Caught out in storm - (Searena, Open)

[Paareth]

Mid Optia in the season of Spring; Era XV Post Fractum

Shielding his eyes from the pouring rainwater, each drop from the storm another disgusting sensation on his fur, the Desert Katta could not abide rain and the dark storm clouds overhead promised plenty of it.

He could make out someone ahead, they were huddled under a merchants stall. The stall seemed sturdy enough and well protected from the elements, with thick cloth covering it on all four sides and enough room to shelter, it was only the wind which buffeted the person underneath. Paareth didn’t care who was there, he would rather suffer a searing blade then another second in this increasingly torrential downpour.

The wind kicked up again, as if the gods were angry, lashing their fury against those unfortunate enough to be caught in their path. He fought his way through the gale to the stall and ducked down behind the cloth walls, which were also blowing about in the howling wind. The roof was supported by wood but the canopy looked as if it might blow off at any time.

Paareth carried a reasonable weight, though he had become very used to it over the Era’s, four daggers, two swords and two larger weapons were fitted about his body. He carried a backpack and worn, ripped leather armor, scarred like the warriors body in several places. Paareth was weighted down and safer from being swept away but it made movement in these conditions all the more difficult, indeed at this speed the winds made walking almost impossible for anyone and at least for now they were likely stuck here.

He gritted his teeth, this would be a rough night indeed, he had no home or shelter in the city and the inns on an evening like this were likely full. The Jagara took a lungful of air and calmed himself, squatting down on one knee and turning to glance to his side, he spoke to the other unfortunate person, caught out in the storm.

“The night is restless….”

(OOC: Made for Searena but open to anyone who wants to join.)

[Searena]

Searena was drenched from head to toe, she hadn't found shelter before the down pour began. Wearing only a loincloth, ripped tunic tied closed you might think she was cold, but she wasn't. Use to swimming in the coldest waters, this was nothing.

"...and angry." She added. "The rain doesn't bother me, but this.." she motioned with her hands, "..is more than a little rain." Grey eyes surrounded by black where normally white would be in another race, rested on Paareth. "We might be here for a while." She held out her webbed hand. "I'm Searena." If she had to think of something good to come from this storm it would be meeting someone knew. And this person.. She's seen his race ever since leaving home, but she'd never talked to one before. She smiled at him, the storm didn't dampen her mood enough to prevent her from being her normal friend self. She was tempted to ask him what his race was. A form of cat.. but refrained. Deciding that it would be too rude. She also didn't want to embarress herself by letting him know how much of Teleth she didn't know..

To be completely honest, Searena would have continued her walk with no worries, if it was just a little rain, but the force of the downpour combined with the wind.. felt like a storm.

[Paareth]

Paareth nodded in response and was momentarily surprised at her gesture, he had found little trust or kindness since his return from the wilds. Though he had left the cold walls of Diana's prison far behind, the walls of isolation were just as evident for a lone wanderer in the wilderness.

He accepted her webbed hand curiously, he’d met one of her race before in battle but to this day over all the era’s he’d traveled, only one, they still remained a mystery to the naturally curious Katta.

“I am Paareth son of Dereth, of the tribe of K’Rhaari and the western deserts.”

He said calmly, studying the elven creature carefully. Her webbed hands felt unusual to the touch, he couldn’t help but stare at it a second before releasing it politely.

Paareth ducked down as another freak gust of wind blew in a hail of of raindrops, he hated this, his fur was soaked, clinging uncomfortably to the skin. He began taking off his backpack and curling up in the corner shielding himself, legs pressed in tight to his body.

The Jagara tried to shake off his thoughts about the weather, grinning back to the Elf’s smile, he only had a few teeth on show though, as he wasn’t very settled or relaxed. Paareth had no such worries on speaking his mind and voicing his insatiable curiosity, he would pull aside a hundred strangers to get the answer to one question.

“Forgive me but I do not know of your race, your hands seem unique to the touch.”

The Jagara watched her carefully, eyes deeply curious, as was his nature and often his undoing. Her grey and black eyes were oddly fascinating, he’d never seen such in an elf before. His own midnight blue eyes flicked observantly, the hunters eyesight able to take in all the minute details of Searena's appearance.

“If you would share something of your people, I would be honoured to hear of them. On a night like this, conversation might provide further shelter from mother natures more ferocious embraces.”

Paareth adjusted a dark, jeweled spider bracelet on his wrist, whenever danger felt closer at hand, it seem to tighten down on his body, calling silently to him. The bracelet was remarkably well designed, one of the few things on his body that was immune to the elements, for natures effects on his era’s of travel, had not escaped any feature of the Jagara's own appearance.

[Searena]

"I am curious about your race as well." She moved a little closer to the katta, and kneeled down on the ground, sitting on her knees. "Some call my race Sea Elves, we call ourselves Thelyri."

She moved to sit a little bit in front of him, it had become obvious to her how much the rain bothered him when he'd removed his backpack and used it to shield himself. The rain did not bother her that much, it was the ferocity of the storm that had her concerned.

Curiosity shone in her grey-black eyes, she couldn't hide the eagerness in her voice, "I will tell you anything you want to know about my race if you do the same. We'll take turns. I will answer one of your questions, then it will be your turn to answer one of mine. If this is alright, can you tell me what race you are?"

[Paareth]

Paareth watched as the Elf approached closer, wondering on her intent, he wasn’t trusting at the best of times, least of all when uncomfortably out in a storm. It took a while for him to realize this was a kind gesture on her part.

What race was he? He hardly recognized his own race these brightenings, the changes in his people had been so profound over the era’s.

“I am a Jagara, a wilderkatta some might say, at least before the release of my people from their enslavement I would say it was so, now I am unsure what I am.” He looked at his paw, claws tensed and releasing them slowly, wild was a fitting description if nothing else.

Paareth smiled to Searena and bowed his head, his eyes had a happy quality, happy that someone wasn’t scared of his appearance and had found the courage long enough to engage a worn warrior in conversation.

“Tell me o…”

The wind howled, whistling through the air as he began to speak, he had to stop for a second till it to quietened down.

“Tell me of your homeland Searena, is it far from here? What do you remember most when your apart from it?”

The way someone described their homeland told a lot about the person underneath. Was family important, did they miss where they lived, were they a traveler or lost and longing for home? Fates willing, he would know much about the Thelyri in the next few moments.

Paareth began to relax slightly, realizing she was sheltering him from the rain, a kind gesture to offer a stranger.

"You need not exposure yourself to this storm on my account but I thank you for the kindness. I have traveled through much worse."

[Searena]

Jagara.. a wilderkatta. Wild was the word she'd used to describe his appearance. That he'd said he doesn't know what he is know, caused her to wonder about all he'd been through. Was he wilder than most other Jagara's?

"I don't mind," she said, when he told her that she did not have to expose herself to the storm on his account. She could easily believe that he'd been through worse, as he'd said. "The rain doesn't bother me, it's everything else.." She'd had to raise her voice to be heard over the wind.

"Ever since a was a young Telera listening to the bards stories about races I've never seen, and exciting and dangerous adventures, I've wanted to leave home and have adventures of my own. I knew I'd miss my parents and sisters, I just didn't expect to miss them this much." She was pleased to be able to talk about her homeland and family. "I remember most when I think about home, is my family. My mothers taking care of the household.. playing hide and seek with my sisters children. I'm the youngest of four and the only one not yet married. Home feels further away than it is. This place seems.. like a foreign world to me. Back home, clothing is optional here, but here I've seen people cover themselves from head to toe. And some of them eat octopus! Can you imagine that? They are the friendliest and nicest creatures.. I use to have one as a pet." She shivered remembering the first time she not only saw octopus on the menu, but the first time she saw someone eating it. Horrible!

"How long have you been away from your family, Paareth? It hasn't been many brightenings for me, not even a month. But it feels like eons. I just hope that I don't disapoint them. They are counting on me to find a husband and keeper. In my race the females outnumber the males, every Telera hopes when they marry to make their family proud by having at least one Teleris. That's why they gave me their blessing to leave, but I also want to improve my voice and have adventures."

[Paareth]

As she retold of her pet octopus, Paareth laughed a soft growl, such innocence, he had not seen it in many eras and it was welcoming to just listen as she spoke. He wore a large and genuine smile, forgetting his troubles or even where they were, in this frightful storm.

She spoke almost exclusively of her family, he shared many of the same values and was pleased she appreciated the only thing of real importance, when everything was said and done, family was all we had left.

Her desire to travel was one he’d encountered in many adventurous spirits, in his past he'd shaped such desires into strong warriors, clever thieves and eventually other… occupations, he’d rather not think about right now.

Paareth’s mind delayed its realization of her question as long as he could but then came the inevitable inquiry, he held his smile but it was a forced expression upon the Katta’s face. His voice was bland, almost as if he was repeating something he’d said over and over a thousands times, indeed in his own mind he had.

“I haven’t visited my tribe for six or seven eras.”

Noticeably he left out the mention of a specific family. Family had always been such a rock of strength for him but on that fateful day, when he had come to seek their solace once more, one Jorelite with murderous intent had followed him. Great tragedy had come out of something which had always been a source of stability and strength for Paareth, though he would not speak of it, buried now, seven eras deep within his past, like an old and wound that would not heal.

Paareth looked back at her, his midnight eyes were sincere but warm as he spoke.

“I was always very fortunate to have them on my travels, it set me apart from many of my companions who had lost homes and loved ones.”

His eyes became misty, filled with emotion but not release, never release now after what he’d done and seen. The Jagara’s legs pressed that bit harder to his chest.

“Cling tightly to the memories and their essence young Searena, such thoughts and feelings will get you through the tough challenges, on the journeys that seem without end. In the darkest places, when hope is lost, remember them and you will be stronger than you think possible. I am glad they remain a part of you.”

Paareth inhaled the thoughts and unvoiced sadness deep within himself, taking a long breath. His face seemed to relax again now.

"I am sure you will find a husband on your travels eventually but I would not be in a hurry to choose, a life partner should be someone who completes you and they are rare to find, impossible to replace." He bowed his head, another loss he carried, not fresh in his mind but no less painful.

"Now to my question but it is simpler I fear. You spoke of your voice and desire for adventure, tell me, do all Thelyri sing and do they often journey this far from home?"

[Searena]

"You must miss them," Searena commented. She didn't enquire as to why it had been so long since he'd seen his tribe. His eyes had become misty when he'd spoke of how fortunate he was to have had them on his travels. She did wonder why he no longer traveled with them, but didn't push it. She'd asked about his family, if he'd wanted talk about it, he would have.

"All Thelyri sing. My mothers voices are exceptional, they can shatter glass. Mine -needs training to get to that point. If I can find training that combines song with arcana."

Searena had to think over his last question. Cocking her head to the side as if trying to remember, before answering. "Not usually, no. We come to land often, but in the past tended to stay near our waters. But times change, and more of us are having to leave and travel further away."

Thinking on his advice concerning life partners, she agreed. "Wise advice, I don't want to be too hasty, I assume it's easier to find the wrong life mate than the right one. For Thelyri we have to be particularly picky because of offspring. Choose the wrong one and the child may not be able to breathe in the waters. But I'm more worried that my wrong choice would cost me more than that. I believe in soul mates, and I might miss mine if I'm too hasty. My family is eager for me to find a husband. My father, before I left said that he would disown me if I.. choose poorly. I wouldn't be welcomed back."

[Paareth]

“We all miss something, it is the nature of life.” Paareth said in return, certainly true of his recent past. He was glad she didn’t push for more information, he had no wish to scare the women.

“Shatter glass, well that is unique. Hmm and a sorceress born through song, a vibrant combination indeed. As for your training, something will come of it I am sure, I have found we all find all the answers we seek, if we keep asking the question.” He brushed down his armour with a slight grin, the wind was again kicking up dust around them.

As the current of the wind funneled down the street at an increasing pace, some loose material was picked up by the gust, blowing by the stall and off down the road, seemingly with a life and destination all its own.

“I met a man once who claimed his very blade could sing, he was a sight to see on the tournament fields, the way he moved and danced inspired me to try to do the same.”

As she spoke of her travels, he looked up as the rain pelted the stall once again, the wood above them creaking against the weight of the onslaught.

“Although need motivates, many let the fear of the unknown stop them traveling so far, it paralyses them. I would imagine it is doubly difficult to venture far on land, if your race makes their home underwater.” As rain yet again splashed against them, the Katta shivered at the thought of it.

“It takes a certain kind of courage beyond need, to push yourself into such a different place.”

The Jagara frowned at the mention of her father.

“Putting that kind of pressure on your choice will only lead you to hesitate or be unsure of yourself, I am sorry for that burden. All I can offer is, when you find the right person, you won’t need to choose, because that choice is already made for you.”

He smiled and tapped her hand again twice, looking over her shoulder into the growing storm.

[Searena]

She took it as a reasuring gesture when he tapped her hand twice, almost the same as saying don't worry you'll be fine, or everything will work out. Which was how Searena also interpreted his last words "when you find the right person, you won't need to choose, because that choice is already made for you." Searena knew he was right. She just hoped that her father would be able to live with it and her, if it turned out that fate chose an elven race that he didn't approve of.

He looked over her shoulder at the storm, causing Searena to turn her head and look as well. "I was hoping that the storm would die down soon, but if anything.. it feels like it might get worse. We could wait longer or try to make it to a tavern. Their rooms might be taken, but it'll be dry.. and safer."

She didn't like the sound or feel of the wind, not this wind. She had a room at the boarding house, but there had to be a tavern that was closer to them.

[Paareth]

Paareth studied Searena as she spoke, satisfied he had offered some reassurance to the Thelyri if nothing else. She did remind him of Solaris, a good friend of his. He’d often wondered what had happened to the Elf, fearing her death on a mercenary contract, like so many others he knew.

“Yes, let us move, I have rested here, cowering from the storms embrace long enough.”

The Jagara obviously didn’t want to move from his tone but seem resigned to the fact they would have to. He stood for a second defying his hatred for this conditions, a resolute look upon his face as the wind almost knocked him off his feet.

The wooden supports of the stall, also cracked and swayed under the force of the gale, rain pelting the pair of them. Paareth lowed a firm paw to help her to her feet.

“Come, we will make our way together to a tavern. There has to be somewhere open if nothing else.”

Paareth looked up at the stall, it was coming loose bit by bit, it seems they would have to make a move now anyway. He looked back to Searena adding with a serious look, “I don’t think we have much time. So hold on tight and perhaps, together with both our strengths this storm will meet its match."

He grinned at her, showing a large display of teeth in sign of strength, a natural response to any challenge the warrior faced. His body responded, posturing in readiness to fight the ongoing wind once more.

"Do you know of anywhere nearby?"