Closed Friends in Unlikely Places (Crylon)

[Ayela]

14th of Summer, 520

..

The day started out like many of them did. Wake up, clean up, get dressed. Once through her morning routine and dressed in her linen dress and low boots, perfectly aware of how odd that combination must look but knowing she'd be doing a lot of walking, Ayela set out for her day. She'd recently been told stories of a place called The Outpost and the strange system in place for traveling there. Ever curious and excited to explore, Ayela had decided she would visit it this day. She'd heard tales of many a place of business, beautiful buildings, a large healing facility, and "a place like none other". Who could resist such temptation? Ayela felt she'd have missed an amazing opportunity if she didn't go investigate.

Ready for her adventure, the Konti headed out past the Commons and made her way to the Syka Dovecote. It had appeared the year before, among many a strange occurrence and story and mystery. Potential explanation or not aside, it turned out the Dovecote was an amazing gift from Xyna. It was quickly discovered that entering the Dovecote, closing the door, waiting a moment, and reopening it, would take a person to The Outpost. The Outpost was a place of commerce, to try and plainly describe it. It was warm and dry, almost desert like, with plentiful ponds and flora... Another of Xyna's mysteries. It operated like any other city, with laws and right and wrong, but was a whole other world of it's own. No distinction between goods and service and no secret or black market either because everything is in the open.

Her goal was simple: Explore this new place, discover new things from other cultures, and maybe even make new friends. So simple a plan, with so many possibilities stemming from it. She was a little nervous to travel through the Dovecote for the first time but she was determined not to let it hold her back and and so she kept one foot in front of the other until she reached the door.

Taking a deep breath and steeling herself, Ayela opened the door and stepped through, closing it behind her. It was noticeable cooler inside the stone building compared to the heat of the jungle outside. Closing her eyes and regulating her breathing, Ayela counted until a chime had passed by, and then opened the door again, this time exiting in The Outpost. The Dovecote there was extraordinarily massive and took Ayela's breath away. It was large enough to house thousands of doves and was two stories tall. Her eyes widened and stayed that way, and it was all she could do to keep her mouth from hanging open as well. She was greeted by a lovely man who introduced himself as Paul and he readily gave her a rundown of the Dovecote, the Outpost itself, and also gave her a map of key locations. She was polite to him, but admittedly only barely paid him any attention in her shock. She thanked him and took the map and began maneuvering through the Outpost, still wide-eyed as she gazed at the hustle and bustle and all of the shops and businesses.

Careful not to step on any cats while she walked, Ayela's visage was very much that of a child, with her attention snapped and pulled this way and that as she took it all in. It was during this time of exploration that she mistakingly bumped into someone, consequentially dropping her map into a nearby fountain and destroying it. Simultaneously horrified that she'd lost her map, and apologetic that she'd run into someone, Ayela did her best to stammer out a reply to this person. "Oh my goodness I'm so sorry!" The person didn't seem to mind so much, and for this Ayela was thankful, but now she had a new dilemma. With her map gone, she would need to find a new way to explore the Outpost.

[Crylon Stonecraft]

14 Summer 520 Crylon had simple plans for the day. Heading out to the Dovecote from the Demesne, he planned to visit the Riad and check up on things. Perhaps he would do some repairs. Look about. Check the land. That sort of thing. General maintenance and such. He had not noticed anything needing immediate fixing on his last visit, which meant more ongoing maintenance. If nothing was truly damaged or in need of immediate repair, he could find the bit closest to needing repair, and work on it. The walls were the most common. Covered in mortar, or stucco as some called it when it covered walls and ceilings, over time the surface would wear down. Pit. Become damaged. He had been considering this as he headed out to the Dovecote, and began planning the process as he headed inside and waited for the transfer. He quickly shuffled through the building in his mind, and then considered each room its own segment. If he could... Say... Work on each segment in a rotation, no one section would get too damaged, and he could stave off the need to truly repair serious damage as he had on his prior visit. Happy with his relatively simple plan, cutting up a larger issue into bite sized steps, he opened the door to find himself stepping out once again into the Outpost. A bit ahead of him he could see a pale haired human woman moving about. Angling his direction to go around her he headed off in more or less the same direction. He was getting close when he noticed the woman was short for a human, but still taller than he was. It was as he considered this that the woman suddenly changed direction and cut Crylon off. Crylon angled himself again, and began walking forward only for the woman to change direction once more and cut him off again. He seemed to be stuck behind her, which was a bit annoying as she kept changing direction and was not going too fast. Just behind her he heard a bit of a crinkle, and saw something in her hands, and realized the woman was reading a map. New to the Outpost then? Seeing that the woman was not clear on where she was going Crylon moved to cut wide around her and pass, only for the woman to change direction again just as he did. This time though her change of direction brought her directly into his own path, slamming into his side. Weighing likely twice as much as the woman, even if she was taller, he was not much affected by the collision. The woman however could not say the same, in her surprise dropping her map directly into the central fountain. Crylon pondered the luck or lack thereof that took, seeing as the Outpost did not have that much water in it. Sure it was covered in fountains and pools and the like, but it had much more dry land than water, and the chances of dropping something into water was severely in the favor of not water. Crylon looked up to meet the woman's eyes, listening as she made a quick apology. She seemed sincere enough, or at least Crylon noticed no sarcasm or duplicity in her tone. Even with his half decent usage of common, he felt he would notice such usage of tone unless it was truly subtle. Patting at the air Crylon assuaged the woman. Or... Child? Now that he saw her closer, he was less sure on her age. She looked a bit odd for a human, having some kind of skin issue, but she also seemed quite young. “Is okay, is happen. When you bump Isur, Isur bump you more you bump Isur. I am Crylon. And you?” Waiting for the woman to return the name, Crylon continued once the opening pleasantries and names had been exchanged. “You lose you map? Drop in water? Is new here? Where try find? What here for?”

[Ayela]

The man Ayela'd bumped into took her by surprise on many accounts. He was a little shorter than her for starters, adding to Ayala's shock that running into him had felt like running into a wall. The next topic of surprise came from his person. An entire arm was of a much different material and color than the rest of him, and even what appeared human-like about him was not human either, with silver veins throughout his body. Ayela had never seen someone like him before and she was entirely lost on exactly what this man was. Off the top of her head, she couldn't even recall any stories about someone with his appearance, which puzzled her even further. Her final surprise came when he spoke. He spoke Common, at least mostly, and while broken up and stammered sounding, Ayela could at least follow him well enough to make conversation. She had to focus a bit harder than usual but that was quite alright. Definitely better than if he hadn't been so amiable about the encounter.

He took most of the blame for the incident although Ayela was fairly certain it was all her fault. He then introduced himself as Crylon and asked for her name. Flashing a grateful smile, she offered her own. "My name is Ayela. It's nice to meet you Crylon." He noted then that her map had been destroyed and did his best to ask her where she was trying to go before she'd lost it. Nodding in turn to him, she replied. "Yes I'm new here. It's my very first time. I'm here to explore this place." Pausing to gesture to everything around them, she added. "This place is incredible!"

She hoped dearly that he could understand her, praying that even if his Common tongue wasn't perfect, maybe his understanding of the language was further along than that. She feared she'd be in quite the situation if the only person so far who could help show her around was someone she couldn't manage to converse with. Deciding to try anyway, she inquired whether he knew of it. "Do you know your way here? Will you help me?" Waiting for his reply and wishing not to be in anyone else's way, Ayela moved to the side and perched herself on the edge of the fountain she'd dropped her map in. She watched the hustle and bustle around them while she waited, noting that everyone around them kept on with their needs and intentions regardless of the incident between Crylon and herself. She wondered whether that was because it was a common enough occurrence not to warrant attention, or if it was because they didn't care or couldn't be bothered with those around them.

[Crylon Stonecraft]

As Crylon considered the woman and her response, he saw the same reaction he had witnessed many times before. A glance at his face, then down him, and then focused on his left arm. Admittedly the last was understandable. It was not too often someone saw a limb made of what appeared to be living metal or gem - carved into the shape of an arm but giving and flexing like a normal limb of flesh. And of course the other features which differed between humans and Isur. He still to this day could not get over how flat their faces looked without a proper brow ridge. It was a small thing, but to be missing it.... It was just odd to Crylon even after all the time he had been among humans. Of course there were other peculiarities that a proper Isur would find odd about humans. The weak bones, thin skin, and overall light and push-able bodies. Demonstrated by how easily the woman bounced off him when she struck him. But then as he had said, or tried to, when someone ran into an Isur they tended to be affected much more than the Isur was. It might have been her fault, but she had also been affected much more than he. Isur were low and dense, compact weighted beings. Humans tended to spread out more, but with much less weight across them. Pondering to himself in reaction to the events, Crylon doubted a humans bones could even properly hold up an Isur if they were of the same height, let alone if they were as tall as a human was. Ayela, a single name as he had offered. Crylon wondered if that was her whole name, or if like some in human lands the woman only held the one name. His attention was distracted as the woman pointed at her shoulder to a mark there which seemed more than just a tattoo. It was not one Cylon was familiar with, leaving him wondering what it was or did. In response Crylon pointed to his own shoulder on his special arm, which was similarly marked by an elaborate tattoo. The mark was visible upon the bared flesh, wearing his sleeveless and open chested vest beneath his pack which let his upper body breath and allowed him to present his arms. A quite different mark in appearance, but similar in that they both had one and in a similar position on the body. Smiling Crylon responded, after considering her words and pausing to work out a proper way to respond in common. “I also have mark. Yours as well, from god? Mine from Izurdin, God of Strength, Patience, and Industry. He is Father of Isur. What of yours?” As if having traded a normal greeting Crylon continued, using his same affable tone and calm demeanor as if conveying he had never been perturbed in his entire life. It seemed the woman was new and wanted to be shown around. He did not know too many places. The library, the medical center, the huge market, and a few other random spots. But there were still many places he did not know of. But then compared to someone on their first visit his small bit of knowledge would be a great deal more. “Could show around, know.... Few places. Not many, still new to place, but know few spot. If want.” Taking a moment to get his bearings, as always in the Outpost Crylon got his bearings by comparing major landmarks. First was the Dovecote, where one always entered from. Then the bazaar. Over that way was the Riad of the Meraki. Over this way... Ah yeah, the medical facility. All places he knew, if not exactly then to a degree.

[Ayela]

Crylon pointed to his own Mark on his shoulder once he'd seen hers. Ayela took a look at it, and didn't recognize it, but she could tell it wasn't just a tattoo. How odd that they were both Marked, and both on their shoulders. Thinking on it, Ayela supposed it must not be all that rare, but she hadn't encountered the scenario before so it felt strange to her. Outside of pointing at his own Mark, Crylon responded to her about hers. He inquired as to whether hers was from a God like his was, and informed her of the one he got his from. Smiling, she readily passed on the information he was looking for. "Yes, mine is from Rak'Keli, Goddess of Healing. She is sister to Avalis, Goddess of Visions, Divination, and Foresight. Avalis is Mother of Konti." She said the latter while gesturing to herself, doing her best to demonstrate that Konti is what she is, just as he had mentioned being Isur. Ayela then took a moment to make a mental note of his race to research later.

Much to Ayela's instant relief, Crylon mentioned that he'd be able show her around. Grinning wide with enthusiasm, Ayela nodded at the Isur. "That would be wonderful Crylon, thank you!" The man looked around and then pointed in the direction they needed to go, and began walking that way. Ayela quickly caught up to him, making sure not to run into anyone else along the way, just as he was striking up conversation with her. She believed he was asking her why she needed to go to the Redynn, why she couldn't go to a place like it where she's from, and where she'd come from in the first place. At least, Ayela'd hoped that's what he was asking her. Deciding she would phrase her response as easy for him as she could, Ayela took a few chimes to compose her words before she spoke.

"I want to see the care place. I sometimes make care for people who are hurt. I've heard this place is great.I come from Syka. We have a place of care there, but care place here is better. I come to see it and everything else Outpost has." Having learned from her mistake earlier, Ayela deftly dodged the crowds of people they wove through. The sheer busyness of the Outpost reminded the Konti a little of Mura. They hadn't been overpopulated or anything, but Mura was an adequately busy place. Plenty to do and plenty to interact with. Having now settled in Syka, the populace of the Outpost was a bit of culture shock for Ayela just from that difference alone. Outside of not knowing her way around yet, Ayela liked the Outpost and made a mental note to continue visits here in the future. For now, she was content to continue making the acquaintance of her new friend here. "What do you do Crylon? Do you stay here or come here for a different reason?"

[Crylon Stonecraft]

Crylon nodded in recognition of the woman's words, considering what she said. She had called herself a Konti, indicating she was as such rather than a human. Which explained what he had thought of as her skin condition, perhaps related to whatever being a Konti was? Sibling Goddess, Rak'Kelli of healing and Avalis of... Visions? At first he thought it might literally be related to eyesight, but by the continuance of descriptors ubckydubg Divination and Foresight... He felt it had more to seeing in the non-literal sense, or at least not in the normal mundane way. Seeing beyond or within or in a way not normally possible. And one of them, the vision one, was the mother of the Konti even as Izurdin was the father of the Isur. He found it funny how many deity seemed to have their own city or people, sometimes both at once. He supposed it was possible to found and protect a city without a patron deity watching over, but clearly it was much more likely to occur with one. The only city he could think of at that moment that did not have one was Sunberth, and that was perhaps related more to their hatred and distrust of magic and being ruled by anyone. “Ah, not human then? Is thought... Thought was just human with skin condition. Is Konti then? What is, be Konti? Be Isur, child of Izurdin. People of mountain. Is mark by God, and in birth his gift of special arm also.. A tool molded by divine. We are people of make, of build, of create. What is... Konti different, or be?” Once more Crylon found his somewhat lacking common giving him trouble, particularly in more complicated conversations like the current one. He tended to do better when listening than talking, but still struggled at times to find the right word or meaning when conversing. He felt he was getting closer, and slowly better, but not quite there yet. From her explanation of her mark and where she wanted to go the woman clearly had an interest in healing and taking care of peoples illnesses and maladies. And she wanted to go to.... A place of care. Crylon's mind went back to the prior season when he had gone to see Kelski and her family. They had been at a place of medical care. He did not know it by the name the woman used, but it sounded similar or the same. And surely even a place as big as this would not have multiple large medical facilities. Crylon nodded and headed off in the direction of the place he recalled, doing his best to get there as directly as possible. “Is think know place want go. Can show place, if same. Is... This way.” At the name of the place she came from, Crylon was reminded of Ines and their visits to the Outpost. Unless he was sorely mistaken, she was from Syka. “Syka? Is heard afore. Met nother person from place, season ago. You know Ines? She say, also from place.” Walking along Crylon continued with his questions and answers, trying to understand more of the woman and the place she came from. “As for what do. I am an Isur. People of Izurdin. All build, make, create, just different ways. I mostly build. Design, build, repair, things like do. Live near Zeltiva now, in smaller place near, group, and work for them. But they also have building here, so I come to Outpost sometimes to make repair, to watch building. Thing like that. So go back and forth, two places. What kind building, places, have in Syka? Or wherever Konti from? Is Konti from Syka?”

[Ayela]

Continuing their conversation as they walked along, Ayela did her best to explain Konti to Crylon. "Konti are people of two places. Can live on land like others or live in sea like fish. Marked at birth also by one of sister Goddesses. Marked for visions or Marked to heal. Skin condition is scales like fish. Also have gills for water." Ayela pointed at her neck to demonstrate the latter. Conversing with Crylon was difficult, but Ayela welcomed the challenge. She was also impressed with his Common regarding this particular conversation. It couldn't be easy for him with such a complex subject but he kept barreling on and stuck with her. It was commendable.

The Isur was trapped in thought a moment, likely recalling where they needed to go, and Ayela waited patiently by his side while he figured it out. He then said he believed he knew where she wanted to go and started in the direction it was. Ayela dutifully followed him. Crylon then mentioned that he'd hard of Syka before and someone named Ines from there. "That's wonderful. I'm new to Syka so I haven't met everyone yet but I'm sure she's lovely."

Crylon kept up with the questions as they ventured further into the Outpost. Ayela didn't mind though as she always liked idle chatter better than silence. Especially with new people and in new places. It warmed her that he seemed to be just as intrigued by her as she was by him. He explained what Isur do and more specifically what he does and why he comes to the Outpost. Responding in kind to ask her about Syka and where Konti come from. Smiling at him, she answered him the clearest she could.

"Syka is an island place. Some buildings made of wood but most are open, airy, and simple. Basic. And I just recently moved to Syka. Konti are from a place called Mura. Mura is island near Ravok. City built partly on land and partly in water." Hoping she explained well enough, Ayela paused before speaking again, addressing all he'd said about the Isur. "Isur sound like hard working people. If you're in Zeltiva now, where do Isur come from? Can you tell me about your arm? It's beautiful and fascinating."

[Crylon Stonecraft]

Crylon was interested in her explanation, as it seemed a bit odd. People of both the water and land, it seemed conflicting. But then Isur where firmly people of the land. People of the mountain, but land. Certainly not of the air or water. He had come to realize his own issues with the sea, the open expanse of water and its hungry maw, but clearly Konti did not have this issue. Not only that, they could, according to the woman, had gills and could breath underwater like a fish. “Sea. Laviku. Is met tiny... Uh, statue man, who worship him. Of Sea God. I think he asleep in pack now. Not woken yet today. He always talk of. Isur of mountain, I think most... Not much for water, sea.” He was a bit sad to learn that she did not know the one person from Syka he knew. A bit odd, since both had remarked on how small the place was. Looking about he saw some familiar buildings and was fairly certain they were almost there. “From tell of Syka, sound could use builder. More like, just throw together place, not much to. Is know kind of land for building? Is all soft, and trees? Any stone, or rock place? Not sound mountain but... More rock than soft? ” At the mention of Ravok Crylon nodded, understanding the place she spoke of was not that far from where he was in Zeltiva. At least, relatively speaking. It was along the coast, which was sort of a straight shot along. “Is been, spend time, in Ravok. Know where is. Sound like.... Mura along same coast, from own city, Zeltiva. Ravok lake in middle land, so if island must be off... Coast, same place, Sylira.” Crylon considered as the Konti asked about the Isur and their home. In general Isur kept specifics to themselves when not talking to their own, but there was nothing wrong with generalities when dealing with outsiders. “As say, Isur people of Izurdin. And he is of Industry, strength, patience. So is make sense, his people... Ah... Reflect, his be. Isur from Sultros, place far west of Sylira, in Kalea mountains.” Holding up his arm as she spoke on it Crylon flexed it to show the movement of his arm muscles, and then bent and unbent the limb to show its motion. “This special arm of Isur, all Isur have one. Men one side, woman other. Is gift from Izurdin, his touch on Isur, his divine gift. Isur people of Izurdin. And Izurdin father of Isur. He gift to Isur, something help with worship. He God of Industry, of Strength. So give limb that stronger, hardier, than normal arm. Is Divine tool use for make in Izurdin's name. Not tire, not break, not harm, because blessed. Could put on forge, hit with hammer, and not scratch.” Slowing down in his pace Crylon looked around, and saw a few buildings ahead their destination. “Is think place want, place of care, is ahead. Over there. Is see?”

[Ayela]

..
Crylon asked a few more questions about Syka while they walked. His building instincts kicking in it seemed like. "There are rocky areas but it's set in the jungle, so it's a lot of sand and trees and water mostly." He mentioned knowing the rough area of where she described Mura to be and she nodded in acknowledgement. He replied to her questions about Isur in such a way as to answer them but in the vaguest way possible. She wondered why that was but decided not to push it since their acquaintance was so new and he was so graciously helping her.

He then showed her his arm, turning and flexing it to show her it had completely normal function and movement, even though it was a divine crafted tool. Living material that otherwise would not be living. It was truly fascinating. He carefully explained the perks of the arm, that it didn't tire or come to harm in any way. "That is truly incredible Crylon. An amazing gift." The Isur slowed his pace, Ayela matching him. He said the care place was nearby and she looked to where he was speaking of and she could see it.

Ahead of them Ayela saw the massive facility nestled amongst everything else in the Outpost. A garden could be just seen beyond the edge of the facility, assuring Ayela that this was indeed the Redynn. "I see it. Ready to check it out?" Not entirely waiting for him but walking slow enough so as to not abandon him, Ayela started for the facility. If he should follow her inside, she would be mindful not to stray too far from him or bump into him again as she navigated her way inside.

Once inside, Ayela went pretty speechless. Inside was decorated more like a vacation destination than a medical facility, giving it a much calmer and soothing vibe to it than it would normally have. Ayela could feel it the moment she walked in. Plush seating areas lined one side with sectioned off rooms on the other for patients. Peering behind the curtain of a nearby empty room, Ayela could see it was set up with amble bedding and seating and even a place to prepare meals. A moment later, another Konti approached them, sweetly asking how she could be of help to the pair. "Hello! My name is Ayela, and this is my new friend Crylon. I come from Syka. I'm here mainly to explore the Outpost, it's my first time here, but I had to see the Redynn for myself. I've heard stories of this place. Was hoping for maybe a small tour if it's not too much trouble?"

[Crylon Stonecraft]

Crylon was many things, but first and foremost he was a builder. A designer. A maker. He understood buildings better than people, knew their bones and flesh, their needs, and what it took to create them and sustain them. He still had much to learn, but having spent as long as he had working at the skill he tended to look at most things and places as an architect first. If nothing else it was a useful thought exercise, and helped him to build his skills. The same, he thought to himself, as how a doctor might consider a patient upon seeing them even before they said anything was needed. Already, only hearing a few small bits about the place, Crylon was considering the buildings that could and could not be made in Syka. The materials at hand. The possibilities. “Is mostly figure. Sand, water, trees. Is similar to own place make home, near Zeltiva. But some stone, rock, is good. Small place not need much. But anything... More. Is need firmer place put down. Is good know is some that swell.” At the comment on his arm Crylon smiled and nodded. Nothing further seemed to need saying, as she seemed to understand well enough his special arm and what it was. At least, compared to others he had met and who wanted to know about it. No Non-Isur truly understood it, its connection with an Isur and being a part of their person, but she seemed to grasp some aspects of it. The Konti seemed excited at seeing the medical facility, or at least excited compared to Crylon. He simply nodding in reply as they headed inside. He had been there before but had been more focused on seeing Kelski and her family more so than seeing the sights. He saw the building and the furniture, but did not think any more of it than any other building. Walls, floor, roof, and things inside of varying nature though perhaps more padded than some he had seen. He had not designed a medical facility before, but most of it seemed little different than any other building. As the other woman approached he realized then that she also had the same skin condition as Ayela, and so was apparently a Konti as well. She had mentioned the deity related to healing, and so it did make sense that the race would have a deeper interest in the practice similar to Isur being more commonly craftsman and builders. Smiling at the pair the woman seemed friendly enough, motioning at a nearby room without any patients. "Greeting, I am Murine. I can show you around for a bit, I have a chime or so free. Though I may need to run off shortly. But I can go over the basics." Heading inside of the room she continued motioning as she spoke, smiling at her audience- the pair of people-in turn. "This is one of our rooms, where patients stay for their time here. There is also a small seating area for visitors, and a small kitchenette for cooking family members meals. Usually family of the ill or injured will care for them with regard to smaller things, while we focus on their more skilled medical needs." Giving them a chance to look around she would head back out of the room, approaching a back area which led outside. As they were nearing the door though someone yelled something Crylon did not catch, and the Konti quickly ran off. "If you'll excuse me, I must go. The gardens are through there!" With that Crylon and Ayela were left alone on the threshold leading outside. Considering for a moment Crylon motioned, and took the initiative to head outside. What he found was a large garden full of plants of which Crylon knew nothing. He worked in the dirt, but not really with the plants that grew within them. And besides this being a medical facility he hazarded a guess it would not be normal plants he would know. No, more likely medicinal herbs and plants for use in healing and caring for ills. “Uh, not know much plants. Know any of?” Once he'd given Ayela a chance to respond Crylon would continue his slow trek around the garden, though he was left feeling like he did not understand much. He was left to ponder other things, like what he could ask the Konti, and if the other Konti would return or if she would be busy for awhile. “Is Syka... Is many people there, build? Or work, metal? What things, people do? Or need do? Have smithy, work metal in?”