Once Upon A Time

[Alija]

9th Winter 516 The day was warm and windy. In any other season, the people of Endrykas would have taken to it gladly, with the good weather and no ridiculously low temperatures, with no need for thick heavy blankets and new supplies. Of course, this was meant to be Winter, and Morwen was doing a rubbish job at keeping the temperature cold and how it should be. When it was meant to be cold, it wasn't, and then people started moaning about the lack of it. The grumbling had spread over the city, with even the most positive people giving in to it occasionally. By this point, Bull was certain something should be done about it. The man rested against the finely embroidered cushions in the Anchor of Gold and Earth, half of the entrance pulled up to let the light stream in and cover his face in flecks of gold. His students had to be scattered across the tent city by now, sharing the news of the story he wished to bring to the citizens. They had been happy to help him out, and set out, willing to offer the chance to hear it to their friends and family, or to spread their voices like the wind across strangers until everyone had heard about it. A few, he hoped, would even help him to tell the story. They had returned quickly, and shared their own whispered rumours amongst themselves, waiting for him to begin. Bull had heard the grumbling for the past eight days. People would come to him, moaning about the weather, about what had happened, as if they could change it, as if he could change it. Too much living in what should be, rather than what is. The people of Endrykas needed to have something to distract them, to take their minds of the roughness of reality and bring it to fantasy, where they could forget for a moment. This story would do just that, he hoped, the faint marks of a smile coming to him. He pressed his chin into his knee as the people slowly trickled in, hearing word of a story from the elder who made the law. He gestured with one hand for them to sit around, children clustering forward with eyes wide, full of interest and innocence. This story was always for them, he thought to himself, smiling gratefully at the flocks that gathered. Every story was for the young, but hopefully this one would do more than satisfy the old too. He was almost sure of it. His eyes twinkled with excitement of holding a secret, letting it grow inside him so it could sweep across the people when it came out with all the strength of Morwen's winter, the times when it came. Waiting some more, he cast his eye outwards, towards those who straggled, who wanted to hear but didn't care as much as the others. He would distract them too, he decided, straightening up slowly. This story would be nothing they had witnessed before. Once the tent was full, the man rose to sit properly, his two hands clamped together in his lap. People who had been speaking between themselves and filled the tent with a light murmur slowly became quiet at the movement from him. Threads fell around him and he brought his hand through them, the stories that could be read from them nothing compared to what he was going to tell. "Sit, relax, enjoy," he said, no signs to accompany his deep yet soft voice, "And then, we can begin."

[Naiya]

Little hands grasped at the brown feather that dangled from her hair trying with little success to grab hold. Naiya grinned from where she held herself prone above Shai, shaking the baubles in her hair with a grin. She lowered herself slowly, until her elbows bent at ninety degrees beside her, planting a kiss on the tuft of hair that grew patchily on his head.

She pressed back against the ground until her arms were straight, using her muscles in ways that she hadn't had much opportunity for since Shai was born. It was hard to do the heavy lifting with a baby in her arms or strapped to her chest. She danced the feather across his cheek and cooed as he reached for it again. She lowered herself again, letting her eyelashes dance across his little cheek when she was close enough to reach him.

Shai's hand reached out, smashing against her cheekbone and she scrunched up her face, closing her eye to protect it from probing fingers. She turned her face to nibble on his exploring fingers, making little smacking sounds with her lips.

Her reward as she pressed herself back up was a smile and a laugh from the wuepo, his fists connecting in front of him. They continued their game until she could take no more of the pressure on her arms, falling carefully to lay beside him. They looked up at the top of the pavilion together, while Naiya stretched her arms across her chest, pulling to against her elbow to be sure the muscles in her shoulder and back got stretched well.

When Shai began seeking out other sources of entertainment, Naiya stood, scooping him up and laying him carefully in the woven basket. She had strung large beads to hang from the front, an endless source of distraction for her wuepo. She watched the large male hunting cat approach, curling up around the basket, perhaps as entertained by the dangling beads as Shai was.

Outside animals brayed loudly, their protests ones much of the city echoed. It was hot, still hot, and water was still scarce. There was little to be done about that, however, except to prepare now for what promised to be a hard season followed by a harder year.

She stepped out to survey her camp, blue eyes dancing across the bustle of the city. A young girl walked a gaggle of children past her home and across the spoke of the city towards the topaz district. Curious she called out to her, halting their party.

"Good morning! That's quite the handful you have there, where are you all off too?" Her answer came not in the form she expected, one of the toddlers called brightly,

"Story time, story time!" The child tugged at the hands he held, and a little girl who was clearly his sister shouted "Nia, Nia! We'll be late! They said it was soon!" Stress flashed across the shoulders of the eldest girl, so Naiya waved her on, unwilling to add trouble to the handful she already had.

It seemed they were not the only ones to have heard of a story, and it was not long after that a runner came through with the news. Bull was going to tell a story to the entire city, anyone who would come.

Shai was young yet for story telling, but she imagined it would at least offer him a lulling sound to keep calm in the growing heat. Besides, it was sure to be a great story if the old sage was telling it. Pausing only to make sure the fire was in check, Naiya lifted Shai in his basket and began the walk towards the Anchor of Gold and Earth.

She was one of many mothers who had brought children to hear the tale told, and she settled along the side where she might easily leave should Shai become too fussy.

Bull sat comfortably, awaiging his crowd with a private grin and twinkling eyes. The old man seemed to be just as excited as his pupils, matching even the young children. They sat among the chatter of waiting, friends settling in beside one another, meeting new people or familiar faces. Naiya sat back in comfort of her own, watching as Shai's eyes darted about. She cooed gently at him, reassuring him that she was near and that what they were doing now would be fun.

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Naiya space Pavi | Common | Tukant
other space Pavi | Common | Tukant

[Taurina]

“Did you hear?!”

“A story! A story!”

“You won’t want to miss this!”

Whispered rumors spread through the tents like wildfire. Children carried on the song with hasty signs filled with excitement and anticipation as they convinced their friends to come along. There were laughs and giggles as friend pulled friend and family members coaxed the others to join them. It was a change of pace, something else to talk about and something to actually be excited for. Different from the everyday frustration the lack of winter brought. Something fascinating had the city buzzing and Taurina was looking to find out what it was.

The Ethaefal had been outside when she saw the first of children beginning to move through the Diamond clan. She had noticed their excitement, but did not think much of it. The things that excited children rarely caused much to stir within the Eth, but soon it had been more than just the children. Some of older generations had begun to move as well, all with whispers of the story that was to be told on their lips.

“Bull is telling a story that none will want to miss! All are welcome, young and old!” A caller ran past, spreading the news with a sort of challenge in his voice that almost dared the people that heard him to come.

Curiosity perked up within Taurina, daring her to join the crowd and go hear this story that none would want to miss out on. The battle within herself was short and sweet for a story was so different than the daily grind that she did not know how to say no. It would prove as a distraction from all that was going on and to the Eth, the world was spinning. The little piece of the world she dwelled on was anyway and it had been since winter had began. While not all of what had changed was bad, it would be good to just get away for a little bit. Besides, if the story was not as promised, leaving was always an option.

The Ethaefal made quick work of preparing to leave, not wishing to miss out on any of the tale that was to be spun. She grabbed the sketchbook that rarely left her side, her waterskin just in case, and her dagger for the same reason as the waterskin. It was never smart to leave unprepared. A quick look was given to Melody to make sure she was fine with the other animals of their new pavilion and then Taurina set out, walking fast in an effort to get there before everything began.

The closer Taurina got to the Anchor of Gold and Earth, the more people there seemed to be surrounding her. That same excitement still buzzed through the air, energizing everyone it touched. Taurina even felt it as a little spark seemed to ignite within her. She was actually excited for this story and she wanted to know what it held. There was hope that it would not cause her to leave, but instead make her want to stay until the very end. From what she heard through the many voices floating through the air, Bull was capable of creating such a story, but it would remain to be seen if he was successful at it.

It was not much longer before Taurina found her destination. The tent was packed with many. There were mostly children, but others from some older generations were there as well. Taurina soon understood that she had squeezed in during one of the final seconds before things were to start, for it was very few ticks after she had arrived that a hush fell over the murmuring crowd. Bull had moved and soon he was speaking.

The Ethaefal found a place among the outer ring to sit down. Her earthbound body was small and easy to pack into a close space. Bull told them to sit and relax for soon they would begin. Taurina’s gaze fixed upon him, her body filled with the same anticipation that had driven many to come here. Soon they were to hear a story and like a little kid, Taurina anxiously awaited it.

Common | Pavi | 'Thoughts'

[Alija]

9th Winter 516 There was so many who gathered in the tent. He smiled softly at the faces, new and old, who sat around him, instantly aware that all eyes were on him. All ears were waiting for him to begin to speak. The buzz of people was still there, but had diminished to a background hum. A tranquillity settled across the bodies of the Drykas, and the few that weren't quite there, and once he had held them captivated with just his stare for long enough, the suspense building, he finally began to speak, his voice soft yet reaching every year as if he was standing right next to them. "Let me tell you a story." A silence gripped the room, and he could feel people inhale, not wanting to miss any word. "An ancient story, which whispers have travelled the streams of time to me. I have always been saving it for a special occasion. What other time would be more fitting than this?" He gave a small chuckle to himself, before casting a warning eye across the public. "It is not a story just of words." A brief pause. 'It begs to be completed, and in a fashion that requires not a storyteller. It is a story of life and the living, of actions and doing. This story needs you." His eyes flickered through the crowd, landing on several individuals. "But no more about that. I can explain when the time comes. You've been waiting long enough." He chuckled again, his hardened features melting with his smile. Closing his eyes as he began to talk, he only opened them occasionally, taking the moment to judge the reactions and mood of the people. Never anything less than he expected. "In a land to the south, where deserts roll across like our plains roll like the sea, lies a city, large towers out of standing stretching toward Syna. It glitters in the morning sun, it shines in the afternoon. It goes by the name of Ahnatep, but it is only a ruin compared to what the great city was truly like in the height of its power and riches. The city which I speak of, where our story is first set, is this throne of power, built strong and beautiful. "The people who reside in this city, even now, glitter like it does in the sun, six mighty arms that they wear as we might wear our windmarks gold against the sands. The Eypharian, as their race is called, that our story focuses on was a young man, Theoris re Ahanatep, but they called him Theoris the Sun Bearer, or Theoris the Six Rapiers. For he was not only descended from royal blood (although many went on to claim that he was descended from the gods themselves, although none could agree on which), but he was the greatest warrior the city had ever known, wielding a weapon on each arm and fighting like a blur of a hurricane. He had everything he wanted: money, a position in power, respect, but love was something that alluded him. No one ever appeared beautiful in the eyes of a man who was considered perfect. "But his ears did not have the same idea, and they brought love to him one day when he was not expecting it. He was riding through the city, Ixam back, for he had a might Ixam he called his steed, when a song as sweet as a nightingale's swept through the streets, and he fell in love instantly. The music continued, the voice seemingly blessed by Rhaus or Cheva or both. He thundered through the city, desperate to find the source, and after a day of searching, he found it. A tower, taller than any of the other buildings in the city save for where the royal family resided, built of the smoothest limestone. There was one door - but as much as he tried, he could not budge it open, and no matter how hard he knocked, there was no one to open it. "Theoris the Sun Bearer was not one to give up easily, so instead turned his sights to the only other way in: a window, placed at the very top of the tower, from which songs poured out like a waterfall. He knew he had to climb it." Bull's mouth curled again, knowing that the fun part was coming up next. "So he did. And so will you." A quick number of gestures later, shielded from the audience and pulled out in such a speed that they couldn't recognise them even if they got a glimpse, and he rose, his pupils moving around him in their own paths. "I need volunteers. As many as want to, to show us all how it happened. Find a group, help each other out. Find a tower. Climb it. See what happens." His eye twinkled, trying to not tell them. "It is up to you to choose how to be Eypharian, where you'll find this tower. But let me tell you this: the closer you are, the better the story will flow. And the better ending you will find. And when you're done, just come back here. Tell me how your story continues. Although, I feel like I have an idea already." He glanced between his pupils, who nodded in response and started to scatter among the crowd and out the tent. People began to talk, some confused, others eager to give whatever he was suggesting a try. A play, of sorts, most decided, with the best props they could find. Even the little ones could give it a go. Many already were. He chuckled at the kids who pretended to brandish rapiers and ride ixams, enjoying their creativity. Hopefully, the others would show it too.

[Naiya]

oocSorry for the delay! Naiya is in a bit of a bind, so the post is short. Hopefully, she'll be better able to participate in the next round.
Naiya was quite unsure about this situation. She had come for Shai, ready to hear a story, instead, they had what? A play? This was not at all what she had hoped.

Sure, she might have partaken in the fun if she hadn't such a small child, climbing trees or a 'tower' wasn't a struggle that she would avoid. She had no hands to spare, though, and it wasn't a risk she could take with a newborn anyway.

She was left to look around, her companions, mostly young children that danced towards their goal with abandon. She would watch, it was her only choice, but perhaps it would prove one that worked better than participating.

She could see more than one story move, see the changes and trials. Shai wouldn't benefit as she had expected, but perhaps instead she would enjoy the story more.

A familiar face in the crowd caught her attention, the woman with strider's hair from her interaction with Merevaika in the drought. She was a striking figure, her story might be of great interest.

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Naiya space Pavi | Common | Tukant
other space Pavi | Common | Tukant

[Taurina]

A hush fell over the crowd and Bull told them that there was more than words to this story. More was to come on that later, but confusion already tickled at the back of Taurina’s brain. Nevertheless, she listened as the tale began to flow from the elder’s lips.

Bull spoke of a land far away with a people even more exotic than the Ethaefal herself. Six arms they had, Anhatep was the land of deserts that they came from. Theoris, a man with many names, was to be the one this story was about. Bull said that he was beautiful, like a god, and born not only with blood of kings running through him, but also with the heart of a warrior. This man, Theoris, had everything he could possibly want. All except for one thing: love. And truly, what was life without that?

Taurina listened as the tale wove on, intrigued to find out how this seemingly perfect man had not found one who made his heart sing. Perhaps too many had thrown themselves at his feet. Perhaps he was bored with the mundane and desired something more. Or, perhaps, arrogance filled him and he was simply incapable of falling for anyone less than him. Taurina did not know, but she was curious and the possibilities ran silently through her mind.

No, it seemed she was wrong, Theoris was capable of love. He found not love of appearance, but love of sound. It was a voice that captured his attention and his heart, only it was too good to be true for the owner of such beauty was locked in a tower. One with only one entrance that just so happened to be sealed. Who would seal such a beauty away? Was it for good or evil?

It was then that Bull drew this part of the story to a close and gave out his assignment to the crowd: finish the story. How does the beautiful warrior climb up the tower and find his love?

Taurina felt a small twist in her gut. This had not been what she was expecting. She was surrounded by little children and strangers. To go out, meet them, entertain this fantasy that was the story felt almost foolish. She did not even fully understand what the goal was either. Put on a play? Guess? Was there an answer or was it told simply by the various versions each group preformed?

Perhaps that was the point, to give into the inner child that lingered within them all and just play along. It was the children after all who already scurried around and began to assemble their props. Taurina let out a little sigh and watched them all for a moment. She was intrigued, but she wondered if she was intrigued enough to stay? She entertained the idea of simply leaving, her gaze sweeping over the crowd. There was a moment when she was ready to just call it quits and then, her brown eyes latched onto someone who was already looking towards her.

Taurina never caught the woman’s name on that dry day last season. The thief and her water had attracted the red head who carried a baby close to her chest. It was the same baby the Drykas woman held now as she remained in her place, looking at the Eth who gazed back.

The idea of leaving departed Taurina’s mind before, on a sort of whim, she stood. Her legs carried her towards the red head with the little baby. She was curious and more than anything -especially in these moments when nothing hindered her- curiosity drove her. Taurina decided she wanted to attempt to tell this story, give into her inner artist and child, and perhaps the Drykas mother would join her. At the very least, maybe she could learn something about the red head and figure out why she had been so happy to embrace the thief last season.. Taurina still pondered that.

Greetings the Ethaefal signed, giving a small smile to try and appear as friendly as possible. She struggled with genuine smiles, but did try her hardest to give the mother one. Maybe one of these days she would get it right.

“We have not met officially,” Taurina’s pavi was covered by a thick accent of common that tended to make understanding her not the easiest thing in the world. Familiar face, no name, change?

“I’m Taurina… Stormblood. What may I call you?” the Ethaefal introduced.

It was new to add in that second name. Taurina had not been one of the Stormbloods last season, but she was now. It was something to get used to. Change, but a good change. It meant she had a pavilion, a home, a family. Those were just words to her now, but with time they would become so much more. At least, she had hope that they would.

“Would you like to tell this story with me?” Taurina asked after the introductions were out of the way, “I can climb, you can speak. Come up with idea together?”

Taurina had no idea how to climb really anything except maybe what it took to get up on a horse, but speaking was harder for her with the accent and the mother had the baby to hold. So, if the Drykas was agreeable, this might just work. The Ethaefal would just have to learn how to climb. Couldn’t be that hard.. could it?

Common | Pavi | 'Thoughts'

[Prophet]

Shame about this one. Naiya, if you come back, send me a PM and I'll retrieve your grades. It's nice to see Taurina getting some courage.

 

Taurina

XP

• Interrogation: +1
• Philosophy: +1
• Planning: +1

Lores

• Ahnatep: A city to the south
• Ahnatep: A ruin compared to former glory
• Bull: A crafty storyteller
• Endrykas: The Anchor of Gold and Earth
• Eypharian: Have six arms
• Eypharian: Have skin that glitters like gold
• Interrogation: Referencing past encounters to gain answers
• Philosophy: Getting in touch with one’s inner self
• Planning: Take a dagger- just in case
• Taurina: Wants to tell a story by living it
• The Anchor of Gold and Earth: Bull tells a story
• Theoris re Ahnatep: the Sunbearer, Six Rapiers
• Theoris re Ahnatep: The tale of a warrior