Quest [Syka Quest] Mustering For The Journey

[Kinneas]

The man enjoyed the sweet flavor of the fruit in his mouth and watched the crowd more carefully as more and more people started to show up. Alert in nature he saw the woman wander up to him. Then she introduced herself rather hesitantly. She spoke and looked almost nervous. Maybe she wasn’t used to such a gathering of people and so large crowds made her nervous? Though before speaking he took a moment to take her image in, he noted her blonde hair and deep eyes. Her face made her look as if she was wise, but still had the overtones of youth attached which would make one doubt what he was seeing. Overall she was pleasing, but he reminded himself that it wasn’t right to judge just on looks alone.

Kinneas nodded to her in acknowledgement, shifting a bit on the blanket and adjusting a pillow or two before patting it, ”I think you would be more comfortable if you sat down, Nailah.” he said, ”Care to join me?” he asked, eyes going off of her and back to the main crowd, ”Im Kinneas, Kinneas Avain.” he introduced himself, ”Its every so nice to meet such a charming lady as yourself.” he said looking back at her with a small hint of a smile and a sly look in his eye.

A moment passed as he took another fruit, ”Excited?” he asked, ”About the journey. he finished his question, clarifying what he meant.

”I am.” he answered his own question, ”But a little nervous too.” he admitted, ”Although I’ve been on ships before, I don’t particularly like them as I can’t swim. Also, the unknown of it all makes me wonder what is waiting for us there. It’s both exciting and scary at the same time.” he said, eyes trying to look into hers, ”If that makes any sense at all.” he finished, falling quiet. He wasn’t the best at communicating his feelings or thoughts. He almost felt like the awkward one here.

More time passed with him trying to be pleasant for the lady, and then Mathias began to address everyone. Double bunking. Sacrifices. Introductions. He hadn’t put any thought in who’d he’d bunk with. Usually that would not have been a problem. All his life he either had his brother, Miro, or even that crazy half-breed Bloodfight for company. Now he was embarking on a journey alone, without a companion. Well, that could be fixed. Easily.

Smiling at the konti again, ”I know this might sound a bit inappropriate and you perhaps would be more comfortable with someone else, but would you consider bunking with me? I know we just met and all, but… I wouldn’t mind.” he said trying to give her a smile. ”Besides,” he said turning his back to her and moving his hair off of the back of his neck, thrown over one shoulder, ”I am a marked of Wysar, the God of Integrity.” he said hoping that now knowing this fact would put her somewhat at ease with being around him. After showing the mark briefly, he replaced his hair back to where it was, and turned to her for an answer. However, he would not press for one now, ”You can think about it.” he said in a hushed whisper as a person, Delani, began to speak.

After Delani, it was Brodon who had trouble with common, and then Vektor, and Daekos, and then Levissa a ‘spiritist’. Sounded like magic to him and he frowned at her. Though it was good to have a capable magician on your side, he knew all too well the dangers of magic for it tore apart both of his families before, and spared none in its grasp of insanity. Those who wielded magic were usually unstable to begin with… After the spiritist introduced herself, Kinneas stood up and gave everyone one polite nod before starting his introduction.

”I am Kinneas Avain.” he started with his name. A most logical place to start, ”It’s nice to have the company of all of you.” he said, though that part sounded insincere as he was still trying to make opinions of most of the people here. It was said to try to lighten the serious air around him, ”I too am seeking a new beginning. I have lost my family, twice.” he said, ”My brothers and sisters, mother and father. All gone. Even the family I tried to start myself was ripped apart by the ravages of magic. So, I come here for a third chance and a new beginning. I come here to help in any way possible, but I specialize in unarmed combat, and as a marked of Wysar I take training, and the dedication it takes to actually train, very seriously.” To say he was searching for a new family would not be out of the question or too farfetched.

”I was hired to protect everyone to the best of my abilities,” he said looking around at all the people there, ”And that is what I’ll do. I will make sure this expedition is as successful as my life is worth.” for what did a man who didn’t even have a family have left to lose?

Pausing a moment he looked at Mathias Syka, ”Though, I do have a question. You wish to rediscover Syka and figure out why it crumbled.” so much was stated in the letter, ”What was this Syka place known for? What makes it great and worth rediscovering? You said you have roots there. Is it purely personal reasons?” Not that it mattered to him. He was getting a new chance, and would do his job regardless. He was hired after all. He was just curious, and the man did open himself for questions.

[Kench]

Kench giggled, shaking his head animatedly at the the first waiter. "Kench is thankful, sir, but Kench only needs clay, not food," he nodded at the second waiter, muttering quick thanks to the latter before dipping a dry hand into the small clay cup. He smiled, relieved, the water rejuvenating his clay pleasantly. "Thank you, Mr. Syka, sir. Kench is very grateful to be accepted, and is always willing to be most helpful, sir," he bowed, almost dropping his clay cup, water splashing against his clay. Smiling, Kench slowly walked off the table, bouncing on to the closest cushion to the table. There, the young pycon sat content, watching the comings and going of the bigger people as he began to soak himself in the water, relishing in the flexibility and improved malleability it gave his form. He had been watching the Akontak, interested by the scales that lined his forehead and the gills that lined his neck. Snickering, Kench began to press softly into his own forehead, leaving impressions that Kench hoped would mimick the scales on the Akontak -- and then, he began to tug at his own neck, the excess clay create an overlapping effect, one Kench believed to mimick the creature's gill. Mathias' voice was enough to bring Kench back from his own world, and the pycon listened quietly, keen to hear what would be happening on the quest. Upon hearing the last couple of introductions, Kench was quick to speak up. "HELLO!" he squealed excitedly, hoping to bring all attention on to him, "Please, call me as Kench," he paused, smiling, "Kench is from a pyre in Syliras, and Kench navigated himself to Riverfall, all alone!" he lied, but he doubted any would question him. "And Kench is very excited to travel to Syka," he added, sticking a hand in water, and dampening his face. "Kench is thinking, that, perhaps it would be wise to bring dogs, as well. Kench does not fear the predators of Falyndor, mostly because Kench does not think many things like to eat clay, " he laughed lightly, patting down his arm with a damp hand, "But Kench thinks it would be nice to have paper and ink, perhaps to have something to map on?," he nodded, sitting back down on the cushion. "Kench would like to add that he doesn't take up space, and would be happy to bunk with anyone who would have him."

[Lacerta]

Lacerta had nodded once to the Konti, Eleret, when asked if she was going to Syka. Wasn't everyone here going there? In answer to the human's question, she told him "I am a sailor, and a composer. Though the former will be the more practical of the two, I believe." The Eth would have asked his job, but before she could, their host, Mathias Syka, began speaking. She listened intently to his speech, nodding on occasion. Bunking wise... she had her own ship, but could probably take one or two passengers on there. It wasn't the largest of things, but it worked quite fine for her. She hadn't stayed in the inn he'd suggested, but instead slept on her ship the nights she'd been here. In fact... she did that so often, it was strange for her to fall asleep on dry ground, without the steady rocking of the sea. The sacrifice to Laviku was no surprise to her, as she'd done it many a time before. She'd have to go get that tomorrow... Soon the speech was over, and food began to be handed out. She took a few simple dishes, not particularly hungry herself, but glad for the free food. Once that was done, Mathias began speaking again, asking for introductions. Several people spoke, the variety large, and the Eth listened curiously, thinking about who she would let on her ship, and how each individual's skills would help. There was a Pycon, who talked... strangely, in the least, and before she knew it... it was her turn. Looking up, and gazing around the formation of people, she began her introduction. "Hello. My name is Lacerta, and though I may be an Eypharian now, during the day I take another form, that of an Ethaefal." Well, she was always an Eth, but sometimes it was a little hard to explain, and she didn't feel like such at the moment. "I am a sailor, and will be aiding on the journey. Bunking-wise, I have my own ship, which has room for a few other people, who are welcome to join me." She paused for a moment, thinking on the next part of her statement. "I'm not entirely sure what we would need for the journey, other than the basics, like tools, ways to gather water, fishing supplies, and the like. Oh... and..." She turned to the woman named Delani, "You are welcome to look at my ship, if you wish." She grinned widely, trying to be polite, and sat back slightly, to signify that this was all she had to say. In wait for the next person, she gazed to the people beside her, curious to see who else would be joining them on this trip. Common Fravata Arumenic Someone else

[Jared Costavos]

Jared had never been around so many different races in his life. Some he could identify them by their skin colours or notable features others he could just vaguely say were not pure human. He both wanted to just run around with a pen and parchment learning everything he could and hide for fear of being discovered as an ordinary Joe with absolutely nothing he could contribute more than these exciting peoples.

He could hear every now and then a whole different language. He cursed himself for having learnt a dead language for his second language. He hoped it would be useful at Syka but as for speaking with these people he'd put himself at a terrible disadvantage. Then again the language was called Common after all. One language to unite the races of Mizahar in trade and peace. At least that was how his Common teacher in his junior years had envisioned it. That speech was usually the result of his supposed butchering of it whenever he took to the quill.

As Matthias began top speak Jared moved closer in order to hear better taking a somewhat brave (for him) seat next to a woman. He was near constantly aware of the woman next to him. He didn't know if this was because he was a horny teenage or whether it was due to his oddness but whenever he was in the presence of woman he couldn't shake them they remained constantly in the fore of his mind. Just the heat of their body near his was constant reminder. Jared had always had something of a discomfort in people touching him and whenever he was near woman this was intensified and mingled in with need and horniness and a whole mess of other feelings.

He listened to Matthias every word. Jared was a great student in this regard. He listened and examined every word. Of course it was also easy enough to say something that would launch him into day-dreaming but Jared was much too focussed tonight for that. Jared was also an avid questioner and it took much restraint for him to not simply burst out in the middle of Matthias speech with questions that would more than likely be answered if he just kept listening.

Jared's heart felt heavy as Matthias mentioned doubling-up. Having a partner never went well for Jared. Rather than being picked he was usually flung together with one, unfortunate person whose friends were already partnered up. Then they would make a sort of sigh and, in the worst cases, actually cry out “Oh no, not Jared.”. Jared would hold back his tears and just try to get on with it. Sometimes it wasn't so bad. Sometimes there was an odd number and he got to go it alone which was surely better than going it with someone that didn't want to.

Jared felt another organ stir as he imagined the possibility of being bunked with a girl. Nothing would happen of course but he was a teenage boy who was yet to reach that final hurdle. In fact he had yet to reach any hurdle. He'd never even been kissed.

A sacrifice? What would a God want of him? He instantly recalled his once theology lecturer Pathius Morkon who had once addressed the matter of sacrifices. He had said that sacrifices came in many different types and forms depending on what one is hoping to achieve via the sacrifice. H3e had said that the reason certain Gods take sacrifices is that many have never been mortal before and long to experience mortality in brief glimpses which they receive via sacrifices of sentimental items which is why, he had said, a sacrifice of a pen you had picked up yesterday would be less of a sacrifice than a pen that you had carried about with you for thirty years that you had perhaps written hundreds of letters to loved ones with throughout it's term. It would be rife with those emotions you had put into them time and time again making it like a big juicy slice of mortality that would keep a God entertained for a while but, he had went on to say, a pen would not make a fine sacrifice to Myri. Different Gods respected different slices of mortality, he had taught. Myri herself might just prefer a human sacrifice. A great general would be an ideal sacrifice for Myri for such a person has devoted their life to war and experienced much of it. Of course, he had added in conclusion, I cannot speak for the Gods. I only speak for what man can reason from their divinity.

Jared's mind went to his first slingshot. He still had the small slingshot with him. He had spent years training with it and it had saved him on multiple occasions. It had almost been like his only friend but it hadn't been at sea very much. It had been with him on the sail to Riverfall, of course, but he had been practising with the bigger slingshot on the boat. It had a bit more power and could launch larger stones. He had bought it for this trip unsure if he could protect himself. He had purchased it in fear but, in reality, it couldn't help him much more than his original slingshot. He let himself get back to the time at hand and worry about the sacrifice later.

When Mathias asked them all to introduce themselves Jared suddenly found himself in utter panic as Mathias decided to start on the side just one, two... just seven people away from him! Jared tried to listen to the others but he was in a blind panic. What was he to say? Would he be kicked out of the group when they realised he had no talents? What was he to do? Did he have enough money to get back to Zeltiva? Would father even want him back? Worse yet what if the Akalak didn't want him? What if they kicked him out into the Wilderness to be eaten by Myrians and enslaved by Zith and... and...

It was all too soon before it was the man beside Kench's turn to speak. He was a Spiritist. Jared had once wanted to be a wizard but his father had strongly declined. He'd been made to write “When I can write this properly Father will allow me to take classes in one World Magic. until it was legible. After three-hundred his Father had sent him to his bed without supper. Little did his Father know as soon as he got to his room, despite his aching hands, he had continued to write it taking as much time and care as he possibly could. He had written another four hundred before morning. All he got was a caning for wasting so much ink.

And then it was the woman's turn. He hardly heard her consumed in his own nervousness. It was all too soon over and Jared's turn to speak. “Hi, I'm J-jared Costavos. I, um, come from Zeltiva. You might know us for the University. I guess I'm a scholar. I mean I'm really hear to find out what this Syka stuff is, you know. But, um, I mean all of you guys, ad gals too, are interesting enough that if, eh, Syka isn't there than the trip'll still be a success to me.” He told everyone in a somewhat shaky voice. His eyes darted rapidly about like a deer trying to decide which predator to flee from.

That wasn't enough. He needed more. He needed to convince them he was a valuable member of the team. He continued, his voice a little stronger if erhaps a touch more hasty “And I'm a great enetertainer too. I know lots and lots of stories that could keep everyone amused for ages and I'm great with a slingshot and I know about the Gods and history and stuff and I can say the alphabet backwards and...” Jared faltered as he realised just what a kid he sounded like. “Gods above I'm sorry. I'm not the best fighter here, I don't know any magic and quite frankly I'm not even the most intelligent but, you know what, I have overcome so much already in my short life and whether or not it was the ordinary kind of suffering doesn't matter. My worth cannot be measured not because I am worth nothing but because I am not like anyone you've ever known or anyone you will ever know. I'm going to be great... Can any of you boast the same?” He finished adrenaline surging through his veins as he glared at just about everyone around him. He hated to think what was going to happen when the adrenaline faded. He was probably going to faint...

[Eleret]

The man confirmed he was going on the expedition; the Eypharian nodded, and looked at Eleret in a way suggesting she found the question... silly, perhaps. Which, in the quiet of her mind, Eleret allowed -- but it served its purpose. Before their conversation could continue on Sirroco's query, however, Mathias Syka spoke up, and they all turned their attention towards him. Taking a seat near the foot of the table, Eleret listened in attentive silence as he described the preparations to be finished. It was good to hear that everyone would be making a sacrifice -- so much the better for their journey. She had yet to decide what had sufficient gravity herself, but wasn't concerned about getting it done. Animals... was a concern the Konti should have thought of earlier, for she had one. Was it worthwhile to take her own horse? Perhaps... not. The mare would undoubtedly be happier, and safer, on this side of the Suvan. She cast a glance around the table as Mathias spoke of bunking. Who among these would she want to room with on the ship? A question to mull over a while... ...but not for long, as Mathias continued on to prompt for introductions. Strangely, that question sent the boy seated between herself and Lacerta into some sort of panicky fit; the harsh scents of ammonium and bitter vinegar jangled in the Konti's nostrils, for all that they weren't 'real' to anything but her gift. Eleret couldn't help but wince, turning her face slightly away. Focusing on her own slow breathing -- and breathing through her mouth, at that -- helped her come to terms with the unpleasant smells, at least to the point of being able to remain at the table. She didn't want to be so rude as to leave before time -- or to miss out on anything, which would happen if she slipped out. Yet she did miss the first introductions, too preoccupied to register the words as they went past. Glancing up the table, Eleret made note of the Isur now speaking; the three humans before him, she'd have to catch up with separately. The boy seemed to be no calmer as the introductions progressed; when Lacerta finished and his turn came about, he spoke shakily and with anxiety that was surely as clear to everyone else as to the Konti's gift. He was all but belligerent in his assertions, which Eleret thought to arise from that underlying fear -- but what about a simple introduction could worry him so? Then it came her turn to speak, and that puzzle had to be set aside. Into the silence after Jared finished, she gave her own introduction with a contrasting self-assurance. "I am Eleret. You see I am Konti," she remarked with a small, wry smile, raising one web-fingered hand. "I lived in Mura much of my life, but I have studied history at the University in Zeltiva. I am pleased to have... this journey, to study history in that place where it was made. I also... my job, it is to carve wood. So I will help the group in that way." She looked down the table towards Mathias in particular. "I have a list for wood tools, for my work, to give you. I will think on more that are good for all the group to have."

[Zakar]

Zakar would have continued past a mere introduction with Levissa had he not been interrupted by Mathias. The man had finally decided that enough people had shown up and put an end to all conversation simply by raising his voice. Zakar started to follow Levissa to the tables, but had his attention turned to a waiter. He couldn't ignore the nostalgic appetizers offered, and thanked the waiter as he took a glass of wine and cheese, then gave his full attention to Mathias.

The roommate issue was the first one to make Zakar a little nervous. He would probably end up pointing to someone at random on the day of the trip and hope he got lucky. Knowing his luck, he probably wouldn't. Then, there was the sacrifice to Laviku. This concept truly put him at unease, for he had not payed any respects to any god since he left Yahebah. For many reasons, Zakar felt uncomfortable, without even considering what it is he might sacrifice. The wine he had been sipping at earlier suddenly disappeared in a few gulps.

Introductions helped take his mind off things a little. He tried to listen carefully to each introduction in order to take as much as he could from the people he would be dealing with for the next... foreseeable future.

He learned something he didn't want to learn from Levissa, the woman he had just met. He did not know anything about Spiritism, but it sounded much too like monsters and magic for Zakar to be comfortable with it. He wondered whether it would be wiser to crush his unease by merely speaking to her about it or simply avoiding her. Avoiding probably wouldn't work since he was about to embark on a journey with her aboard.

Finally, some good news was offered to him. Lacerta, who had been his biggest worry up until that point, relieved Zakar to let him know she was in fact Ethaefal. This brought back pleasant memories of Sigfrid, an Ethaefal he once knew. Though this woman had the appearance of an Eypharian, she surely did not bear the corrupted mind of one.

There were many other interesting introductions. Kench's was certainly pleasant, as Zakar had never seen a pycon and was very curious about the creature. Then the woman next to him, a Konti, spoke up. She contented herself with a short introduction, and Zakar was left wondering what to say, wishing he had been given more time to come up with something.

"Hello. I am Zakar, from the tents of Lehar, of the sons of Benha. I am a Benshira, and have lived in Yahebah most of my life." He did not wish to divulge any more of his life or reason for coming right here in this circle, so he kept it short. "I have basic knowledge of caring for animals. Mostly horses. I will also help with any required labor. "

[Lucas Arias]

Lucas sniggered a little as Syka asked the male Konti if his name was „a base“. It was a stupid name, not like Lucas, but then again, „a base“ was a freaky male Konti, so the name was more or less fitting. And apparently the guy with the horse who was standing next to him was Brodon. That was a better name than „a base“ (which base was it anyway?). With that in mind the former squire continued to follow the introductions. He probably wouldn’t remember all the names and might just call Brodon „a base“ come tomorrow, but by the time they arrived in the jungle, he’d probably have figured out who was who.

„I don’t have a horse“, Lucas informed Syka as the man mentioned that he was worried about the safety of any horses they took with them. It was probably strange considering that he was a former squire, but Lucas had never been fond of those long legged animals. He’d been bitten more than once, and once a horse had kicked him in the behind, and he’d had a hoof shaped mark there for days. All the other squires had made fun of him. „I might bring another animal with me though.“ If there were so many big cats in the jungle, he would try to acquire a big dog in Riverfall, he decided. Or maybe another cat would be better so that it could befriend the jungle cats?

Part of Lucas knew that this was a very childlike way of thinking, but he couldn’t help it. Thinking like the adult he supposedly was was just boring. He probably wouldn’t start acting like an adult before he turned thirty.

He was a bit disappointed when it turned out that Syka hadn’t had two wives at once. Although marrying a pair of twins was unusual as well. The former squire had the decency to look a little sad as well.

The woman who had internal scars that were external seemed a little strange to Lucas. How did that even work, having internal scars that were external? Did she have a hole somewhere in her body? There were also more Pycons (Lucas would have to capture one for himself) and more Konti, and then it slowly started getting so dark that Lucas had trouble telling all the people apart.

As he noticed that the food was ready, Lucas immediately sat down on one of the cushsions and started eating. He was really hungry! „I’ll make a list with things I’ll need in Syka“, he informed Mathias. „And I’ll be sure to have a good sacrifice for Laviku.“ He didn’t really have any valuable possessions, apart from his father’s sword, and he didn’t want to sacrifice that. Maybe he would make a nice drawing or a sculpture and give that to Laviku. Surely the god would appreciate a little creativity?

„I’m Lucas“, he introduced himself to his fellow adventurers. „I was a squire in Syliras, I fought in the great tournament in Nyka, and I survived the Aperture. I also studied at the University of Zeltiva and worked for Professor Hadrian Aelius as an assistant and bodyguard. I suppose I will mostly try to protect you all. Although I also worked as a bartender once and learned fortune telling from the great Master Anselm in Zeltiva. So if you need a free fortune telling or some ale …“

He grinned, and then he turned to Syka, „I think I’d like to take a dog with me as well. And as I said, I will give you a list with a few other things I will need as soon as possible.“

[Istril]

Istril listened intently to Matthias's speech, though she didn't excuse herself from sating her hunger as she did. Her hands shoveled food into her mouth at an unprecedented rate. The feast was a veritable bounty of delicacies, especially when compared to the meager fare she had subsisted on in Sunberth. Cold soup and hard bread had a certain way of waning in appeal after a while, leaving one desiring of culinary delights that one simply could not find in the chaos of Sunberth. It wasn't until mention of a sacrifice was made that Istril pushed away her plate of food, sitting back in her chair and redoubling her attention. She would not be disrespectful to the god by eating as the matter of his fare was discussed, and she found her hunger mysteriously absent after Matthias was finished speaking. Rather than listening to the following introductions, she instead turned inside of herself, mind reeling as she attempted to devise a sacrifice worthy of a God. She had no doubt that such a sacrifice was important-- the sea, from what she had seen, could be a harsh mistress. A chill ran down Istril's spine. There was no worse way to die than in the sea. Lungs filled with water as you sank all the way to the bowels of the ocean, far from the comforting reassurance of land or the mountains of home. Come to think of it, she couldn't understand why people would want to live on the sea. It seemed so foolish-- putting your life in the hands of a contraption of wood day in and day out. No matter how hard she tried to grasp her head around it, she couldn't understand why someone would want something like a boat effectively deciding what happened in their life. It seemed so foolish. Did the people who lived on boats have no desire for self-determination? Food for thought, Istril decided. Istril snapped out of her thought processes to make sure it had not suddenly became her time to speak, and just so happened to overhear the other Isur's speech. She granted him a curt nod, and quickly said, in Isurian, "It seems that our clan has a propensity to spread much more readily than other." The remark had a stinging tinge of clan superiority to it, if one dug deeply enough, but the remark was true. Listening intently to the rest of the man's speech, she had to stifle a groan. Wonderful, a kiss-ass, and a high-reaching one at that. No wonder he had left Sultros. With that attitude of appeasement he so readily adopted, there wasn't a hope for him in the cutthroat, self-serving environment of The Silver Tower. Done with the shenanigans of the other Isur, Istril returned to her thoughts, trying to find something that would serve as a suitable sacrifice. Her eyes traced the sleeve of her robe, examining all the stitches and patches it bore. She could recount, in perfect detail, every impact that had made them necessary. A finger trailed along the stitch on her right arm as she recalled her deadly encounter with the Syliran merchant Helian, how the blade had torn through her robe only to meet the hard steel of her chainmail. Istril smiled slightly as she thought of her chainmail. The suit had saved her from death many times over. More importantly, the chainmail, along with her golden necklace and her hooded robe, was all she had left of home. A pang of guilt passed through her heart as she thought of the home she could never return to. She had left to find her brother, Malanos, and she did. But in the middle of the night, he slipped away from her, disappearing into the wilds. She knew he wouldn't return home-- he wanted to see the world-- and so she searched for him-- in Sunberth, in Syliras-- but to no avail. He was gone, and with him, any chance Istril had of returning to her family with her honor and pride intact. She had said she would bring back the heir to the Family, and she had failed. A hand clutched at the golden necklace as she thought of her uncle, and the life to which he had introduced her. A quiet sigh left her lips. She was never going to go home. Remembering the painful memories of the past was worthless. She would give her meager physical possessions, her only physical possessions-- her robe, her necklace, and her chainmail-- to Laviku. It was the only way to forget the pain and think clearly again-- even if it took purging the good memories that they simultaneously represented. Istril heard a stark silence, and woke herself from her trance. Glancing around quickly, she found it had become her turn to talk. Shaking her head slightly-- as if the action would help her clear her thoughts-- she rose to her feet, straightening her robe and pushing sweat-matted hair out of her face as she did. "Greetings. I am Istril Ironfist of Sultros. I have come along to help see that civilization is spread further into the vast expanses of untamed wilderness in Mizahar, so that some of the glory of ages past may yet be restored," with her curt introduction, she turned to face Matthias, and, as to not be shown up by the other Isur-- Daekos, she thinks he name was-- said, "I would also like to examine the equipment, when time permits, so as to see if anything is lacking from our stores." With that, she settled back down into her seat, and began picking at her food once more, only half-listening as the rest of the travelers went through their names.

[Brodon Windriver]

There was a pause as the group seemed undecided whether to wait for the next person in line to return to their seat to give their introduction, or to skip to the next one. Brodon raised his hand uncertainly. "Excuses, excuses?" he said, mistaking it for 'excuse me', "I am agreed with Mr. Kinneas Avain there. What are you knowing about what is left there, where we go?"

He then gestured to the Eypharian woman, "And she, uhh...Lacerta? you said was your name? She makes smart mentions of water. Is there being a well there? A river? I have heared that you are not drinking the water being under the boat. We can bringing tarps and barrels for rain water. And then that is making thinking of nails...In barrels, I mean. Nails and wood for homes. Are there ruined stones...leftovers. I mean for...founding...for new buildings? Does anyone knowing how to fire bricks? For me, I am being happy in a tent, but always I am moving a place to a place. I am right in saying this is not being the...way...there, right?"

Others began to break in with suggestions of gear not yet mentioned, fishing and trapping, mining, farming, Cooking and preserving, sewing. Brodon was both embarrassed to have set off the barrage, and relieved NOT be the one to struggle through his lousy common to make all the suggestions. But he thought of a more all-consuming question to address all the suggestions. "Mr. Syka, sir. Is your ships going to being...to stay at the place for using sailing back and forth for goods when we are finding new needs?"

[Abase]

Syka's hand grasped Abase's, and abase was suddenly filled with a revelation. His gift called forth a feeling of confidence in the world, and where he turned his eyes he could see possibilities. So many possibilities. He blinked, and a smile could not help but spread, for unlike most men he had come across, Syka seemed not to find his greatest talent to be something flashy and worthy of display. Instead it was something much more subtle, almost unseen, yet perhaps it was what made him perfect for such an expedition. To see the potential in this world, Abase thought, What a glorious talent indeed. You can not kill a man with his potential. Irist countered, but Abase ignored him. Gripping the man's hand firmly, Abase nodded, "You are correct. I Abase, and pleasure is all mine" As Bordon approached Abase looked up in surprise as refreshments were pushed into his hands, and as he turned back he saw that Syka was now in conversation with another. Even as they spoke more filed in, some approaching and others wandering off to form clusters themselves. His hands wrapped around the food and drink in his hands, but none passed his lips as he edged back to the side, feeling as if he were suddenly in the way among the growing numbers. When it seemed that Syka's attention was now fully drawn away from him Abase moved to find a place that would be out of the way, not wanting to be rude by trying to claim more of his attention. Settling down on one of the cushions Abase sipped from the drink, and ate a bit of the treat in his hand, though he politely set both aside as he resigned himself to watch others arrive and interact with one another. Folding his hands in his lab Abase closed his eyes, calming his breathing and slowing his heart. He called out to himself, to his twin soul. His Dark Brother Irist. ***** Within their shared mind Abase and Irist found each other in the darkness. They came as their minds perceive themselves, so alike yet distinctly different. Shapes of large cats, lithe and powerful. Four paws padding upon the darkness of their collective consciousness. Abase shimmered white, glowing as he stood in the brightness of day, eyes of sapphire staring at his coming brother. Irist stepped within the glow of his Light Brother, black as night with eyes the deepest red. he looked as if he were a piece of shadow sheared from the darkest corners of the world. Bearing his curved fangs, Irist growled, Why do you continue this farce. It is beneath us to let humans and other lesser men stand between us and your so called destiny. Abase's head lowered ever so slightly. He noticed that his brother did not say 'our destiny', What would you have me do? Throw aside those who drawn his attention from me? Do not be so callus brother. We are no better than those who stand beside us, and all can claim equal share of his attention. Irist chuckled, drawing his lips up in a grin that only enhanced the fierce expression, You wish to find your place in this world, and you believe this quest could aid you. That this man could aid you, and yet here you sit like a timid cat afraid of the mice that crowd the cheese. Shaking his head Abase looked away from his brother's words, You are wrong brother. I stand aside so that others may take the hand of destiny. We are not the only one's searching for a purpose in this life. Speak for yourself brother,Irist said, turning his back to Abase, I do not need help finding my reason for living. I was born to live as I am, and I as I am I shall always be. So I shall always have a purpose. Abase watched his brother fade to the background once more, and he sighed as he turned back to the light. Perhaps Irist could simply being, but for Abase that just was not enough. There HAD to be a reason he was born... Surely it was not simply chance. ***** Abase stirred just as all were called to the table, and he quickly stood to join the numbers. He found himself sitting next to a woman who was nearly half his height with short red hair. Giving a smile and a nod he settled himself upon the cushion, trying to be as polite as possible and meet the eyes of everyone who spoke. Abase would nod greetings to each, offer a smile and show as much attentiveness as possible even as the names and stories quickly grew beyond what his memory could hold. There were a number of interesting men and women that would accompany him upon his journey, and Abase wondered how their many diverse backgrounds had brought them to this place. Time and time again he thought to call upon his mark of Avalis to explore the chevi of those around him, yet he knew that for now his attention was best set upon the gathering. He was interested to hear Syka's answer to Kinneas' question, and when the world 'Ethaefal' come from the lips of the many armed woman he could not hide his frank curiosity. So many strange things in this world he had not yet experienced, how could he possibly hope to find his own way? You are swayed too much by others. They do not control your destiny, you do. As Eleret spoke Abase felt recognition stiring in his breast. This Konti he had met before... where was it? On Mura he assumed. The more he looked the more he was certain that they had met, if only years ago. He smiled and offered a small wave to the Konti Carver as she finished, wondering if she recognized him as well. When finally his turn came Abase would stand, bending at the waste in a half bow as he addressed those gathered, "Hello to all, and good health and long lives I wish for every people here." He smiled as best he could before the eyes that looked at him, placing him in the sun when all others stood off to the side in the shade. In truth Abase was quite used to stares from those who knew not what he was, but it was a far different thing to then speak in front of those eyes that looked so expectant. "My name be Kasaiabase, gifted by mother who now I miss greatly. Now I stand with Father's people, in home of brothers I think of home where mother and sisters live now." His eyes sought out Eleret's as he continued, "Though now I am knowing I have sister's here as well." He dipped his head respectfully, speaking in Kontinese, "My sisters, I pray great safety and health be yours." Looking back to the rest of those gathered Abase would clear his throat, "Those who be friends call me Abase, and so can people who sit at side on journey." He looked to Matthias, speaking nearly directly to him, "I come on journey to find place in world, and so offer body and soul to cause you give. To all here, I say you dear friend and comrade." He looked at Kinnease, remembering how the words he spoke sounded not so sincere as they should have been, but perhaps he could change that. "If ever you be needing anything, simply to ask me to have my aid." Finishing his introduction, Abase sat once more, folding his hands in his lap as he looked to the next person who spoke.