Lady Takanuva
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Posts posted by Lady Takanuva
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IC: Nara, The Great Takea
Nara fought the instinct to crane her neck looking to the Rora. Yumiwa herself, here? Well of course she heard stories about the Dasaka leader from travelers, but she never seriously thought she'd be in the same room as someone so lofty. It was almost a bit intimidating.
For a moment she almost had the giddy instinct to invite her to their table, just to see what would happen. It might scare off a couple clingers-on, and no matter what happened would make a great story if she survived.
It was the 'if' that didn't sit well though.
She turned to her old friend, grinning slightly despite herself. "Yumiwa in the armor, eh? This'll be a story to tell your grandkids, and no mistake. Let's tey not to attract too much attention, though. Highfalutin politico types like her probably wouldn't care too much for being bothered. I doubt she'd have us disappeared, but you hear stories after all."
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[TW for emotional self-harm]
IC: Raika, Oki Refugee camp.
The tiny Dasaka nearly collapsed under the weight of the partial net of fish, but they hid their feebleness as well as they could as they squared their shoulders and began following Yuna.
Ah, yes, the palace. Raika tried to stay away from there. Too many trained willhammers, even more so than in a single clan's repertoire. Plus, you heard stories about Yumiwa sometimes, and Raika had no desire for someone to discover the identity of the elusive Wraith.
But… guilt and selfish attachment twisted their innards like wound clockwork. Ahri needed help, to get his memories back. But what if he put two and two together? What if he decided the Wraith, being so small and feeble, would be better off executed to protect Mahstet's secrets?
Also… they'd lose the only friend they had…
While the slightly anguished expression on their face was mostly hidden by their Volitak, their eyes still had a sorrowful tilt to them through the mask's visor. Well, it made sense. Nobody'd stick around them if they had a choice, really. And Raika couldn't blame them. Why would they want to? They couldn't even figure out if they were a girl or… something else…
Crosswired first son, more like they thought to themselves, taking some measure of dark satisfaction in the ache that stabbed through their gut at the bitter words. The pain in their chest. That's all you are. You can change your appearance, boy. But what will they do when they find out what you are? What will the Wraith be then? Nothing more than a pathetic game of make-believe.
Just like everything else in your life. Fraud.
Their response was almost mechanical, but with an unmistakably bitter edge:
::You're right. They could help him more than something like me ever could.::
OOC: @The UltimoScorp
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IC: Karoru: Hesitantly hopeful.
Karoru perked up at this news. A dashi, not too tall, a… volitak…
She massaged her temple, momentarily confused by a half-surfacing memory, but shoved the matter aside for now.
"Understood, marm!" she said, snapping to attention. "I promise I'll do everything in my power to find her."
She meant it too. As the warrior walked off, she scanned the crowd, repeating the description over and over in her head.
A dashi with an orange mask. Well, that shouldn't be too hard to pick out of the crowd, right? She scanned hither and yon looking for Daijuno's friend, determined to successfully complete her task.
[OOC: @Pteronura Brasiliensis
@Void Emissary
@Vezok's Friend]IC: Nara, The Great Takea
Nara was beginning to wonder how much finance she would have at the end of the night. At this point she was starting to worry half the island might show up for a meal.
Leaning as subtly to Nale as possible, she spoke softly:
"Dear, I never like to turn somebody away hungry, but… I'm not sure how much more I'm going to be able to afford at this rate."
She cast her eyes across the table. A glimmering of dashi, a Dasaka willhammer, and an assembly of various Nuian matoran met her gaze.
Well, she had said that she would cover the meal. It seemed her hospitality was about to be put to the test. Though if it went much farther she might as well grab some Miracle Cactus herself for the pending financial headache when she returned.
[OOC: @BBBBalta
@Mel
@... various, really. If you're at the table, feel free to strike up a convo.]-
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IC: Raika, Oki refugee camp
Truthfully, Raika hadn't slept in two days. Every time they closed their eyes they saw that hideous, plate-ringed maw a fraction from their face, smelled the creature's gas-burner breath, and heard the ear-piercing shriek it had bellowed in their face.
Rest? No, not if they could avoid it.
::If you think he's safe here, I'm good for helping haul the catch.::
After a moment, they added grudgingly :you did save us, after all.::
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IC: Raika, Oki Refugee Camp
Raika realized that it would be rude not to offer to help.
But that would mean leaving Ahri unattended.
Also, Raika got the feeling their rescuer didn't like either of them much. Despite their genuine attempts at politeness, as best as they'd recalled it, the atmosphere on the boat had been downright chilly. It made sense though. Despite their inability to pick up on ideatalk Yuna had said they were a Menti as well. And neither of the two she'd salvaged must have met with her expectations of a pair of fellow warriors.
Ahri had no memories and was barely conscious. And Raika knew they were a weedy, pathetic specimen of a Dasaka. Garbed as they were in durable yet plain armor with a tattered scarf and simple short-range melee weapons, they must really look the vagabond they were.
All these thoughts soured the wanderer's mood significantly. So it was without their recently added delicacy that they responded:
::Fine. You need any assistance with things? Or shall I just stay here and ornament the place?::
They felt some shame at the bitterness in their voice, but pushed the feeling aside. If they had bruised Yuna's pride maybe the Menti would drop the deferential act and lash back. Then at least Raika would be on familiar ground. Either way, this was more social interaction than Raika had experienced in a long time, and their nerves were beginning to feel frayed. Maybe hauling fish would earn them some time to recover.
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IC: Karoru
Exactly my point thought the ex-guard.
She hadn't meant to literally corral people, just to ask that they all move in that direction. But her armor and… occasional lack of tact… could easily turn this into an Incident.
"Agreed, if only to prevent any further misunderstandings. I never meant to force anybody anywhere. I apologize if I gave the impression of otherwise. I may be dressed like a Royal Guard, but I promise I've not been one for some time."
And what would you have me do if this person doesn't come?
"Also… if I could have at least a brief physical description I could at least try and check if any of the ones I send your way match the description… i-in case they're held up on the way."
Translation: in case the person you're looking for really doesn't want to be found.
[OOC: @Void Emissary]
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IC: Raika
Them, the only trained Willhammer? Raika almost chuckled darkly in ideatalk. Oh, they were in a bad situation. What little Willhammer ability they had wasn't fitted to this task. It'd be like trying to perform heart surgery with a spoon.
.:I see. Thank you, Yuna. You are very kind.:.
Raika half-turned to their companion as they laid them gently out. As he closed his eyes to rest, and as Raika stood over him, they suddenly flashed back to two similar situations. Neither were reassuring.
Crouching next to their friend, Raika then settled into a sitting position. And sat there, despite their burning curiosity. They would guard their friend as long as they were able. They would not let someone else die from their actions.
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: Karoru
Daijuno's anxious tones wove their way through Karoru's fevered thoughts. She began paying attention in time to hear:
"I hate to ask another favour of you, but if you could find a way to have those directing the docking process suggest to any Saihoko who've made it here to head to my offices? They're over just across the street from the Tidalpool. If Zyla's here, she'll be sure to go there once she hears that. And if not ... there will be plenty of my caste who'll be needing a benefactor here."
So her friend was a Saihoko, who may have gone by a different name, may or may not even be on the ships here.
The guard winced. Not good odds, even by the standards of their current situation. However, the ex-Royal Guard couldn't bring herself to voice this doubt. Karoru's heart was soft beneath the glass and bluster, and ultimately she just wanted to help however she could.
"Miss Daijuno. While the sight of a royal guard rounding up Saihoko might seem… worrisome… I am happy to lend a hand. Otherwise, erm… I am at your disposal, marm."
[OOC: @Void Emissary]
IC: Nara, The Great Takea
Dinner and a show thought the Ga-Koran as she tabulated the ongoing events.
The newcomer to their table was a Willhammer, a type of Menti Nara had not met before. But she'd heard stories. Some good, some chilling and, hopefully, exaggerated. But either way, it was a potentially dangerous individual that had joined their group.
This did not mean Nara would begrudge the poor dear a good meal. It just meant she'd need to make sure nothing untoward was tried with either Nale or her friend.
The commotion at the door caught her attention, and she couldn't help but chuckle despite herself at the Le-Matoran's antics.
"Good attempt, poor follow through. The Ko-Koran judge only gave you a four."
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IC: Raika, Yuna's boat
The wanderer bit their lip anxiously.
Botched mental surgery from a Willhammer. Some kind of overriding command pounding into the Menti's head. Had it compelled him to throw himself into the sea?
Raika felt goose pimples rise on their organic components. If their experience with the Mahstet was typical of that clan's dealings, then the order to break this man's mind may have been given by the same one who had ordered Raika to cross that unspeakable line.
The tiny Menti flinched. They couldn't imagine the tide of mental poison that Ahri's brain was striving to fend off. Their aborted Willhammer training, even including what scraps they'd picked up or figured out over the years, was nothing close to what their… their friend needed.
Raika's cheeks flushed indigo as they thought this. No, they finally had someone who considered them worth their time. Perhaps even the makings of a proper friend. Nobody was going to take their friend from them so soon. They'd promised to have his back, and they wouldn't let him down.
They shook their head slightly. No, they were being stupid. They'd only just met Ahri. Raika barely knew the first thing about him. Friendship, proper friendship, was built on trust and time. Besides, what the Menti needed right now wasn't a confidant it was a medic.
Once more fighting back their fear of physical contact, they positioned themselves beneath Ahri's shoulder and lifted until they had taken part of the Menti's weight on their own shoulders.
Turning to Yuna, a surprisingly determined expression partially visible from behind their mask, Raika reached out as gently as they could with their Willhammer-reinforced ideatalk.
.:Yuna, I feel you worry we expect both too much and too little of you. Please know that you offered us all that you feasibly could, and you'll not find me ungrateful once I am in a position to repay you. You probably saved both our lives, for a time at least.:.
.:For now… is there somewhere we can get Ahri to rest for a bit? He may not be up to listening but he'll get himself killed if one of these flashes hits him in battle. I have to find someone who can help him.:.
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IC: Nara, The Great Takea
Time had blunted some of the more abrasive parts of Nara's personality. Instead of being instinctively annoyed as she might have been, say, several decades ago, she instead felt a tug at her chest seeing the emaciated figure approaching their table.
She wasn't exactly rich, but comfortably-enough off that she could spare some money to help someone so clearly in need.
"Oh, you poor thing! You look like you haven't eaten in an entire season. You pull up a chair, and I'll make sure you get fed. Help yourself to some of what's here, and I'll get some more ordered so we all get a full share."
She smiled gently. "Is there any food you'd prefer? If not, I'll just order a few more things. If you're worried about paying me back, we can discuss that later. Don't worry, I won't shark you for the meal. But I'd be interested to find out what had happened."
From her tone it was clear that her "interest" was closer to steel-edged inquisitiveness of how a family which sounded well-off would let one of their members go hungry until they had to beg for food. Nara might seem calm enough, but she had a protective instinct wide as Hura Mafa.
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IC: Raika, Yuna's boat
Hit on the head.
It was a little too convenient an answer, but Raika was distracted from any further suspicious prying by Ahri's words and sudden behavior.
My own mind is trying to kill me.
Well, they thought to themselves as they shifted next to the Menti Soulsword, that had a familiar ring to it. But this didn't seem like the near-constant, forceful thoughts that sometimes… well, anyhow, this seemed an entirely more literal situation.
And he knew sign, and knew to sign back. That would be good in emergencies, when ideatalk was too dangerous.
Before they moved to steady the warrior, they rapidly signed Is there anything I can do?
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IC: Raika, Yuna's boat.
Raika wasn't too surprised her signing wasn't picked up. Most warriors probably thought it was a waste of time, beneath them even.
More concerning was the lack of response to their last bit of 'spoken' dialogue. A small worm of gnawing anxiety sat at the pit of her stomach. It was entirely possible Yuna was deliberately ignoring the later part of the conversation, but the fact that their signing was lost as an option caused a new fear to spring.
Could Yuna not hear Ideatalk?
They knew some Menti could not, for various reasons. They were...often looked down on….
Something unpleasant clicked into place. Raika may not have cared much for clan politics, but they were familiar with how many clans treated those seen as other.
Those, for instance, who were entirely unable to speak and labelled as inferior for the fact.
...Or those who, say, didn't fit inside of their clan's gender roles. Who wouldn't just sit there and be a good...son…
Once more utilizing their scrabbled Willhammer knowledge, they opened a reinforced Ideatalk link with Yuna. This time, however, their normally guarded tones were tinged with apologetic worry.
.:Yuna,:. they sent, doing their best to direct their thoughts specifically at the Menti to hopefully minimize the chance of Ahri, still a relatively unknown quantity, picking the message up, .: when I asked about your pain just then, did you hear me? Not with the sign language. When I used my normal ideatalk.:.
After a pause, they added, almost against their will. .:Don't worry. I won't think any differently than you. I can't talk, except like this. No voice, not since birth. I… know what it's like to be seen as other:. they added, bitterly, the corners of their mouth twisting beneath their mask.
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IC: Karoru
The Guard's cheeks flushed again.
Useless, she chided herself mentally. You're absolutely useless. Of course they found her without you, why wouldn't they?
She heard her mother's irate voice in her head. Can't you do anything right, Karoru? Bad enough your mind is fractured, but you could at least find a way to not disgrace us further than you already have.
A small rattle, like shifting dishware, came from the shaking Dasaka.
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IC: Nara, the Great Takea
Nara swooped in with her chopsticks, piling a plate with salad, karaage, a fried tuber, two slices of sashimi, and a small mound of pickles.
Deftly placing a karaage wing in her mouth and savoring the sweet flavor, she squeezed the citrus over the fish as she listened. After she had washed a good third of the food she had grabbed down with delicious cider, she responded.
"Well, I haven't ridden a crab in ages. But I'm excited to refresh my skills!"
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IC: Raika, Yuna's boat
They'd been expecting such, but even so they felt their heart twist.
All of them? That… that had to have hit the village hard, to lose so many that an entire trade was wiped from them.
.:...I'm sorry. :. Raika said, reaching out to place a hand on Yuna's shoulder despite their anxiety over physical contact. .: I hope you didn't lose anyone precious to you. :.
The sound of a woman, heartbroken, weeping over the slain corpse of her love, hugging the lifeless form close even as the guards arrived to drag her away. Ignore it.
Realizing they hadn't switched away from their more powerful ideatalk, they hurriedly dropped back to the standard variety.
.: I'm sorry, :. they said, doing their level best to meet the fisher's gaze. .: Was my ideatalk causing you pain? Is this still? :.
After a moment's consideration, they lifted their hands and signed Would this be better?
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IC: Raika, Yuna's boat
.:Pleasure to make your acquaintance, Yuna. I- is something wrong? You like something's causing you discomfort. :.
Surprisingly, Raika felt worry tugging at the corners of their mind.
.:You're… not hurt, are you? If so, maybe we can help. :.
Raika turned to Ahri.
.: It may be that there aren't enough non-warriors left to spare for jobs such as fishing. Fishing may be a job that's looked down on by… some… but watch a village survive without food. Especially one that's fighting for their lives. :.
Raika's tone carried the implication that it wasn't Saihoko who the ambush fighter felt scorn for.
[OOC: @Keeper of Kraata
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IC: Karoru, Dreamscaping
The Warrior nodded to her companion.
"Aye,... Erm, do you prefer marm or miss?" she asked, as she shifted her perception into the mental plane.
Oddly enough, she always felt more comfortable here. Like a buzzing in her ears was finally fading.
She was immediately awash in a sea of thoughts, desperate Menti reaching for each other. Finally, they felt something the shape of what they were looking for.
.:Umbraline Sinshi? Salutations marm. This is Karoru of Clan Hogo. I am in the company of a Dashi named Daijuno who wished me to alert you and furthermore to signal our location. :.
Looking around their area, they took a mental snapshot and sent this image along, along with Karoru's most recent, albeit hazy, memory of her own appearence.
.: By your leave, marm. :. she sent, pausing a moment to await a reply.
[OOC: @Tarn
@Xemnas
@Krayzikk]IC: Nara, The Great Takea
Nara gave this some thought. There were lots of new arrivals, and that meant lots of potential income.
...however… she'd not had much of a chance to leave the Koro in years. It would be nice to stretch her legs a bit, and pay a visit to Po-Koro. She'd heard there were some good sculptors there. Maybe she could bring back a souvenir.
" I would be happy to," she said as they walked through the entrance to The Great Takea. Usually she stopped by a small cart in the market that had grilled fish and noodles to die for, but for a full party of three hungry patrons the Takea would be more economical.
The moment the waiter came with menus, Nara proceeded to order most of it.
Specifically, she requested a plate of Ruki and Makuta Fish sashimi and thin citrus slices, karaage and fried vegetables, pickled lotus root, sea lettuce goma-ae, and tall glass of sour Bula cider.
Nara also took the liberty of ordering a round of miso for the three of them. Once it arrived, she sipped her bowl contemplatively while she conversed with her fellow diners.
"So… any plans for how to get there? I mean, will we be chartering a cart or crab? Or going on foot? I'm game either way-" she paused as half the kitchen was deposited before her "ah, thank you. As I was saying, I'm game either way, I just wanted to get an idea how long we'd be gone."
She gestured to the veritable feast laid out before her. "Feel free to try whatever, in addition to your meals. I got a variety of things, so see if there's anything you like."
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IC: Karoru, hesitantly hopeful
The warrior looked up, surprised. She wasn't being admonished, or dismissed for her impudence. She allowed herself to relax, ever so slightly.
"My name is Hogo Karoru. B-but feel free to call me Karoru."
Their shoulders relaxed now, their armor making a noticeable noise like shifting plates as she did so. "Leah. It's a lovely name." They turned red. "I-I mean, n-not that I mean anything by that! I-I mean… th-thank you again for helping us. I… kind of walked the pair of us into a mess…"
[ OOC: @Vezok's Friend]
IC: Narah.
"Not many, no. But some do. There are Dasaka who've settled here, even set up shop. Crystal's good there, so long as you're careful they're not trying to hike up the price. The key is to just make sure you seem confident with how you handle your coin.
"But the restaurant I had in mind takes widgets, yes. It's nothing terribly fancy, but the food is well worth the visit."
She laughed warmly. "It might be hard to get a word in edgewise once we get started on the meal."
Turning to Nale, she asked inquisitively "Miracle cactus? Well, I've certainly heard people say it helps with the pain. I know there's some medical backing, but I guess old preconceptions die hard. I can't exactly point you towards anybody selling it, of course, but… if it's an actual cure, you may have some luck in Po-Koro."
She held up her hands placatingly. "Not that I'm saying I want you to leave! Quite the opposite, I love our chats. I just thought I'd drop in my two widget's worth."
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IC: Raika, Oki Beach
A sheepish look was barely visible past their lavender-tinted visor. Then, they realized Ahri was judging based on their mask. It was true, the Volitak itself was generally sufficient. They Relaxed slightly. Perhaps their paranoia about being revealed as the being once known as The Wraith was, at least, partially unfounded.
Additionally, a tiny warm knot formed around the little spark from earlier. He'd been worried about their safety, too. Maybe they really had managed to find a friend after all.
.: Understood, :. they responded, in directed ideatalk. .: and if things break bad I'll cover your back. :.
They turned back to the figure adrift on the boat. Adding a bit extra strength to their "voice" to ensure it would carry and be received clearly, they called out .: We'll take two seats. Economy, of course. And no in-trip meal, we're watching our budget. :.
Slinging their reed satchel across one shoulder, and adjusting their worn red scarf, they waded into the surf, heading towards the strangers boat.
As they climbed aboard, they nodded appreciatively to their unexpected benefactor.
Pausing to examine the vessel, they noticed the location of the sword stowed beneath one of the seats. Understandable given the circumstances, but still something to keep an eye on.
.: Wasn't expecting to meet someone fishing in a hellscape like this. Thanks for the lift. :.
Somewhat awkwardly, the lanky Dasaka held out their hand. Best not to be ungrateful, the less reason this fisher had to distrust the pair of them, the better. After a moment's agonizing debate, they added: .:My name is Raika. What's yours? :.
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IC: Karoru- flustered and following
Karoru followed obediently, stammering as she went.
"I… n-no, mar- I mean, no. No, you don't look old at all! You look lovely, in fact. Very much so, especially- urk!"
Karoru clamped her mouth shut. Well, she thought, that's blown it. What did you do? Start an international incident, that's what.
"S-sorry. I was… j-just trying to be respectful, mar- erm, miss."
[OOC: @Void Emissary
@Vezok's Friend]IC: Narah
"Whichever you'd prefer, hun. I don't want to pressure you to accept, but just know the offer still stands until the cheque's been paid. Besides, the joy of your company is more than worth the cost of dinner."
She looked to Nale's companion. "Also, seeing the two of you walking out of the doc's hut looking all serious-faced made me think that you might need a little bit of a pick-me-up."
A pause, then in a more serious tone Nara continued. "It's… nothing too serious, I hope? Forgive me for being nosy. Just wanted to check is all."
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Double-post, please disregard
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IC: Karoru, privately prodded
The guard was snapped from her gloomy reflections by a prod in the back.
“If you two are looking for someone urgently, I can help.”
A grateful smile spread across the Menti's face like the sun over the horizon. Quietly, carefully, she turned around-
Oh.
She… she hadn't been prepared. Yumiwa was pretty, in a distant, regal way. Striking, even.
But the woman standing behind her, now before her, was beautiful in the same way Hahli had been. Simply, yet elegantly, garbed in armor and a red cloth sash, intricate tattoos likely denoting allegiance or membership to the equivalent of this region's Clans. The same calm, easy confidence. Then she came to her eyes.
Her eyes were striking cerulean, like the lights she sometimes saw when the waves in Kentoku were filled with the strange creatures which brought light with every splash.
A very different sort of blush began to creep to the Menti's cheeks, and as her stomach began to squirm uncomfortably with nerves she took refuge in usefulness.
"I, um, th-thank you marm." She gestured to Daijuno. "Um… f-forgive me, I was in such a hurry I f-forgot… forgot to ask a name, sorry marms very disrespectful you may admonish me at your convenience. But she was asking after a close friend, and well… I… I th-thought I could help….."
She looked miserably to the ornately-garbed Dasaka merchant. "Sincerest apologies for wasting your time and placing you in this situation, marm…"
[OOC: @Caedast @Void Emissary
@Vezok's Friend]IC: Nara, Ga-Koro.
It had been a very busy day.
While part of Nara was overjoyed to have ao many new visitors, likely carrying interesting new stories to boot, the grim air many had around them had begun to dampen even her perpetually high spirits. Still, she'd spent the day helping new arrivals to dry land and trying to make sure as many as possible were comfortable, occasionally even helping rush aid to some who looked a bit on the pale.
It had been a long, tiring day, and the Ga-Koran was desperately looking for an excuse to get off of her sore feet and put a solid meal in her belly.
That was when she overheard a conversation between a Matoran and a Dashi not too far from her.
"All I've had to eat lately was lousy boat food. I want to have something with more flavor."
Well, it wasn't much of an excuse. She felt slightly predatory jumping in to offer her services, and definitely didn't want to come across as stepping on the other Matoran's toes.
Wait a second. She knew that mask. The Matoran's name was Nale, though she couldn't place her Dashi counterpart. Nara wondered how her aquaintence had been getting on of late. Then, she realized she didn't have to just wonder.
It had been a long day.
So, Nara decided it was time to clock out.
"Hapo, Nale" she said politely to the Fe-Matoran, nodding greeting to the Dashi as well. "Good evening to you as well, sir." She turned to Nale. "I hope you can forgive my interruption, but I thought I heard you mention going to get food. If you didn't already have an idea in mind, I was hoping to offer a recommendation. I do work as a tour guide, after all." She chuckled good-naturedly. "Well, most days at least. But it's been a long one and I'm, frankly, starving and looking for a reason to get something to eat. Would you two mind terribly being my excuse to treat myself a bit? The food's excellent, and I'll cover your tab."
She winked playfully. "Don't worry, I'm not expecting anything back for this. I'm off the clock. What do you say?"
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IC: Raika, Oki beach
Years of survival habits managed to outpace rational thought. The moment they heard the voice, panicked as they were, Raika instantly snapped into undetectability.
f*ck. As quickly as possible, they dropped the screen and deactivated their mask. With any luck it would appear that sunlight from the water had temporarily hidden them in their glare.
Raika was suspicious and, though they'd never admit it, rather shy, but they had enough common sense not to turn down an offer of safe transport.
They quickly sized the lone figure up. If push came to shove, they could probably hold their own even without Ahri's help. But maybe it wouldn't come to that.
What? What are you thinking, echohead? You're going to trust this convenient stranger? this convenient, likely ARMED stranger?
Yes. Yes, they were. The situation on the island was, to be blunt, nightmarish. They could strike out on their own, but if another of those serpents caught them off guard they would be dead. All their delusions of confidence and self-reliance had been burned away by the encounter two days ago. The only strength that mattered here was strength in numbers. Maybe three of them, together, might have a chance. And if there was a settlement, that meant they might be able to trade for gear and weapons for Ahri.
Attempting to lean casually on the rock wall they still had clutched in a death grip, they waved with their free hand.
.: Very kind of you to offer. I'd be delighted, but I need to check with my companion first. :.
They turned back to Ahri. .: Welp, you had a chance to travel beneath the sea. Wanna take a shot at sailing above it this time? I hear it's a lot safer. :.
[OOC: @ultimoscorp
@Keeper of Kraata] -
IC: Karoru, cowed-roru
The ex-guard stood rigid, grabbing onto the careful dismissal like a lifeline. Sweating beneath her armor, she realized that she was deluding herself believing that she hadn't been noticed.
The Rora winked at her. Yumiwa was, frankly, stunning, and the teasing act sent silvery crimson flooding to the guard's cheeks until she was sure her mask was glowing red with it. But, fortunately, she managed to hang onto her composure, though it teetered on a knife edge.
Dragging her gaze away, lest she be caught ogling the leader of her people and, probably, spitted for high treason and public indecency to boot, her eyes came to rest on a strikingly different figure.
At first she appeared to be no more than a Dashi. But she carried herself confidently. Not with the arrogance of the surrounding royalty ,but a calm assuredness that came from a feeling of total control over a situation. She was bare of any crystal ornamentation, her clothes appearing far more comfortable than formal Dasakan wear. Karoru found herself admiring this stranger. Her straining ears caught the name "Akiri Hahli."
Furiously, she worked to commit the name to memory. Perhaps this was someone she could come to… for what? To act as a guard? Find a home for the people here? What, exactly, was her place in this strange land? Did she even still have one?
That's when she realized, and fresh heat flowed to her already burning cheeks. It was the confidence. She admired it, and wanted so desperately to run to her, to fall to her knees and beg to learn the dignitary's secret.
Hot-faced, she stood there, shame in her own oafish behavior twisting her gut into knots, waiting obediently to be called by the Commandant.
Like a pet, she thought bitterly.
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BZPRPG - Ga-Wahi
in Bionicle RPG
Posted
IC: Nara, The Great Takea
Everybody seemed to be getting anxious at the arrival of the Dasaka Rora. Nara, however, was slightly less star-struck (or terrified).
Perhaps it was the several glasses of cider she'd had to ignore how big the tab was getting, but she looked to the intricately-armored figure and said:
"A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lady Yumiwa. I'll admit, despite hearing tales from a number of visitors from Kentoku, none seemed to do your beauty justice."
Well thought Nara, I'm going to die now. But oh, what a story.
OOC: @Caedast