Open A Homecoming of Sorts

[Taurina]

Mid-Afternoon on the 3rd of Fall 516

The journey through the Sea of Grass had been more dangerous than the Ethaefal had thought it was going to be. Of course it was wilderness so there was a sort of inherit knowing that things wouldn’t be exactly easy, but it wasn’t mildly difficult. No, it was practically vicious. It had looked calm and serene at first glance with the light of Syna shining and tall grass blowing in gentle wind. When Taurina left with the merchant party in late spring they had promised that the trip out was not going to be long and that things would run relatively smoothly. That was probably her first mistake, believing the humans’ word as truth rather than researching a bit more on the place she was going into. She had just been so desperate to get out to Endrykas and finally be among the people she had been searching for that she likely would have believed anything anyone told her that had even the slimmest chance of being true. It was a lesson to learn from as it was quickly realized things can go very wrong out in the Sea of Grass.

The group got lost and things took an ugly turn after that. It was good that most in the group were experienced with this sort of thing, but that did not guarantee safety. There were beasts whose calls seemed to make the very wind disappear and created fear that the Eth had not experienced before in her known memories. It was luck possibly or maybe something divine had willed it, but Taurina survived while others hadn’t. Not that she had done much fighting, more hiding, running, and clumsy shots with her bow. If the creatures had been more sentient they probably would have laughed at her on multiple occasions. Perhaps they did, she rarely stuck around for a nice chat on what a miserable fighter she was.

After a summer under this constant fear and feeling more like weak prey rather than capable hunter, Taurina was ready to be within the tent city and among a more experienced people. The merchant party had been withered down to basically nothing at this point and few supplies remained. They had been surviving on food gathered by one who knew more of this land than the others. Even with the help that gathered food offered there never seemed to be enough to sustain the few left of the party. During the nights Taurina did not feel the pains of hunger and needed merely the light of Leth to sustain her, but during Syna’s reign her earthbound body was weak and seemingly always needing something.

The group headed east, always east, looking for the wandering city. Taurina led her mare, Melody, by the reins as she walked to the side and slightly in front of her. Riding was just as tiresome as walking. For the novice, clumsy rider, anything faster than a walking pace was difficult to maintain. Melody was a gentle, obedient mare with an inexperienced master who constantly sent mixed signals. It was something she would have to get better at, she knew that much. In her frayed memories there was another horse that was as black as night and faster than anything the Ethaefal knew of currently in this life. She remembered a bond deep with that being so she assumed that once she knew the art of riding, but no longer did. It was another thing on that long list of things to improve upon.

“There!” someone’s voice announced and the Taurina’s gaze snapped up to find a pointed finger to allow her vision to follow. Among the grass, in the distance, finally tents could be seen. There were so many of them. Taurina could feel as something like relief washed over her and exploded deep within her chest. Finally, finally, the tent city was in grasp and the wandering with no direction would soon come to an end. She would still be in the Sea of Grass and there would still be all those dangers, but hopefully there would be people to protect her as she learned to protect herself. Her first and foremost hope was that they accepted her. She was not truly human, not truly Drykas in the sense they probably acknowledged. In her mind the first test to pass would be one of acceptance. She had toyed with the idea of trying to pass off just as a Drykas, but those thoughts had been banished after much consideration. The falsehood would take too much cover up to accomplish and they would likely find out the truth in the end anyway. She didn’t believe things after that would go well so it seemed best to be honest about who she was and what she wanted.

“Look there Melody, it’s what we’ve been searching for,” Taurina murmured softy to the mare who had been her companion during this hard journey. Something like a smile passed over the woman’s face as she brought herself and her mare to a halt. The Ethaefal raised a scarred hand to gently pat the mare’s face and ran her fingertips down Melody’s soft nose. “We’ll be there soon,” Taurina murmured some more words, “Then the real fun will begin.” Melody let out an exhale that sounded somewhat like a snort. Whether or not that was truly a response to her words or if it was just an act of nature, Taurina took it to mean something like agreement. The Eth smiled before giving the mare the go ahead to start moving again. They were both tired and worn from the journey, but it all would be worth it soon and somehow that knowledge made the Ethaefal's steps lighter. Endrykas was finally in grasp and she couldn’t have been more relieved.

[Jasmine Stormblood]

Jasmine stretched out some popping her neck before standing up with a sigh. She had finished a large majority of clothes to be done again. Wiping her hands off the blonde worked on folding the dried articles before putting them back in the yvas bags. Once back at the pavilion the woman will call everyone and hand out the clean clothes for everyone. Finally putting the last of the clothes out to be dried in Syna's light the lady walked over to a tree and sat down beneath it with a sigh. Chaser grazed not far away from the young woman.

A bush on the other side caught her eye. Looking confused the woman stood up and walked around the tree. Small fruits were growing on the bush each one was a beautiful bright red. Reaching up and picking one off the bush she turned it around before kneeling down. Taking the dagger from her boot the blonde cut the fruit open and sniffed it. Noting the sweet smell the woman took a bite waiting to see if it had a strange taste. The only thing that could be tasted was a sweet undertone. Finishing off the piece of fruit Jasmine walked over to Chaser getting an extra bag down and running over picking a bag of fruits to take back to the pavilion.

Content with her haul the woman grabbed another and just took a direct bite this time. Looking up at Synam, she put the dagger away before tying the bag back on the yvas. Walking over the blonde was happy to find that the rest of the clothes had finally finished drying. Kneeling down the woman folded them and put them in the bags. Once everything was gathers, she tied the bags on Chaser's yvas. Grabbing another fruit she walked over and offered it to the stallion. Chaser sniffed the item before biting into it happy to have the treat.

"Okay big guy. Let's go home huh?" Jasmine asked with a smile and mounted up.

The pair turned to home and headed back. Jasmine smiled happy that they found a wonderful bounty to help with the food that night. She hoped that Azmere and the others would enjoy the sweet treats as she had. Chaser's ears perked up straight and his walking became very slow. Confused the blonde looked around seeing a group heading towards the city. Turning the stallion towards them she clicked her tongue and lead him to the group. Getting closer to the group the woman realized that it was a group of merchants. Though it appeared that they had a hard journey. Chaser neighed seeing the other horses and people finally relaxing some. The blonde waved her hand to where they could see the pair approaching.

"Hello all," Jasmine said and bowed her head.

"Hello young one. Can you tell us where to find the Caravansary? It has been almost three seasons since we were last here," one of the merchants asked.

"I'm sad to inform you, but the Caravansary burned down and took the life of the male owner with it," the blonde said.

fruit
The Wild Plums Jasmine found

The Clan is Strength.
The Clan is Life.

[Sisquoc]

The early fall air was still warm, but crisp, and the cool wind spoke of rain to come. It was a delightful mixture of the seasons, and the way the air kissed the great Condor's wings was heavenly. He hardly had to flap his wings or put in any effort at all, for the breeze carried him like a kite. These were Sisquoc's favorite days. He glided in concentric circles, spreading outward from Endrykas. He wasn't looking for anything in particular, though his sharp eyes scanned the ground for prey out of habit. He saw hares, too small for bothering, and larger antelope that would have been too much hassle. There were waves in the grass where horses tramped through, pulling wagons in their wake or simply stretching freely. And most beautiful of all, he saw the Drykas, following their horse, hunting the grasslands, and communing with their family. It was beautiful, and to Quo, they were the people who had accepted him, helped him, nurtured him, despite his differencs. They were family, and that warmed his heart. However, when he saw the caravan nearing his family, he encountered a strange feeling deep in his heart. Was it fear? Was it a protective instinct, like a mother to her chick? Or could it be intuition of the Gods, telling him to stay away from trouble? Whatever it was that told him to run, Sisquoc ignored it. He changed direction mid-flight, flapping his wings a few times until he could drive himself to a properly aligned air current. Riding this current down, Quo made predatory circles above the group. From what he could see, there were several merchants, carrying items of varying interests. The food on one wagon caught Quo's eye, but he held back in caution. With the group, there seemed to be a few stragglers; they were not carrying goods nor were they dressed as merchants. Instead, they were walking horses or moving with them as Drykas would. Curious, Sisquoc chose a pair of women and their horses. He flew closer, dropping to a nearby tree branch to listen. "...been almost 3 seasons since we were last here." The blonde woman who had approached the caravan bowed her head politely. "I'm sad to inform you, but the Caravansary burned down and took the life of the male owner with it." "So she's from Endrykas. But that one..." The other woman looked Drykas in her physical build, but she was very short, and thin in the way that few Drykas allowed themselves to become. Her body was covered in various scrapes and scars, and her eyes were dull, almost lightless. Quo attributed this to a long, hard journey, but inside he was not so sure. The condor took to the air once again, swooping closer to the caravan. A few horses reacted negatively, rearing or laying their ears back, but Quo ignored them. He landed on one of the wagons, perching atop an unoccupied seat with a view of the women. He fluffed his feathers briefly, then settled down for the ride. "Hey!" A man grumbled. "Get off there. You're scaring the Striders!" Quo simply tilted his bare head, gazing at the scenery curiously. Striders? So they are Drykas? Word Count538

[Taurina]

A ripple of distress seemed to go through the few remaining of the once large merchant party. Taurina’s eyes swept over the group, unsure of what this mentioned Caravansary was and unsure if she was supposed to care that it was gone. The Eth’s eyes came back to the blonde in front of her who had told them all this tragic news. Taurina looked undisturbed by it besides the creasing of her brow and slight cock of the head as she contemplated the level of caring she was expected to show. Her head soon straightened the the crease faded as she found herself far more interested in the girl in front of her and the unusual contraption that kept the girl on the horse. It was not like the saddle Taurina used on Melody. She tightened and loosened her grip on Melody’s reigns at that thought. Was this woman Drykas? Did they all ride like that? Was she going to be able to learn to ride like that?

Taurina looked as closely as she could at the girl (which wasn’t hard as Taurina was one of the closest ones to the blonde) and was silent as she pondered what this new life would mean for her. What she would have to learn and give up. Though it seemed as though the Drykas before her was happy, surviving. She didn’t look like Taurina’s earthbound form. She was not covered in bruises and thin from near starvation, quite the opposite actually. In some way the woman had lived out here, probably made a life for herself, had friends and family, people who cared about her. All things Taurina wanted for herself. She hoped that she would be able to find it.

The Ethaefal’s attention was drawn away from the woman she presumed was Drykas when one of the merchants made some noise about Striders being scared off. That was a word she had heard before, it had come from deep inside her fractured memories. Her thoughtful gaze swept across the horses, some nervous and some calm. “Leave it, it can’t do much harm anymore. We have nothing left. It’ll loose interest and fly away,” Taurina spoke, somewhat tiredly, finding no harm in the bird and knowing nothing of its true nature. A merchant, probably the one who called out, gave her an expression she decided best to ignore. The Eth had no true power within the group, no authority, in their eyes she had just come along for the ride. However, she had survived while others didn’t and after so long a journey, that was the only power anyone needed.

Taurina looked back to the blonde, finding her to be the best source of information since the group had not yet reached the tents that seemed both so close and so far away. Since she was the best source of information, Taurina assumed her to be their -or her rather- best bet at an ally as well. ”We got lost on the way to Endrykas in the late spring and have been searching through the summer to find the tent city,” the Eth started to explain, her voice strong despite how tired she felt in this body, ”There used to be more, the summer was brutal. What we have left is a fraction of what once was.” The Ethaefal sighed softly, just to herself. It was a heavy burden to remember all that had been lost.

”I am Taurina, I hold no leadership among these people, but I have been traveling with them. Searching for something I believe I once belonged to,” she explained, focusing more on herself now rather than the merchants. Now that they were almost here it seemed best for them all to go their separate ways anyway. ”I assume that you are Drykas and that the tents there are what make up Endrykas?” she gestured towards what could be seen of the city from where they were, the blonde could probably see more from atop her steed. Taurina knew from walking alongside Melody that she was at a disadvantage when it came to seeing the city. ”If it is, it is what I have been looking for,” she admitted, her voice soft and hopeful even, ”Will you take me there?”

Others | Common

[Jasmine Stormblood]

Jasmine looked seeing the Condor land on the back of the wagon. Turning her head to gaze at the woman that appeared Drykas. She made a mental note of what the woman looked like for future reference. With a smile the blonde backed up saying that the bird would do no harm just perched watching them. Something about the bird felt familiar, but she pushed it to the side not worrying about it at the moment.

“She is right sir. Condors won't do anything with this many people out in the open watching it. From what I understand they are scavengers,” Jasmine agreed and looked at the woman when she practically begged to go to Endrykas.

The woman nodded starting to wonder about the girl before her. She appeared Drykas yet held no marks that could be seen of such. Her eyes twitched some before shaking her head pushing the notion behind her. Smiling at the group gently once more to try and put all their weathered nerves at easy the blonde looked to both the leader of the group and the woman.

“Yes, dear up ahead is my home. Come I will finish leading you into town,” Jasmine stated.

Turning Chaser towards the city again the woman clicked her tongue. Snorting the stallion walked forward at a pace that even the two legged ones could keep up with. Though this did not please him, he wanted to race all the other horses and prove he was the fastest by far. The drykas was unsure of why the stallion felt such a need to show him dominance. Shrugging she figured it to just be a male thing no matter what race and species it was. Soon enough the group entered the city pulling back Chaser stopped and allowed his rider to get down. Slipping down she knelt to the older woman with a smile.

“Hello, Yantra. I have travelers here that need somewhere to stay the night. Will you please make sure everyone knows?” Jasmine asked with respect to the old one's ability to stir the mill.

“Yes, child I can. Now run along,” The older drykas said waving her off.

Jasmine got up and walked over to the group gently putting her hand up as the horses took in her scent.

“Yantra will make sure everyone knows you are here. Surely someone will take you in while you sell your wares before leaving. Your horses all look tired, take them over to the Guided Horse to get looked at and rest. Kelna will see that they are fit and rested once you are ready to leave,” Jasmine said with a smile to the group.

[Taurina]

Taurina listened as the Drykas woman before them confirmed that the bird would do no harm. The woman also called the bird a Condor and said that such birds were scavengers which was knowledge Taurina tucked away for later should the need for such knowledge ever arise. She was glad to learn that the bird was unlikely to do anything, though she had not been very worried in the first place. The merchants only were because their wares were at stake, but really, what did it matter?

After a summer in the heat with the world seemingly against them it was simply a miracle that any wares were left to be stolen by the bird should it desire trying to do such a thing. In Taurina’s opinion none of it was worth the time or effort. The only goal she had in mind was to get to Endrykas and soon they would be there. The blonde (whose gaze was upon her and the merchant leader) even agreed to take them through the last leg of the journey and lead them there.

The Ethaefal felt her heart begin to beat faster as her chest filled with excitement. At this point all thoughts of the Condor had disappeared. They would be in Endrykas soon, their goal would be met and their journey not wasted. She, however, would be where she believed she would from this day on call home. Because of her past life it felt like this would be the place she would begin to call home. She expected some great feeling of belonging to come upon her once she entered the tent city and thought that once there she would know what her purpose was suppose to be on Mizahar. The thoughts were irrational and she had set her expectations too high, but it was what she thought was gonna happen regardless of the rational.

“Come on Melody, we’re almost there,” Taurina murmured softly, excitedly to her mare. The blonde Drykas was already guiding her horse to move towards the tent city, otherwise Taurina would have been thanking her profusely for even the offer to take them the rest of the way. She was tired, so, so tired, and the thought of being there finally was so unreal. The thought seemed more real than the reality that in not much longer she would be within the tent city. Melody’s reins were tugged on lightly and the mare began once more to walk. The Eth, along with what was left of the merchant party, followed the Drykas woman into Endrykas.

Taurina’s heartbeat never slowed the entire time they walked towards Endrykas. She almost got on Melody just to make it feel like time was going by faster, but she knew it would take her too long to mount the horse and then get used to riding once more. It was actually faster to just walk so that is what Taurina did. She walked with a skip in her step and new energy caused by her excitement pulsing through her veins. They would be in Endrykas soon. They would be safe soon. The world would make sense soon. Taurina could not wait.

It was not much longer before finally, finally, the tent city surrounded them. Brown Drykas eyes danced as Taurina took in all there was to behold. She saw the tents, people, the different colors. The blonde Drykas who had taken them the rest of the way was talking to an older woman, but Taurina was not focused on that. Every ember of her being was focused on the new world around her. She took a deep breath in and closed her eyes, expecting it all to just hit her at once. Big breath in, slowly it was let out. The Eth’s eyes opened with expectation that something great was going to hit her and…

Nothing.

There was nothing.

No feeling of belonging or any great revelation. She was just as purposeless and wandering as before. Now, however, she was just in a different city surrounded by different people. The Drykas woman wished to cry and pretend it all was just a bad dream. Maybe she had not left Leth’s realm and this was all just a bad dream. That would be fabulous, this all to have just been a dream. Taurina knew it was not though. No dream was like this. No, this was reality. Cold, harsh, purposeless reality. Taurina was poor at hiding her disappointment.

The blonde Drykas was facing the merchants along with Taurina once more. The Eth tried to put on a more pleasant face, but her eyes remained dull and somewhat sad. She had been disappointed and it would take some time for her heart to mend itself. She had been a fool to believe everything would just fall into place just like that and now she had to pay for it. “What about us, well me, who do not wish to leave?” Taurina questioned, still near the front of the group and close to the Drykas, “I wish to make Endrykas my home and I have been searching for it for a long time. Now that I am here, what should I do to get started on my path in making it home?”

While Taurina had been greatly disappointed upon arriving in the tent city, this was still the home of her earthbound form. She wished to make it her home once more and learn their ways here. Partially that was because of her curiousness about her past life, but there was one other reason. The Ethaefal simply had no where else to go.

OOCPosting to keep this going and head towards finishing it up since Sisquoc hasn't been on since October.

Others | Common

[Jasmine Stormblood]

The blonde was surprised when the other drykas began to question her on where she could live. It was very uncommon to see one of their people so distraught. Taking a moment to think the woman closed her eyes to focus. As an everyday member of the city, she had never had any trouble knowing exactly where to go and where to be. But this girl looks as though she had never even stepped into the city until now. Even stating that fact herself made the girl more puzzled till it dawned on her. The Raised Sun would have most of the information that this dark haired drykas would need in order to get set up within the city. Bidding farewell to the traders she turned back to the woman knowing it was hard not to feel wanted by anyone.

“Come with me to The Raised Sun. Dernan will know what all you need to do to get settled in the city,” Jasmine stated and mounted up on Chaser.

Turning to face forward she signaled for Chaser to begin walking. The young woman explained that Dernan was not a very welcoming man. He was short and to the point from the moment that Jasmine had entered several years prior to now. She hoped he had gained some manners or at least become more playful over the years, but there was high levels of doubt in her mind that had changed. After some time the pair finally made it to the yellow tents. Just shortly inside the clan, Jasmine pulled to a stop dismounting in front of the correct tent. Waiting for the other woman to come over motioning for her to follow quickly the blonde ducked inside.

“Hello Dernan. I have a young woman with me that wants to become a member of the city. I figured here was as good a place as any to start,” Jasmine explained to the man before her. With a grunt the drykas looked up at the blue eyed woman then peered over at the one behind her.

“Don't just stand back there girl. Step up where I can see you. State your name and skills,” Dernan said in a stern and firm voice.

Jasmine nodded her encouragement to the girl while stepping out of the way. She knew the woman would most likely need to be shown the way to wherever her work was.

[Taurina]

A genuine smile of relief flooded Taurina’s features when the blonde Drykas spoke of knowing exactly where to go and even insisted that Taurina follow her there. With so much doubt making her heart heavy, Taurina was glad for the little relief this Drykas brought her. Maybe this place could be her home after all. Maybe entering it had not caused the great revelations Taurina had expected, but that could be alright. Perhaps with time things will change. Perhaps in time, Leth would reveal himself to her.

“Thank you,” Taurina spoke in her struggling pavi before she captured Melody’s attention once again.

The mare was reluctant to be moving again so soon, especially when the others were getting to rest, but she followed her rider who had tugged lightly on the reins to make her head turn. Taurina used the straps like a lead rope, one hand close to where the reins connected with the bit of the bridle, and the rest of the reins gathered in her opposite hand in a way that made them easy to drop should the need arise. The man who had sold her Melody told her how to lead the horse, though he had used a halter and lead rope. Taurina had just improvised and used the same technique, but with the bridle her mare wore due to the Eth having ridden her -or rather, she tried to without success- earlier that day.

The blonde Drykas told the Ethaefal of the man they were going to meet. Apparently he was not kind like the female had been since finding them all. He was going to be short and to the point according the the female. Taurina was weary, but determined to do whatever she could to make this place her home as it had been in a life long past. The Eth did her best to keep up, but she did fall slightly behind because she was on foot and her body was just so tired.. By the time they reached the yellow colored tent, Taurina was trailing several strides behind.

With a few soft clicks to push Melody on, Taurina used up the last reserves of her energy and pushed herself into a jog to catch up. The blonde was motioning her to do something quickly. Taurina guessed it was that she needed to get their quickly. The Eth nodded and though she was panting, she reached the tent just before the other female ducked in. Melody was left with the woman’s horse and Taurina tried hard to force her breath to be caught as she followed the other woman into the tent.

The Ethaefal stood back and let the woman explain the situation. It was not that Taurina was nervous -though, in truth, she was-, but instead was because she was trying not to breath to hard or loud. Her lungs were crying though and from such simple exertion too, it was pathetic. Taurina felt pathetic and did not give herself a break even though she was weak from such a long journey and had been traveling all day mostly by foot.

A nervous glance was cast over to the other girl when the male Drykas, Dernan the female had said his name was, told Taurina to step up. Taurina took one last breath, fighting for control before she did as commanded. The Ethaefal allowed the man to look over her as she gave him the answers to his questions.

“Taurina,” her voice came out clearer than expected, “I know a little of tattooing and sketching.”

The man seemed skeptical as he looked her over. Taurina knew in this form she was not much to look at. She was petite, wiry, the lack of proper nutrients over the summer had eaten away at what layers she had had covering her bones. It was her Ethaefal form that she felt powerful and graceful in, but that was not the form they saw before them. No, they saw a weak Drykas who looked like she belonged, but certainly did not feel that way.

“The Lilacwind Pavilion is where Windmarks are given. Given your skills, you would do well to search for employment there,” the stern, unimpressed voice of Dernan told the Eth, “you will find it in the Amethyst clan.”

Taurina nodded, thankful even though she did not understand all the words that had been spoken. Once pavi had come to her better than common as it had been the tongue her fallen form had known best, but three years among those who spoke common had broken her of that. Now she struggled with it, only remembering the basics. She did not remember what Windmarks were, but she guessed that perhaps they were tattoos as that is what she had said she knew a little of how to do. Or perhaps they were sketches, though Taurina was unsure why there would be a place and a special word wholly devoted to sketching. It was just a necessary skill needed to help with the tattooing.

“Alright, I will go there. Thank you,” Taurina spoke once more in her thickly accented pavi instead of the common that came easy to her.

The Ethaefal looked over to the Drykas female. Was there anything else they needed to do while here?

Others | Common | Pavi

[Jasmine Stormblood]

Hearing the Lilacwind pavilion the blonde smiled. She had received her own marks there many years ago. Looking at the woman as they exited the tent Jasmine mounted up and waited for the other to mount her mare as well. Once the pair was ready, the blonde motioned for her to follow closely. It was nearly time for people to stop and eat or run midday errands if they were at home. Injal and his wife Jarorra were very nice to the new comers and their workers. The blonde could see the nervousness of the other woman. Slowing Chaser down so that the riders were beside each other the woman looked over to her.

“You okay? I know trying something new is scary, but not this. Injal and Jarorra are very kind to their workers and their patrons. You will not be the first they have to help train,” Jasmine spoke gently.

Smiling the blue eyed woman clicked her tongue making her stallion pick up his pace. The short ride did not take long for the group to make. It was just a matter of getting out of the topaz clan pavilions without running over any little ones that was the trick. Once clear the two women could see the large group of bustling bodies off to the side of the purple tents. That was their destination, the Lilacwind Pavilion. Riding up the blonde was happy to dismount and wait for the other to follow, walking inside the blond was greeted by Keil.

“Hello ladies. What can I do for you?” Keil asked with a smile.

“Hey, Keil. This is Taurina, the old man sent her here to speak with Injal or Jarorra about work,” Jasmine explained as her signs flowed freeely.

“I see. Please come in and sit where ever you like. I will go grab one of them,” Keil stated and hurried off allowing the women to lounge where they wished.

“Over here,” Jasmine said and motioned for the young woman to follow her.

The blonde sat down off to the side where the group could get some kind of privacy. Nodding the girl was not surprised to see Keil motion for them to wait a moment. Leaning back on the pillows, Jasmine sighed content as could be. Soon enough a form appeared before them. A young small framed woman walked up and introduced herself as Jarorra. Sitting across from the women, she got right down to business with the newcomer to the city.

[Taurina]

Taurina was not given an answer to her silent inquiry, but took the blonde’s leaving and sign to follow as he answer. The Ethaefal said a quick “goodbye” to Dernan, before going after the Drykas woman. She was not sad to be leaving the tent for the man’s presence was intimidating and his voice told of how unimpressed he was. She was nearly happy to be free of the tent, but now she had another place to go. Others to meet. Taurina could not help but feel the weight of it all.

So many people in one day, a new place, her growing exhaustion (which was only worse after that pitiful run), an unfulfilled wish.. it was bordering on being too much for the Ethaefal to handle. The other woman was kind, however, and energetic about helping the Eth so Taurina decided to suck it up and follow. Hopefully she could get her tent set up somewhere soon and get a nice nap in before Leth rose. Maybe she could convince the other woman to help her with that after they did whatever it was they were to do now… the blonde had not actually been specific on where they were going now.

Taurina managed -barley- to get up on Melody which was something of a success, however, she rode very clunky and awkward. With each movement of her horse, the Eth was jerked either forward or back even at the slow pace of a walk. It was rather pitiful really and the whole dodging children thing was hard. For the most part, she directed Melody to follow the strider in front of them. She did not have much more energy to do anything but that, though she did occasional ask for children to get out of the way so that they were not hurt. They just stared at her mainly, not understanding her thickly accented pavi or the common she unintentionally switched too.

The pair of females and their horses came to a stop eventually and Taurina felt like finding a nice patch of grass to curl up on and never again rise from. She was not only nervous like the other woman suggested, but she felt lost with mind and body heavy with exhaustion. She gave the blonde a weak, tired smile when she tried to assure that Jarorra and Injal were nice people. It was only upon hearing that series of words come out of the other woman’s mouth that Taurina even figured out where they were. She put the pieces together to figure out that those people must be the windmark artists and therefore, this must be the Lilacwind pavilion. Where she was told to find work.

Taurina took a deep breath and blew it out long and hard. She was not ready for this yet. Her mind was spinning, her nerves unravelling. It was too much… too much. Yet, the other woman did not stop so Taurina got her feet out of her stirrups and very slowly swung her right leg over the butt of her mare before sliding down the side of her. The saddle dug into her stomach and chest as she pressed against it getting down and once her feet hit the ground, sharp pains shot up both of her legs. Her face contorted with pain.

The Ethaefal looked back, searching for the blonde to tell her that she wanted to come back later. Rest up and maybe even wash up before doing this. However, Jasmine was already headed inside. Taurina sighed and followed suite, unable to do anything else without being rude or getting herself lost.

The pavilion was absolutely gorgeous. Upon entry, one was surrounded by a multitude of color and art. Jars upon jars of ink sat out, waiting for usage. Sketches of what Taurina could only guess were past windmarks were lain out on scrolls right out front. The Ethaefal tried to take it all in, but really what she mainly set out to do was keep herself awake. A future employer likely would not be happy if an applicant could not stay awake when meeting them.

“Hello,” Taurina said as pleasantly as she could when introduced to Keil, giving her best version of a smile before signing her thanks for him getting Jarorra or Injal.

The Ethaefal was shown over to an array of furs and cushions with the Drykas to wait for whoever was going to show up. Taurina sat down, staying quiet as she relaxed against the plush object. It was really a struggle to keep awake now. She felt her mind leaving her as she slumped against the comfortable things. It was only a happy voice that drew her back out of near unconsciousness. Taurina sat up straighter and greetings were exchanged. If asked later, Taurina would say her memory of this meeting was all grey and fuzzy, draped with a fog brought on by desire to sleep.

“Taurina dear, I think you should come back when you are more rested,” Jarorra suggested quickly after introductions, noticing how tired the Eth was, “Jasmine, I suggest setting her up with one of the pavilions near here for the night so she does not have to go any farther. She looks in need of some food and a long sleep.”

There were probably other things said, but Taurina did not hear much of it. In honesty, she could have fallen asleep right where she sat.

“Alright… I will .. come back..” her words became more common than pavi, the two languages becoming slush in her mouth before she yawned, “later.”

Taurina brought her hands up and rubbed her eyes, trying to keep awake. Trying to keep functioning. She looked over to the other girl and nodded slowly, agreeing that sleep was a good idea. After that she forced herself back up onto her sore legs and managed to sign a thanks and an apology to Jarorra Lilacwind for the mess this was. Jarorra assured that things were alright and to come back later when things were better. The woman then made sure Jasmine had ahold of the situation before then taking her leave, having other things to attend to.

“Can you help me? Set up tent or find place.. whichever easier,” Taurina focused on the blue eyed Drykas and made her request slowly so that she could focus on making her words sound better. The Eth knew she would not be able to do it alone for there was not much left within her so she hoped the other woman was still willing to help, otherwise it she feared what would happen, “That alright … with you?”

Others | Common | Pavi