Closed Syka Awaits (Gossamer)

[Taren Coballon]

56th day of Summer, Coast of Syka

Taren stood portside of the ship and watched as the jungle go past. He could see a bit of wildlife here and there in the jungle but he couldn’t tell much from the distance, in all his life he had never seen anything quite like the jungle before and he was in awe of the beauty of it. The cries of the birds were very different from those in Riverfall, then again nothing looked, sounded, smelled, or even felt the same anymore. The two day journey might as well of been a 2 month journey for all the differences he noted.

Overnight the ship had picked up a nice tail wind and she had set a good pace ever since. Upon reaching the coast they had turned north and was heading straight for Syka he was told and the ship was cutting the waves easily and best of all was the seas were very calm considering what they could be.Taren’s feeling of anticipation and dread increased as the chimes passed and he could not say why.

”THERE is where we make home now!” he thought to himself. “If the rumors we heard are true about free land, I agree” he responded but in total agreement.

“Treasure Point!” came the cry from the sailors immediately after his musings. From the discussions he had with the sailors, they didn’t seem to like Treasure Point for some superstitious reason it seemed. Maybe someday he would understand it but he didn’t care today. The sailors jumped to and started lowering some of the sails as they crossed Treasure point and made way to the dock of Syka. The ship started losing speed and Taren could see the Sea floor rising under the ship. The crystal clarity of the water was amazing as he watched some fish swim under the ship.

Anxious to be off the tight little ship, Taren stepped up and helped pulling the mooring lines to the dock. As soon as the ship was tied, he grabbed his meager belongings and thanked the captain and crew before he disembarked from the ship. A few of the locals were starting to appear to greet the ship and likely to grab any supplies so he quickly walked down the dock and onto the sandy beach before stopping one of them

“Could you tell me where I might find one of the …...founders?” Taren asked politely as he remembered the common tongue word he was looking for.

The man appeared to be younger and dressed only in shorts but did stop and answer. “You would be looking for Randall and I think he will be along shortly to get his supplies, if I were you I would wait on the beach here for him.”

Not one for idleness, Taren walked off the path the villagers were taking and piled up his meager belongings on the sand. Turning around he walked back up the dock to the ship and pushed his way into the front of the line. The grunt of disapproval from the villager dissipated quickly enough when he saw that Taren’s extra height and length of his arms made it easier for him to pass the crates off the ship and onto the dock.

As Taren worked passing the supplies off the ship to the next in the line, from the end of the dock he eventually heard “Hey Randall, that big akalak on the dock there wants to talk with you”. He only stopped long enough to glance down and see whom to look for once he finished as he didn’t feel like fighting his way back with unloading going on.


OOCword count 619

Thanks to Gossamer for the boxcode

[Gossamer]

Since The Veronica had gone missing, it was rare that a ship other than a flotilla of Svefra tied up to Syka's dock. Slowly though, the traders had discovered that Syka was in need of supplies and had added the port to their runs because it was only two days across The Suvan and then the ships could leisurely travel north to Alvadas making the stop at Syka not only pleasant but not really out of their way to increase their profit significantly.

The Founders worried though. James had cut the costs by using The Veronica and that benefited the community fairly well. Without The Veronica making the trek, they paid higher prices - retail rather than James' wholesale - and it cost the settlement money that could be otherwise put to better use.

However, when ships did tie up, one thing happened in Syka that probably happened nowhere else. Everyone in the Settlement dropped everything and turned out to unload the ship. And those that didn't handle the physical labor of the unload handled other labor. The Communal Kitchens fired up and soon the smells of cooking food filled the air. Drink, fresh and chilled, were provided by Juli from the mercantile who walked around with a bucket and ladle readily available for anyone who needed a drink.

In a backwater port where there were no cranes to unload ships, the one carrying Taren got unloaded relatively fast. Its freight was scattered across the beach on either side of the docks within just a few short bells rather than days which it would take in someplace like Riverfall. There were even sets of ashta, the small stocky elephants common in Taloba, that assisted with the unload by dragging some of the larger crates up the beach and taking some of the larger two man carries off the hands of the people with their strong trunks.

Taren would find his help welcome and soon other men joined him. The one pointed out as Randal was soon hauling bags of potatoes beside him. The work wasn't glorious, it was just flat out hard manual labor, but with everyone helping it didn't last long. "We appreciate your help, strangers." Randal said, striking up a conversation with Taren. It was immediately evident he was familiar with the Akalak duality. They had dumped off the potatoes and had gone back for bags of onions and carrots.

"I'm Randal, one of the Founders.. I heard you were looking for one of us." He said with a grin, not pausing in the work. Another Akalak passed and Randal pointed him out. "That's Jansen and Kalum Alavarth, good men to know because if you get in trouble here, those are our healers." He said with a grin, dumping off the other vegetables to return and start hauling cages of chickens.

"We have snakebites, bugbites, poisonous plants, poisonous spiders and scorpions, and then giant predators...." He said with a grin, gently shoving an ashta trunk out of the way as one of the animals affectionately reached for him. "So... what can we do for you?" He asked, right in the middle of both of them plus about fifty other people unloading the ship.

[Taren Coballon]

Taren nodded to Randal when he greeted them as he carried the vegetables from the ship. He was quite encouraged to find the amount of people that showed up to unload the vessel after it docked and even the town leadership showed up, that was very unexpected.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir” Taren responded formally to his greeting when he had a chance and without a face full of vegetable sacks. He also was encouraged by the fact that this man had an understanding of Akalaks, let alone another Akalak lived in town might make life that much easier for Taren.

Taren was surprised by the trunk of the ashta being so close to him, but it acted friendly enough and no one seemed to be being bothered by any of them so Taren just grabbed a couple more chicken crates and followed Randal down as he tried to ignore the ashta. This friendly new creature was one he would really enjoy getting to meet someday, if given a chance anyway.

“We heard some rumors over in RIverfall that Syka is looking for more people to help with the city and to talk to the founders over here for a possibility of a deal on some land” Taren responded to Randal, “Although rumors aren’t always trustworthy, we decided we really wanted to check them out for ourselves so we are looking to discuss this with you”.

As they returned for the next items, Taren grabbed a couple of bags of some kind of feed and threw them up on his shoulders to carry back down.

“The descriptions about over here sounded really nice and we are not afraid of hard work nor some simple inconveniences.” Instinctively his dark side was telling him to stop talking and not reveal too much however Taren had very quickly developed a liking to this man by the way the others responded to him, he personally was helping with the ship, and now even the animals seemed to like him. In Taren’s experience animals had a great instinct about people and he felt it might be best to try and be open with this man, or as open as possible.

“We spent all our life in Riverfall and recently decided we needed a change and to learn about the world around us so when we heard about here it felt like a good fit.” Taren stated matter of factly. “Hopefully we can learn some new skills here and also help Syka too.”

As they returned to ship it appeared the stacks were getting smaller as he grabbed a bundle of tools in each hand and turned back to the beach. “Does the entire town turn out to unload the ships or is the city larger than I heard?” Taren asked as he noticed the amount of people all over the beach although he doubted it was the entire town but a vast majority anyway.

The day had really started to warm up so he hoped the smaller stacks to be unloaded was indeed the end and he could focus on the discussion with Randal.

Thanks to Gossamer for the boxcode

[Gossamer]

“Call me Randal… everyone else does.” The Founder said, working easily beside the Akalak as if they’d known each other more than a few chimes. He grinned as Taren expressed his pleasure at meeting him and Randal couldn’t help but think it was actually his luck that another Akalak had come along with the ship and was so willing to help unload.

They worked steadily, though no single individual overloaded themselves. Quite a few of the settlers were visiting with the crew, asking about world news and what things they’d heard or seen on their journeys. In turn, the crew was inquiring about fresh fruit and a few of the more exotic things Syka offered for trade which were lucrative to the traders elsewhere.

Before long, as the ships cargo was dispersed, other crates appeared on the beach… namely the fruits that were talked about earlier, coconuts, cocoa, and bundles of fiber that looked a lot like cotton but weren’t cotton. Randal broke off from Taren a few moments to do some quick negotiations, and with a handshake it seemed the trades had been made straight across with little coin passing hands. Also of interest were large planks of hardwood that the ashka had brought with them, hauling down the beach from a sawmill buried in the jungle north of the settlement. These were traded for coin straight across and a goodly amount of it by the looks of things.

Before long Randal was back, the crew and citizens alike were all relaxing, and everyone was wandering towards The Communal Kitchen that had amazing smells drifting over the palms and dispersing through the small settlement.

Randal looked amused at Taren’s comments. “It’s interesting how fact turns to rumor. Indeed, we are looking for solid settlers that are skilled and willing to work towards the good of the community. There’s a lot of things we don’t have in Syka, so any additional bodies bring a lot to add to the group as a whole. We can employ most everyone in one trade or another here, and we even have some ranger positions open for those with a lot of wilderness experience or who are fighters willing to learn. And anyone who is willing to settle here, we will gift them with five acres of land, part of which is beach, with the understanding that they stay on and help.” He said, almost casually, as if he were used to this sort of thing – this rhetoric.

“I know what you mean about change. I found myself homeless after Denval. I lost my wife and children there. Here has been a fresh start for me, something I have never regretted. Hopefully you’d be interested in something similar. Randal finished his last load and beckoned to Taren. “Come let us see what the cooks have cooked up for us.” He said, leading the way in the general direction of where everyone else was headed. As they walked, he answered Taren’s other question. “Yes indeed. A ship is a noteworthy event here… a chance for news. And if a ship is unloaded quickly the sailors relax and often have time to chat about what’s going on in the world. Everyone comes down to help so things get done quickly. You’ll find that true of a lot of things. Start building a house for example. Everyone here has had to build from scratch because there was virtually nothing here when we started this place. So they will find themselves wandering over to help a new person put up their place – or help me if I’m doing it since I’m the chief builder here – just for the company, companionship, and experience. You will find you can build a practical palace in terms of a bungalow for around eight hundred gold here. And if you don’t have the money, we can loan it… in fact we offer funds up to fifteen hundred mizas to put towards folks starting businesses here. All we have currently is a mercantile, commons area that has a communal kitchen, kiln, and forge. But we’ve gained weavers, leatherworkers, even fisherman and women that have a lot to offer the settlement.” He said, pointing out the places he was speaking of as they walked by headed for what was obviously the kitchens.

There was a big events center that looked like a huge bungalow with no walls. Tables after tables filled the space and people were already gathering, the sailors from the ship mixed in randomly with what looked like individuals and families. Randal steered the Akalak towards the kitchen, picked up a plate, handed it to the Akalak, and then picked up a second. They grabbed utensils and started through what obviously looked like a buffet. There was roasted pig, shellfish, crab, and a pile of lobster. Fruit salads of all sort graced the table alongside bread with butter and other sorts of spreads, mostly resembling fruit.

Randal wasn’t shy and piled his plate high. Everyone else was equally hungry and seemingly did the same thing. At the end of the buffet there were carved out coconuts filled with water, coconut milk, and a sort of sweet wine made from some of the local fruits. Randal grabbed a water, and escorted Taren over to a table where they both could sit down and dig in.

“So… tell me Taren… and thank you by the way for all your help…. what skills do you two bring to Syka and what your plans are settling here? Do you want a house built? What sort of profession are you both interested in?” Randal fired off those questions between bites of food, and looked curiously at the Akalak.

Taren then noticed that others were leaning in, curious, trying to overhear but not being obvious about it. There were perhaps forty people total sitting down to eat, including some of the sailors.

[Taren Coballon]

Taren was again surprised by Randal at how easy it was to work and to talk with the man. He would of expected a more formal presence from him, but all the people here were different than what he expected. Although he had been worried about working around and with other races, here he found that little of that mattered. He had noticed at least one lady going around to the townsfolk, ship’s crew, and Taren giving water regardless. The dress was very casual and he noticed many bare feet in the sand even, things were very different.

All seemed to work well together and do their part, men, women, and he may of even seen a couple of children running around but he wasn’t sure of that. However the ship was unloaded steadily and before long it was done and most took a few chimes to relax. Randal had business to take care of himself which gave Taren a moment to greet the only other Akalak he had noticed today.

“Jansen, I believe” Taren greeted him in tukant before he realized he had switched and finishes in common “Apologies, I’m Taren and it’s a pleasure to meet you”. They talked for just a minute and Taren thought he saw a look of approval when he apologized for the language from some of the others and before they grabbed Syka’s crates to be loaded and moved them to the ship. Taren could not help but stare a bit at the ashta and they loads the brought to the beach and loaded onto the ship. He was quite amazed at these animals.

Taren grinned and agreed with Randals comments on rumors as he often found them the same and listened intently to Randal’s prepared speech of Syka. He did not want to make him repeat himself out of politeness. However he was encouraged by his words and the fact it sounded like he might be able to find a place here in Syka.

When Randal started talking about his lose, Taren was reminded of his own loss although he was not ready to talk about it with no one just yet or maybe ever so he was relieved when Randal moved on to another subject.

With Randal’s mention of food, Taren finally noticed the smells from the kitchen that made his stomach growl badly enough that he was afraid Randal would notice but it had been some days since he had fresh food and not bad rations. Not sure if it was normal or not but it all smelled so good and several new smells that he could not place as well. Before leaving the docks, Taren grabbed his belongings quickly to take with him off the beach.

Taren followed suit of Randal plate to an extent, his days of confinement on board ship made him not want to overindulge in food, he knew himself better. But he wanted to try it all but not tonight. Water for today, he wanted his head clear from all else, so it was only water for today.

As Randal asked his questions, Taren had to smile at the others not so obvious intent on overhearing the conversations but he had expected this treatment from people so he tried to not let it bother him and this is why he liked the solitude of the plains so much.

“I believe most would consider me to be competent in a fight although my survival skills are more towards plains and I do not know how much of that would be useful in the jungle but to be honest I doubt if much of that would be good in the jungle” Taren tells Randal. “I am certainly willing to learn and help the community. I also have a strong back to help with most anything.”

Not really eating but having to get some water before he continued. “I had always planned on helping train our youths with my Father and Grandfather but now I am not so sure on that with leaving RIverfall. I can see myself visiting family but no longer can I see returning to Riverfall after seeing this place.” Taren trailed off at the end of that statement, kind of surprised by it himself and he realized it was true.

“As for a house, yes I would like to have one built or at least help building one. I would have a part of the funds but would likely need a loan for a time to finish it off as well. I need no palace myself but just something to be comfortable in when I’m there.” Taren finishes.

“Hopefully I answered all your questions to your satisfaction and didn’t miss any?” Taren asks of Randal as he feels he can finally eat a few bites of his food.

Thanks to Gossamer for the boxcode

[Gossamer]

Jansen was friendly and invited him over to the clinic which doubled as his residence for drinks any time. He promised to answer any questions Taren might have, giving him general directions to The Panacea which was tucked back from the Commons in the jungle. Work pulled them apart way to soon, but it was still nice seeing another Akalak in the crowd of humans in Syka.

Chimes later, they were almost all – as a settlement – in the Commons sharing a celebratory meal. The conversation was free flowing and everyone was friendly. What Taren would notice was that most of the people in Syka were young, fit, and seemed to know what to do. Everything got done rapidly in a sort of organization that was unspoken. There didn’t seem to be a class divide either. Everyone looked on par with everyone else, and even the leadership of Syka blended in, eating among everyone else. He could tell who they were because of the fact that Randal pointed them out. Mathias, himself, and a woman named Juli who was stepping in for her missing father, James.

Many of the people were barefoot and dressed minimally. There were several females completely topless, and several males with just wraps around their waist. Randal commented on that as well. “Here near the beach, the dress is very casual or not at all. We have a lot of Kelvics in the settlement and keeping clothing on them is near impossible. With the heat and humidity, it helps everyone stay cool. No one is going to be offended if you stride about without a shirt or with a wrap, and swimming is definitely clothing optional. However, if you head back into the jungle, snakes are a huge problem. The Kelvics don’t keep them cleaned out because it would be impossible. Thorns are very common too, so is volcanic rock and that gets sharp. So gear up nicely in heavy boots that cover your calves. Up to your knees is better.” Randal advised, then turned to the words Taren spoke about his skill and housing.

“So what kind of job you looking for? We don’t have much call for guards around here, but we do have some Rangers that scout out in the wilderness, escort people, do some subtle teaching, and generally act as security when we need them. Is that something you’d be interested in doing or is there something else that would appeal to you more?” He asked curiously. Then moved on to talk about Taren’s housing.

“Bungalows cost about 800 GM around here. That’s if you have them built. I’m about thirty… forty days out. IF you want one faster, you’ll have to pitch in with the other projects I have going on. Otherwise you can camp on wherever you pick to be your land.” Randal said, digging into his food. The cuisine was light, fruit heavy, and the meat deliciously cooked and so tender it could be pulled part. Randal had no hesitation in eating, nor gesturing for Taren to dig in.

People dropped by too, some greeting Taren and introducing themselves, some wanting to talk business with Randal. He got about five bites in between interruptions and it was soon apparent as to why Randal ate so fast. He’d probably starve or his food would get could before he could finish.

[Taren Coballon]

Randal pointed out several of the other leaders of Syka and he tried to remember them but faces had begun to blur a bit with all the introductions. He refused to give up trying to remember all the names but suspected he would fail later regardless. When Randal discussed the attire in Syka, Taren shrugged and replied “The attire is very different to what we are used to but we’ll be comfortable with it soon enough I’m sure” Taren was in fit shape and never had been particularly shy about it either so seeing others of similar mind especially in the heat of Syka seemed appropriate to him. Both men now talked in between bites of food and being interrupted by others that came by the table.

Taren nodded at the comments about boots and agreed “A sturdy pair of boots is a good thing to have around no matter where you live”.

“Yes the rangers would be of much interest to me, as long as I would be needed anyway” Taren replied “I always enjoyed going into the Sea of Grass from RIverfall but it appears you have plenty of area to explore here as well. The jungle looks like an interesting place to be and I’ll try to pick up what I don’t know as quick as possible.”

As he listened to Randal’s talk about functions in Syka, he also thought hunting, foraging, or even the little bit of medicine like his mother taught him to do might be useful in the jungle. Everyone here might have multiple jobs when or if needed. Taren realized that a town this small must have a shortage of a good many professions and having only one of any tradesman could have dire consequences here in the wilds if something were to happen to that person.

“.... I could learn to help more too...” his thought trailing off as he realized he spoke at least part of his thought out loud. and without knowing how much he actually said, Taren let go of that thought and took a couple of more bites of fruit and hoped it may go unnoticed but despite the interruptions, work, and food he knew Randal didn’t miss much and was an intelligent man. So he just hoped it didn’t make him appear a fool.

“To the land, on the ship coming in earlier I saw an area I would be interesting in on the south western corner of that peninsula” Taren continued and pointed toward Treasure Point. “I didn’t see any signs of homes from the ship so I don’t know if it’s claimed or not” As he talked he envisioned that corner of beach he had seen and then how it stretched back into the jungle for some ways.

“As I wouldn’t know where to begin building a bungalow so I would need help with that and I would be perfectly fine with camping out for the foreseeable future as well but I may take you up on helping you regardless. That may benefit us both a little” Taren mind raced slightly with the possibilities as he talked. Thoughts from helping the founder keep up with the growing demands of his work, to building blinds in the jungle, imagining bridges across rivers and gorges, or whatever was needed to inspect the ruins he heard rumors about.. “Of course all of this depends on your approval.” Taren finished respectfully.

Taren pushed his finished plate back a little and stretched his legs out slightly from the work he had done and truthfully as much from the inactivity of two days on the ship he arrived on. The meal had been astonishing in every aspect but especially the quantities they had available at such quick notice. He finished his water and took another look around the area to see if he had missed anything and allow Randal time to finish eating.

Thanks to Gossamer for the boxcode

[Gossamer]

Randal looked thoughtful. “I think you are referring to Treasure Point. Nya Winters has a claim on the beach at the point and lookout and has a lofted bungalow up top. She’s a Stormwarden so she keeps the really bad blows from happening when they build out to sea. But there’s room on either side that still has part of the beach to claim. I think she has her five acres marked with big claw marks on the trees on her side of it. You can always go introduce yourself and have her show you the boundaries. She’s also by default in charge of the Rangers since no one else has stepped up, so you can get her to put you on the rotation and start working on some of their projects with them.” Randal said, like it was settled. He liked people to be introduced to each other in threads.

“But honestly, Taren, nothing needs to be decided now. You can jump into work if you want, but camping and hanging out, getting to know the residents are great. I will put you on my schedule to build a bungalow and by the time I get to you, probably after the first of fall, you’ll have things sorted. Loans are no problem. When I start the bungalow that’s when we’ll talk money. Really… the only thing is to scout out and around, find the location you are interested in, and put your tent up and see if it suits you. If it doesn’t… go ahead and move.” Randal said, smiling and standing up.

His plate was clean and so he took a few moments within Taren’s earshot to pick up around his table, gathering plates that were finished on his own tray and then beckoned to Taren if he was done to follow him. The two carried their plates to a cleaning area, sorting silver and plates with cloth napkins and refuse. Then Randal dove in with people who were already working on dishes and took a turn at the slowly heating pot of hot soapy water where he washed several dozen plates, bowls, mugs… and silverware. There was plenty to do, so Taren could grab a cloth to dry or clean trays or add wood to the fire.

They cleaned for about thirty chimes, before others shoved them out of the way playfully, releasing them from the duty.

Once they were done there, Randal walked Taren back to Swing Beach and showed him the guest quarters, which were nothing more than brief shelters that were covered over with little thatched roofs. “If you don’t find someplace today, you can stay here. Blankets, sheets, pillows all are stored under the commons in a big cupboard. Put them back when you are done. The ladies launder them periodically as needed.” He said firmly, then gestured down the beach.

“I’ve got to get back to a building project, but I’ll be about a mile down the beach that way building a bungalow if you need me. If you get set up in a day or two and find yourself craving some company come down and give me a hand… and if I see you wandering around and hear of the rangers organizing something, I’ll come find you so you can meet Nya.” He said, nodding down the beach.

“It was an honor, Taren. I’m glad you’ve joined us.” Randal said, taking a moment to shake Taren’s hand one more time before he offered a grin and hurried up the beach to work off some of the big meal he just packed away.

[Taren Coballon]

Taren was saddened when he heard that the spot he had seen was already taken by another person, but also realized that it was to be expected. Not sure exactly what Randal meant about the claw marks but figured he would see later if or more likely when he looked for them. Taren also liked the idea of the Rangers, it sounded like something he could enjoy and hopefully be capable of doing well after getting settled and he surmised the area was as intriguing as it sounded.

Taren nodded and liked Randal’s thoughts on finding and camping on a site for a while before laying claim to it, again Randal missed little and Taren wondered how many times he had this conversation before. Although it sounded good about waiting on work, Taren wanted the distraction of it and it would occupy his time as well as anything. In addition to that, he thought it might be a good way to meet some residents and find his way around the area not to mention he could use the time to look and decide on a plot of land. As long as Taren had a place to lay his head when he wanted, he had purchased a hammock in Riverfall and brought a hammock for that very reason and he really didn’t care of when he had something better built for the time being.

As Randal started to wash dishes, Taren cleared the plates and sorted everything for Randal to clean. Even though he chose the easier job but more because it gave him a moment to look around as he worked and see what or who was around. People were coming and going as they worked and the stacks of dishes changed very little it seemed. When others came to take over for the pair, Taren grinned at them while he threw a piece or two of wood on the fire before he left with Randal.

Taren listened to Randal’s information on the bungalows and his work projects before he noted the direction Randal nodded. When Randal went to shake his hand, Taren smiled and drew himself up to his full height in respect of Randal and stated “The pleasure and honor is mine, sir. Thank you for your help and for allowing me to take up so much of your time today”.

After Randal left, Taren took a look around and although the swing beach and the guest bungalows looked very comfortable and inviting he did not plan on imposing onto these people tonight. After the time at sea and then the work today he was ready for some solitude so he could be himself. He slowly gathered his belongings again as he looked around and took in the sights and sounds. Not in any rush and after he removed his boots, he leisurely walked barefoot down the beach and in the surf while he took mental note of the homes and buildings as he passed by on his way around Treasure Point and on out to find a quite area of beach to spend the evening to relax. With most of the town at the at dinner, he only passed a straggler or two whom he greeted as he continued on.

Thanks to Gossamer for the boxcode