Completed Arrival of the Stormriders (Ayela)

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Syka is a new settlement of primarily humans on the east coast of Falyndar opposite of Riverfall on The Suvan Sea. [Syka Codex]

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Arrival of the Stormriders (Ayela)

Postby Marino Oceangem on June 19th, 2020, 9:32 pm

1st of Summer, 520 A.V. (Mid-morning)




Marino sat on the end of his boat. There was a pole in his hand, but from the way the line went slack down in the water before him an observer could tell that this was an idle thing. He wasn’t particularly keen on fishing today. Only wanted the excuse to stare out at the sea, his heart yearning for his pod. For Twist. They hadn’t been gone long now, though each day felt like forever. For all his watching, he didn’t expect to see them out on the horizon. Just wanted to send his thoughts and love out to them. His hopes for their safety. Wishing that they had favorable winds, calm seas, and plenty to laugh at. As he neared the end of his prayers, he stood up. He set aside his pole, and tossed into the sea his offering. A few cuts of charred pork fat. Then he poured out his waterskin, and tossed the empty skin onto the deck.

He held his arms out to the wind now, closing his eyes. It was a blisteringly hot day so he was only wearing breaches, and even those he was contemplating taking off. There was a slight warm wind that caressed his short hair. He opened his eyes to take it all in again. The bay was as beautiful as always. With the tide out, and the water low, you could see plenty of the beautiful life that lurked beneath. Made it a whole lot safer too when you could see what was coming towards you. It was still deep around the dock, but elsewhere in the bay even a dolphin would have a hard time navigating.

Something about what he was looking at had changed. A subtle detail that he had to blink several times to believe. Sails! Blessedly familiar sails! His pod? No, they wouldn’t be coming from that side. Who then? He wondered as he leaned over the side of his ship. Why couldn’t his eyes just see farther! Thinking on his feet, he rushed to draw up the anchor, and unfasten the Seasilk from the dock before giving her a good shove off from it with the grapple pole. Then, freeing the oathaul, he hoisted the sails up as quickly as he could, occasionally glancing at the distant sails on the horizon. He pulled out the foot next, rendering them taut to the wind before he hastily got behind the wheel of his ship.

The Seasilk lurched forwards with a calm that belied the excitement that stirred in his breast. Once he’d got her angled out towards the island, he started fiddling with the sails some more, drawing them flush against the mast. That gave him some speed, and with it some room to maneuver. Back behind the wheel, he turned his pride and joy towards the inlet the incoming Svefra would be taking to get into the bay. He cut his sails as he approached, and ran to the bow of the ship, waving his arms at the approaching vessels. They were too far for him to call out to, though he considered his point to be made. Marion promptly got behind the wheel of his ship, turning her back towards the beach. He gave her sails some air again, but not much before he brought them down, allowing the Seasilk to drift the rest of the way into the shallows. There he let down a rope before hopping off the side, splashing into ankle deep water. Grabbing the rope, he pulled her the rest of the way onto the beach.

When she was secure he fell back onto the beach, briefly expended from all the excitement. He stared up at the blue sky until he started to hear faint murmurings that sounded a lot like Fratava. Sitting up, he smiled at the approaching vessels and waved. “Welcome to Syka, the loveliest settlement this side of the Southern Suvan. My names Marino Oceangem.” He called out to them as loud as he could muster.
Last edited by Marino Oceangem on July 14th, 2020, 12:59 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Arrival of the Stormriders (Ayela)

Postby Ayela on June 20th, 2020, 3:26 am

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It was a gorgeous day on the Suvan, and Ayela hoped it was a sign of good things to come. The ocean breeze played with her hair, ruffling her dress and dampening her face. Taking a deep breath and letting the salty air settle within her, Ayela sent a silent thanks to Laviku for their safe passage this day, as she did all days. Striding over to the side of their ship, her father soon found her side. Leaning next to her, he looked at peace but also appeared to have a lot on his mind. Their whole pod did really. They'd been traveling, on their way to a place called Syka, a land so diverse and plentiful and dangerous it almost sounded like it belonged in a children's tale. Everyone was excited and focused, for today was their day of arrival. Ayela and her father were particularly invested in their plans for Syka, and she believed this was the reason for her his busy thoughts.

Gazing out at the open water, mindlessly watching the waves pass one by one as they sailed, Ayela broke the silence between them and addressed her father. "Do you think this new place is really as amazing as we've heard? Everyone seems pretty excited about it and the opportunity for new adventures and new trade is never a bad thing right? Why do you seem troubled father?" Varyn stared out at the horizon a bit longer before turning and answering her. "Of course this is an excellent opportunity for us all dear. There's no denying that. I guess it's just hitting me that I'm losing you. I know deep down spending your life on the sea isn't where you belong, but it'll still be hard to say goodbye." Looping her arm through his, Ayela rested her head against his arm. "Oh father, it's not goodbye. I have a chance to start my own life, make a difference, and use my gifts to help others. I couldn't ask for a better life and I wouldn't have this life if it wasn't for you. I have a feeling that even when the pod leaves Syka, it won't be too long before you return. You'll never lose me."

They sailed on in contented silence for a few more moments before the horizon began to change. Steadily, they approached the inlet as the settlement came more and more into view. Wide with anticipation and wonder, Ayela's eyes scanned back and forth, eager to take it all in. Shortly, a casinor came into view, another Svefra eagerly waving them on as they approached. "Look father! We already have a friend here! It looks like some of the Oceangems stayed after they sent word to come here." Once sure he'd been seen, the Svefra man headed back to shore to await their arrival. Slowing their speed for the least disturbance and easier docking, their ship all but coasted their way in, giving everyone time to take in their new surroundings. Water clear as a cloudless sky and ripe with life. Soft sandy beaches. Simple but efficient buildings adorning the coastline with a thick jungle backdrop. Syka really looked like something out of a story to Ayela and she immediately knew all they'd heard was true and her decision to embark on life here was made all the more clear to her.

Their pod chattered excitedly in Fratava, Ayela catching some of it if she listened in enough, but she mostly tuned them out, focusing instead on her own nerves. They came to a stop near the casinor they saw before, Ayela quickly making her way to the side to set foot in this new chapter of her life. The man from the casinor called out to them as they made landfall, welcoming them to Syka and introducing himself as an Oceangem. Taking only a heartbeat to enjoy the water on her legs when she jumped down, Ayela didn't even wait for her father before striding over to the gentleman. She quickly took note of his pod and Tavan tattoos, his warm brown hair and oceanic eyes coming into focus next. "Hi Marino! I'm Ayela. We're the Stormriders." She smiled, gesturing at the vessel and her people behind her. "This place is every bit as beautiful as we'd heard. I'm so excited to be here." Just then her father joined them, warmly addressing Marino the Svefra way. "Hello Marino. I'm Varyn. It's nice to meet you." Turning to Ayela he continued. "I'm going with the others to explore and look into trade alright? Find me later." And with that he left them to get acquainted, Ayela plopping down on the sand beside him. "So Marino, tell me about Syka."
Last edited by Ayela on June 22nd, 2020, 3:01 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Arrival of the Stormriders (Ayela)

Postby Marino Oceangem on June 20th, 2020, 11:22 pm

His eyes flitted from Svefra to Svefra until at last they rested on the first one to approach. At first he thought that maybe this was the Lia, but then again she looked a little young for that position. Then he took in the rest of her, first noticing her exceedingly fair hair and clear blue eyes. Marino’s eyes stopped at the scales on her neck. He gave her a confused smile as he extended a hand to greet her. There were so many questions on the tip of his tongue that he didn’t quite get any of them out when a man introduced himself. Marino embraced Varyn. “The pleasure is mine. So you’re the Stormriders? I’d be interested in hearing your story sometime, but business first of course. You should be able to find one of the leaders of the settlement if you head that way.” Marino said gesturing towards the commons, then he turned towards the woman who had stayed behind.

Its a bit hot this season, but pleasant otherwise. We never lack for good food, or good company here.” He chuckled, and noticed the mark on her right arm. “I’ve seen that mark before. Our healer has one. He told me quite the story behind it.” Marino touched his own mark that was crawling its way up the left side of his chest, the waves pulsing as he fingers brushed them. Looking Ayela over he got a better look at those scales, and his tongue loosed as to the question he wanted to ask earlier.

Pardon if its too much to ask, but have you always had those scales?” It sounded far more pleasant in his head, and he winced as the words left his mouth. “I mean, they’re nice and all, I just haven’t met someone like you.” Might have been better if he just outright asked if she was human, but the bed was made now. Chewing his lip, he noticed he didn’t see Laviku’s mark on her which was rather curious. However he held his tongue on account of he’d pressed her with enough personal questions for a sitting. He didn’t know who this Varyn was in relationship to her, but he didn’t want to spoil some good trade for Syka just because he couldn’t keep his mouth shut.

Instead he focused on something he’d mentioned earlier. The mark, which he had only learned about the previous season from Jenson. “Look I’m sorry for pressing you fresh off the boat. How about I introduce you to our healer, since it seems like you might have a good deal in common. Its the least I can do.” He asked with a tentative smile. If she said yes, he’d get up and start walking towards the path he’d take to Uta’s if he was going that way. “Jenson is a nice man, I think you’ll like him.” Marino said by way of idle chatter as they made their way up the beach towards the Panacea.

When they got to the cobblestone pathway, Marino led them down it until they arrived at the Panacea. The building itself was a modest, elegant affair, with an open design that allowed plenty of airflow. Attached to it was a small lab, and a bungalow where Jenson slept. It was in the lab where Jenson currently was, working away at mixing a green paste. He turned when he heard them approach an his face brightened when he recognized Marino, and stayed that way as he watched Ayela.

A healer, I hope you have come to stay.” Jenson remarked after glancing upon her mark. He extended a hand out in greeting. “My name is Jenson, and this is the Panacea.” Then looking at Marino he said. “Is this a social visit, or..” Marino laughed and glanced between Ayela and Jenson. “Ayela here just arrived, and I recognized her mark. Felt it might do her some good to get acquainted.

Jenson smiled, and nodded slowly after a tick. “Is that true? Well, I certainly wouldn’t say no to working with someone thusly marked. Tell me Ayela, do you have much experience healing outside of your gift?
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Arrival of the Stormriders (Ayela)

Postby Ayela on June 21st, 2020, 2:07 pm

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Marino looked around at everyone arriving, glancing her over with an unreadable expression by the time Varyn had reached him. He didn't miss a beat though, greeting him and then pointing him in the right direction before turning back to her, shaking her hand. She smiled warmly at him as he spoke, intrigued as ever about this new man and new place. "We've heard so many stories of this place. I'm glad to finally get here and find them all to be true." On the mention of their healer with a mark like her own, Ayela lit up. "You mean there's someone here with this?" She said pointing at her arm. The idea completely thrilled her. Another healer! Her thoughts were interrupted though as a question came about her scales. Marino tripped over his words as he spoke them and Ayela couldn't help but burst into a fit of giggles. "Yes Marino, I've always had them. I'm a Konti. Varyn is my father. I've lived with the Stormriders for a number of seasons now."

He then mentioned introducing her to their healer, a man named Jensen. Ayela nodded enthusiastically in agreement and followed him to a cobblestone pathway. Her eyes wandered as they walked, taking in the sights and sounds and smells of the jungle. It was a bit overwhelming but she loved every minute of it. They soon reached the healer's building, open and airy and quaint but efficient. A blue man stood inside and greeted them warmly. He noticed her mark and addressed her directly, and it took Ayela a few moments to respond. She tried to hide it the best she could, but she stared wide eyed at Jansen before she could collect her thoughts. She'd heard of Akalak before but she'd never met one in person. She'd hardly been in Syka for more than a few chimes and she'd already seen so many new things!

Clearing her throat and shaking his outstretched hand, she responded to him. "Nice to meet you Jansen, I'm Ayela. I have indeed come to stay. I just arrived with the Stormrider pod a few chimes ago when I met Marino here. As for healing, the Mark and my Gift are about all the experience I have in the field." Ayela paused as her face faltered for a moment, memory flitting back to Mura for a moment before she continued on. "I've dabbled with my abilities when the opportunities have presented themselves but I haven't fully decided how far I want to take them yet. However, in addition to my Mark, my Konti Gift also lends a helping hand in healing should I need it. Let me show you."

Without hesitation, Ayela walks over to Marino. "May I?" She gently places her fingers flat against his neck, just under his jaw bone, and closes her eyes. Steadying her breathing, she imagines the body and the rivers of blood inside it. Her gift acted like a ship to her, coursing through the rivers, searching for disruptions. Ayela could focus on different areas of the body to steer that ship, guiding it wherever she wanted. A moment later, she found a place in the river, its flow altered around tissue not normally there. Opening her eyes, Ayela dropped her hand from Marino and looked up at him grinning. "You have a minor scar on your right leg below the knee. It's on the front side. Likely from a minor scuffle or scrape or maybe tripping onto something. Am I right?"
Last edited by Ayela on July 14th, 2020, 5:47 am, edited 2 times in total.
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Arrival of the Stormriders (Ayela)

Postby Marino Oceangem on June 21st, 2020, 3:59 pm

Marino gave Ayela an easy smile as he considered what she said about the place. He recalled that earlier she’d mentioned the Oceangems sending word, and guessed that his Lia had been busier than he thought. Despite their fearsome name, these Stormriders seemed like good folk so far. “Indeed, I expect there is much and more to share before the day is through.” Marino said, looking away from her briefly to take in the pod that had come to settle across the shoreline. Suppose his fears might have been a little miss placed. He would never be apart from his kin and kith so long as he stayed by the sea. Some of the tension along his shoulders relaxed at that, and he radiated with pleasure upon getting the mark right. It still felt like a touch n’ go thing with that mark, him only having seen it once during the past season.

It is a pretty mark” He said admiringly, not really having the words in common to compare it to. Of course that brought him to wonder why they had started conversing in such till she explained about her scales. “Ooohhh” He said, not really quite understanding what a Konti is but not really wanting to appear foolish in front of this woman. “Well its a pleasure to make you acquaintance all the same. Perhaps this afternoon I’ll get the rest of that story from you.” Marino added with a wry grin, figuring if not her, then perhaps her father. After a few drinks by the fire of course, and maybe a smoke.

For now though, they wandered into the folds of Syka towards Jenson, a man whom Marino was more than happy to see. Though they had only spent a brief time together, the visit had been memorable. He stood to the side, smiling pleasantly as Ayela got to know the Akalak. Jenson also seemed to be enjoying the company, nodding to the words Ayela said though Marino didn’t understand some of the proper nouns she mentioned. He recognized Konti again, and wondered if that was some kind of healer. Though that didn’t seem to be on the mark. He knew of no job that gave you scales, or he would have heard it already. Svefra like to talk after all. He kept quiet though, when suddenly it was time for a demonstration. With him apparently.

Surprised, Marino offered a brief nod, glancing over at her edgewise when she reached to touch where his neck joined his jaw. He froze, feeling her warm fingers against his skin, half expecting to feel some sort of.. What? Energy? He almost laughed from the silly thought, but resisted because he didn’t want to ruin whatever Ayela was trying. Instead he focused on breathing in slowly, and out even slower. Jenson was watchful, though not as surprised looking as Marino felt which gave him an inkling that perhaps the healer expected the Konti to know a trick. Ayela spoke, and Marino turned to her with an eyebrow raised, smiling broadly. “You got that from my neck? That’s quite the trick you marked healers have.” He said, biting his lower lip in amusement.

Not a gift from the mark Marino. Its something intrinsic to the Konti. They all have their own unique gift, and this is hers.” Jenson said, wearing a grin of his own. “I think you’ll do well here. Come see me after you’ve had a chance to meet with our founders and I’ll discuss your starting at the clinic.” Marino took a moment to soak that in, decided the scale thing was decidedly not job related. “Thank you Jenson, I’ll ask the Stormriders for sea buckthorn when I get the chance.” Marino chimed in, eager to put something of his own into the conversation. Jenson nodded at that, and waved at them as Marino lead them away towards the commons.

So you are planning on staying then, is that right?” Marino asked, though he already inferred as much from the conversation earlier. It was more of a way of him feeling the quiet void from departing the clinic. He didn’t like quiet moments when he didn’t know a person well. Even when he did know them, he tried to fill the stillness with joy. “I’m sure you’ll fit in just right for what its worth. I felt a little like a fish out of water when I first got here, but the people here get along great with us Svefra folk” Marino said in a cheery tone. It didn’t take them longer than a few chimes to walk up into the lofted commons and find Mathias working at a pile of papers. Mathias was an older man with white hair and a bit of salt n’ pepper scruff on his face. He looked pensive staring down at the papers. At their approach he looked up, and regarded them warmly. “Hello Marino, and?

Ayela” Marino supplied, only belatedly realizing that he probably wanted her to answer that. Properly chastened, Marino kept silent, though Mathias didn’t seem to mind. “So this Varyn’s daughter. He said that you planned on staying with us, and that you’ve got some skill at healing. From your mark, I see he wasn’t exaggerating. Tell me, what do you plan on getting out of your experience at Syka?” Mathias asked, a twinkle in his eye.
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Arrival of the Stormriders (Ayela)

Postby Ayela on June 22nd, 2020, 5:15 pm

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Ayela giggled at Marino's wonder. Jansen kindly explained her gift for her, but she could tell the poor man was still a bit confused. This led her to conclude that she's the first Konti he'd ever seen, and possibly even heard of. Since there were already plans to get to know each other better later, she decided she would include a lesson about her people. Jansen seemed pleased with her so he requested that she come back later after meeting with the founders. She gave him a nod of acknowledgement and smiled as she and Marino left for their next stop. He warmly told her of his arrival here and his thoughts on how well she would fit in. Ayela smiled at him, gently touching his shoulder affectionately. "Thank you Marino. Your confidence is comforting." They continued up the path to their next meeting, the beauty of the settlement still astounding her. It wasn't long before they arrived, approaching an older man with fair hair like she and scruff on his face. Just from looking at him one could tell he was a generally cheerful and contented man. He had that presence to him that spoke of his happiness in Syka. He greeted Marino and questioned who she was. Marino answered for her, immediately falling silent afterwards and allowing her to answer for herself.

Mathias mentioned speaking with her father and resounded his appreciation that all he'd heard of her thus far was true. Ayela made a mental note to thank her father later. He questioned her next on what she hoped to get out staying in Syka. It was an honest question she'd expect him to ask, even if she felt the slyness of it in the air. She appropriately took a few chimes to think before answering. "Well sir, if I'm completely honest, I needed a new start. I grew up on Mura until age fifteen when my mother died. Outside of my mark from birth, my Konti Gift is also medically oriented and useful when needed. My mother was my idol and my best friend. Her death hit both my father and myself very hard, and that's when Varyn gave me the option of leaving Mura and joining his pod. I've been with them the last five years, and they've been more than accommodating and welcoming, but I don't belong there long term. I want to make a life for myself. I want to have purpose and be somewhere that I matter and I'm needed and hopefully wanted. And looking around here... Who wouldn't want to be here?" Ayela bit her lip absentmindedly while Mathias thought over her answer. She only hoped it was enough to let her stay.


(So sorry it's so short!)
Last edited by Ayela on July 14th, 2020, 5:50 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Arrival of the Stormriders (Ayela)

Postby Marino Oceangem on June 22nd, 2020, 11:32 pm

It seemed she’s had a rough go of it, Marino thought as he listened to the Konti’s story. While his own mothers were still very much alive, he could imagine how keen that pain must have been. Mathias seemed to share his feelings, given the similar expression he wore as he listened patiently to Ayela. “Well, I won’t say no to another healer. The jungle is a dangerous place, and accidents happen. I take it you’ll be staying with your father until you decided upon your accommodations here in Syka? If not, we have guest quarters you can rest in while you check out some of the properties we have to rent. I’ll have a talk with Jenson later to figure something out for you in the clinic.” Then looking at Marino, he scratched his chin. “Would you mind showing her some of the properties? I’ve got some things I need to take care of.

Marino nodded. “Yes, of course. I would be happy to Mathias.” With that said, they each said their goodbyes before departing down the Commons stairs. While they did, Marino leaned in and asked quietly. “So what’d ya think?” He asked, glancing briefly behind them. As they came down the stairs, Marino took stock of the buildings nearest them as he already had in mind a place for her to stay. The way he saw it, there was no harm in them getting in a general tour while they made there way out there. Out of the blue he asked. “Do you speak your father’s tongue?” Speaking quietly earlier had reminded him in a detached way about his earlier musings and now that they had a still moment between decisions, it occurred to him to ask. When it was settled that her Fratava was not so good, Marino would smile warmly and splay his hands out in a wide, all encompassing gesture. “Its no problem, just curious. Perhaps I can help you since you have the bones of it.

I’m thinking, I’ll show you around the center of Syka before we get to that rental property. Save the best for last so to speak.” He laughed, and then started walking. Marino decided he would stick to the places that he thought she would actually use for now, though it wouldn’t be hard for her to spot the other buildings nearby. The first one he navigated them towards was the Communal Kitchens. Like the Commons and the Panacea, this was largely an open air affair. It had a stream that ran behind it, powering the small waterwheel there. The land around it was covered in oyster shells, and as they came around she would see that it even had a few vegetables growing out front. “This is the Communal Kitchen. Feel free to use it if you are so inclined. I myself don’t have a good hand for cooking, but I enjoy the efforts of those that do.” He grinned, pausing there to answer any questions she had before moving on to the next space.

It was a very short walk to the next area which turned out to be a couple of beds with a thatched roof above each, and a few hammocks strung between the palms there. “This is the Guest Quarters Mathias mentioned earlier. The beach is safe enough so if you are ever so inclined, feel free to take a nap here. Especially when it gets hot, which is often these days.” Marino said, mock fanning himself as he did though the gesture really wasn’t needed. A thin sheen of sweat covered his exposed skin, and darkened the edges of his breeches. He was beginning to wish he had done without them, and either worn something light or nothing at all. Oh well.

The next place he lead them to took a little longer but it was worth the trip in his opinion. It was a raised structure, like the Commons, with a peaked roof to keep its stock out of the elements. Like the rest of Syka it was open to the breeze. “This is the Mercantile where you can look for any goods you might need. It usually keeps a good stock, and James is here often enough when he isn’t traveling to Riverfall for trade. If you need anything that you don’t see here, you can ask Juli to put in a word for you with James. He’ll look for it the next time he’s in Riverfall which supplies us a lot of what we can’t get out here in the jungle.

Marino turned to face the beach. “Thats largely the places you’ll want to remember, aside from the Panacea that we’ve already been to. How about I show you that rental property now? I think it might be a good spot for you.” He winked, and if she agreed, he’d lead the way down to the beach where he’d pulled up his casinor. “This is the Seasilk by the way. You’ll probably spend a lot of time aboard her if you plan on staying where I’m taking you. Its a bit out of the way from the rest of Syka, but fortunately you know Syka’s best ferry man.” He said, puffing out his chest for a tick before bursting out laughing. “Only ferry man more like, but I love the work.” Marino beamed.

After offering to help Ayela up, Marino would start by pushing the casinor back out onto the water careful not to bump into the other ships that lined the beach. Once he’d gotten her in about chest deep water, he swung himself over the side and got his grapple pole. “I’ll just get us a little further out before we get on our way.” He said before considering the fact that she probably already knew that was what he was doing given her experience with boats. Marino quieted at that, focusing on pushing them further out to water before he put the pole down. Then, he pulled up the sails, and drew down the bow slowly as he gauge the breeze. It felt a bit iffy, like it couldn’t make up its mind between being moderate to light so he decided to tighten the sails up all the way before stepping behind the wheel. “If you look over at those buildings in the distance, thats where we’re headed. The Overwater Rancheros. Quite nice, though I am a little partial to anything on the water.” He grinned over at her as they started picking up speed in that direction.
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Arrival of the Stormriders (Ayela)

Postby Ayela on June 24th, 2020, 4:38 am

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Ayela beamed when Mathias answered her. A brief moment was spent sending up her thanks to any and all looking out for her in this new chapter of life. He mentioned a few housing options while things became settled and surprised, Ayela realized she hadn't really thought that far yet. It would be easy of course to stay with her father, but she just spent a ton of time living on a boat with him so maybe her own space would be better. Her thoughts were pulled back to the present when Mathias asked Marino to show her the properties, his thoughts falling in line with her own. "Thank you so much sir. This opportunity means a lot to me and I promise to do all I can to help and not let you or anyone else down. I believe at the moment that I'd like to rent a place but I honestly hadn't quite figured that out yet." Ayela reached out and shook Mathias' hand. "It was a pleasure meeting you. Thank you again." With that settled, she turned and followed Marino down the stairs. Once out of earshot, he inquired as to her thoughts. "I love everything so far. Jansen and Mathias are wonderful. Mathias seemed intrigued and welcoming, which is as much as I expected from someone who helped create all of this. And my newest friend seems pretty alright too," she said giggling and playfully pushing Marino's arm.

They continued on, Ayela dutifully following her guide as he led her to the next location. He questioned her knowledge on Fratava and she sheepishly gestured that she didn't know very much of it. As seemed to be his default demeanor, Marino offered to not only be accommodating of her, but also extended the offer of teaching her more of his native tongue. Bursting with more appreciation than she knew how to properly express in this moment, Ayela smiled at him. "That would be lovely Marino, thank you. You've been so extraordinarily helpful and warm and it means a lot to me. You're an incredible person my friend." He next mentioned showing her around the middle of the settlement before introducing her to the properties Mathias mentioned. It sounded as great a plan as any to her. "Alright, lead the way." He led her first to the Communal Kitchen, another open-built building as was the recurring theme for the environment. Ayela appreciated that about Syka. There was privacy to be had if it was needed or desired but otherwise, everything had a very inviting feel to it due to the airy nature of it all. Ayela found comfort in that. She took note of the stream and water wheel behind the kitchen area and the small garden of vegetables growing as well. She thought it was a brilliant setup. Responding to Marino's comment, she added. "I'm not much of a cook myself either, but perhaps this is the place to begin changing that. I love this setup and look forward to experiences here. No questions for now." Once done there, they moved on.

He brought her next to the guest quarters mentioned previously. They seemed setup more for a nap as Marino mentioned rather than full on staying there, but it suited them as they were meant to be temporary anyhow. Marino playfully fanned himself as he explained things to her and Ayela couldn't help but laugh with him. He was funny and friendly and refreshing. She enjoyed his company immensely already, even if she maybe held a small bias as he was the first person she'd met there. He was easy to talk to and get along with and his direct nature was ideal to Ayela. He definitely was spot on about it getting hot. Her dress was light and breathed easy against her skin, but she could feel the dampness in it where it clung to her. It wasn't unbearable but it would take some adjusting to get used to it. Either way, she was up to the task.

Next she was guided to what Marino called the Mercantile. He explained its function to her, her eyes widening at its usefulness. She supposed she didn't expect any less, but she'd never been to a place like Syka before so learning all of the buildings functions and how they all tie in together was fascinating to her. She'd heard stories of other places of course, but she'd only ever spent time at home in Mura and on the Suvan with her father. They made their stops here and there for trade and supplies of course, but she'd never gotten to know any of those other places like she was with Syka. The gravity of the changes and accomplishments she was making in her life began to hit her and in truth she was so proud of herself, as she knew her mother would be if she could see her now. "Thank you for showing me all these places and helping me get acquainted. I feel like all I'm doing is smiling at you and thanking you but I truly mean it. I'm excited to see what you have in mind for me to stay in. You seem pretty clever so far so I look forward to your ideas." As she had been thus far, she followed him back down to the beach where his casinor was, eyeing him suspiciously. He introduced her to his boat by name and joked about his apparent position of ferry man to Syka. "Seasilk is a beautiful name. Any story behind that or just a name?" Laughing along with him at his goofiness, she added. "Now put your chest away and let's go."

Marino helped her up like the gentleman he was, and Ayela made sure to stay out of his way while he moved through the motions to get them off the beach and under way. He used his pole to guide them into deeper water and then used the sails to start get them going. He directed her to look a ways out at a beautiful collection of buildings above the water. He made a passing comment as they gained speed about being partial to anything on the water and of course Ayela agreed with him. Turning to watch him at the wheel, she told him more about her and her people. "I'm completely in agreeance with you on being partial to water. To address what appeared to be some confusion earlier with Jansen, I mentioned being a Konti. We are a race of people, just as you are Svefra. We're all exclusively women, all have light to fair hair, all have scales scattered across our bodies, and all have an ability, a gift, of some kind unique not just to our people as Jansen mentioned, but unique to each one of us individually that we're born with. Also, we are marked by either Avalis or Rak'keli at birth like you're marked by Laviku." Ayela paused to let all of that sink in for a chime or two before adding anything else. She wanted Marino to understand her better but she didn't want to completely overwhelm him either. She knew it was a lot of information to process. In keeping with her wishes not to confuse him further, she only added what she originally wanted to say but needed to inform him about Konti beforehand. "Back on Mura where I'm from, we have a unique living arrangement. The reason I'm partial to anything on or near water too, is because the water is part of who I am. On Mura, we live both up on land, and under the water as well." Turning her head to expose the side of her neck, Ayela pointed at the gills neatly and discreetly tucked amongst her scales. "I can live in either environment and transition between them effortlessly. Please don't completely freak out now though. I would hate to ruin the good time we've been having, but I wanted you to understand."
Last edited by Ayela on July 14th, 2020, 5:52 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Ayela
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Arrival of the Stormriders (Ayela)

Postby Marino Oceangem on June 25th, 2020, 4:51 am

Watching her talk with Matthias, Marino appreciated her open earnestness. He still wondered who the Stormriders were to the Oceangems, but from this brief exchange he felt they must be good people. That gave him a thought. They might still have the Avikki that had sent word to them from the Oceangems, and if so he could send word back to his family. Marino made a mental note to ask just that later before they headed down the stairs. His mind moved quickly on to other things.

Ayela’s joke had him laughing so he could forget all about that seriousness with his family. He was content to leave it that for now, for life was too short to be spent worrying about maybes and what ifs. Nothing would get done otherwise. You made a plan, and you stuck with it. Sometimes the struggle was small. Sometimes it was great. Fussing over it didn’t change anything. He was here to stay in Syka.

Marino shied away a bit from Ayela’s compliment, avoiding looking in her direction while suddenly everything on the opposite side looked very interesting. “It’s no problem.” Marino mumbled. He didn’t do well with compliments. Never had. Especially when he was just being who he was. Compliments always made him feel like he was the butt of a joke he didn’t know the punchline to. He knew the feeling was irrational, but it took him a chime to compose himself till he was back to his normally easy going nature.

It was easy to get back to that once he started explaining the locations to Ayela. Doing something always helped him put his emotions to the background so he could focus on doing the things he loved. Marino agreed with her assessment of the kitchen even as he doubted he would press his luck much in the kitchen. He’d feel bad ruining as much food as he was bound to trying to learn. Still it was a sweet little idea, him cooking.

The next couple of locations went rather quickly as there really wasn’t much to elaborate around them. There was only so much you could say about the sparse Guest quarters. The Mercantile on the other hand he suspected more could have been said if he had went inside to see what was the current selection, but he decided that could wait for another day. He was eager to introduce her to the property he had in mind. Kind of because it gave him an excuse to go out on the water, and also since if he didn’t have his ship, this was certainly somewhere he would want to stay. Which in his mind made it the perfect fit for Ayela.

He took the next time she complimented him substantially better than the first. Only avoiding looking at her for half a chime instead of a few. Mostly because there was his casinor to focus on, and it was a beautiful ship. Marino cracked a joke to ease himself back into the swing of things, and laughed all the harder when she told him to put his chest away. His shoulders relaxed as he reminded himself to focus on the good.

Fortunately Ayela had the perfect way to distract him from his self conscious musings. She answered several questions for him that he had been waiting for the right moment to ask. He listened intently as she talked about her people, and was fascinated to learn about it. A society of all women sounded like quite the opposite of what he heard in Riverfall. Such interesting cities that he’d never even spent time wandering about in. He was happy enough learning secondhand about their cultures, though one day he expected he would sail to them. Maybe with Tazrae to visit her family. That was a nice thought that made him grin.

Freak out?” Marino asked confused, before quickly saying. “Nonsense, this is amazing. To be able to breath underwater and marked by the healing goddess is no small thing. I can’t imagine what your city must have been like, but I bet it was beautiful half sunken in the sea.” He said, half lost in a daydream about it. “I will have to visit there some day, to see this Mura of yours. It sounds too beautiful to be ignored. In any case, I think you will like this place on the water.

Approaching the beach to the left of the Overwater Rancheros, he pulled them slowly up onto the sands as he got his rigging stowed properly. “Wait here a tick while I get us settled.” He’d say genially. Then grabbing his backpack he tossed it over the bow before hopping down to pull it up the rest of the way. Looking up at her, he’d extend a hand to help her down before shouldering his backpack. If she gave the backpack a strange look, or otherwise addressed it, he’d shrug with a little grin. “Trying to make it a habit.

Leading the way, he walked out onto the wooden piling of one of the Overwater Rancheros slowly while watching how Ayela was taking it all in. This one was fortunately empty and he peered inside for a moment before turning to her. “So what do you think. They call these the Overwater Rancheros.” He looked back out to the sea. “Beautiful view too.
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Marino Oceangem
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Arrival of the Stormriders (Ayela)

Postby Ayela on June 27th, 2020, 3:12 am

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Ayela waited in anticipation of how Marino would react to her explanation of her race. She thought he would take it well, but that wasn't always the case with life so she was anxious anyway. Thankfully after a few short chimes, he answered her, excited and fascinated and full of wonder. It was such a relief to Ayela that he took it all in such stride. It made her feel good that he was so intrigued by her people and wanted to one day see Mura and embrace everything that comes with it. She'd love to show him her home one day, and see what's left of her family again. She hadn't been in contact with them since she'd left with her father. She knew they understood but it probably hurt them when she left and she hadn't checked in with them since. Perhaps meeting Marino wasn't happenstance. Maybe he, with his lack of knowledge of Konti and drive for new things, and she, a Konti looking for adventure and in need of a friend, were meant to meet. Maybe their fates were more bound together than they realized. Time would tell.

With that out of the way, they reached their destination, Marino dutifully securing the casinor for them. Then he grabbed a backpack and helped her down, explaining the desire to form a habit when he caught her sidelong glance of the pack. This made sense to Ayela with Syka being set amongst the jungle, to the point that she made a note to also take up the practice and made no further mention of it. Marino led them inside and then proceeded to wait out of the way while she looked around. In keeping with the airy design of the rest of Syka, the Overwater Rancheros were walled enough to offer privacy where needed but were otherwise designed for the ocean breeze and optimal cooling. It had all the necessary amenities to be a comfortable home, complete with its own dock and the needed furnishings to make it so. Ayela took note of the built in water system, marveling at the ingenuity of their design. She deftly ran her fingertips along the smooth counter in the kitchen, followed by the dining table, and finally came to a stop on the hearth in the center of the building. There she paused, eyes closed and poised in silence, taking in the sounds and smells around her. to really get a feel for what living there would be like.

The jungle offered its own noises of course, some loud, some soft, some clear, and some muddled. The salty breeze occasionally brought with it the subtle echoes of far off conversation and bird calls. Water lapped at the posts below her feet, a background rhythm, the beating heart of the ocean. The air smelled not just of salt but also of plant life and fish, Laviku's domain thriving all around and reminding her pleasantly of home. That there was the winning notion, her thoughts and emotions settling among a similar-styled familiarity with enough newness to keep things exciting and refreshed. It was exactly what she didn't know she needed.

Joining Marino off to the side, Ayela sighed her first contented sigh in quite some time, breathing slow and steady, letting the air wash gently over her skin and seep into her lungs. "It's quite literally perfect, Marino. I wouldn't change a single thing about it or the way I feel here. Thank you." Giving the Svefra a warm and grateful smile, Ayela sidled past him and down the steps to the small deck nestled there at the water's surface. Once there, she slid off her sandals and sat on the edge, lower legs dangling into the water below. It was instantly cooling and refreshing and Ayela enjoyed the small break from everything she still needed to tend to. If Marino followed her down there, she'd stare at the horizon a moment before turning to look at him, legs lazily swaying back and forth beneath her and enjoying the rush of the water against her skin. "So you heard a lot of my story with Mathias earlier, but if you have any questions you'd like to ask or if there's any clarification I can offer you with anything, I'd be happy to oblige. Wouldn't be opposed to hearing your story either, if you were open to sharing it with me." Letting her statements hang in the air, Ayela's gaze drifted back to the horizon line, though should Marino take her up on her offer, he'd have her undivided attention while he spoke.
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