunities to help out around here. We are a small community with unique needs. I can set you up with all that you need and as far as your search, if you need any help with that, I am at your disposal. There are a few places available for you to stay. There are the bungalows as well as the overwater ranchos; which ever suits you best. As an added welcome to the settlement, you may also claim for yourself five acres of land to use as you wish. As far as employment, I guess it comes down to what you have to offer us."
Ialari smiled more. Business exchanges were the bread and butter as it were for the isur. Even having been apart from her people for so long, that was something that was never forgotten. "Well, I have quite a bit of experience with living and surviving in an environment much like this. You're surrounded by jungle so I imagine you've had your fair share of encounters with snakes, spiders and a variety of toxic substances. I am rather skilled in handling a variety of poisons and toxins related to your surroundings. I've dealt with the crafting of minor medicines, salves, tinctures and tonics and dabble here and there with various magic-related issues. I would be happy to offer my skills in crafting antidotes and aid in whatever medical situations may arise." Ialari paused for a moment to think before continuing. "I also enjoy a strong bond with the Divine Father, Izurdin. As such I may be able to help reinforce your structures with the power of the God of Strength to help in resisting the occasional storm that I'm sure you encounter here."
Mathias considered Ialari's offerings and quickly realized that she could indeed be a benefit to the settlement. "I must admit I am pleasantly surprised. We could definitely use such talents here. I will set you up with the Panacea, our local house of healing to offer you compensation for your services. If there is anything else you need, please feel free to let me know and do please take the opportunity to get to know the rest of those who call Syka home."
Nodding, Ialari offered her hand to Mathias who in turn took it. With a shake followed by lifting it for a soft kiss, he said, "Welcome to Syka, Ialari. It's a pleasure to have you with us."
Concluding their meeting, Ialari was given directions to the Panacea as well as to the bungalows and ranchos. "Thank you, Mathias, I look forward to my time here." With that, Ialari set off to find a place to live and establish herself as an assistant at the Panacea. Among the many things on her mind was the idea of having five acres somewhere in or around Syka to do with as she pleased; it was a startling yet enticing proposition.