The Hunt for Purpose (Quineve/Open)

[Tamaya]

Bulgar was a grand and bustling city, the streets filled with travelers and merchants, people of every land and clime, all drawn by the commerce and the exotic feel of the plains. Tamaya was in the city on business - personal business, really. She was searching for new clothing, and new arrows. Her old arrows were quite inadequate when she used them with Mphezi-Manja, and so she felt it was time to upgrade her arrows to match her powerful bow.

Indeed, her bow was a work of art, imbued with the power of Thoron by the master smith Mr. Johnson. Tamaya was fortunate enough to be able to help his apprentice, Bee, adn so obtained Mr. Johnson's services in crafting her weapon, which she now wore proudly and used to deadly effect. But that was irrelevant right now - what was important was the color of her new wrap. She preferred red and gold trim, but the green seemed to be more well-sewn. Decisions, decisions.

The Nomad decided to wait a bit on the clothing, and wandered over towards another stall, her horse Shikoba following her closely. No one paid much mind to the horse, especially as there were many others around, and the Nomad did not even look to make sure he was following her. She knew hew would be. Approaching a vendor, the Nomad began to speak rapidly, the discourse raising in intensity and volume as the two haggled back and forth over arrows with an odd, bluish head. The metal was hard and gleamed coldly in the broad sunlight, and both parties gesticulated sharply until the storm passed as quickly as it had come, money changed hands, and Tamaya left with a full quiver of the arrows. Turning, she surveyed the marketplace. Where to next?

[Quineve]

Quineve just entered the city of Bulgar with the sun high in the sky. A nomad kindly agreed to escort her to this part of the city for a few coins. Coins that she gladly paid for safety and good company. There a lot more people that she first thought of on the busy streets. They were people selling and buying or trading. And also kids running in circle doing whatever. And all that activity made her smile, it was like home. More or less. She had her staff in one hand and small pouch of gold hanging on the side of her robe. She didn't had anything else on her beside her clothing. Yes, she was traveling very lightly. So far, she manage to survive on whatever gold she had on her going from places to places. She would earn her gold by traveling with others that wanted a cleric with them. Which is kind of a lot these days.

She never really wanted to charge people for healing them, she did it because she knew that was the good thing to do, but a girl need to make money to survive. Looking at her robe, she saw that the lower part of it, which almost touched the ground was beginning to be slightly dirty. She could rent a room and wash her clothing there. But that would be for later on. For now, she was going to see what kind of souvenir she could buy. She has been doing that recently. Collecting trinkets and whatnot for fun. She had a few wristbands on her right arm and a twp pending attached her to robe.

However, for some reason, she kind of felt a bit like a stranger here. It might be because of her pink hair that contrasted a lot the colors from most people. Pink tends to stand out. Her long white robe did stand out as well, again most people were wearing more leather and more adventuring kind of gear. Which was okay and most likely the better idea to be honest. Quineve was gently walking almost in the middle of the street with all kind of people looking at her. She would try to smile and wave at them but rarely got any reaction back from them. It wasn't that they were rude, she knew that.

Walking in the marketplace was fun, seeing all kind of shiny things made her stop to look around but not really buying anything for now. She then saw a lady with goldenrod hair. She was a pretty lady, it was easy to see and easy on the eyes. Quineve didn't realize that by now, she was just standing there looking at her. Awkward. It took her few more seconds to realize that. Her cheeks turned red and she waved at the lady to not look like a complete stalker. She would then make her way to her.

"Good day," she said to her. "Sorry for staring at you, I just think that you are very pretty." It might sound weird coming from another woman but Quineve didn't mind it at all. However, maybe the pretty lady did.

[Tamaya]

Tamaya turned slightly, looking at the voice that had just spoken towards her. It was a calm voice, one that was gentle but also full of pride and honor. It was a noble voice, one that was self-assured and confident, and so the Nomad was not at all surprised to see that the one who had just addressed her was not a Sacaean.

Firstly, it was not how the Sacaeans courted, and secondly, she did not entirely believe it. Sacaeans held trust and truth in the utmost regard, and would never lie, even on pain of death. She had never before been told that she was very pretty, but she had been told she was attractive. It was merely a question of the degree, she supposed.

She was, however, surprised that it was a woman who had addressed her. Yes, the voice was higher than that of a typical man, but she had not expected a woman to be so forthcoming. Many foreign women were jealous, spiteful, and hateful, looking down at the Sacaeans and cursing their features. This woman was also quite a sight to behold – her attire and composure suggested that she was perhaps one of the chiefs – er, nobles – of the land she had come from. Her staff suggested that she was a worker of miracles and blessings, a cleric who bestowed health and wholeness on all she encountered. Workers of magic were held in high regard on the plains, for there were few in each tribe who could practice magic and fewer who could harness its power to heal and support.

“Greetings, achinyamata wansembe (young cleric). I am honored that you find me pretty, though I can see that clearly your features are more graceful and attractive. I am humbled, as well, that you have come to Bulgar, if only to shop or see the sights. The tribes of Sacae are always happy to share our culture and our livelihoods with any who are honorable and just.”

Tamaya smiled at the woman, her face simply happy. There was no diplomacy, no need for tact or careful words. She was happy that the cleric had come, even though she had never seen her before in her life.

“I am called Tamaya, of the Cathecassa tribe. I fought in the great war at Mzinda wa Zimphona (the City of Heroes) and now travel the land to defend our plains from those who would harm us or our way of life. My horse is called Shikoba, and my bow holds the name of Mphezi-Manja (Lightning-Hands).”

Slightly awkwardly, the Nomad shifted her grip on the bow and quiver she had not yet strapped on and extended her hand to shake, as most of the other cultures did.

[Quineve]

Quineve was all smile when Tamaya began to talk. She thought for a second that maybe she didn't do the right thing telling someone that they are pretty right away without proper introductions. She wasn't a noble in her home town of Aquleia but that didn't meant that she couldn't act like one. But she would be the first to admit that noble blood doesn't run in her veins if asked though. It wasn't a secret.

The cleric extended her gloved hand as well to shake hers. "Good day, Tamaya. It is a pleasure to meet you." To be honest, she didn't understood the words she used in her language, a language that Quineve never had the chance to learn. It could be something to do, maybe in the future. She knew that learning a new language would be difficult. "Oh, I did not introduce myself, I apologize." To that she bowed a little bit while releasing her hand. "I am Quineve, of house Tydeus Girviat, from Aquleia."

"I thank you for the compliments, it is very nice of you. I have spent many days on the road so it is a nice change of pace to be able to just look around and enjoy the sun." And then she paused to look at her horse. "Shikoba looks like a strong horse, a loyal one as well." She met a lot of horses from traveling around so she kind of knew a bit from looking at them. "May I?" Quineve asked as she lifted her hand to pet the horse. It was always safer to ask before doing so.

After that, the small lady took a good look at the bow. She was far from being a expert in weapons so she didn't really know what to look for when searching for a good bow. She then tried to say "Mphezi-Manja" but all she managed to do is mumble something that was far from what Tamaya said. Realizing that she butchered the name of her bow, Quineve apologized. "Sorry, I do not think that I am capable of saying such words." And she laughed lightly at her failing to do so.

"I hope that I am not stealing too much of your time, Tamaya." She did mention that she was traveling to defend her lands so maybe she was just taking a short rest. Quineve didn't want to waste her time. "If you do not mind, would be willing to walk a bit with me, and perhaps show me around?"

[Tamaya]

Quineve, of House... the rest of her title was foreign and hard to process, let alone pronounce. The Nomad simply nodded as the woman finished her title. When she commented upon Shikoba, Tamaya's face crinkled in happiness and mirth. Few among the Cathecassa asked before touching a horse - they simply knew that if it trusted them, they could ride it or use it as they needed. It was the custom of the tribe to be generous with their mounts, but, as a hunting-steed, Shikoba had been rarely exposed to the plowing and sowing that the more tame horses had.

"Certainly. Shikoba is peaceful and does not mind the touch of many. But you are right - he is both strong and loyal, and will not shy from the frights of battle. He has proved his worth both on the hunt and in the battle at the great City of Heroes."

The smaller woman appeared to be interested in her bow, even attempting to pronounce the name of the great weapon. Again, Tamaya smiled, her gentle laugh ringing out.

"Do not fear, friend Quineve. I too have difficulty with many of the words of the other peoples. It is only natural. Mphezi-Manja, translated from my tongue, means 'Lightning-Hands. It is so called because within it is a spirit of nature, a small..."

Tamaya stumbled here. There was no word for the spirits that her people believed to inhabit the whole of the world.

"Being, I suppose, that imbues the bow and its bolts with the power of the sky's wrath. I have not yet mastered the bow's subtleties and formed a strong friendship with the spirit, but we have grown to trust one another."

The bow crackled, a blue glow of electricity running from one end of the curved bow to the other, causing Tamaya to smile. She raised the bow, which arced again, and then spit out a small burst of yellow, crackling sparks before falling silent. Tamaya lovingly eyed the bow and placed it back on her back.

When the woman asked her to show her the market and the city, Tamaya smiled once more, the Nomad nodding cheerily and placing her quiver more securely before turning to the Cleric.

"You are not stealing anything, friend. In fact, I have been truly given a smile from Father Sky. I would be honored to show you the proud city of Bulgar. What captures your attention the most? We have this market, many buildings of worship, and even a pit in which men fight for glory and coin."

[Quineve]

Quineve gently passed her hand on the horse while laughing a bit like a kid. She never really was good with animals so she enjoyed every time she could meet one in person. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Shikoba." She said to her before removing her hand. "I bet that you and he seen a lot of things together. It must be such a good feeling having each others like that." Quineve could ride a horse, not very good but still, she could given the occasion. But then, a long robe like hers wasn't the best kind of clothing to ride a horse properly.

The lady in white took a closer look as the bow named Lightning-Hands while listening to Tamaya. Half of her house were clerics, priests actually seeing that they mainly had men in their house. She knew that magic was real, all kind of it. Spirit's magic did sound very interesting. She knew that her healing came from within her, a certain power that she trained to used. Maybe it was in her blood, maybe it was something else.

But seeing that blue glow of electricity running on it was something new for her. She did heard tales of wondrous items, weapons and what not, but it was most likely the first time seeing a bow like this one. And then, sparks flew from within. She was dazed by it and maybe others on the street were as well. After looking around, she did notice few kids at Tamaya and her bow. They didn't stay for very long, maybe the people of Bulgar were used at seeing that kind of magic.

Quineve then looked at Tamaya with a smile. She used the term friend. Even in Aquleia, most people she knew, including those from her house, were more hesitant to use that term. It was just another mentality. "Oh, I do not know where to begin, the town looks so lively." She said to her. Although, seeing people fight for money did made her feel uneasy. It wasn't the first time she heard of that but none the less, she rather not see it in person.

Looking around for a moment, she then shrugged and laugh. "Have you eaten yet? Perhaps would you like to discuss over a meal? It would be nice to try some of your people's cuisine."

[Tamaya]

The Nomad laughed at the cleric's comment, smiling as she thought about all that she and Shikoba had been through together. It was indeed quite a lot. There was not much that they had not undertaken together, she and her faithful mount. But that was not the matter at hand, now was it?

The cleric seemed dazzled by the power of Mphezi-Manja, but Tamaya neither basked in the glow nor tried to continue speaking of it. She saw her weapon as a tool, an instrument with which hunts were completed and wars were waged, not a decorative piece to be showcased or drooled over. Practicality was her main concern. All else was merely an additional item to be dealt with.

At the suggestion of a meal, Tamaya nodded and proceeded to look around, muttering rapidly to herself in her native tongue before hailing a passerby. The two fired bursts of dialogue back and forth between them in rapid-fire succession, accompanying it with gesticulations, nods, and short bursts of laughter. The conversation finished, the other fellow went on her way, and Tamaya turned back to her new friend.

"I apologize for the delay. A meal sounds wonderful; I have just found out that one of my favorite places has re-opened recently. The owner left to fight at the City of Heroes, as I did. If you would like, we could enjoy local delicacies!"

The Nomad pointed to a small building down the busy street with a few rustic tables and chairs set outside. There were people swarming around it, but Tamaya was unconcerned.

"Do not worry about the line. I know the owner, and he always has a few free seats hidden away!"

OOC: Feel free to move them to the restaurant

[Quineve]

Quineve simply stood looking at Tamaya speaking to someone in their native tongue. Of course, she had absolutely no idea of what they were saying to each other but it sounded good to her ears. Her attention went from the nomad to the other fellow back and forth trying to follow the discussion with no success. When they laughed, she too tried to laugh even if she had no clue why they were laughing. It just seemed like a good time to laugh with them. After they finished talking, the lady in white waves to the gentle fellow and her attention shifted back to Tamaya.

"No need to apologize, dear." She told her with a smile. She then pointed at the small building to make sure that it was the right one to go to. She waited for Tamaya to confirm before slowly making their way toward that place. "Shall we go inside?" Quineve kind of felt bad about skipping the line if they were going to do that. It was pretty hot beneath the sun though. She looked around for a moment and than looked at Tamaya. She didn't want to go first seeing that she was stranger around here.

"What kind of food do you prefer?" She then asked.
"I do not know much about the food of your people so I am willing to try anything. As long that it is not too spicy, a little bit of it does not bother me though." As she got closer to the restaurant, Quineve looked worried for a second, there were a lot of people standing around waiting for a table.

After they would sit down around a table, Quineve patiently waited for her new friend to order whatever. After that, the lady in white asked a question. "You said something about the City of Heroes and that you fought in it? Pardon me if it sounds dumb, but could you tell me more about it? Only if you feel comfortable about it. I would not want to vex you."

[Tamaya]

The two entered the small restaurant, and amid the absolute chaos of a few servers rushing back and forth and the healthy hum of a business filled with chattering patrons, a man looked up with an expression of annoyance that quickly morphed into one of astonishment. Bursting into a laugh, he quickly ushered the two into a back room, where a few other tables held more quiet patrons, discussing business or trade over their meals.

Once the proprietor had exchanged his pleasantries with Tamaya, he retired back to the front room, leaving the two of them alone with a small sheet of paper. The offerings were described on the menu in short, terse blocks of Common, with more brief phrases underneath in a few of the major Sacaean dialects. The nomad laughed at her companion’s open-mindedness – while admirable, it was a little foolish given the nature of Sacaean cuisine. Well, she would be thoughtful, and not choose the plate of stewed organs. When a server approached, Tamaya ordered in her native tongue, only stopping to ask the Cleric what her preferred beverage was.

The food out of the way, Tamaya brushed her hair out of her face, listening to Quineve’s question. It did not vex her, but… it was a subject of weight. But no matter. The stories needed to be told, and only through her lips would her story be known.

“Where do I begin…



I believe the first we heard were simply malicious rumors, from roving bandits, who claimed that their ‘King’ would rise to kill us all and destroy the grand City of Heroes, home of the Crimson Demon, Kenshin. Kenshin is a legendary fighter, a swordsman without peer, and so the threat was to us unimportant and empty. But then the threats continued to come, and then came the armies. Swift like the wind and numerous as the deer in their herds, the bandits approached, pillaging and burning and laying waste to our settlements and our plains. They came like a plague and surrounded the City of Heroes even as we mustered our might and rushed to its defense.

Many foreigners also came, drawn by justice, or right, or a desire to stop the bandit horde. They were essential to our success… Brave warriors like Edrick the Shaman, Marric the axe-wielder, Elias the Crimson Mage… These mighty men and women fought alongside me, bolstering the ranks of the Defenders. My whole clan defended the City, even as the Bandit King Hargus, once killed, now rose again, filled with evil power. We fought men and monsters as the days wore on, until finally the Bandit King was killed once more and the plains were silent.

They had been dyed red, the blood of our friends, our family, our neighbors, our enemies, all red, all equal in death, staining the grasses with the reminder of the result of war. War brings death, Quineve. That is all that war brings. It may cause change, may cause peace or resolutions to conflicts or halt the tyrant’s march, but all that war brings as it comes is death, and all that is left in its wake is death.

We mourned our dead. We rebuilt the walls of the City of Heroes. But the true heroes lie not only in beds within the city, but in the sky and earth and water around us. Those who were returned to Mother Earth from whom they came… they were the heroes who gave their bodies for ours.”

Silence descended, until a large course, entirely Sacaean cuisine, like their peculiar bread, wood-cooked game, and a soup based off of the savory bones of oxen, arrived. The various dishes, all piping hot and smelling of the freshness of herbs and spices, brought a smile to the Nomad’s face once more.

“Please, do dig in!”

As they ate, Tamaya paused, taking a drink of the peculiar black drink she had ordered. Its anise fragrance wafted out of the earthen cup as she lowered it to the table, and then the woman spoke once more, her head cocked slightly sideways.

“It is funny, actually. I do not look upon the battle as a nightmare, as a terrible curse that befell us. It was merely a part of the cycle of life and death, merely a stone upon the road we all must travel. It makes me more grateful for the peace I know now, the peace my people enjoys. It makes me value the life we are given, and the simple joys. Like good food, good drink, and the company of people, all of whom carry with them deep stories, experiences that make them who they are. It is wonderful indeed.”

Smiling, she sized up a piece of waterfowl before slicing it in two and dousing it in a clearly spicy sauce, eating the chunk and then blinking at the heat that warmed her mouth and tongue.

“Surely you have stories of your own, friend Quineve?”

[Quineve]

Quineve was happy that the owner of that restaurant was kind enough to take them into the more quieter room. Not surprised seeing that Tamaya did said that she knew him but happy still. She looked at the sheet of paper on the table but didn't really took time to read it. She could only understand half of it anyway. So she just kept silent waiting for her new friend to order the meals. As for the beverage, she dimply said: "The same as Tamaya, please." She had no clue in what she was getting into.

The cleric then listened carefully to the nomad. A tale about the Crimson Demon, a term that she might have heard before but couldn't quite remember. The other names were unknown to her though, but seeing how Tamaya said them, they were surely legendary in their clans. Quineve was very straight on her chair with her eyes riveted on the other lady like a kid listening to their idol. It was a very interesting tale, much more interesting that anything she had to tell. It wasn't that she had a boring life, but compared to hers, it just wasn't as epic.


"You seem to have gone through a lot more than I ever did in my whole life. And I respect that, truly do. Oh, I wish I could tell you such amazing tales but sadly, I do not have much to say for myself." And then she paused as the food came to their table. She thanked whoever brought the food to the table and then took a good look at it. It did look pretty appetizing. And it smelled really good too. She took the fork and the knife and cut a small piece of the meat. She placed it near to her mouth to smell and then ate the piece. It was very good, and something that she never really tasted before. "It is very good, Tamaya." She said as she went to cut another piece. "I am happy that I let you choose for me." After taking few more bites, Quineve finally decided to tell the nomad a bit more about herself.

"Like I said, I do not have much to tell. I come from a house named Girviat. They are known to produce male offspring that most ends up as priests. They were very proud about it, maybe too proud. So proud that when they got me, they simply gave me away to another house like I was not part of their house. I was very young back then so I did not knew why they gave me away just like that. In fact, I always thought that I was born in that house. House Tydeus, the house that raised me, was kind enough to teach me how to use magic, the same kind as my native house." And then pause to take a sip of her drink. And sighed as she continued.

"My adoptive parents were very kind to me. When they told me that I came from another house, I was sadden. I felt rejected for just being a girl, being rejected by something I have no control about. I was still young back then, and I remember being very mad, and sad as well. Part of me just wanted to not deal with my native house but a bigger part of me wanted to show them that I was worthy of bearing their name. I was lucky that house Tydeus raised me to be able to bear that name, so it because my goal when I was a little girl."

"I went on a adventure, if you call it that, I was ten at that time. Still very young, but the unknown did not scare me. It was also a rite of passage, I guess. Something that I had to do. Oh, and I was with other people. I would certainly never go alone at that age." And she laughed a bit. "I spent almost a year on the road. never really stopping, never had time to enjoy the place we pass through. After that, we would go back to Aquleia and stay there for about another year and then back on the road."

"At the age of twenty, I learned that house Girviat couldn't produce a male offspring in all those years. Only then, they accepted me back into their house. I guess that their pride was shattered. But they did see the cleric in me and that was enough to change their mind. At least that is how I see it. As they welcomed me, I told that the house that raised me were also my family. So after few weeks of debating, they, we, agreed that we should join both houses together. There were men, young and old in house Tydeus back then so they agreed on having few of them trained as priests."

"And that is why I managed to get out of Aquleia and on with more traveling. They did want me to stay but I was too stubborn, I really felt home on the roads."

After saying that, she realized that she barely touched her plate. "Oh, sorry, I guess I should stop talking and enjoy the food." She tried to laugh a bit about it before quickly going back to eating.

"How about you? Where do you come from?"

[Tamaya]

The Cleric's tale was quite interesting. It was a story of family strife, of a child spurned and then taken back, welcomed into the fold once more as a mother deer welcomes her lost young back into the herd. Tamaya was confused as to why exactly they would have given her away, but she did not want to pry. Perhaps she could not fathom the ways of the northern cultures. She was bemused, but attempted not to show it.

So Quineve had earned acceptance from her families through her travels and her study of healing magic. That was indeed something to be admired. Tamaya had likewise gained her status in the Cathecassa from her abilities as a huntress and her skill at the City of Heroes. It seemed like the Cleric had seen much of the world, seen the great triumphs and the failures. It was a bond they shared, two women who had traveled, who had lived by their own power and grown as a result of it.

"How about you? Where do you come from?"

Tamaya blinked. Where did she come from? She had always been on the plains... She supposed there was no place to specify.

"I believe I understand your question, but I am afraid I do not have a good answer. You see, I have always lived on these plains, but my tribe moves to follow the herds and the growing foods of the grasslands. We do not have a permanent home, much like the other tribes. We all share the plains, taking only what we need and replenishing the land through our careful use of it.

When we stop with the herds, we pitch large longhouses of bone and hide, and that is where we sleep. We start fires to cook, and we stay as long as the herds remain. When they leave, so do we. It is a simple lifestyle, devoid of glamour or adventure, but it is a lifestyle that I cherish. I travel not for the sake of a restless spirit, but in order to see the dangers that may come to our tribe. I am a scout of sorts, a lookout and envoy. I travel between tribes to warn them of changes in the land and in the world around us. For instance... I have learned of a new enemy, a force that has once again invaded our land.

The mighty country of Etruria has brought its forces into the plains, killing tribesmen and marching towards our large settlements. We know not what it means, or why... But we also know they have turned their power against Ilia, the land of snow, as well.

I do not know what this means, friend Quineve. I am worried for our people, and yours. I wish not for bad blood and anger, but for peace. Our questions so far lack answers, and we know not where to turn."

[Quineve]

Quineve was enjoying the meal but wasn't eating very fast. She always been like this, slow. Maybe it was how noble were. For her, it was what she was taught to do at a young age. However, she wasn't sure that it was the right way to so in this city. Oh well, if anything someone would tell her that, right? Anyway, the food was good, the drink was good and the company was the best thing. Good company meant better meals. She felt that both ladies had very different past but still similar in a sense.

"A new enemy?" Now she was really curious and concerned. Due to her upbringing, she knew little about politics and the grand scheme of what was happening outside the city's walls. Even inside, she barely knew any of it. "Would that mean war?" Quineve felt a bit stupid of asking such questions but she really wanted to understand. Deep inside, she wished that Tamaya would say no. She been always from Etruria for so long. And her status was certainly not high enough to make a difference even if she went back home to seek answers. "Do you know for how long it has been like this?" Again, concern could be clearly heard in her voice.

She then realized that her nomad friend most likely had more questions than answers as well. Quineve place the fork on the table and took a deep breath. "I apologize, I should not be asking too much questions." She looked at Tamaya clearly sadden. "If there is anything I can do, I will. For both of us. For peace." And if that meant going back to Aquleia, then she would be willing to go home and hope that she could seek more answers there. That would mean a long trip back though. She has been traveling for months now. A direct route back would be faster but she couldn't tell what would be the fastest way to Aquleia.

Quineve shook her head for second, eyes closed. "I apologize again, I am losing my calm." She said while opening her eyes. She looked at Tamaya with a mix of sadness and concern. "We should talk about something else. I would hate to ruin a perfectly good meal." She nodded to herself and pick the fork again. "So, you have been traveling all your life? Do you have family as well?"

[Tamaya]

"At this point, we do not know what it all means. We just know that we are tired people, worn out from war and seeking nothing more than to live our lives, the way our ancestors lived them and the way we want our children and their children to live."

Tamaya sighed. This woman was clearly a friend, but not all were friends... And there were some of her people who would see Quineve as a foe. It was terrible, how people had to fight and kill. For what purpose? What goal could they have?

"All that we can do is understand each other, and spread the word of what we know of each other to all we meet. Through understanding comes peace, for we are all the same in the center. It is merely the outside differences that cause strife and conflict.

When Quineve suggested a change of subject, Tamaya nodded. That would be wise.

"I have been traveling most of my adult life. I left the plains as a scout following a large wildfire, and have been serving as an envoy ever since. My clan is large, and I am one of its leaders. Not a chieftain, mind you, but simply a person of seniority and whose opinions hold sway. I try always to see the way that will lead our clan safely."

She thought for a moment, her eyes turning up as she recalled her travels.

"I have been to many places. Ilia, in a frozen storm... The City of Heroes... I had my magic weapon crafted by a smith, Mr. Johnson, in Lycia... It was then stolen, and I had to chase the thief down with the smith's apprentice, Bee... I have been to many unusual places. But I have not been to Etruria - I would like to go, however. A country strong in magic intrigues me.

My family is vast, as are many of the families in my clan. But personally, I do not have any family of my own yet. Perhaps, once I feel I have fulfilled my duty, I will settle into a more normal lifestyle with the clan. But for now, the passion of protecting my people drives me and keeps me motivated.

Tamaya looked at Quineve, her eyes sparkling with a sudden idea.

"Friend Quineve, what are your plans in the future? To where will you go? When you return to Etruria, I would like to accompany you, if you would not be bothered. In fact, if you are traveling outside of Sacae, I would be happy to travel with you. I will be able to gather more knowledge, and I would be able to help defend you from the dangers of the road."

[Quineve]

"Your life sounds so exciting compared to mine. It is the first time that I so far away from home. I do not know why I went east, I just followed whoever that let me ride with them. It is a huge world and I do wish to see the most of it before going back home. I guess that I do sometime miss my family, as most people do when they been away for few months. I forgot how much months I have been on the road."

Quineve laughed and then took a sip of her drink. The drink was something that she never tasted before, it was easy to enjoy.

"I do not know where to go next. Maybe I could go around Sacae a bit. I took a direct rout to here, more or less. I would like to see what wonders is hidden in the plains. Perhaps you want to show me around? I know that we barely met and it is maybe rude of me to ask so much of you and I apologize for that."

And she paused for a moment to eat a piece of the meat and a spoonful of the soup. The lady in white smile at Tamaya upon seeing her eyes sparkle.

"If I were to travel back to Aquleia, I would definitively let you travel with me. I am not a very good guide but I am sure that it would be very pleasant to have you by my side. Where do you want to go? We could go anywhere, I would love to travel all around this world, and it would better to do it with a friend."

Happiness and eagerness was easy to spot in Quineve's facial expression. It was a good change from sadness that clouded her mind a minutes ago.

"So where do you want to go next? Would it be alright with your clan if you were to go away from Sacae?"

[Tamaya]

Tamaya laughed. Her life was not particularly exciting or glamorous. She simply worked for the good of the clan by doing what she did best: speaking, acting as a diplomat, and, when all else failed, shooting arrows at the problem. She could sympathize, however, for she often forgot how long she had been traveling, and many nights missed the simplicity of her life back on the plains. Sometimes it was very hard to keep going, but her love of her clan and her devotion to what would give all of them a better life always kept her motivated and encouraged her to continue.

"I would be glad to show you the plains. There is not much between settlements, but I could show you the City of Heroes and my tribe, the Cathecassa. I am sure my people would be happy to meet you and learn from you. Please do not worry, friend Quineve. It is no imposition, and certainly not rude at all. I would be happy to guide you through the sea of grass."

Tamaya took a long drink and then nodded in agreement.

"Perhaps after Sacae, we can travel to see the land of your birth. I would be most interested to see Aquelia and Etruria in general. And I completely agree with you, friend Quineve. Traveling with others is easier and more enjoyable. Especially because together we would make a good team, able to support and protect one another through our skills.

Would her clan be all right if she were to leave the plains? But of course. She was, after all, their envoy to the outside world, their eyes and ears and mouth to all that surrounded.

"Yes, my friend. They have entrusted me with the responsibility of traveling and learning, of spreading the word of our peacefulness, our desire to live our simple lives without strife, without war and hate and killing.

Perhaps first we travel south, to my clan, and then to the City of Heroes. From there we can leave Sacae for any other lands you wish to explore."