Solo Where's Home Now??

[Neive]

　

7th Winter 515av

Late Night
Surya Plaza, Zintia Peak

　

　　The constant vibrant bustle of the city of Lhavit was astounding. It was late into the night. Leth’s moon had risen bells ago, his soft light coating the cosmic city in an enchanting glow. Neive had spent the better part of the evening frantically exploring, searching for her late father’s prized possession. Randomly picking a direction or street to follow, she chased through the unknown.
　　The sheer size of the city was daunting and often she had found herself lost in the labyrinth of streets, alleyways and peaks the city was sprawled over. When she felt herself panic, swamped by the maze of the skyglassed streets, the young Inarta simply stopped in her tracks and turned back the way she had come, until she reached something she recognised.
　　Everything remained open, even this late. It seemed everyone followed some sort of routine. Every few bells the stores and businesses would close for a time, almost as if there were specific rest periods for the merchants and townspeople. Neive couldn’t follow the pattern that everyone seemed to adhere to, but she guessed that with time she would come to know the habits of the residents.
　　As the frozen temperatures of night seeped deep into her every fibre, the realities of the decision she had made began to set in. Everything she owned fit into the rugged backpack strewn over her shoulders, every pinion she owned she carried in the little pouch on her belt.
　　Money seemed to be the main resource of exchange here. Very different from the bartering system she was so accustomed to back home. Still, it was an aspect of the Lhavitian culture that would soon become the norm for her also. At least, she hoped. After exchanging her currency for the native system of Kinas, Topaz and Jade, she found herself greatly confused with what each ornately carved gem was worth around Lhavit.
　　As she raced through the streets, her cerulean gaze searching every square inch of the ground at her feet, the pit in her stomach grew. She began to fear she would never find her father’s “lucky” hat. It was worse than looking for a needle in a haystack. Not that she had ever tried.
　　The painful grumble of her empty stomach broke the young Inarta’s train of thought. Her throat ached and her tongue was dry. She needed rest, hot food and she needed a place to stay. Back in Wind Reach accommodation was assigned to you per your rank. Food was provided for, it was not something Neive had to actively seek for herself and she simply ate what she was given. Living independently was a greater responsibility than she had realised and it frightened her down to her very core.
　　Slipping under the shallow cover of a nearby door frame, Neive took a moment to check how much money she actually had. If she was scarce with her expenditure, it could last the season. However, if she was to make it back home in the spring, she would need to save every pinion – Kina rather, she had. Wind Reach suddenly seemed so very far away.
　　Her tired cerulean eyes scanned the surrounding area. Businesses, stalls and homes in abundance, but no inns or taverns. What was that place her Avora mentor had mentioned? Cos.. Cosma? Cosmo? The Cosmos? He had said the people there would help her find lodging.
　　Though, she had no idea how she was going to find it. She had already crossed the grand, skyglass bridge to discover that Lhavit was spread over several peaks of the Kalea Mountains. Finding one place in amongst the enormous city was a daunting task. Though, so was attempting to find her father’s hat.
　　

[Neive]

　

　

　　 Despair quickly began to settle in. Feeling alone and terribly lost in more ways than just her geographical location, the young Inarta threw herself down in a distressed heap. Tears welled up in her cerulean eyes, threatening to course down her cheeks, but she refused to give herself over to complete hopelessness.
　　 She knew when she had made the decision to stay, that there was a possibility she wouldn’t find her father’s cherished hat. She couldn’t give up hope though. She was now stranded here for a season, she may as well live her life and make the best of the situation.
　　 Perking herself up, she felt hope renewed. She wasn’t giving up entirely looking for her father’s hat, no, she just didn’t have much luck today. She should get herself fed and rested and tomorrow she would search anew with fresh eyes.
　　 Decision made, the young Inarta hauled herself to her feet, rubbing her drooling nose on the sleeve of her Katinu she glanced around the Surya Plaza for a tavern or restaurant.
　　 Set afar from the clusters of towers of the Zintia Peak, surrounded by a fresh green lawn and colourful flowers, Neive’s gaze settled upon a quaint looking establishment. It looked warm, homey. She set her feet in motion, keeping the dome-like building in her constant sight.
　　 The young Inarta traversed the maze of the streets, first getting lost down an alley that turned into a dead end. Backtracking her steps, Neive eventually found herself before the tea house.
　　 Domed and gilded, with detailed statues depicting grace and poise and the floral scent of the surrounding garden, the place was certainly inviting and alluring. While she stood hesitantly before the grand structure admiring its beauty, a customer emerged from within.
　　 As the oaken door to the establishment opened for the briefest of ticks, the wafting aroma of every concoction of warm teas imaginable filled the young Inarta’s nostrils. A quick glance upwards held a sign which read, The Mhakula Teahouse, at least that was what she thought it read. The first part of the name didn’t make sense to her, it just looked like jumbled up common letters.
　　 Too tired and hungry to care much what the place was called, the attractive smells coming from the other side of the front doors carried Neive inside. Her face was instantly buffeted by the warmth and she could already feel the cold seep out of her bones as the heat set in. The surrounding light green walls were painted in charming, yellow, eloquent designs, making the place appear homey and welcoming.

　　

[Neive]

　

　

　　 As Neive’s sapphire gaze followed the golden artwork in admiration, a server approached her with a warm smile, “Welcome to the Mhakula Teahouse. A table for one?” Neive simply nodded and followed the server as she led her to a table in the back. The place was adequately busy, yet not so overcrowded that the conversations around the room ever rose above a soft murmur.
　　 Awkwardly lowering herself onto the jade, fine wool cushioned chair, the server handed her a menu. Her common was rusty and she struggled reading the more complex concoctions of tea offered, but the young Inarta was able to, if hesitantly, order herself a mug of good, herbal tea and some scones too.
　　 She was starving of course, but she was reluctant to splash out on food in a restaurant when she still carried some provisions in her pack. The scones would help to keep her grumbling stomach satisfied until she could cook some of her balanced rations later.
　　 As the waiter returned with the steaming mug of herbalishious, tea and a generous plate of scones, accompanied by a variation of jams and spreads, Neive took the opportunity to gain some intelligence. “Sorry, um common small, but I am new. Erm, Cosmos? Know where? Please, need uh, need… Home?”
　　 By the waiters confused expression Neive knew she was struggling to interpret the young Inarta’s terrible common. “The Cosmos center? Are you looking to stay in Lhavit?”
　　 Neive smiled as the server grasped her meaning and nodded eagerly, “Yes! I don’t know where,”
　　 “Oh, yes, ok, well the Cosmos Center is on the Sartu Peak. You’ll need to cross over two skybridges to get there and it’s just next to the Amaranthine Gate. Look out for the winding path leading up the mountain and the Center is right next to it, you can’t miss it.”
　　 Neive almost laughed when the waiter said, ‘you can’t miss it’. Though, she was thankful for the help and said as much before the waiter smiled and took her leave.
　　 Cupping the mug of herbal tea before her Neive took her time to relish in the warmth it provided her frozen fingers. Eyeing up the delectable plate of scones and spreads, her mouth began to water at the scrumptious sight.
The young Inarta had taken her time and savoured every bite and every drop of her delicious meal.
　　 Tea was always a good cure for the soul and for the body. She felt warmed inside and her tummy no longer growled in protest. With a new burst of energy, the young Inarta set off from the Mhakula Teahouse – by far her favourite place in Lhavit.
　　 It had been relaxing, comforting. The first time she felt such things since being stranded away from home. Her gut still wrenched in turmoil at not having found her hat yet. Doubts of reality ate away in the back of her mind that she never will. She just had to keep reminding herself that she was not giving up.
　　 Stepping away from the aromatising teahouse, Neive sought for the Skyglass bridge that would take her to the next peak. From her vantage point upon the high level of which the teahouse sat, her cerulean gaze scanned the distance. It was dark, the night swiftly drawing closer to early morning. Yet the city was alive! Lights, sparkles, music, people. The city never rested. It was almost as if the people of Lhavit cherished the time of day, as well as the time of night. It was admirable.
　　 There! She found the glass bridge, on the other side of the Surya Plaza. Tracing her gaze along the lower level, she back tracked from the bridge and found herself a route. She took a moment to memorise features along the path that lead clear to the bridge. Once she was satisfied she knew where she was going, she set off!
　　

[Neive]

　

The Cosmos Center,
Sartu Peak

　

　　Wandering around the Sartu Peak, Neive grew beyond exhausted. Lhavit was immensely spread out over a great distance and the young Inarta had practically traversed it all in just one day!
　　Her body ached, leaden with fatigue, her feet ultimately trailed the ground. If it wasn’t so bitterly cold, she would have seriously considered simply finding some quiet corner of the city and spending the night there, on the street.
　　As she idly wandered to the far edges of Sartu Peak, not even bothering to admire the beauty and eloquent city anymore, that’s when she saw it! A bright light surrounding a building comprised of towers, spires and domed roofs. A beacon of hope in the dark.
　　The building radiated brighter than any she had seen in the whole city. Just looking upon the structure, she knew - she knew this was the Cosmos Center. A giggle escaped the young Inarta’s lips, her eyes unable to train away from the spectacle. The server from the tea house hadn’t been wrong when she said Neive couldn’t miss it.
　　With the prospect of warmth and interactions with the authorities of Lhavit, of help, the young Inarta dug deep and found a burst of oomph. As she raced off towards the Cosmos Center, glancing to the left, she noticed the pretty and well cut mountain path leading down the Kalea Mountain upon which Lhavit was moulded from. That must lead down to the surrounding wilderness, it was the main gateway into and out of the city. She would need to remember where it was for when she saves up enough to make the journey home, back to Wind Reach.
　　As she stepped through the doors to the government facility, Neive’s gaze was instantly drawn to the parchment arts decorating the otherwise simplistic room. Sparsely furnished, the circular room adorned basic, white desks and chairs. To liven the colourless building and perhaps bring it to life, were the placings of the odd indoor, potted plant. The green of their leaves a vast contrast to the manmade stone of the walls.
　　As she took a moment to enjoy the warmth as it once again seeped into her every fibre, the cold of winter swiftly banished, the young Inarta uncertainly stepped towards the main desk. Upon its slick surface were orderly stacks of papers and an intricately carved, crystal bell.
　　With no one present, Neive assumed the bell was to call for assistance and so she tentatively tapped it. The soft chime of the bell, rung shrilly through the air, yet no one answered its call. Waiting a few moments longer, the young Inarta continued to strike the bell twice more.
　　

[Neive]

　

　

　　As the lilting sound of the bell faded away, alas a fiery headed woman emerged from behind a closed door, a broad and welcoming smile upon her lips, “Hello there, my name is Youchi Sakana Dawn, how may I assist you?”
　　“Hi, um new… uh, looking for help. Common, small, sorry.”
　　“Oh not to worry dear. We deal with all races, speaking in every tongue, just take your time. Is this your first visit to Lhavit?”
　　Neive physically relaxed at the reassurance from the woman and was glad she was pioneering the conversation. A swift nod confirmed Youchi’s suspicions, to which she smiled and gestured for the young Inarta to be seated. The woman confidently sat on the other side of the desk, sifting through the orderly stacks of papers, no doubt for forms or letters of information.
　　“Ok dear, first things first, how long are you staying in the city?”
　　“Um, not.. not sure. Winter? Spring..” Neive raised a hand and waved it to show the woman she was unsure as to the exact time frame she would be stuck in Lhavit. It all depended on how much she could save and how long it would take her to find her father’s prized possession.
　　Nodding in response to Neive’s physical gestures, Youchi smiled warmly, “So you’ll need somewhere to stay then.” It was more of a statement, than a question. “I can help you find an inn to stay at or I can help you with an application for temporary apartments, which would you prefer?”
　　Out of that sentence, all Neive understood was ‘Inn’ or ‘Apartment’. An Inn would be easier to come and go at late notice, however an apartment sounded homier, safer. It would be her own space. “Apartment.. please.”
　　“Ok, one tick, I had that form…ah here we are. I’ll fill most of this in for you. Shall we say a minimum of Spring at least? Then you can negotiate extended rent thereafter?”
　　Neive wasn’t sure what the kind red head meant, but instead just rolled with it, shrugging and nodding to go ahead.
　　“We liaison with the Solar Winds Apartments, who are just located on the outskirts of the Surya Plaza on Zintia Peak, so there are a few different options available depending on how much you wish to spend.” Youchi leant over the desk and swivelled the parchment around to face the young Inarta. With the tip of her quill, the assistant indicated to each section on the page as she read it out for Neive, “For three kina a moon cycle, you can opt for the simple lodgings. Oh and one kina is the same as one gold miza if that helps you any with the currency change. Now, for –“
　　“Sorry, um, sorry. What would one kina be to one pinion? Is the same?”
　　“Oh, you’re from Wind Reach?” Neive solemnly nodded she was so, feeling the pang of homesickness hit in the pit of her stomach, “Oh well yes, one kina will still be the same. One kina is one pinion, your old money is worth the same in kina currency. So don’t worry, you haven’t really lost any value to your money here.”
　　‘One Kina is one pinion’ that is all Neive needed to know to figure out then what the jade and topaz gems must be in exchange. She felt at least a little more at ease. It was one thing less she had to try and figure out in Lhavit.
　　“Thank you. Please..” Neive gestured towards the half-filled application on the desk between the two women, indicating for Youchi to continue.
　　“Right, where was I…. Yes, so, for seven kina a moon, you can upgrade to quite an elegant room and then for a suite it costs fifteen kina a moon. Which tickles your fancy?”
　　Neive’s confused gaze rose shyly to Youchi’s consistently joyful expression. She had no idea what in the world ‘tickle your fancy’ meant. What was that? Surely she had to have the translation wrong? Youchi noticed the young Inarta’s deeply puzzled frown and giggled, “Oh sorry! It’s just a saying. It means, which do you prefer? Which is to your liking?”
　　Neive felt ridiculous and laughed nervously, “Oh! Oh, uumm, three. The first?” Neive tapped the parchment at the section describing the first option Youchi had mentioned. While Youchi went to mark the application accordingly, Neive’s gaze dropped to her fingers.
　　There were three moons in a season. So rent at three kina a moon, meant – folding in each finger at a time, counting out three sets of three in her head, Neive reached the conclusion that it would be nine kina for the winter season. That was affordable. Relieved and happy with her choice, the young Inarta returned her attention back to the woman.

　　

[Neive]

　

　

　　“Alright, if you could just fill out your name and information in this top box here and sign for me on the line at the bottom.” Youchi slid the parchment over to the young Inarta and gently handed her the quill.
　　The top-heavy, feathery instrument felt odd and clumsy in her hand, but the young Inarta leant over the application and concentrated hard to remember how to write her common words.
　　“This will be your agreement with the Solar Wind Apartments. It basically states that, you will be given the sole rent of a simple apartment, which will be yours during the stated period of ownership and that you agree to pay the stated rent upon the last day of the season, or face a penalty etc etc.”
　　Neive was so absorbed and concentrating on the formation of her e’s and making sure that what she was writing was correct and neat, to have heard most of what Youchi had said.
　　It troubled her and she was about to request that Youchi repeat herself and in simpler terms. Yet, even as the young Inarta attempted to sign her name on the required line, the quill dragging and scratching across the parchment, Youchi was already moving onto the next issue at hand.
　　Digging once again through the orderly stacks of papers, Youchi whipped the housing application from under Neive’s nose, swiftly reading over the young Inarta’s writing, before zipping it away to the side.
　　Placing a different sized piece of paper between them, Youchi grinned, “Now for the next thing! You’ll need to find work to be able to eat now won’t you.” Again, more a statement of fact than a question meant to be answered. Youchi folded her hands over the newly laid out piece of parchment on the desk, an odd beam upon her aging features, "What are your skills? What did you do back home?”
　　Back home. The very words almost brought tears to the young Inarta’s eyes. This was getting all too real. The full weight of responsibility and independence was beginning to press uncomfortably on the young Inarta’s chest. She struggled to draw a full breath as her heart started hammering faster. She suddenly felt very much out of place in this alien environment.
　　As she struggled to find the common translation for what she did back at Wind Reach Neive faltered, “Well, I uh… I.. what do you call… I, its…” She became frustrated with herself and huffed angrily. A hand unconsciously came up to play with the tattered end of her black, damasked scarf hung tightly around her neck.
　　Youchi remained silent, a pitiful glaze sweeping over her soft features. “It’s ok dear, take your time.”
　　Neive knew the woman was simply trying to help, but it only made her feel worse. No amount of time was going to pop the word she didn’t know into her mind. Slumping into the back of the chair Neive began to feel the exhaustion from the day’s ordeal settle in.
　　As her cerulean gaze swept over the desk, it fell upon the glistening crystal bell, light refracting in all colours off its surface from the room’s surrounding lamps.
　　Realisation struck her. Over zealously the young Inarta bolted upright and launched over to the bell. Grasping it firmly, the young Inarta lifted it before Youchi’s gaze, pointing excitedly as she attempted to communicate through show, “This! This!”
　　Quite taken aback by Neive’s enthusiasm the aging assistant tried to play along, “You… you carve? You… you’re a jeweller? Is that it?”
　　Shaking her head in decline of the woman’s first guess, the young Inarta tried to figure out how to say glass, her gaze shifting around the room wildly, searching, grasping at anything that might help her explain. Then she saw the window. A broad grin spread over the excitable Inarta as she leapt towards the window, carrying the poor woman’s crystal bell with her.
　　Tapping the bell in her hand with one finger, Neive made sure the assistant was watching carefully, “I make,” She tapped the window with the tips of her fingers, gently, “But with this,”
　　Youchi almost exploded in joy as she grasped what Neive was attempting to say, “Oh my! Oh yes, you work with glass? You’re a glassworker? Oh how did I not realise, what with you being from Wind Reach. Right, right. I understand dear, I understand. The word for what you’re looking for, is Glassworker.”
　　Neive tried it out, feeling the way the word rolled around with her tongue, “Glass…wor..ker” Youchi nodded along earnestly, “Yes that’s right. Glassworker. Glass is what the window is made from. I’m sure it’ll be a breeze finding you a job in Lhavit. Your trade is highly sought after. Your skills are very rare around these parts.”
　　The young Inarta was still internalising the new word to hear what Youchi was saying, but she heard job. The woman was right, Neive hadn’t even thought of that. She would need a job to pay for rent.
　　Seating herself, calmly, back into her chair, the young Inarta watched nervously as the woman began scribbling on the piece of parchment. “Alright, I have filled out the job application for you and you will hear back soon if we find you anything. If you could just sign on the bottom.. there.” Again Neive signed her name on the requested line.

　　

[Neive]

　

　

　　As she finished, gently setting down the feathered quill, Neive suddenly realised just how much she was entrusting to a complete stranger. Her gaze cautious, suspicious almost, the young Inarta studied the redheaded assistant before her a moment. Attempting to gauge the woman’s character, she had shown the young Inarta nothing but patience and kindness since they had met.
　　All feelings of mistrust swiftly dissolved as suddenly as her doubts had arisen. She was being over guarded. It had been her mentor’s last words that made the young Inarta reluctant of the citizens of Lhavit. However, if she was going to live here, if but for a season, she would need at least a few friends to turn to.
　　Almost as if the woman was aware of Neive’s darker thoughts, she turned a serious, stern look upon the young Inarta. “Now, there are some serious things you need to know if you are going to stay here. I wouldn’t want custom and conflicting cultures to have you in trouble.”
　　The words trouble and serious were all Neive understood, but it was enough to grasp her full attention and cause the young Inarta to sit upright in her chair.
　　“Lhavit is pretty strict on its Laws. Laws you know what this means?”
　　Neive timidly shook her head, “Rules?” The young Inarta smiled and nodded quickly that she understood that one.
　　“Ok well you need to remember these rules and follow them very carefully, do you understand?”
　　As if in answer to the assistant’s question, the young Inarta held up one finger, while she shimmied her backpack from her shoulders. Rummaging around she couldn’t find what she was looking for, then, quickly remembered she had slipped it into her katinu pocket earlier that day.
　　Swiftly drawing forth a ragged, looking book, she waved it at Youchi with a warm smile, who grasped the young Inarta’s meaning and kindly scooted over the feathered quill and pot of ink, for a lend only.
　　“Good idea.” As Neive opened her drawing book to a fresh page, she dipped the tip of the quill into the ink and dabbed it a little. “Ok rule number one,” As Youchi spoke, Neive swiftly scratched the quill across her page in her mother tongue, Nari, for she would better understand and be able to elaborate.

“✰ You cannot not kill, steal, or cause any harm to your neighbour.
✰ You cannot abuse or subvert any pre-existing law.
✰ Public disruptions such as riots or looting are forbidden.
✰ The Goddess Zintila has the right to veto and end all decisions regarding the law.
✰ Pardons may only be given by Talora, Aysel or Zintila.
✰ Okomo are sacred and protected by divine right. Abuse of the Okomo may result in death.”

　　Most of the gods/goddesses Youchi mentioned, Neive had never even heard of before. Nevertheless, they must be essential to the people of Lhavit and they must play a large part in the day to day lives of the people for them to hold such power over the city’s law. She would have to do some research into who they were, just in case she ended up accidentally doing something to anger them.
　　“All of these laws, these rules, are regulated by the Shinya. The Shinya guard and protect this city. The Seiza, who are the priesthood of Zintilla, uphold the law through trial, you understand?”
　　“Hmm. What is word…. Priesthood?”
　　“The Priesthood are the followers of Zintilla, makes sense?”
　　Neive smiled and nodded her understanding. Before handing Youchi her feathered quill and ink pot back, Neive read out what she had written in Nari and repeated it to Youchi in common the best she could. Double checking that everything she had written down had been properly translated.
　　There were a few hiccups, a few words she had misinterpreted, but they were swiftly scored out and corrected. Once both Youchi and the young Inarta were satisfied everything was as it should be, Neive packed up her drawing book into her pack.
　　As both women rose, their business concluded, Youchi walked around the desk and accompanied Neive to the doors of the Cosmos Center. With a motherly glean, Youchi wrapped an arm around the shoulders of the young Inarta. “I hope you like it here in Lhavit. No matter what you need, please don’t hesitate to come back. My son, Oishi, and I, will be more than happy to help you.”
　　“Thank you very much! Thank you very much.” It was all Neive could say. Yet, if their conversation had been in Nari, Neive more than likely would have spilled out a long tale of gratitude. Instead, the young Inarta could only show her gratefulness towards the woman with a simple, deep bow.

End.

LedgerGood Herbal Tea, Mug x1
- 1 Topaz, 5 Jade

Tea Scones x1
- 5 Topaz

Total = -6TK, 5JK

　　

[Izuyanai]

Secret : Grades Name: Neive XP: Observation +2 Socialisation +2 Mathematics +1 Calligraphy +1 Negotiation +1 Lores: Lhavit: Surya Plaza Lhavit: The Mhakula Teahouse Lhavit: Cosmos Center Lhavitian Laws Basic Make-Up of Lhavitian Government One Kina to One Pinion Notes: I also hope Neive enjoys her stay in Lhavit. As for critique, I really loved all the interactions between the characters. They felt real and were played out well! I personally can’t find anything to fix for right so I won’t bother to do any nitpicking. Keep up the good work!