Quest [Syka Quest] Mustering For The Journey

[Lacerta]

Lacerta listened to most of Mathias's comments with little to say. It made sense that he wouldn't know much about Skya if it disapeared before the Valterrian. She doubted that she would be able to find anything out, not being an archeologist, but he had a point about the spiritist... maybe they would meet a ghost there or something, from before the Valterrian. It was a possibility... She tried to move her hands as he switched between them, finding as they danced, it became easier to move in time with the beat, and go with the flow. It was an interesting feeling. She followed as Mathias spun her around, changing hands as he did. It surprised her slightly as he moved in cluser, by her ear, and spoke, but tried to hide it all from her face, only allowing a single eyebrow to raise. She found it a strange compliment, but an honest one, and she had never really thought of it that way. To her, they were the most useful for multitasking while sailing. When they leaned back, she smiled, enjoying the night more than she had been. He spoke again, and dipped her down, causing a little laugh to erupt fromthe Eth's throat. She'd never realized how entertaining dancing could be... As an anwer to his statement, she added "I wonder what we'll find in the jungle..." It was a slightly morbid thought, but she said it with a tiny bit of joy in her voice, for reasons she couldn't quite figure out. This was all really getting to her. Before she could continue, something caught her eye as they turned. A... doorway, standing in the middle of the garden. It looked like it had come out of nowhere, and a figure was exiting from it. In surprise, Lacerta let go of her dancing partner and gaped at the Isur who had appeared. The door disapeared as quickly as it came, leaving their new guest standing in the garden, confused. The woman's comment caused her to giggle untinentionally, but she quickly stopped, finding it slightly inappropriate. She watchedd as one of their current Isurs stepped forward and mentioned something about Pitrius, and clans, which she didn't quite understand. The Ethaefal, realizing that no one had bothered to answer their new d answered the woman's question did so, loud enough so all could hear. "Uh... we're in Riverfall, not Sunberth" She gave a small and awkward smile, not quite sure what to do. This was all getting really strange... She added, as a side note, "Um... what was that door-thing? Magic...?" She was very confused, but trying to be polite. Most of the joy from dancing had seeped out of her with the event, and she'd mostly forgotten about Mathias, and the dancing. All that held her attention was this Isur, who had come out of no where. Common Fravata Arumenic Someone else

[Kench]

Kench hummed excitedly, head bobbing and swaying with the delicate evening music. The entire atmosphere brimmed with festivity, the small pycon watching quietly as the bigs began to dance. "Some more clay...uh, sir?" A waiter asked, obviously unsure to the pycon's gender. "Please, and thank you, mister," Kench, nodded, grabbing the small plate with a smile. He placed the plate on the table, propping himself up on the edge of the wooden table. Legs swigging in empty space, Kench tore of small pieces of clay, slowly molding the pieces together. The small pycon enjoyed mimicking the bigs, and had even taken the form of a human child -- of course, being from a pyre close to Syliras, humans were the the species the pycon was most familiar with; besides his own of course. Coming to Riverfall had been an explosions of new things for the pycon. Seeing the lady with the six arms, and the people with iron arm he head read so much about. Of course, Kench had been expecting all these things -- the small Pycon wasn't expecting to see a door appear from no where. Kench only caught a glimpse of through the door before it disappeared, a field of translucent clouds, colored rainbow by light. The small pycon was in awe; too surprised to notice the Isur saying anything. He heard the many armed woman respond, and quick as ever, the pycon bounded toward the Isur. "I'm called Kench, what are you called?"

[Ialari Pythone]

Ialari noted the new environment she now found herself in. It was obviously NOT Sahova as there were too many living beings. Quick glance revealed a rather large variety of them as well including isur. Also, they all seemed to be engaged in some sort of celebration or similar festivity. She couldn't help but feel like a person who was just waking from a very deep, intense dream only to realize that what they were experiencing never happened. She was lost, confused and not really all that sure that she wasn't standing in another part of the Ukalas. The divine realm had a habit of shifting environments on her without warning. Never before however did the changing settings ever look like the one she now found herself in.

After her initial words, the party slowed remarkably with many people staring wordlessly in her direction. She imagined her own look of confusion and surprise was mirrored on them.

Of course then there was the problem of having stepped out of nowhere. How would she explain that to complete strangers. Hopefully nobody will ask about that. She thought to herself as the smell of actual food began its fight to overpower her stomach. Then, someone decided to actually speak to her. It caught her a little off guard leaving her to stare at the person, an isur, for a brief moment before allowing the other's words to register.

Ialari blinked slowly and gave the isur a once over from head to toe with her eyes. Half-raising an eyebrow she offered a slight smile. Hello, brother, it is...refreshing to see you. I don't think I've seen another one of our kind much less spoken to in years." Ialari face softened as she spoke to Daekos. Indeed it had been longer than she could recall that she had any interaction with another isur, at least one that was alive and wasn't just another parasitic nuit soul inhabiting an isur body.

A couple of other individuals spoke up as well, each drawing Ialari's momentary attention. The rather large being with six arms was quite a sight as Ialari had never seen a Eypharian before and didn't even know what one was. She inwardly grimaced though at the strange woman's question about the doorway. Ialari's discomfort at the question and awe at the large, multi-armed woman was then stunted as tiny creature bounced toward her asking about her name. For a second or two she thought it may be a golem of some sort however it was somewhat different from those golems she had encountered before. Whatever it was, it called itself Kench. There was only one golem Ialari knew of that referred to itself in such a manner and that was a golem she did not want to see anytime soon, Drainira, the Million Miza Golem who one day would surely seek out Ialari for terrible vengeance.

Raising her non-metallic hand in a gesture that asked for a moment of pause, those looking at her would notice a shape burned neatly into the palm of her hand that looked strikingly similar to a scythe, the divine symbol of Death. Clearing her throat, mainly to mute the taste the smell of food was creating in it, Ialari gave a slow nod and answered the posed questions in turn. "My name is, Ialari Pythone Pitrius." She spoke the first two parts of her name to the non-isur; her eyes turning to the isur when she spoke her clan name. It was a custom among the isur to only use their clan names when speaking with their own kind thus she offered the same courtesy now. "As for what I'm doing here...I'm afraid I don't really know. You say this is Riverfall? I'm supposed to be far far from here in Sahova right now." Ialari's signed deeply and continued. She knew that at some point she would be needed to share her great secret. Now was not the time or place however. "As for that..." Ialari gestured with her head behind her to where the doorway had opened and then quickly shut. "Indeed, it was magic. Although..." Ialari's mind started to race. All at once she was wrestling with how and what to say exactly while also asking herself was it a mistake with the magic or was there something more to it. She came to the realization a short time ago that nothing in her life to this point happened without some influence, directly or indirectly, from the gods. Could this be yet another test? Another task even?

"Yes, it was magic, but I am beginning to feel that it wasn't magic that brought me here as much as it was the will of something far greater." Ialari's hand lovingly caressed the extensive display of tattoos engraved into the shoulder and wrapping down to the elbow of her black, silver-veined arm. "I must apologize not only for my intrusion, but for also being a little out of sorts. I'm still a bit confused on how exactly I arrived here and for what purpose, if there is one." Ialari looked over to some of the assembled plates of food as her stomach rumbled with light cramping. "I haven't been around this many living people in years. I haven't eaten real food in longer than I can remember and this is also the first time in years that I have been this close to actual civilization. If it wouldn't be too much more of an imposition, might I share in some of your food and maybe ask what exactly is going on here? What you are celebrating? Perhaps it may help me figure out more of why someone may steer me in the direction of Riverfall?" Ialari suddenly felt exhausted and as if she were starving. It had been so long since she had been around large groups of actual live people, isur or otherwise, that she had forgotten how much she missed it until now. "In return, I will do my best to answer any other questions you may have of me; I'm sure you are all as surprised at my presence as I am."

[Eleret]

After she introduced herself, one in particular waved as if to draw Eleret's attention -- the Akontak, who now that she thought about it looked strangely familiar... It wasn't until he spoke, however, that memory snapped into place. Abase. Eleret's smile brightened into a grin as he looked her way, and she bobbed her head gratefully at his blessing. She would definitely have to seek him out later for conversation. Shortly afterwards, Mathias spoke up again, moving the discussion from supplies to what they'd find in Syka. Eleret listened intently, tucking his words away for later perusal. Nyavanni. She was reasonably sure that was a culture her studies had never included; Mathias painted it as one rather older than the history she had pursued. The conversation continued around her, the Konti more picking at than applying herself to her meal as she listened with interest to the words from all sides. For the most part, the gathering was pleasant and positive-minded, but harsher scents reflecting nerves and anxiety impinged upon her as well, and they clashed unappealingly with the food. The other Konti stumbled in her introduction, and Eleret felt strong sympathy for her; hopefully she would become more comfortable with time. Soon after, Mathias interposed himself to divert the group from serious considerations -- to bid them enjoy the party of their leavetaking. The next seasons would be serious enough for them all. She smiled to see Mathias draw the Eypharian woman into dancing, a human woman doing the same with Abase. Others did not dance, but continued with their meals. All the same, Eleret's sense of the gathering softened as the weight of anxiety was reduced, each member released to enjoy themselves. Then a door appeared from nowhere in the middle of the garden. The woman who stepped through it -- recognizable as Isur, now that Eleret had heard others introduce themselves as such -- looked as baffled by this development as the Konti felt. Eleret shook her head slightly in wonderment and confusion. Others seemed to have the new arrival's introduction well in hand, so she took the opportunity to finish the food on her plate -- before any other strange developments might risk souring the mood of the gathering, and her appetite with it. In the meantime, Eleret considered the boy next to her -- Jared, the one whose earlier introduction had been so very nervous. Would it put him at ease, to be asked to dance, or wind him up again instead? "You enjoy the gathering, the food?" she asked of the youth, as a way to start conversation between them.

[Abase]

Abase's fingers wrapped around Delani's, his skin brushing against her's. A soft, but sharp intake of breath and Abase closed his eyes. His mind raced, falling over itself in its eagerness to learn, to adapt. He could see the world, could grasp the meanings in this life, could understand all that came before him. When he opened his eyes he smiled down at the Drykas, "Is much good talent you have. Good mind match strong name and grip. Strider be proud you bear it." He squeezed her hand for emphasis, "I see you good person, in and out."

He released her hand, perhaps after a moment longer than he should have, "Is good you find joy in land of Father's people. I find place good for body, but no so good for fostering mind as Mother's home of Mura." Abase paused for a moment, wondering if he should speak what came to his mind next, but he quickly pushed aside his doubts and Irists' obvious frustrations, "You talent in knowing, in understanding, but now you no understand something key in me." He smiled once more, placing a hand on his chest, "You see, I no Akalak. I Akontak. Blood of father AND mother flow strong in this heart." He let his hand fall to his lap once more, "So see I have blood brother's of Riverfall, and blood sisters of Mura. Mother give name to me for special purpose, but I no know what purpose is."

Absently Abase fingered the line of his shirt, pulling at a thread as he looked over the dancing ground with a more somber expression, "I come on journey to find purpose, to find meaning in name sake. Kasaiabase is beautiful name mother give, but is heavy burden even if I no know what burden is." Blinking, the Akontak shook his head, laughing and rubbing his neck. He smiled apologetically at Delani, "But no, is no time for sad thoughts. Why you come on journey?"

When the door first opened Abase was not aware, for his attention was fully focused on what Delani was saying. It was only as the music and voices died down that he finally looked, and his eyes widened at the sudden arrival of the Isur. She looked as if she were beautiful in the way of her people, but it looked as if time had taken its toll. Pocketed cheeks, hungry eyes that seemed far too used to having no food at all. It looked as if she had lost weight as well.

Abase rose slowly, extending a hand to help Delani up as well. He listened only a moment to the conversation, picking up on one thing the Isur said in particular. He moved to the tables with all of the refreshments, placing fruits and cheese, and a few various meats, onto the plate, topping it with still steaming rolls rolling with butter. The he took up a goblet of wine, and pressed his way through the assembling crowd around the woman. His 7 foot frame made the going a bit easier, and finally he stood before the Isur. Bending down so that he could see her eyes Abase extended the food and wine toward her

Irist pressed against Abase's mind, Don't be a fool! She appeared from no where, and stinks of the undead. You cannot trust her.

She looks tired, and weary. It does not matter who she is or where she came from. It is right to offer food to the hungry, and rest for the weary.

Petch it Abase. I hope she feels grateful enough to you to not slide a blade through our ribs.

Abase smiled at Ialari, nodding to the plate and glass, "No matter where come from. You hungry, you eat. You look tired, like traveler. You rest with us, and if want we hear story of how come here."

[Levissa Certier]

So far, the party had gone quite normally – the food, the dancing, the chatting. Every single person in the whole garden had taken her attention in different. There was no way to say which was more unique than the other. Mathias had asked the Eypharian-Ethaefal to dance while the others continued feasting.

The Svefra called her name and Levi smiled in reply. Besides Mathias and Zakar, he was the only person who had taken any sort of interest for her. Not that she was surprised. As a human, she was clearly outshone by the diverse races present and a part of her preferred it that way. But a new friend wouldn’t hurt. “Yes and you’re Sirocco, if I’m not mistaken. We haven’t been properly introduced.”

The man seemed to get distracted, peering over her shoulder. Levi narrowed her eyes and turned, unsure what had seemed to take the sailor in surprise, just in time to see the Isur stepping out an odd doorway-shaped space. It was gone just as quickly, leaving the stranger puzzling over the partying crowd. Unsurprisingly, everything stopped, noticing the sudden arrival of the woman. An Isurian woman – Levi doubted she had ever met one. Was she supposed to go to the quest?

“It’s bound to, considering the mystery of our trip,” she said at Sirocco’s quip.

Her silent question was quickly answered by the woman’s statement, a little at a loss. At the mention of Sahova, Levi cringed internally. It was the island of undead and she was not exactly fond of their kind. The feeling was mutual. She had visited the place once when she was young. Not a pleasant experience. Its residents had not been welcome of her family. After a long week, the children were begging to leave and her parents had no choice but to do so. The undead had been disquieting and disturbing – everything about them was violating everything she believed in.

Breaking her own line of thoughts, Levi noticed that the Akontak, Abase, was talking to the newcomer who had declared herself as Ialaria Pythone Something. He had given her a go to eat with them. They were in no shortage of food, it should be fine for the woman to join. Curious, the ghost hunter leaned forward, her sharp gray eyes watching intently. “What had happened exactly? I’ve never seen any magic like that. You can’t simply step out of thin air.”

[Daekos Volundur]

Another Pitrius, this one stepping out from a portal that leads to Gods-know-where! This is most interesting.

"I can't say the same for myself, but welcome to Riverfall. My name is Daekos Volundur Pitrius, Ialari. I would ask of the magic that brought you here later, anything you can tell about yourself, but that can wait - after all, this is a party, meant for us to enjoy ourselves."

The male Isur picked up a pewter mug, dropping the now-liquid Res into it. He wouldn't let it go to waste, since it was already outside of his body. He would later transmute it into water to help thin down the liquor he was drinking - he did not wish to be drunk. After finishing the process, Daekos watched as Ialari touched the elaborate tattoo on her Arm, his eyes widening as he realised who she was. He grinned.

Lord Izurdin favours her - she is twice marked by him. Aye, this is most... fortunate. If she were to join the expeditition, she would prove useful to us all.

Daekos was about to pass her the plate of food he was holding - it tasted faintly of home; of Sultros, the Kingdom under the Mountain - before Abase made his move, collecting food and picking up a goblet of wine, presenting the twain to her.

Hmm. How rude. But not his fault - he was just being courteous, after all. There will be time afterwards.

Daekos sat down again, waiting for her to finish her meal - it was only polite, after all, and he would be nothing if polite to a Favoured of Izurdin and a fellow Isur of the Pitrius clan.

Now then, who will I bunk with on the ship? Perhaps Istril - if she would agree to it. Unlikely. Ialari would be fine, if she comes along. Not by chance did she fall into Riverfall from wherever she came from, even if she wanted to go to Sahova - ah, Sahova, island of Nuit, island of Magic! She is God-touched, and I suspect the hands of Gods meddling in her journey. If not, then perhaps Kench. He would amuse me much, if his behaviour at this gathering is to be believed, and I suppose he would enjoy riding on Hundwin. But to more pleasant matters!

Daekos resumed his meal, enjoying the traditional Riverfall fare he had gotten accustomed to in his years there, idly fiddling with a small stone with his left hand, moulding it like clay, forcing it into a very rough approximation of a sphere.

He would wait for Ialari to finish her business with Abase before approaching her again. In the meantime, Daekos would attempt to make a conversation with the Pycon who had made him laugh when he arrived, while listening to Levissa's question.

"Now then, little Kench, tell me, what are you? Where are you from?"

[Delani Denusk]

Delani watched the man closely, the corners of her eyes tightening only a smidge when he took her hand and closed his own eyes. What did he see in her? What did he feel? The mystery of this evergreen bi-soul deepened. She made a note to further investigate him, if only to satisfy her curiosity, during the trip.

"I am interested in knowing how you interpret if I am good, Abase, for appearances can be deceiving." This truth manifested immediately when the man went on. He was not an Akalak at all, but rather an Akontak! Her frown must have revealed her predominant confusion in this matter since she knew enough of the two races to know that it was a fifty fifty chance of producing either an Akalak or a Konti from the union of those two races. But here, before her, was the manifestation of both united.

"Fascinating! The drykas declared in genuine amazement. "A product of both; amazing! Do you bare the dual souls of your Akalak kin? And what of the scales of your Konti heritage?" Dela actually began to reach for his hand for closer examination. Do you possess the Konti gills? His revelation had quieted her suspicion some especially as he went on to explain the why of his joining this trip.

That is an interesting concept, Abase. Your name is quite beautiful and unique and I would be interested in learning why it was given to you, as well, if only out of curiosity. This let her move fluidly on to why she too was joining the expedition. That, sir, is a weighted question. The stiffer fingers of her left hand began working the right glove off as she spoke.

I have long been a lover of knowledge and wisdom, from the first Why that came from my lips. I believe in the power it can provide one, strengthening their chance of survival in this oft challenging world. If one closes themselves off, how can they adapt? How can they truly survive? We must learn to live and thrive, no? The glove slid free and smoothly did the woman lay her scarred hand over her right, keeping it unviewable for the time being. Knowledge is, inherently power, but it is only with wisdom that that power can be controlled and balance maintained. I come for it was the wisest choice I could perceive at the time. Since the Storm, I'd long felt, mm, removed from the clans. I simply felt it was no longer the place I was needed. Then the letters from Mr. Syka arrived. The promise of adventure was not what appealed to me, but the exploration of something lost to time, forgotten by all it seems but the man who bares its name, and yet even he knows not how it came to be forgotten. Only that it was lost, gone, disappeared. I come to Know, and through this-" Her left hand slid from atop her right, revealing the Lormar upon it. It glowed faintly and explained why she wore the glove. "-aid others in such revelations. This place we are going to is old and mysterious. Unraveling them is only part of the fun.

When talk in the party began to wane slightly, Dela's gaze moved from Abase to the surroundings once more, the gnosis returning to its hidden state from before. A figure had appeared, one who had not previously been among the gathered, one who clearly looked out of place and clearly lost. She could not hear the exchange from here, however, and when her conversation partner rose, offering a hand to her, Dela obliged and stood with him. However, the Drykas wove through the crowds towards the Isur, more to eavesdrop than interrogate. One could sometimes learn more through just listening than talking. That was what she would pursue for the moment; the important questions were already being asked by others.

[Abase]

If Ialari took the plate Abase would nod and offer a friendly smile, and if she did not he would set it aside, close to her in case she changed her mind. In either case Abase would straighten, and offer a polite bow before scanning the crowed for his previous partner. When finally he found her he would make his way through once more, leaning down to talk in softer tones, "Many apology. I no mean to interrupt conversation." He looked back toward the Isur who magically appeared from now where, "Is strange how people come. Is work of fate? We all gather for one purpose yes, but is still strange so many happenings all in short time." By this he meant both his and Delani's circumstances. They each had sought for a purpose, and each happened upon the letter sent by Mathius Syka. Both happened to come and meet, and now this new arrival happened to land within the midst of their expedition. Far too many happenings than could surely be mere coincidence, no?

Abase looked back at Delani, taking in the gem color green of her eyes, and he took a moment to continue in a soft tone, "You know much of Mother's people and Father's people. You ask questions not many ask." He offered her his hand, turning it over so that she could see the scales along the back. He brushed his bangs up so that she could see the few scales over his brow, and finally he ran a finger over the neckline of his shirt, tugging at the fabric so that she could see that he, in fact, did have gills, "I know you good person because you see, you understand. Is good people who take time to understand world, and not try to change all they see." Then Abase winked, "And Irist," he patted his fist over his heart, "Brother within say hello too."

Enough Abase I say no such thing. Better to leave the woman be. She is an annoying wench.

If she can understand so much from only just meeting us, then she is no wench. She is a rare flower in a valley of wilted blooms.

There was a sound in the darkness of their world that Abase suspected was a derisive snort, More like the weed that will never die.

Abase pointed to Delani, and then to himself, "You seek knowledge, understanding as I do. We travel same path to same destination. Is wondrous happening that we meet." His eyes fell to the gloved hand, and a question bubbled up, "You marked by divine, as we are. But I no know what mark is, or who give to you. What can you see with your blessing, and who gives to you?"

[Delani Denusk]

Resuming their conversation once Abase had caught back up with her, following his offer of succor to the Isur, Dela just smiled. It was a disarming thing, one that bode no ill will or threat. For all the might of the horse-people that rode in her veins, and the strength of arms they could bare, here was a woman who would rather fight with her mind and her words than her fists or her blade.

"Much? Not precisely. She explained. "My cousin is a Konti. I remember, growing up, seeing her scales and the delicate gills she bares. As for knowing the Akalak; I grew up and lived in the Sea of Grass all my life. No Drykas goes through their life without knowing of the colorful-skinned Males of Riverfall. We are allies; or at least we were the last I knew." Dela quieted for a moment as he showed his details to her, her hands extending to run calloused fingers across the back of his presented hand. Her touch was gentle even if the pads were roughened by the years.

The thump of fist over his chest made her grin as he tried to draw his twin forth, the resonating silence that that followed his declaration of Irist making the rider laugh heartily. "I've wondered what it might be like to weild another within to speak to. It could have been useful to me last year." Her eyes twinkled in thought, letting the silence resume a moment as the dialogue in the Akontaks head continued.

At last, it subsided and Dela was returned to talk with Abase once more. "I do not know if we walk the same path, Kasaiabse-" She said, using his formal name. "-but we are certainly well met. As for this-" She touched the gloved hand. "T'is the mark of Eyris, Goddess of Knowledge and Wisdom. One who is appreciated in the horse clans, though not so much as Semele and Zulrav. She is my Lady and Savior and it is she whose quiet guidance I follow. Through her blessing, I understand what I touch." She looked away then, searching the crowd for a moment. "It is a subtler ability, I would say, for there is no pomp and circumstance, there is only a glimpse of what may have happened to what I touch. A revelation of Truth, in a sense, without the mind interceding its interpretation, its..supposition, if you will. Here."

The drykas settled on a bowl that was filled with fresh fruits, their sweet smell permeating the air immediately around it. Dela took up the bowl then and let the fingers of her right hand rest on the rim while the stiffer right supported the bottom. There was a moment, brief, when the lormar beneath the glove flared in light, almost seen through the dark material. Then, the light subsided. In that moment, Dela had simply fallen quiet, focusing her mind away from the distractions of the party in order to see more clearly what might be revealed. The bowl itself was glass with flares of color like fire rising from the base and smokey shades running along the wave-like rim. It was a very beautiful piece and had come from only one place.

"A man with blazing hair and golden eyes crafted this." It was simple, but there was no suggestion of assumption let alone deceit in her voice. It simply was. Dela did not know of Inartan culture that well to say that the bowl had come from the volcanic city in Kalea. That was a region she knew next to nothing about, other than it was a long ways away and she would probably never visit it. She, therefore, could not know that these simple descriptions of firey hair and golden eyes likely meant the bowl had been crafted by an Inartan glassworker, the finest glass craftsmen in all of Mizahar. The impressions she received were just too finite (and random) to elaborate. "Were I to press again, I might see something different and likely unrelated. There is a small chance I could learn something related to the initial insight. I like to suppose that Eyris teaches through absence, encouraging her chosen to learn via their own means as opposed to holding their hand throughout their journey. That is the fun thing about knowledge, you see. It is an adventure in itself, testing that which you find until you understand it and know the truth."