Lost and Alone (Closed)

[Ora Sa'vina]

15th of Summer, 510AV

A small hooded figure seemingly floated through the gates of Sylira, small leather covered feet gracing the ground for but a moment before moving to another position. The small creature halted inside of the gates and began to look about, the hood that was shadowing the individual shifted, revealing a pale young woman with vibrant violet eyes.

The sharp purple irises flicked about the street nervously as small gloved hands twisted and clenched a small burlap sack in front of the woman. Her eyes moved quickly to her own feet as if she sudden was urged to contemplate the meaning of shoes she began a awkwardly wiggle her toes.

What have you done, Ora? Yes you followed what mother said, but that doesn't mean it was right...

Ora took a sharp inhale, attempting to build courage through the air. She was an adult in all the ways she was supposed to be, but at that moment, standing in front of the gates she felt like a lost child looking for her parent. A frown crossed her face for a moment, while she spoke common well enough to survive, she was having a bit more trouble than she thought she would with reading signs. As she read her ears picked up conversations and with the conversations she could feel the lies slipping over their tongues. Ora began to find it harder to concentrate as her focus moved to the personal conversation happening near her.

Don't butt in on others conversations, you're not at home anymore, don't expect things to be like they are at the Isle. She reminded herself.
With a sigh the young woman sat down on a bench near the gate, her violet eyes wandering from person to person, building to building. This was quite different from the Isle, people were different, there were races Ora rarely, if ever, had seen, and men! Ora had only seen a handful in her lifetime, yet there seemed to be hundreds in this one city. The young Konti could feel herself wishing to be back on the Isle with the waters lapping at her feet as she listened to the wind sing to the trees. Now there was no wind through the trees, but the bustle of a city, a strange sound indeed.

The pale woman rested her sack on her lap, leaning her chin against her gloved hand. She needed a moment, or several, to sit and attempt to settle in such a different place.

[Ryshaltze]

Ryshaltze entered the gates, humming and mumbling to himself as he became one with the ever-busy crowd of people, all intent on their own businesses. As he passed by the long stretch of benches placed near the entrance - usually for worn out travellers or as a form of convenience as a waiting place of sorts - a small form caught his eye.

It was strange, for though there were many people around, this particular one stood out. It was ironic, considering that this person was dressed to remain inconspicuous, but everything about the actions, posture and demeanor all screamed 'I do not belong'.

She was people-watching, as sometimes does he, for it was an interesting thing to do when you're bored. Surprisingly, one can learn plenty just by observing how other people - and other races - act when they think that no one would be particularly looking at them. Her eyes fascinated him, for he did not see many who share similar shades of eye color.

He calmly started towards her and stopped a distance away. Different people have different ideas of private space, and he did not want to cause any personal affronts due to ignorance. He was dressed in his usual attire, his cello case slung over his back, his mortal features as a drykas in place.

"Hey, need any directions around here?" He directed his indigo gaze towards her.

[Ora Sa'vina]

Ora was intently watching a couple bicker and lie to each other, lying blatantly enough that Ora didn't even need the gift bestowed by Avalis to realize the lies they tied themselves into. As she continued to watch and listen from a distance she felt and heard a voice.

Vibrant eyes flashed from the couple to a tall man with an oddly shaped case strapped upon his back. Violet met indigo only for a short moment before they glanced about him, looking for ill intent, once satisfied her sharp orbs matched his. Of course his question was simple, and he seemed friendly and trust worthy enough that the young woman stood and slightly bowed her head.

"Yes," A soft voice said, like a soft wind through the trees it passed through the air calmly and friendly. "I have just arrived and... Well, I am unaware of where I may stay?" Her common wasn't fluent but she was able to get her point across. "I am looking for a place to sleep, eat and a temple, if you know where these things are..." She paused a moment, she had never dealt with humans back on the Isle, she kept to herself in her cottage and that was that. Ora was unaware of curiosities that humans of any type shared. "I am sorry if I'm being rude..." She paused a moment, stepping closer to the strange man, her head tilted up to maintain her gaze. The white hood covering her head slipped from around her, exposing pale white skin with a slight opalescent glimmer around her neck and jaw.

Startled by her hood slipping, a small tan hand flew up and returned the hood to its rightful place. Why are you so nervous? No one here seems to have ill intent, remember what mother had told you? This is one of the safest places you could ever visit, ill will not befall you here. A slight bit of pink rose in her cheeks as she thought to herself.
"I am called Ora Sa'vina, it is a pleasure." Ora said, returning to her calm, balanced self.

[Ryshaltze]

The white hood was temporarily displaced, and for the first time her features were open to proper inspection. She was a beauty, no doubt, but of a strange alien one that he very much doubt was human. She might be a Vantha, but he knew that the usual two races that shared the pale complexion similar to hers were the Konti and the Ethaefal.

"It really depends how long you intend to stay here, my lady. The Golden Dragon would suffice if you're going to be off soon. The Traveler's Row might be more appropriate, however, if you're going to be here longer."

He glanced at her, seeing if she could follow the names that he was throwing out.

"There is the Temple of All Gods, as well, should you wish to pursue your religious inclinations. Fortunately, Syliras is a place tolerant of all kinds of god worship, so you should not be troubled much."

Though this might delay his trip to the bazaar, said trip was not an emergency, and besides, it would be interesting to find out more about this stranger.

"I can show you the way, if you'd please. Ryshaltze, at your service." He flourished a half-bow courteously.

[Ora Sa'vina]

Ora paused a moment to think, her eyes tracing the grout between the stones in the road. How long will you be staying? A day? A year? Ora's eyes moved back to Ryshaltze, she was relieved to see truth in his eyes, her was being honest with here, those were the best choices as far as he was aware. "I am not sure of how long I will be staying here. I could be here for a few days, or maybe a whole season." The young woman smiled slightly at the taller man.

"It would probably be best for me to stay at the Traveler's row, in case my stay is longer than a few days." She stated swiftly, yet calmly. "If it wouldn't be too much trouble, Ryshaltze, if you could show me the way, I will try not to be too much of a burden on you."

The burlap bag she held in both hands switched to only one as the other motioned down the road away from the gate. "If you could lead the way," A smile crossed her face as she looked up at him.

Ora couldn't help but feel content, she hadn't had anyone to talk to sense the Isle, she was one who kept to herself and didn't enjoy approaching others, it was relieving to Ora to have someone to talk to.

[Ryshaltze]

It was curious, in the way that Ora kept looking at his eyes, as if searching for a sort of answer or confirmation in it before settling on a decision herself. He would have to ask her about it later, or maybe try to find out whether it was simple behavioral habit or whether his eyes did indeed have some sort of observable sign in it.

In any case, the path to her desired destination would lead to the real area of Syliras, Stormhold Castle. Despite not knowing everything about this place, he probably knew more than her. Give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. Teach him how to do so, you feed him for a lifetime. He supposed it was his duty to familiarize her with this place a little more. Getting lost in the castle was not a very nice thing to do, as he himself first experienced when he first arrived here.

"If you'd care to look at that big piece of stone up ahead, that is Stormhold Castle, where most of the population, businesses and attractions of Syliras are located."

He pointed to one of the noble guards attired proudly with the crest of the Syliran Knights.

"They would be the Syliran Knights, protectors and guards of this place. They take security and peace very seriously - some say overzealously in fact - but if you'd come to any troubles or whatnot, it would be a very good idea to turn to them."

If he did not pay attention, his strides tended to be a large and in a hurry, for he did not see the value of wasting time on travelling unless he was there to enjoy the scenery. Slowing down so that the petite lady can appreciate and take in the surroundings without hurry, he tried to disguise the curiosity and his voice and directed a question at her as casually as he could.

"Not seeming to be rude, my lady, but what would bring you to the noble land of Syliras?"

[Ora Sa'vina]

The young Konti's eyes traced over the shape of the large stone structure. It was a symbol of strength, protection and wealth to Ora. The woman knew she would be safe within those walls, that any fear she felt of harm coming to her was an empty threat. A small smile crossed her face as a fraction of feeling at home filled her. Her small hands stopped twisting and turning at the sack in her hands and gave the poor fabric a rest.

Ora listened intently to Ryshaltze, he knew what her was talking about and Ora did want to learn what she could from him while he was there to help her. His voice was kind and relaxing to Ora's ears, a happy change from the voices on her travel to Sylira.

Violet orbs traced over the proud tall figure standing guard over what would soon be her temporary home. The man stood straight, with her chest slightly puffed and forward, his eyes intently scanning his surroundings, and, Ora assumed, his ears were wide open as well. She looked over the man and smiled slightly, Yes, this is quite safe.

Ora's attention quickly turned to Ryshaltze as her questioned her respectfully. She smiled up at him and stopped moving, her eyes wandering to Stormhold Castle. "That is an excellent question, Ryshaltze," violet eyes moved to him. "Honestly, I am not sure why I'm here yet. I just hope this is where it is..." She looked back to the castle. She continued to talk, but she was speaking in a different tounge, the words seemed to almost slur together and Kontineise rolled off her tongue. "Whatever it is."

[Ryshaltze]

Ryshaltze paused and glanced at Ora questioningly. One moment she was speaking Common, and the next a strange language rolled of her tongue. It could be said that he was a well-travelled adventurer, and could more or less pinpoint the name of the language when he heard them even if he was not proficient in it. However, this one language he could not put a finger to it. From simple deduction he could guess that it could be Kontinese, for being the fan of music that he was he had heard a few Kontinese songs and the accompanying instrumental music. He could not be truly sure, for she only spoke a few short words and it could be anything.

"Excuse me?" Maybe he had heard wrongly, or she could be mumbling to herself, but the curiosity index in this Ethaefal was upped yet by another few notches.

"My lady, pardon my curiosity, but I didn't quite catch what you said."

He resumed his walk, but stole a quick glance at her again, curious for her reply.

Today is an interesting day indeed.

[Ora Sa'vina]

Ora felt like she was suddenly ripped from her own mind by Ryshatze. She had wandered off within herself, questioning her motives and ideas. She was fooling something blindly, she didn't even know what it was that she was following. Ora knew one thing though, that she needed to follow it, and once she had found the source of this curious draw should would feel satisfied.

"I am sorry," Ora said, taking a few quick paces to catch up with the taller man. "I seem to have gotten lost in my own thoughts." She twisted her burlap sack. "I was not speaking common, I was speaking my own tongue, Kontinese. I apologize." She stated in a professional and slightly ashamed tone. "I was just saying that even I am not sure what I am looking for."

Ora watched the cobblestone road intently. "Well, I suppose first thing if finding me somewhere that I could spend at least a few nights." Her eyes moved to him quickly. "If it wouldn't be too much trouble, would it be possible for me to enjoy your company again?" Her eyes flashed from him to what was in front of her. I wasn't common for Ora to request things, she usually preferred to be of assistance than to ask of others. Though she felt comfortable and content with this man, his company made her feel closer to a home again.

[Ryshaltze]

Ah. Kontinese.

That would explain quite a few things, ranging from physical aspects like her stature, eyes, complexion and her beautifully exotic features, to her slightly accented Common and language. From what he'd gathered, the Konti were equally famed for having an extraordinary, some would say magical, gift of foresight and their impossible beauty. He did not know about the former, but the latter definitely did prove that fact. It was not to say that he was easily enthralled by such, for when Leth reveals himself in the midnight sky the Ethaefal would transform into one such being, though most, if not all, races would pale in comparison to the surreal beauty characteristic of one touched by the gods. It was her uncertain gestures and expressions, such as that of constantly twisting her burlap sack, and of course, the rarity of such a race (for the Konti rarely travelled, at least from what he was told) outside the borders of their ancestral home very much intrigued him.

Ryshaltze was pleased that she desired his company in the future, for it was the very same sentiment that he shared. He was curious to discover the reasons of her visit to the bustling potpourri of Syliras, as well as to really just find out who she really is. He was a sucker for information, and knowing what little he did of the Konti, this was a perfect opportunity to remedy this. For all he knew he might have been a Konti in one of his previous incarnations and she could be the key to unlocking that piece of crucial memory.

"It is of no trouble, my lady, for I'd desire your company and would be most pleased to be of service again."

They had finally arrived at the Traveler's Row.

"I suppose you'd have to make some formal registrations and other bureaucratic whatnot here. I'll have to drop by the Bazaar to pick up some stuff." He gestured at the area around him.

"If my lady does not mind, you could wait for me here after you're done with the paperwork and I could show you the sights?"