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[Oriah]

Fall, Day 32, 514AV

Just outside the steps of Wildwood Music, at the peak of Syna's ascent, sat a sleepy looking lass of no more than twenty or so years. She had hair the color of damp sand and skin indicative of a life formerly spent traversing the Eyktol, but her eyes remained closed, leaving her true heritage a temporary mystery.

It had been a demanding morning full of training, but at least Oriah knew the aches and pains she had come to anticipate would be less intense. That and a marginally improved aim were about all the positive results she saw of her endless bells of squirely duties. Still, the session had been good. Shooting an arrow whilst astride on a warhorse's back was almost impossible at worst and terrifying at best. Yet somehow she and Garland had managed not to fail miserably, landing a few arrows each in their straw targets. Progress was progress. Better than none at all, the squire had told herself.

So it was with relative satisfaction and relief that she plunked herself down by the side of a building to rest. Some of the knights at Windmount had suggested she walk around for a bit to stretch her muscles so they'd be less sore on the morrow. The Benshira eagerly accepted this advice, aching body parts being some of her most dreaded realities post-training, and set off at high speed to follow her elders' words. Except she'd overdone it. And now, utterly exhausted, could do little more than use the sun-warmed wall to prop herself up as she dozed off into dreamless slumber.

It didn't help that from the other side of the wall came sweet melodies that would lull even the surliest of high born brats to sleep. For Oriah had unwittingly chosen the side of Sylira's most well known music shop to take her afternoon nap.

So lost was she to the clutches of exhaustion that one could, possibly, mistaken her for dead.

[Bakar]

Bakar had started to walk around town more freely since meeting the squire a couple weeks ago. Talking to Garland had shown him that, while he still tended to avoid the knights, they were not something to be feared. He still did, but far less. His new walks had given his days more variety, making life, for now, a little more enjoyable.

Thinking on this, he thought of other ways to increase his joy of life. "What do people do for fun.. it's been too long for me.. mm..." Bakar was whispering to himself quietly, walking through the town. "Oh.. how about music? People like music, yeah? Yeah." With that conclusion, he turned the other way and walked towards the closest music store, Wildwood Music.

As he made his way to the store, he kept his head up, more confident in his disguise since the acquisition of a mirror, and the better application of his makeup. He even exchanged a friendly nod to a couple of people, smiling warmly. It still bothered him that if they knew he was a Nuit, they would not be so friendly, but for now, he was content with this.

As he neared the store, the faint sounds of music, soft and inviting, could be heard. He sighed. It didn't quite give him the satisfaction he was hoping. It was by no means bad, it just didn't catch his attention. He almost turned around in disappointment but he decided that he was here, might as well check it out in more detail. "Surely there's something there that'll be of some enjoyment. I refuse to let this trip be a waste."

He turned the corner, the music getting slightly louder. He started towards it, when he noticed a member of the Knights, limp and lifeless against the side of the building. He froze, looking around for others. She was leaning against the side wall of the music store. Most people just walked past, not even noticing her, too preoccupied with their own dealings. "Sh-should I do something? What if she's hurt? Maybe I should tell someone else. Ah, but the tongue.. I-I can't just leave her there though.. Bah.. It's okay.. Not all Knights are bad.. The majority are good.. Surely she wouldn't hurt me.."

He stiffly walked towards the side of the store, nervous and scared. As he approached the young woman, she still remained motionless. "E-excuse me, m-miss? Ar-are you okay?" No answer. He knelt down and spoke again. "M-miss, are you alright?" Still nothing. He reached out shakily, and put his hand on her shoulder softly.

[Oriah]

She was lying in the meadows with Syna high up overhead. The sky was an endless span of clear blue, as was the pale honesty of Marrick's guileless eyes as he laughed beside her. Oriah lost all sense of time and reality. She knew only the now--the sound of his mirth, of happiness, of perfect peace. Nothing else seemed to matter anymore. It felt so surreal, yet not once did she question its existence.

The world began to shake. Both squires opened their mouths in terror and fell, grasping in vain for each other's hands as trees and mountains toppled after them, blocking out Syna's rays. Their deaths seemed undeniably certain in that moment. Only at the last possible tick, each transformed into a bird. Marrick a raven of glossy, jet black feathers and Oriah a nimble little sparrow with yellow-tipped wings. Together they soared high above the collapsing world, higher and higher toward the brink of breaking the clouds, above which called a mysterious voice.

"E-excuse m...iss ar...ou oka...mi...re you alright?"

"Wuh?" the squire managed to mutter as she blinked long and hard against the afternoon's blinding, white hot glow.

It took her a couple ticks to realize what she must've looked like. Passed out against a building as if she were some kind of corpse left out to dry. Horrifyingly embarrassed, Oriah righted herself as best she could before replying to the concerned stranger, "O-oh! Do pardon me, I was just resting here. I didn't mean to alarm you."

Her accent was still present, even after so many seasons spent amongst the Sylirans, but it seemed to be growing slightly fainter. "I am Squire Oriah Azari, pleased to meet you," she tacked on, not wanting to appear rude on top of dreadfully careless. "Might I know your name, so that I can thank you properly for saving me from being stepped on as I dreamed my duties away?"

Oriah smiled as she said this, hoping to elicit a laugh or two after her shameful lack of diligence as a member of the Order. Not that this tall, dark haired fellow would likely mind. But if any of the other squires, pages, or knights had caught sight of her, there would surely be some new, torturous training Sera Mora would have awaiting her back in the Bronze Woods.

No sooner had their greetings begun, however, than the door of the music shop burst open and Sina Kokais herself step out to confront both loiterers. "Hello, sweetlings," she called out good naturedly, smiling as she always was wont to do around anyone and everyone. "Planning on coming in anytime soon, or are you just going to stand outside of my shop, chatting up all of my customers? I have a new batch of instruments waiting to be tested. What are you waiting for?"

Unable to deny Sina's beaming face, Oriah gave an amused look toward her unexpected companion and ducked into the shop after their insistent hostess.
"Do you play any instruments?" she asked the young man once they'd entered, trying to contain her excitement as she spotted a particular drum.

[Bakar]

Bakar relaxed at the young Squire's own embarrassed stammer. It made him feel a little less vulnerable. "O-oh, it's no problem Miss. I-I was just worried, everyone was just passing by and I was unsure if you were alright.." The young girl was clearly from Eyktol, the accent unmistakable, if slightly faded. The eyes, a light, beautiful blue.

"Might I know your name, so that I can thank you properly for saving me from being stepped on as I dreamed my duties away?"

Bakar smiled at this. It was a joy to hear a Squire so carefree and joking. He was worried when he woke her that she would be upset. He immediately liked this girl, the joke helping to break the ice, calming him down. "My name is Bakar. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Just then, a woman came out from the store, and the Nuit froze again. She was smiling infectiously. "Hello sweetlings, planning on coming in anytime soon, or are you just going to stand outside of my shop, chatting up all of my customers? I have a new batch of instruments waiting to be tested. What are you waiting for?" Sweet..lings? That's.. and interesting pet name. Oh.. this is clearly the owner of the store and she's inviting us in.. do I go?"

Before he could make up his mind, Oriah looked over at Bakar and gave him a look before starting off into the store. His eyes followed her, and the owner was still standing outside, smiling at him. He nervously approached and bowed to the woman. "H-hello, it's nice to meet you. My name is Bakar." She smiled wider and introduced herself. "The pleasure is mine, Bakar. I am Sina Kokais, I run this store. Please come in." He waved him in again, and he shyly entered.

[i]"Do you play any instruments?" He heard Oriah say. He turned to face her and nervously "O-oh, no. I don't. I was just on my way here to.. find something to do. I just needed, uh.. something..." He shifted, and looked across the floor, scared to meet someone's eyes. The music from inside store was louder, but still didn't give him the enjoyment or fulfillment he was looking for. He sighed and closed his eyes, then looked up, exploring the store, but not seeing anything that really caught his eyes.

[Oriah]

When Bakar answered, the squire had to take a moment from her growing enthusiasm to stop and wonder. He sounded quite nervous as his eyes roamed about the shop. Oriah silently questioned if perhaps the young man wasn't feeling top form, given his pale complexion and withdrawn posture. Perhaps he was as tired as she had been before he'd woken her?

"Not to worry, Sina here can play just about anything," Oriah encouraged, shooting the shopkeeper a look of mock challenge. "Should there be any instrument you'd like to hear, I'm sure she'd be happy to show you."

With a great, feigned sigh, Sina planted her hands on her hips and shrugged. "You know my time is precious, yet you goad me so, squire. Very well. What shall we try first?"

Oriah gave Bakar an excited waggle of the eyebrows and said, "How about these drums? They look like they've just arrived...did they come by any chance from--"

"No. Yes. And no, they did not come straight from Yahebah, though I know you sorely wish for them to have been," Sina answered, a pleasant smile still stretched upon her youthful features. "They came from those traders that were just here during the Summer, selling their exotic wares in the Bazaar. And you know I can't play these drums of yours. Perhaps you could accompany me as I showed our friend Bakar here some of my newest flutes?"

Oriah give this a moment's worth of thought before consenting and picking one of the Benshiran drums. Ohh, how wondrous it felt to have its familiar weight in her lap once more! She hadn't touched her own drum in seasons. Not since she began her squirely training with the Desert Witch.

The Benshira took a few chimes to marvel at the smooth feel of the clay head and how well it balanced upon her thighs. Looking up, she beamed at Bakar and explained, "See here, this is the kind of drum my people play out in the Eyktol. Sometimes we play with other instruments, but most often it is used for dancers. There is nothing quite like dancing to a master's skill. Look, isn't it beautiful?"

She raised it so Bakar could see the hand-crafted inlays all around the drum's body. There was ivory, alabaster, and all manner of colorful materials decorating the instrument. It was quite an impressive creation to behold.

"I am ready when you are," Sina announced, a wooden flute covered in intricate carvings held lovingly in her hands. Oriah recognized it was one native to the southern deserts; the shopkeeper had not chosen the instrument in ignorance. "I will follow your lead."

More than a little humbled, the squire nodded and readied her hands above the drum head. She started with four steady, right handed teks before initiating a simple beat. Oriah was by no means an expert, having learned mostly when she was very young, but her technique was true to her heritage. The teks were sharp and doums resonant, even if the rhythm itself wasn't anything complicated.

Overlaying it was the sound of Sina's breathy flute, its melodies at once sweet and haunting as they soared in and around Oriah's simple beats. The squire closed her eyes and thought of home. Of bone dry air and shimmering, hot sands.

[Bakar]

Bakar bit his lip, shifting shyly. He felt like a third wheel in a conversation, despite both other parties being quite friendly and inviting. Oriah seemed on quite friendly terms with Sina, going so far as to push her buttons. Sina took this well, however, replying in kind. Oriah looked at Bakar and wiggled her eyebrows at him. He couldn't help but smile, shyly, but a smile either way. Like Garland, there was something about this woman that made him feel more comfortable and open than normal.

At that point, however, Bakar had a thought. "Maybe it's not that there's something different about them.. maybe this is just how people are. Maybe.. I just need to not be so scared.." He sighed as he whispered to himself, not even aware of it. Sina gave him a sideways glance, but kept quiet.

Oriah began questioning Sina about a drum she had seen. Bakar had been eyeing around the store looking for something that caught his interest, when he heard his name. He turned nervously as Oriah had picked up the drum and Sina a flute. Oriah held the drum up to Bakar, allowing him to examine it closely. It looked very well made, and did look quite beautiful. He didn't know anything about the materials, but the aesthetics blended amazingly.

Sina offered to allow Oriah to take the lead, further cementing that they knew each other, having knowledge that Oriah could play the drum well enough to lead. She started off whith what seemed like a few, testing taps before settling into a simple rhythm, Sina following closely with her flute. Soft, but it hung in the air, seemingly floating around the entire store. Bakar listened closely. This music. This is what he was looking for. The simple beat with the soft flute. The way it whispered to him. Looking over at Oriah, her eyes were closed, a smile on her face. She seemed elsewhere, but the beat never wavered. He closed his own eyes and let his head roll back. He sighed, relaxed.

In what felt like no time at all, it seemed that the song was over. It took him a second to realize it, his mind elsewhere, thoughts that had been gone from his mind for years. Pictures of his old home, of the docks of Sunbearth, of his family. Laughing with each other at the table. Being happy. Happy. That was a feeling he'd been missing for a while. Sure, he'd been comfortable. He'd enjoyed himself the past few weeks, but he was missing that one, simple emotion. He realized he hadn't felt much at all.

He thought back to what Garland had said, about not becoming one of those heartless Nuit. Bakar told him he believed that happens because the Nuit lose too many people in their lives. He still believed that. But now he thought of his own situation as well. Shutting himself out and not feeling anything. They were quite similar. It was then he realized that the song had ended. He sighed to himself and slowly opened his eyes. He looked sadly towards the two. "Thank you, both of you. That was incredibly beautiful. Your flutes, ma'am, might I inquire into their price?"

Sina raised an eyebrow at him, seemingly surprised by his sudden change of disposition. Less nervous, and more sure of his words. She smiled at him, and lead him to the flutes displayed. "Well love, we have a few beautiful flutes here. Were you looking for a wooden or a metal variety?"

"Wooden, please. I've always preferred the warm feel of wood over the cold of metal." Bakar ran his hand over his chin, remembering past times again.

"Certainly, my dear. How about this one here?" Sina was holding a beautifully handcrafted flute. It was smooth to the touch, minus the excellent carvings around the entirety of the instrument. "May I?" Bakar questioned, holding his hand towards the flute.

"Of course." Sina handed the flute over to the Nuit, who ran his fingers over it softly. True to his thought, it was near warm to the touch. He slowly raised it to his lips and blew over the opening. The sound was sharp and shrill, but as he lowered the instrument he was smiling. He looked back to Sina, and turned over to Oriah. "That was terrible, wasn't it?" He said still smiling. He bowed to Oriah, then to Sina. "Thank you, both of you, for this." He raised the flute again and blew over the opening once more. Again, the shrill sound filled the air. Bakar laughed to himself. "I like it. Please, how much is this one?"

Sina gave him a smile, "I think I can let that go for 5 Silver Mizas." Bakar nodded and took out the required coin. "Oh, and a case too, please. Just something simple."

"Certainly, sweetie. That'll be another Silver and two Copper." He nodded again and took out the remainder, passing the coins to Sina. She left and came back soon after holding a simple flute case. "Here you are, thank you for your purchase." Bakar bowed once again. "No, ma'am. Thank you. I needed this." He packed his flute away carefully and turned to Oriah. He smiled and bowed to her as well. "I appreciate your friendliness to this stranger, Oriah. Thank you."

[Oriah]

Habit and instinct kicked in long before Oriah had any conscious realization of them doing so. When Sina played, it was impossible not to become swept up in her music. The notes soared sweet and high at some points, then low and haunting at others. Wildwood's owner may have been a humble shop keeper in appearance, but she was a true artist at heart, knowing how to expertly weave melodies that were as deliciously varied to the ears as a fine dish was to the tongue.

She was also experienced enough to give plenty of room for Oriah's novice abilities to feel comfortable and exploratory. Not once did the Benshira feel she was being horribly outstripped; Sina always had a positive, infectious air about her that always encouraged and never intimidated.

Ordinarily, the squire would have felt embarrassed to play with a master musician. But somehow with Sina it was more than just acceptable. It was fun, and Oriah hoped they would never stop playing. It felt good to have her hands tapping and beating against the familiar texture of the clay drum. Once in a while, she even dared to do something a bit more challenging for herself, like attempting a pop or roll whenever Sina's flute tapered off.

Alas, all good things must come to an end. Eventually the inspiration and music itself drew to a fitting close. Once they were done, Oriah sighed contentedly as she rested her arms against the drum, reluctant to let it go.

She opened her mouth to thank Sina for the wonderful experience, but to the squire's utter surprise it was Bakar's voice that came first. Oriah looked over and realized the young man had been listening in rapt attention. What's more, he seemed to have felt so moved by the impromptu music that he was inspired to buy a flute.

The Benshira could barely contain her excitement, which blazed clearly in the form of a giant grin on her face, as Sina helped Bakar find the right flute to purchase. It was like watching a bride or groom to be try on the perfect robes, except better. Bakar had seemed so forlorn when they'd first met, but he was almost glowing with enjoyment now as he grasped this opportunity to purchase an instrument that would surely bring him much happiness in the days to come. It made Oriah happy just to see his spirits lifted.

"Oh, no, the pleasure is all mine!" she reciprocated with a familiar Common saying once Bakar had bowed his thanks to her. He was so polite and earnest, this young man. It made her smile grow wider. "There is no need to thank me."

"Your enthusiasm is thanks enough for me, Bakar," Sina insisted, gazing upon him fondly. "Be sure to come back sometime, yes? Perhaps we could play together and I can teach you a tune or two."

"Me as well," Oriah chimed in with a wink to Bakar. "But for now, I think it best we stop stealing all of this lady's time. I can see some other customers wanting to look at your new wares." And this was true, as several newcomers had just entered the store. Sina bid both Oriah and Bakar a fond farewell before rushing off to attend to her new customers.

"Say, Bakar," Oriah began as they exited the store together, "Would you like to come visit the Stone Gardens with me? I've had a long day of training and need to relax for a while. And I would like to know you a little more, as you are free to do so with me. And maybe we can hear a little of your new flute if you'd like."

It was as close to admitting her own loneliness as Oriah could achieve at that moment. Being squire to the Desert Witch had its up and downs, one of the downs being trapped in the Bronze Woods for most of the season with nary another soul to speak to.

So it was that she came to find herself wishing to speak with her new acquaintance for as long as possible. Her tactics were a bit blunt from disuse, but her intentions were sincere. That, and her arms were starting to seriously ache from all the abuse prior. She could use the peaceful rest as much as she could the bonding conversations.

[Bakar]

"Would you like to come visit the Stone Gardens with me? I've had a long day of training and need to relax for a while. And I would like to know you a little more, as you are free to do so with me. And maybe we can hear a little of your new flute if you'd like."

Bakar shifted nervously at the mention of Oriah wanting to know more about him, but didn't want to say farewell to the young girl just yet, and he sensed that she wasn't ready to say farewell either. "O-oh, yes. Sure. I don't believe I've been to the Stone Gardens yet.. the flute may have to wait though." He laughed at himself at this. "I don't quite know how to play it, as you've probably seen." He laughed again quietly, but nervously. She'd ask questions about him, and he wasn't one to lie. He just had to hope she didn't ask the questions he feared.

As they arrived at the Stone Gardens, Bakar marveled at how peaceful it was. Quiet, serene. He closed his eyes and rolled his head back, relaxing a moment. He should come here more often. It was nice. Quiet. "Well, your home is quiet. Why don't you just stay there? Home's not as nice as it is here. It's really bland there. Maybe if you spruced it up a bit. Yeah, yeah. I'm working on that." Bakar was talking to himself again, louder this time, forgetting that he wasn't alone in this place.

He turned to Oriah and smiled. "I like it here. It's very nice. Do you mind me asking what exactly this place is? The semblance of it? Surely there's a reason for it. I apologize for my ignorance of the history of the city and it's districts." He bowed towards her, feeling a little nervous of the surely coming, personal conversation.

[Oriah]

For a moment, she was worried; the young man was back to his shy self again, laughing nervously as he spoke. But at least he had not refused. Oriah took this as a good sign. She knew she'd extended the offer rather bluntly, but it was so incredibly difficult to meet folk willing to talk to her, let alone make friends with the kind of schedule and lifestyle she maintained as Mora's squire.

Once they reached the Stone Gardens, however, Oriah quickly forgot about her forward manner and misgivings. Peace washed over her--over them both--like a soothing balm. She caught a glimpse of Bakar closing his eyes to soak in the atmosphere and smiled as she did the same. There was something about this place that made such gestures seem perfectly normal.

But then Bakar began to speak and the squire's eyes popped open. At first, she mistook his intentions as comments regarding her home. But this wasn't her home. This was the Stone Gar--

Ahh...Oriah understood in the end. Bakar had been speaking to himself of his own home. When he turned to her and smiled, it seemed as if he hadn't noticed. The Benshira took this in stride and didn't miss a beat, responding to his humble question without so much as a hint of hesitation.

"I do too, though I don't get to come here as often as I like," she confessed. "Spending most of my time in the Bronze Woods with my patron does keep me from learning more of places in Syliras like this, but I have heard a thing or two about the gardens." As Oriah explained, she began to lead Bakar around the garden, going at a slow enough pace for it to feel more like meandering rather than exercise. She'd had enough exercise for one day.

"I asked one of the stablehands at Windmount today why this garden was built. He said it was meant to honor all the heroes who had laid down their lives for this city." The squire pointed at some of the wave-tossed cobbles. "Sometimes there would be no body to bring back, so they are remembered through these stones."

As they strolled around the garden some more, breathing in the quiet and dignity of the place, Oriah was unable to contain her curiosity in spite of their almost meditative environment.

"So what is your story, my friend? " she asked benignly. "What brought you to this shining city?" Oriah figured it was safe to assume he hadn't been raised in Syliras. If he had, he'd probably already be familiar with the Stone Garden and Wildwood's famously pleasant shopkeeper.

[Bakar]

Bakar listened to Oriah dutifully, not intending to miss a word. Oriah told him that she spent most of her time in the Bronze Woods, meaning she didn't get a lot of time to socialize. It seems that he was lucky to meet her this day, at this time, when she was actually free. He smiled to himself. He had to choose this exact day, at that exact moment to go to the music shop, or they wouldn't have met.

At one point, not that long ago, he had no love for the Knights and their Order. He was a little more accepting of them now, having met some of the best they had to offer, at least to his eyes. He would never think of disrespecting the dead however. He nodded at this, and hung his head for the departed. Saddened that there's not always a body to return. Families always deserved closure. He froze at this. He never got closure. Any may never. It's been 50 years since he saw them. They were gone, killed when he was taken. "You'll need to go back there one day. Visit their graves." He knelt by the stones, remembering that each one was a memorial for the dead, then scanned his eyes over the Garden. It was a beautiful sight, but also sobering. So many gave their lives for the people to be safe. "Thank you." He whispered.

He shifted at Oriah's own questioning. "My story.." He thought for a moment, trying to pick his next words carefully. Not wanting to lie, but not wanting to divulge too much information. There was a time just a couple weeks ago where he wouldn't have thought about what he was saying. He would just say without thinking. He wanted to be more careful now though. "Well.. I spent most of my life in Syliras. I, uh, don't get out much as you may have noticed. I spend most of my time in my home. It's not a bad place, if a bit boring." He patted his new instrument case softly, smiling. "This, I'm hoping, will make things more interesting there." He sighed and shook his head.

"I came to Syliras after an... accident at my home. Been alone since then, didn't talk to much people. Not sure if you could tell, but Knights make me nervous. I actually met a good one a while ago. He showed me that not all members of the Order are bad. I got this conception when I first arrived here. Some young Squires decided it would be fun to torment and abuse me. They, are, gone now. Either kicked out, dead, or still Squires. I know the Knights don't take kindly to things like that. But even knowing that, years of abuse make my image of Knights very poor."

"This "shining" city was harsher to me than Sunberth ever was." He closed his eyes and leaned his head back. "It's nice to know that Syliras hasn't changed after all this time though. Old cities never change, eh?" He laughed at himself. "Glad I got around this city when I was younger. I know most of the layout, but next to no history. I'm glad that you were able to tell me a little of the Garden. Thank you."

Bakar cleared his throat. "S-sorry, I tend to ramble some times. Not as much as I used to though. Wh-what about you? Tell me of the Bronze Woods, your time here, how you came to be a Squire."