Author: Nerine, Posted: Sat Dec 14, 2019 10:20 PM, Post Subject: Where the Sunset Meets the Mountains [O]

The strange hoofed creature was smelling her hand when a stranger's voice came from behind. Turning to look at the woman who had just arrived, Nerine answered honestly as she pulled away the edge of her hood away from the nibbling lips of the woolly animal. "I haven't the slightest idea! It does look like a camel, or an alpaca of some sort. I'm sure they have a local name which the people here refer to them by that my daughter probably knows." The Rosenite was tempted to feed the small crowd of beasts some toasted grains and seeds she had brought along as a snack, but decided against it. Maybe they had already been fed, and it was best not to sneak them treats behind their owner's back. "Oh my, I wonder what you would do if you wanted to weave something of a solid color? I've never thought about what would happen if you only had yarn in rainbow." From the tone of her voice and the smile on her face, it was clear the scholar was voicing the question out of amusement than concern. These creatures were quite endearing, with their lovely long eyelashes and adorable faces. "They wouldn't mind if I pet you, now would they?" 

Nerine was busy running her fingers through the animals' wool when Chrysanthe was back. "They've set aside a room for us! Oh–looks like you've already found the papels! Aren't they cute? They're just like the alpacas back on the Sister Continents, but for some reason their wool grows in a rainbow. I wonder if it's their food?" Seeing the stranger, the blonde girl waved and smiled. "Are you visiting too? Kawo Yared said there were a lot of new faces in the valley." Now that her daughter was here, Nerine introduced herself. "I apologize for forgetting earlier–my name is Nerine and this is my daughter, Chrysanthe. What was it that you called them Chrys? A 'papel'?" There was the answer to the lady's question from earlier. "Yes, that's what they call them here in Onnen. They're pretty tough for being so cute, I've seen them spit at other animals that get too close to them. Even the village dogs are scared of them." That detail earned a small grimace from Nerine, souring her previously rosy impression she had of the animals. "They do seem to like people though…or is it because they think we'll give them food?" Either way the papels were tame enough, and she would leave it at that.

Author: Lady in Black, Posted: Sat Dec 14, 2019 9:09 PM, Post Subject: Where the Sunset Meets the Mountains [O]

Something was calling her.

The Wisp knew not what was taking her so far from the land she has come to know, but each step she took seemed guided, as if encouraged by some unknown force. It seemed like the beginning of another rare journey away from Cilas; Iona hoped these journeys would not come too often—she did not feel comfortable leaving his side. After all that has happened, she has learned that she attracts danger, especially towards herself, whenever she strays. Exploring on her own has done nothing but harm her and burden Cilas. It reminded her of a saying that curiosity kills cats, although she is uncertain where she had heard such saying, she cannot deny its truth when concerning herself. Like a black cat that brings trouble to others and harm to its own being. Cilas is the only person whom cares enough to guide her and teach her, the only person loving and understanding enough to tolerate her troubles without placing the blame on her, despite that she is usually the one whom brought the trouble upon herself. In all truth, he is far too good for a foolish wannabe human such as her. But, it was him who wished for her to join him on their journey, and she owes him far too much to leave his side until her debts are paid. Although her debts keep growing because of her, she was determined to find a way to show her gratitude.

But, lately, she has been experiencing strange things. Visions paint her dreams with sweet things, or terrible fortunes. Random thoughts come to mind without any explanation, thoughts that seem to be her own, yet, somehow, too far away to truly, entirely, be hers. It made no sense when put into words, nor did it when she pondered upon it. Only when she feels it does it seem capable of being understood. Although, she has yet to learn how. When she had asked Cilas, he mentioned that she could be experiencing memories, but she wasn’t certain. If they are indeed memories, then they are not her own, for the recollections portray her as a mortal woman. But the portrayal is unmatched to Iona, the maiden’s whose body she is now using. If they are memories, then who do they belong to? It is a peculiar thing, an enigma.

And strange visions and thoughts were not the only things that have become known to her since obtaining a body. Several nights, she has sensed something, calling, beckoning, drawing her away down an unknown path of uncertainty and mystery. It is not a sound, not a voice, or is it like a ghost pulling on her, trying to lead her away. It is a feeling and nothing more, a feeling from within. She knew not how else to describe it, only that it is much like what she has come to know as human instinct. Whatever it is, it wants her to follow. She has been playing the fool for a great time now, choosing to ignore it and remain beside Cilas. She feared that this feeling would take her to more trouble. But the call was persistent. Until, finally, she gave in. Cilas could not come, but she was assured that he will be waiting for her return, and if she does not show by the fourth night, then he will search for her.

And so, off she went. Searching for something but not knowing what. Following but not knowing what is guiding. It was the most frightening experience, and she wished for Cilas to be there with her more than ever. She felt so lost without him, so uncertain with every decision she makes. It was not right, for she cannot always rely on Cilas to make all of their choices for the both of them, so this was a good learning experience. And, she supposed, she wasn’t entirely alone. The moon followed her wherever she went, even into foreign lands she believed is known as Onnen. The moon was as brilliant and comforting as it always has been when she was trapped beneath Moonlake. But now, as a mortal, it felt so much closer. She supposed the reason is because she is no longer trapped within a realm between two worlds, watching the mortal land as if she were reading a script of sorts. Now, she is a part of it, standing alongside the living.

She followed blindly as this feeling took her to glorious mountains. An airship was boarded to reach its grand heights. Then, once again she traveled by foot. The call seemed to have become so much closer now, as if whatever it is she is searching for is just out of reach. Iona still needs to find it, and so she made the decision to stay until she does. Fortunately, she happened upon a charming village. It reminded her of farms, places where the folk earn their living from hard physical labor. Such places were far more alluring than towns of wealth and sloths like Blackmore. Iona found it fascinating to see people try so hard to achieve their goals and for it to bear fruit. Nothing was more satisfying than witnessing people gain happiness and earn their prosperity. It warms the heart and fills the soul with greater respect and love for mortals.

The night had been very long, despite being given a soft, warm bed to sleep upon by the generous villagers. Iona could not tear her eyes from the brilliant moon outside of her window, and her mind was swarmed with thoughts of Cilas. She had only slept outdoors thus far, but his warmth and protection, his presence in general, was far more relaxing to the Wisp. She missed it—she missed him.

But she made it through, and woke bright and early the next day. Iona spent most of the hours on her own, wandering aimlessly around the village and venturing out of its protective borders, but only for a short distance. She knew whatever it was she had come for was nearby, but she still had difficulty finding it. Eventually, she began growing weary. A break was in order, so she turned her attention to what the village itself had to offer. As she strolled down the dirt paths winding around the homes and pins, she eyed various creatures. A soft smile played at her gentle, pink lips. For now, she ignored the call that beckoned her in an unclear direction. Instead, she focused on one of the most peculiar creatures she’s seen thus far.

Tall necks, short bodies, long legs and split hooves. Their fleece was fluffy like a sheep’s’, but their colors were plenty. She slowly approached the pin with her hands locked together behind her. “What comely creatures,” she spoke gingerly with fascination in her watery blues. Iona followed along the fence as she examined the animals from every angle. She spotted a figure from her peripheral and stopped just short of hitting them. There was a tiny stumble back from her surprise. “Excuse me,” she apologized with a soft smile to the woman. She wondered if she should attempt to speak to any of the villagers, pushing her fear of people aside. Once, she would have openly greeted strangers. But that was before she was shown the evilness that corrupts many weak, mortal hearts. Now she doubts, unsure of how to know for certain which person is truly good, and which are not. She supposed one can never know unless you speak to them.

She attempted to swallow the lump in her throat and turned her eyes back to the rainbow creatures. “Do you know what these might be?” Iona asked. Her voice came out surprisingly even, despite how nervous she was deep inside.

Author: Nerine, Posted: Sat Dec 14, 2019 5:03 PM, Post Subject: Where the Sunset Meets the Mountains [O]

"Careful…slowly, slowly–" Holding tight onto the securing ropes that bound the small covered 'booth' to the back of her daughter's kalangitan, Nerine was doing her best not to look down. "Relax mom! We've flown a dozen of times before!" Her daughter laughed as the great wings of the Bakulaw beast slowed its flapping. Chrysanthe had invited her to come see a place she thought she would like, and with the help of Efrain's portal they were flying in Onnen in no time. Their destination was a famous mountain range known for its diverse wildlife and for having a rainbow hue. The description reminded the scholar of Eyota Etu, and her brief stay for collecting and archiving native flora. Perhaps the two areas were formed under the same conditions? Her questions were set aside once she saw the Welayta Mountains–floating and vibrant like a sunset. The water flowed down from it and there was a deep, powerful magic in the air. The sheer abundance of wildlife was stunning! These animals save for the birds must have lived isolated from the rest of the land for who knows how long. After all the only way to access these peaks was upon the back of a flying creature or an airship.

Landing in a clearing at the mountains' base, Chrysanthe was quick to show her around. Her daughter had visited the villages several times in her trips around the continent, so she was familiar with the locals. Nerine missed seeing her ever since she set out on her own to help Shiloh map the new lands, but she knew Chrys could take care of herself. Not many Rosenites overcame the apprehension of being separated from the earth, so she was glad her daughter did not have such reservations. After being helped down Strelitzia's back, Nerine was relieved to have her feet on something solid. "There's a path that leads up to the very top, that's where I found rainbow phoenixes like the ones around Vada." Her little girl pointed out. "But we can take a look up there later! Let's check in with the villagers. They were very happy to let us stay for a few weeks when I asked if they'd mind me bringing you here."

The antelopes nearby were grazing peacefully, unbothered by the arrival of the strangers. This entire place had an atmosphere of tranquility that made all your worries fade away. It was a fertile place and safe from invaders. It was no wonder that the local settlers were so welcoming. Following her daughter's lead, Nerine found herself before a bustling collection of huts and animal pens. The people here were herders and farmers, yet they didn't worry about the carnivorous animals coming too close. There were protective charms that dangled from poles surrounding the settlement, chimes ringing in the breeze. As her daughter went to greet the village head, she stayed in the central part of the village where something caught her eye. "Oh! What are you?" There was a curious four-legged creature that looked just like an alpaca, except with wool in the colors of the rainbow! She had always thought the rainbow wool had been produced through an ingenious dyeing method–but never did she expect that it was grown naturally.