Bush Fire {Closed}

[Midori]

“I hope so too.” Midori spoke with a bit of a somber tune to her voice. She knew full well that the world was not the kindest of place. She knew that there are people out there who would like nothing more than to destroy all things. People who do not like to embrace change and accept differences. The tribe had strict policies on adopting outsiders. They went to great lengths to insure that whomever was welcomed was not a criminal or a person of political influence. Refugees of war were welcomed but would later be screened in order to determine their worth among the tribe. Something, Midori was not privy to witnessing. However, the Chaklai, would still continue to do business with the outside world. As that was mutually beneficial for both parties.

“Nabata? Isn't that the land of sand and dunes?” Midori had never been to Nabata. She only knew about it through her books and travelers tales.

“And Ilia is the land of snow right? Wow.. that must have been quite the transition for your parents.”

The trio of ladies arrived at the town gates. The gate was a large iron door, enclosed by a large stone torri. To outsiders the tori looked like an overgrown symbol for pi. Carved into the tori’s top was the symbol of the lotus blossom, drawn in a manner to look like fire. The insignia of the Chaklai. Adjoining these gates in both directions were walls. These walls were made with loose stone of various shapes. These all seemed to hold together in a strange but oddly fitting jigsaw like manner. The stones were covered in a strong but fuzzy like moss. This moss seemed to help keep the walls in tact. If one were to follow the walls down towards the river's edge, that moss starts to become engulfed by ivy. If one saw the walls on the eastern side, the moss would look like it’s been taken over by grass. These walls were one of the first things built upon the land and it showed. The walls and gate were roughly six to seven feet. It was difficult to climb over due to the slippery moss.

On the village side of the wall loomed two wooden watch towers. The towers had three guardsmen each and they had a system of bells and alarms should they spy trouble. Midori looked up and waved at the watchers. They waved back and gave the signal to open the gate. The iron doors were pulled open by some oxen and the ladies were went inside. The path that remained was a little up hill. Once, they reached the top the village could be seen down below.

[Shara Tiinedra]

The Sacaen's lack of concrete knowledge on the countries outside of her own was not surprising to Shara. Most Sacaens likely spend their lives with their tribe, never needing to step foot outside of it. They knew Sacae very well, especially the nomads, but beyond the borders of their home they were not so certain. Most, anyway.

"Indeed, you are correct. Both Ilia and Nabata are perhpas the respective northern and southern wastes of Elibe. I've never been to Ilia, but I imagine there's at least a touch more life and civilization there." Shara answered truthfully. Odds are Ilia was more populated than Nabata either way, but what little civilization Nabata did possess was rather prosperous and advanced. To this day Arcadia was the only place on Elibe that Shara knew she would return to.

Then the duo began to truly arrive in...what was it called? Seinaru Mura, yes. The architecture was most fascinating to Shara. Beyond Badon and the City of Heroes, Sacae didn't have many cities at all and thus very few examples of their architecture stood in Elibe. Yet here it was, in all it's glory. Shara was sure to take in all the sights she could from her position, her only qualm being that she was too fatigued to give certain areas a thorough investigation. It was not as though Seinaru Mura could compare to the beauty of Arcadia, at least in Shara's eyes, but she could respect the differences just as much nonetheless.

Granted all she had seen, for the most part, were their watch towers. But Shara was already intrigued from what she could make out about the village below.

"We're nearly there, it seems. I must thank you again for bringing me here Midori."

[Midori]

The village loomed below them. Beyond, the village were the hills and mountains of Sacae. A well worn road snaked down the hill and met the main road through the village. The village itself looked to be ordinary. The buildings were lined up in long rows that seemed to border the main road on both sides. They resembled long rectangles, built with wood, and cement. Several of these rectangle like buildings had roofs made of shingles. Most of these buildings were low to the ground. There were some buildings that budded away from the main road. These homes, were more square like, with, brown thatched roofs that seemed to mimic the style of the torri. However, there were a few buildings on the path that had two-three floors to them. In between some of the homes were trees. Several trees with thin, long, spider leg like, low hanging branches that seemed to want to reach out and pluck the roofs off of the shops and homes. These trees were littered with green leaves. In early spring these trees turn pink with blossoms.

Beyond the main road, it's borders of buildings, lay vast tracks of land. Big square sheets of farmland that grew everything that the Chaklai needed. Beans, rice, wheat, grass, animals, these patches of land were the lively hood of the people. Various little brown specks of other homes, store houses, could be seen scattered about the farmlands. Towards the west one could see the outline of the river. The natural barrier that separated the territories of Sacae and Bern. The main road fed into the mountains and it's grove of fruit trees. Beyond the grove of trees was the temple.

Midori went ahead and urged Ashes forward. They followed the road through the village. They went under another one of the torri. This one was larger then the one on the main gate. Few folks waved at them, Midori waved back. They rode past the elongated buildings, past the smithy and vendors until they came across one of the larger, two floored, buildings on the property. This was the inn. A large sign atop the door frame said so.

“Well, we are here.” Midori spoke and carefully descended off of Ashes saddle. She offered her hand out towards Shara.

[Shara Tiinedra]

"New" information, data, concept and abstract ideas are what appeals most strongly to Shara. She doesn't often get too excited by the physical, though she respects her senses enough to use them for obtaining new data. That said, she does enjoy things such as architecture, appreciating uniqueness whenever she sees it. Shara definitely saw uniqueness in the buildings around her now. It was so different from anything in Lycia or Nabata, so different from what she'd seen in books on Etrurian architecture.

And this was one of the few true standing villages or cities in Sacae? A shame, perhaps, but that's what made it so beautiful.

"Marvelous..." Shara whispered in awe as she took it all in. However she forced herself to sit upright, knowing that they were close to their destination. "Your village is beautiful, Midori." She had to give credit where credit was due.

Soon enough the pinkette climbed down from her horse and Shara very carefully followed suit, managing to dismount from Ashes successfully with the help of Midori. Once she was on her feet she gazed around, still admiring the scenery and processing as much about it as she could. No doubt Midori wanted to hurry her to some sort of infirmary, so Shara had to take advantage of this current opportunity.

"All right..." Shara spoke slowly, eventually tearing her eyes away from the sights and wonders to make eye contact with the pinkette. "All right. So, where to?" Shara did note she was beginning to feel much better, but even she wasn't willing to chance another near collapse. Better she get food, water, and rest first.

[Midori]

“First, let's get you a room at the inn and some food down your throat.” Midori spoke with some enthusiasm in her voice. She could tell that Lady Shara was amazed at the sights. Midori led Ashes out to the horse's area and tied her steed down. There was a bucket of water for Ashes to drink and some freshly cut grass for her to eat. Midori gave the horse some affectionate pats and thanking her Goethe ride.

A village as large as this one was rare in Sacae. And unlike other places that tended to clear away lands to develop, the Chaklai did their best to insert their village as part the mountains. They took pride in sharing the space with nature. While, yes there were some places that had to be cleared, it wasn't as extensive as it would be in a city. Here one could breathe both the mountain air and the scents of humanity’s craft.

Midori led Lady Shara into the inn. Inside, there was a reception desk and a large gathering area. Here folks could sit down at the various tables and get a bite to eat. The inside was decorated. A few large jars with live shrubs decorated the door way. The floors were wooden. And the brighter half's of the walls were painted with scenery. Mostly of flowers and trees.

Midori motioned for the receptionist. An older woman appeared. Her clothes looked similar to Midori’s attire, but it was not near as fancy. The woman had on a darker set of humbler clothes. However the older woman carried herself with as much dignity and respect as the priestess did. Her spindly white hairs were done up in a simple bun.

“Good Day, Lady Midori.” The old woman spoke.

“What brings you by? The usual?” She asked. Midori frequented the inn often enough during her free time to offer healing to any travelers, as well as eat some of their food.

“Greetings, madam Hana.” Midori gave the woman a light bow.

“I bring a traveller with me today. This is Lady Shara. I'd like a room for her please. How is your back? Do you need me to help dull the pain?” Midori asked while making a light motion with her staff.

“Oh.. don't you worry that pretty little head of yours on these old bones.” The old woman looked at Shara. She eyed her up and down briefly and then looked at the ledger.

“As to your pretty young friend I have a room available. It's a bit cramped but it’ll suffice. Second floor, room five.” Hana handed Midori the key with the tag for the door. Midori bowed thank-you and then guided Shara to the bar.

The Bar served as a barrier between the kitchen and the guests. Seats here were easier to wait on, then the tables and chairs nearby.

“I recommend you have the fish ball soup. It's a bit of a peasant dish. But, it is it's simplicity that makes it good. It's been a bit since your last meal so it should be easier on your stomach. It's got fish in it as protein to help recover your strength. Plus the warm fish broth doubles as a hot drink. There is a vegetable option if you do not want meat.”

[Shara Tiinedra]

After bringing her horse to what Shara presumed was a sort of stable, and feeding the creature, the pair continued on through the village onto what seemed like...an inn? Well, it wasn't like Sacae was entirely new to inns, but it wasn't what Shara was expecting. That could only mean that they really did keep a sort of open door policy with outsiders. Else what was the point?

Midori spoke with an older woman dressed similarly to herself, but Shara focused on taking in the surroundings. Again, visual information like this wasn't quite what she cared for the most, regardless of whether it was new or not. Still it was so different that she had to take a moment to appreciate it. Shara's gaze flicked to the older woman as she mentioned there was an available room. Shara nodded and gave an appreciative smile before continuing on with Midori.

The pink haired woman recommended a...fish ball soup? Shara had to wrap her head around such an unappetizing dish, but for all she knew such a thing was not served outside of the village. So Shara agreed, though with some small reluctance. "I...will take you up on your recommendation. Thank you." That said she was still quite hungry. At this point Shara really would have been content with eating anything. Still "fish ball soup"? Truly?

"Ah, before I forget...how much will the establishment be expecting? In terms of payment?" Shara had little else on her beyond the gold she had traveled with, but unfortunately there was the chance that gold wasn't as valuable in this village as it was just about anywhere else in Elibe. Sacaens lived plainly, off the land. It only made sense that they didn't see the same value in gold as, say, a Lycian merchant.

[Midori]

A warm mug of green tea was presented to both women. Midori sat down and took a moment to calmly reflect on the days events. She closed her eyes and mentally thanked the gods for this encounter and meal that was being prepared. She opened her eyes and cupped the warm mug of tea.

“Do not worry about payment. I shall be responsible for it. Mind you this sorta thing does not pertain to every Chaklai so if you find yourself in a similar situation again, you have to pay or work. Payment here can be given in either coin or labor. I already work here a few days out the week, as part of my training. An extra day of labor will not bother me as much.” She nodded softly and took a sip of tea out of her clay mug. The bartender smirked a bit at Midori. Midori knew him as Bruce. A former Lycian who found his way into the Chaklai when he met and eventually married one of the farmers. He was a the son of a carpenter who decided not to follow his father’s footsteps. As a young man he left home and found himself in the company of a few missionary Chaklai. He learned to love the lifestyle and eventually settled down. He was listening in, and couldn’t resist giving a comment. He leaned an elbow down on the bar desk, closest towards Lady Shara’s side, rested his cheek on an open palm, and spoke.

“Aye, it be true. Midori’s in here at least three times a week helping out either in the kitchen, cleaning the rooms, or helpin the sick. A real peach she is.”

“Ah, hello Bruce. I did not realize you were part of this conversation.” She jibed at the man in a familiar fashion. He smiled softly.

“The environment here is so lively. It's a nice change of pace compared to the quiet temple.”

“Eh, it’s gots it’s up’s and downs. So what you two lovely ladies having?”

“Two orders of fish ball soup please.” Midori responded. Bruce nodded and shouted the order towards the cooks in the back. There was the sound of some pans clattering about and Bruce rolled his eyes. He excused himself from the women’s presence and returned to his work. It wasn’t long before two bowls of soup were presented to the ladies. In each bowl there was a clear lightly seasoned fish broth, noodles, chopped scallions, and meatballs. The meatballs were a mash of fish meat cultivated from the river and rice flower. They were clumped together with some salt and pepper into the balls cooked in the stock pot. A fork and ladle like spoon were put along side the bowls. Midori thanked Bruce for the meal. From her pockets the healer pulled out two wooden thin sticks. These chopsticks were the traditional utensil for the locals. Midori’s chopsticks had a dark color to them, as they had been lacquered in order to be more durable. She pulled the bowl close to her, grabbed a meatball with her sticks, blew on it, and popped the yummy ball into her mouth.

[Shara Tiinedra]

It seemed Midori was offering to pay for the meal. Provided the Chaklai accepted the same currency that the rest of Elibe seemed to, this wasn't something Shara necessarily needed. Alas Shara was not going to turn down the generosity regardless, and instead nodded her head in gratitude. "I understand. Once again, I thank you, Midori."

Things then took a...rather dull turn. A man Midori had named Bruce came over to them, and Shara was swift to analyze what she saw. He seemed to be Lycian, rather than Sacaen. A plain, working man with a loving wife and family back home. No notable prowess could be deduced, he was...average. Plain. Simple and dreadfully bland. Even his name lacked a truly unique quality. He wasn't worth much more than a glance and a sparing thought and, had Shara not been a guest of Midori's, she'd not spare him even that.

Thankfully Midori ordered for Shara, meaning that the dragoness didn't have to bother speaking with him. Instead she could focus on Midori, and delve deeper into her world. "You seem rather dedicated and capable, Midori. Are you truly content with such a simple life of servitude?" Depending on her mental capabilities, her dedication could fuel an ambition, and Midori's potential would be quite impressive. Yet she was a simple maiden of her village, content with offering labour to aid her people.

The..."fish ball soup" arrived. It looked a bit, well, odd, but Shara had expected that much. It was so very different from anything Lycian she'd eaten, different still from typical Arcadian cuisine. Shara gave a curt and brief "thank you" to Bruce without so much as gazing at him, simply studying the food before her. Eventually Shara noticed Midori using two sticks to pick at the meatballs, and her curiosity was piqued. "Apologies, Midori, but what are those utensils you are using?"

Shara picked up the spoon provided for her and began eating, awaiting Midori's response.

[Midori]

Midori stopped eating very suddenly. She wasn’t quite prepared for Shara’s question in the middle of her meal. She had a few noodles both in her mouth and dangling very inelegantly out of her mouth. Midori stopped for a moment covered her mouth out of politeness. She quietly slurped the remaining noodles into her mouth, chewed, and swallowed. She wiped her hand clean with the nearby rag.

“Sorry.” Midori wasn’t usually a sloppy eater. But this just so happened to be one of her favorite dishes and knew it was best when eaten hot. She was always pretty happy whenever it was served to her. She knew how to make the dish as well. After all the times she spent working the kitchen she knew practically how to make every dish they served. She brought these skills with her back to the temple and out on the field.

“These are chopsticks. A utensil that has been used by the tribe since before the scouring. Er.. not these ones specifically but the concept of it. We’ve got texts and art dating back centuries before the scouring that depict people eating with them.” She nodded softly and fished another ball out of her soup.

“They are a bit tricky to master.” Midori remembered how she was taught how to use the sticks. They had her practice picking up small objects like beans or grains of rice. She remembered the frustration of the beans slipping out of the grasp of the sticks. Or how the sticks sometimes slipped right out of her hands. But after a few days and with patient instruction she eventually got the hang of it.

“But they are very easy to make. They can be used as either an eating tool or when cleaned they could be used as a hair accessory.” She quietly turned back to face her bowl and munched on the fish ball.

[Shara Tiinedra]

Shara continued to eat while Midori explained the nature of her unique eating utensils. Evidently they have been around in Chaklai culture for quite some time, perhaps all of Sacae used them. Shara never saw nor heard of any "chopsticks" in the books she read back in Arcadia, and this pleased her greatly. A fine reminder that, while she has yet to find a more lovely place to live, she truly did need to leave in order to broaden her knowledge.

"They do look particularly tricky, but I suppose you've grown up with them, what with their ties to your culture and so forth. Hm, perhaps the next time I eat here I shall attempt to utilize them." Shara mused, watching Midori work with the twin sticks. She did pause and blink a couple of times, however, when she mentioned using clean chopsticks as hair accessories.

"...Hair accessories, you say. To the rest of Elibe that must be like sticking forks and knives in your hair." It wasn't really meant to be an insult, but Shara couldn't help but have it come out that way. It was a silly idea to her, but she really had nothing against it. That said she'd likely never stick anything which is primarily used for eating in hair, nor would she use anything primarily intended to be an hair accessory as an eating utensil.

Shara finished the rest of her fishball soup, growing accustomed the foreign textures and flavours of the meal. It did take some getting used to, but it was really quite delicious. When she was finished she dabbed her lips with a napkin and set her utensils down gently. "My compliments to the chef. It was a good recommendation, Midori."

[Midori]

Midori sighed happily as she finished the rest of the soup. The broth seemed to warm her up from the inside. Midori quietly cleaned her chopsticks with the rag and put them back in her pocket. She felt so much better now that there was some food in her. She imagined that Lady Shara was feeling the same.

“You can get the hang of it in a day or two. Of the chopsticks. Some folks get the hang of it in fifteen minutes. Like other utensils they have their own etiquette. Fortunately, this meal did not need me to be all proper about it.” She wiped her hands clean and turned in her seat to face Lady Shara.

“The image of using forks as combs is amusing. No matter how bad the hair day may be.. I do not think i’d be brushing with forks. But, some chopsticks are made specifically for hair. But sometimes.. It doesn’t really matter. Days get hot hair gets picked up.” She smiled softly. Midori did like the way Shara had her hair up in a braid.

“My apologies for not answering your previous question about my simple life of servitude and dedication. I will admit there are moments in my life where I wonder what it is like to lead a different one. A life of adventure or of royalty… while wanting things that are not my own is considered selfish.. That does not make me any different from any other person in the world. But, this life I currently live in.. my place here. I know it is not perfect. But, I enjoy it.” Midori nodded. She had pride for her people and for her culture. She knew her place among the social ladder of her tribe and knew that she had room to grow. She also had room to fall. And room to be removed from her culture entirely.

“I am glad you enjoyed the meal. Bruce could be a bit difficult to deal with.. But the man does know how to cook and train other cooks. Though I do believe he would have not had any of that were it not for his wife. But how do you feel? Better? Worse? Do you still require rest?”

[Shara Tiinedra]

Evidently it didn't take long for one to learn how to use chopsticks, or at least Midori didn't think so. She'd have to put that theory to the test next time by learning how to use them herself, but no doubt by the end of the test she'd prefer the utensils she was familiar with. Forks, knives, spoons and so forth.

"Precisely." Shara commented when Midori mused that using a fork as a comb, or as a hair accessory, seemed rather silly. It wasn't Shara's intent to mock the supposed fashion choice of sticking chopsticks in one's hair, but rather show how tricky it was to wrap her mind around. You can either use them to eat, or stick them in your hair. Truly...fascinating, she supposed.

But the conversation transitioned to a better place shortly afterwards, so Shara was happy to drop the chopstick thing. Midori went back to answer Shara's other question. Evidently she did have the occasional desire for experiences she can likely never have so long as she remains a priestess for the tribe. Things like wanderlust, or to covet luxury like a noble. Good. Shara would have been displeased if she had been some devout who had no will or desires of her own. She'd seen one before, an Etrurian attempting to preach the word of St.Elimine in Lycia. She was not treated well, given she was an Etrurian in Lycia, but she claimed it did not bother her as she was loyal only to St.Elimine. Ludicrous, pledging loyalty to a woman a thousand years dead.

"Good, Midori. Even if you do not seek other experiences..." Though it was a waste if she didn't, but Shara wasn't invested enough to convince her to do otherwise. "At least you have those desires. They will keep you both rooted and afloat. Grounded and yet dreaming."

Shara smiled a bit and clasped her hands together over the table. "The food was refreshing, rejuvenating, but I could still use some rest."

She wasn't going to make a comment about Bruce, her compliments to the chef had been more than enough. Why waste thoughts and words on the dull?

[Midori]

Midori tilted her head slightly at Shara's comments regarding dreams and desires. Her tribes theology revolved around understanding the balance between order and chaos. Balance between what is needed and what was wanted. There were several other concepts intermingled within her clans spirituality. Shara’s choice of wording was poetic if not a tad bit confusing. Rooted and afloat? Grounded yet dreaming? She figured she have to muse on it later. She was not good at figuring out the metaphysics of certain analogies. She was aware of this as it had been pointed out several times by her elders during meditation. But, she was young, perhaps in time, with more spiritual development she'd come to understand these concepts. For now she would have to focus on what was in front of her.

“I will take your word on that then, even if I do not quite understand what you mean just yet.”

Lady Shara expressed her desire for rest. Midori quietly got up and guided the blonde to her quarters. Midori led Shara out of the main eatery guided her down a hall and led her up the wooden stairs. Each step up seemed to creak lightly with each step. They walked past one door and arrived at Shara’s room. The door frame had the number 5 carved into it.

Midori took out the key and opened the door. The room inside was smaller then average. But, it was more then enough for one person. There was a bed and a single small night stand. Atop the night stand was a candle and holder. Underneath the night stand there was a bucket with a lid. Contents of the bucket would be picked up by a staffer and thrown into an incinerator. On the bed were two clean sheets. And a thin pillow. The room also had a window. One had to stand on the bed in order to reach it but it allowed for some natural illumination. The design of the walls followed that of the entrance with painted trees and little flowers. Near the door their was a string attached to an bell.

“The window does open but be sure to close it at night. The bucket is a waste bucket. Uhm.. for nessecities and trash. Cover it with the lid, leave it outside your door if it's.. full. Ring for one of the staff they will pick it up and dispose of the contents. That's it really. If you need something like an extra blanket or a light for the candle ring and someone will be here to help. Staff is on duty twenty four hours.. but please remember to be reasonable, courteous, and respectful.” Midori bowed lightly and handed Shara the key.

“Enjoy you're stay and get plenty of rest. Please remember to return the key to the front desk. You have to leave the room by midday. It was a pleasure to meet you Lady Shara.” Midori smiled softly. She'd stay and listen to Shara’s farewells and then leave the inn.

[Shara Tiinedra]

Evidently Midori didn't exactly understand what Shara had said earlier. Fair enough, the dragoness could admit that she had been a touch cryptic about it. That said, it wasn't entirely necessary that Midori understood anyway. Instead Shara let out a bit of a chuckle and simply nodded. "See that you do."

Shara stood up and followed the pink haired Sacaen up the stairs. For all it's unique qualities it seemed this Chaklai inn still bore a number of similarities to the inn's of Lycia and likely the rest of Elibe. Eventually they stopped outside a "Room number 5", presumably this would be Shara's room. The interior of said room was rather modest, like the entire rest of the village, so Shara was neither surprised nor disappointed. It would serve the purpose she needed to serve, and that would do just nicely.

Midori explained what the room had to offer in an amusingly modest fashion before gently handing over the key. The dragoness nodded and gave a small smile. "I understand. Thank you once more, Midori. It was a pleasure to meet you as well, and to learn so much about your tribe and this village."

Indeed, it seemed her journey to Sacae had already been worth it. It was such a shame that she found such a unique little hamlet first, however. All the nomadic tribes were likely to seem a bit less unique simply by comparison. Ah well, there was little she could do about that. For now she could simply rest.

(Thread End)