Solo A Postponed Arrival

[Willis Efram]

2 Summer 524

Standing on the deck of a Svefra Casinor, Willis Efram watched as a dock slowly came closer within his view. It had not been that long since the pod of Svefra had left Riverfall, and he had not really planned to come when he did. In truth he had been planning to come the season before, but had ended up staying another season in Riverfall before finally making his way out of the city. In truth he felt the locals did not really want him to go at all, and if he let them they would just keep pushing out his departure until he never left.

So in the end he had said he was going, and convinced those who felt responsible for him that he was serious. Not parents so much, and technically he was old enough to take care of himself to a degree... Albeit a bit young for a Akalak which most compared him to age wise... But he had passed his right of trial and knew what he wanted to do and so was technically free to do it. Eventually someone or other had worked out or paid for his passage with a passing pod of Svefra they knew and trusted well enough who were luckily enough heading past Syka and were willing to make a small detour to safely drop him off.

During the short trip most of the time Efram was in charge of their actions, seeming to get along with the Svefra much better than the somewhat more serious Willis. But as they neared they seamlessly switched back to Willis, leaving him to make the first impression when they made landfall.

"Right, so what do I need to do once we arrive. No one really ever explained it to me..."

Still a bit confused, Willis asked one of the Svefra he had journeyed with. Most of the pod had gone on, while the ship he was on broke off slightly to stop quickly at the docks and let the Akontak off. "Just hop off onto the docks, and your there. Ah yeah, ask to talk to one of the founders, or tell them you are looking to become a new resident, and they should work things out from there. Trust me you will do fine! They are nice in Syka so long as you aren't a complete piece of Shyke and are useful. Oh and don't go wandering off into the jungle, that'll get you killed. You'd probably do better to stay in view of the water. Your a good swimmer, so your probably safer there than fighting off some wild jungle thing. Otherwise, should be fine! Or at least they will explain the rest. So nothing to worry about!"

Finding the Svefra's words oddly useful, while also not too useful, Willis simply shrugged and went with things. He did not think the man would steer him wrong entirely, and he had seemed honest enough just then. Besides, Willis thought to himself, things would surely work out if he explained himself and put his best foot forward. Mentally Efram let out something close to a sigh at his thought, but did not say anything since he had seen such positive thoughts come true before.

A few chimes later the boat was slowing down and nearing the docks. The Casinor bumped up against the wood, not tying off as they needed to catch up to the rest of their pod but just idling there for a bit. In that time Willis stepped from the boat to the docks, carrying a pack on his back. Another Svefra quickly followed and dropped the other pack that held the rest of Willis' belongings, before racing back onto the boat and pushing off. Before Willis even had time to fully comprehend what was going on the Casinor was off and heading back off after their pod and Willis was left alone on this section of the docks.

With nothing else to do, and now alone, Willis picked up the two packs with one on either arm and headed towards the end of the docks and the beach to hopefully ask someone for some directions. Or no, to ask to see a founder, and so explain he was a hopeful new resident.

WC: 713

[Willis Efram]

As Willis neared the end of the docks, he crossed paths with who he assumed was a local. With Syka being as small as it was they likely recognized a new person stepping off onto the docks, particularly with Willis being as distinct looking as he was.

Willis looked over the local quickly, noting things about them. They were a bit old for a human, but in as good or better shape than most Akalak he had seen which seemed a bit odd of a mixture. The man also had blonde-ish hair, Willis could not quite tell in this lighting, and had a longsword on his person. "Hello, are you new here? I'm Buraga."

With a nod Willis responded, meeting the mans eyes for a few moments before looking about his surroundings.

"Yes, I was just dropped off by some Svefra... But I did not realize they were in such a hurry, as they already left... Uh, anyways, thank you for greeting me. I am Willis Efram. I was hoping to take up residence here for a time. The Svefra I spoke to said I should ask to speak to a founder?"

With a nod the man looked about for a few moments, before waving a hand in the air to draw the others attention and to motion them over. "That is Mathias coming over, we can just wait here for him to arrive. Though if you are going to stay, I should ask how skilled you are in surviving the wilds. Particularly the jungle?"

Scratching an itch on his neck for a moment Willis looked up in thought for a bit, before responding.

"Honestly, I have never been in a jungle before. And I cannot say I am too skilled at braving the wilds. I might be a bit better off in the ocean, as I am a very skilled swimmer. The Svefra I spoke to did mention I should keep to the settlement proper and out of the jungle, which seems the safer option until I am more practiced."

Nodding along the tough looking man eyed Willis. "True enough. If you can find a local who is skilled, its relatively safe going along into the wilds with them, though you still must be careful and listen to them closely. But until you are very skilled I would not go anywhere off of the settled areas alone. Of all of the wilds, the jungles is one of the most dangerous. So not something you can easily take on even if you were skilled enough for more tamed environments."

After talking for a few chimes the man named Mathias who had been gestured at finally arrived, greeting the newcomer as well.

WC: 451

[Willis Efram]

As Mathias arrived Willis once more found himself examining the man. He tried to remember people, and so took his time to identify them and their differences. Buraga. Mathias. Two, he assumed, humans living in Syka. One much burlier and carrying a sword though dressed for the weather, the other also a bit on the older side for a human but still looking solid. Being an Akontak Willis was on the tall side for his age which put him around the height of these two elders if not a bit taller than them. "Hello I am Mathias Okavis, one of the founders of Syka. Nice to meet you. A newcomer I assume?"

Buraga for his part nodded, speaking quietly but not whispering or trying to hide his words from Willis. "Says his name is Willis Efram. Just got dropped off by some Svefra who left without a word. Not sure what that was about... Seems like he wants to stick around, though he's not used to the jungle. If nothing else the Svefra warned him about wandering into the jungle."

Mathias, seeming to take in everything Buraga said before eyeing Willis and continuing, spoke confidently. "Ah, is that so. I am assuming you are from Riverfall? I've not seen many Akontak, but I have seem your kind. We welcome all races here, as long as you don't start trouble. Preferably if your willing to pitch in. Based on your size I'd say your still young, but its a bit hard to tell with mixed races like yours. We have a few of those as well, along with a few locals from Riverfall. Any idea how long your looking to stay? And do you have any skills you might be able to provide to the settlement?"

Here Mathias gave Willis a pointed look when asking about skills, clearly showing he knew a bit more than average about Akontak. Buraga for his part did not seem to know anything about what an Akontak was until Mathias brought it up, but at that point kept his silence and let the founder take over.

"Yes, I am most recently from Riverfall, and as Buraga said I am Willis Efram. And as you figured out, I am an Akontak. And I have no plans to start any trouble, but I would like to stick around for awhile. I am not exactly sure how long, but I am in no rush to leave so I would plan to stick around for at least a few years if you'll have me. As for skills, well I am as you said pretty young, so I am not overly skilled at much. I have however been practicing leatherworking, so that would be the closest thing to a trade I have. If there are any places about where I could find work using that, and to further practice my skills, I would love an introduction."

Pausing once more Willis met Mathias eyes, considering his earlier words. From what he had said Willis assumed the man already knew about Akontak, and about their gifts shared with Konti. Deciding to take his words to mean he knew about that as well Willis continued onward.

"As for any special skills or gifts... I do have a gift in sensing the coming weather. Not too far off, only a day or so out, but I can pretty accurately predict the weather when I try for that time frame."

Nodding along, Mathias considered the Akontak's words before responding. "Well from what I see of you, it seems like you might fit in here. Just bear in mind if you start trouble, at the best you'll be on the next boat out of here. As for the weather... Well mostly it just rains here, but if you sense any bad storms coming make sure to let us know. Other than that, if you find a use for your ability work that out with others. Perhaps someone or other will have a use for knowing more specifically when it will or will not rain or such, but I doubt anyone will pay for it."

Once more nodding in understanding Willis smiled at Mathias, seeming to get along with him and his firm but clear words quite well.

"That all sounds fair enough. And certainly if I sense any bad storms, I will make it known."

WC: 728

[Willis Efram]

As their conversation progressed Willis found himself nodding repeatedly, showing his agreement to Mathias' words. Nothing he said seemed unfair or problematic, and he did not find any issue with getting along with them.

"Right. So if I am to stay, I guess that just leaves finding a place to work and a place to live. I am not really in a rush to explore the entire place today, so that could be good for starters. I did not exactly come with a ton of things to cart around."

Mathias, seeing how sparsely equipped Willis was nodded back. "Right, before you make any trips into the jungle, even with an escort, I would see about getting some equipment. Since you said you know leatherworking, perhaps you could even make it yourself. As for work... Let me see. Well there is no specific business that does leatherworking, but perhaps you could work out something with the The Syka Mercantile. They work with most staple goods and common supplies, including leather goods. You could make things and sell it through there, or perhaps work something else out with them. Or perhaps even do repair work. They likely also have the waterproofing you will need for any leather goods you are selling in Syka. I would advise talking to them to work out any specifics or such. Just head down that way, and you will find it. They are just off the docks here, and also near the commons where most people congregate when they do such."

As he spoke Mathias pointed off in a direction, where Willis could indeed see a place not too far from the docks, along with a large open area that was apparently the Syka Commons.

"Right, that is fair enough. I will see them about work, or perhaps making things to sell there."

Gazing back at the commons Mathias gestured again this time at said commons. "The commons are just as they sound, the common area for Syka. People meet up there when they do, and we also hold tendays there were most people all come for the event. It is also a good chance for new people to introduce themselves, so I would advise you come to the next one. If you need anything that is not sold here, I would recommend going through the Dovecote near the commons to shop, which are on the far side of the commons off one of the paths farthest from the shore.

Pausing here again while Willis nodded, Mathias continued pointing out locations as he spoke. "As for housing... Let me see. If you want you can find a out of the way place to pitch a tent, that is pretty much free. Just don't get in anyone's way or put it on anyone's property. There are also the guest houses, but those are not really meant for long term stays. For the paid kinds... Either renting or buying... There are the Overwater Ranchos, right on the coast. Being an Akontak, you might like one of those. Of course, everything is pretty close to the coast, even if not directly on it like them. There are also the Bungalows, not quite so close to the shore and a bit cheaper but nice still. Lastly there is the Protea Inn run by Tazrae. Lovely little bed and breakfast and the like. Unlike the others there is also a kitchen there, so you can eat and live out of the place. if you like to have food readily available, it might be worth it just for that. From what I've seen your still growing, and if you cannot cook that might be of interest to you. There are other places that serve food in Syka, but thats the only dwelling that does.

Going over everything Willis nodded along, making sure to commit anything important to memory.

"Thank you. I will look them over, and decide which works best. But first I think I will head by the Syka Mercantile and see about arranging some work. Thank you sir, for all your help, and all of the info! I will do my best to be a good resident for the duration of my stay"

WC: 702