Adventurer
IS OFFLINE
22
Renown
Human/Elf
https://talesofcharon.proboards.com/thread/4816/veriles-thinks-on-paper
18 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Veriles on Aug 26, 2023 13:44:54 GMT -5
Rain fell lightly on the countryside landscape as Veriles crossed the last bit of sprawling, lightly curated pathway before Taki's remote retreat. The walk itself was comfortable and familiar as Veriles has taken this path several times before. What caused her mood to mirror the weather was the seemingly insurmountable task they had taken on: they want to befriend a gecko.
Several months ago, a curios Swamp Gecko approached them as they rested in the swamp for lunch, well-deserved after a morning of training. She offered some meat, which they swiftly snatched and began eating. It was, perhaps, more than one should offer an animal of that size, making up an appreciable fraction of its mass. Try telling that to the gecko, though. They started returning weekly, then daily, then they started hanging around the campsite. Inside a season, the two of them were often swapping cool rocks (for more cool rocks) and bits of food (for mosquitos, usually).
To this day, however, Veriles hasn't managed to make any progress on befriending the little dude. She intended to change that. Being able to learn from an adventurer as seasoned as Taki would be a dream come true. After all the stories Veriles has heard from her around campfires late into the night, she couldn't wait to understand nature more the way Taki does.
The only hard part, as she saw it, was asking.
She took a deep breath, and knocked.
"Hey Taki its me I have something important I want to ask but I want you to promise you'll say yes first because its really scary and I would feel a lot more comfortable with that kind of assurance and-" good lord, she was messing this up already.
|
|
Mage's Guild
IS OFFLINE
28
Renown
Crescent Isles
627 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Shitakibo on Aug 27, 2023 0:56:59 GMT -5
Having spent the early hours of the morning meditating and tending her garden, the shaman decided to spend the steamy midday swimming and training with Hanehiko. The pair returned to home and had lunch with the rest of the shaman's many companions. She pulled the large, flat grill and it's myriad of implements into the center of the barn as each of the joyous spirits in her life brought their favorite ingredients over and ordered their lunches. Thunder rumbled overhead as the rain began to fall, though it was far off, sweeping the coast and down across the archipelago as storms were often doing in the area. Her little sanctum was tucked into a valley that had a river flowing through it, not far from the sea or the dense green of the Bamboo Forest.
After fixing meals for everyone, she decided to practice with her latest fascination in martial expression. In her upper arms was a long length of woven Bamboo strands, with a simple pouch near the center and the five round slugs that served as their ammunition. She enjoyed swirling the orbs together before slipping one into the pouch and launching it with incredible speed. Cracking and sizzling when it struck a surface, a flash of electrical energy burst forth from the impact of each shot. A moment later, the slug would return and join the procession of practice.
Rina and Kamina were enjoying a cool drink in the main house, which had a clever system of using the stone foundation and wall supports to create an insulating barrier. The rain was cooling things down, but that also meant the smaller flyers couldn't really go anywhere. Even Yukina wouldn't fly in the rain unless ordered, and given a treat. Hanehiko would though, and was soaring back and forth over the grounds in the currents. Hearing a knock at the door, and a familiar voice beyond, Kamina zipped across the room and popped out of a door that was also part of the trim around the main frame.
"Hey Taki its me I have something important I want to ask but I want you to promise you'll say yes first because its really scary and I would feel a lot more comfortable with that kind of assurance and-"
"Verily!!!" Exclaimed the Lightning Pixie, sparking with glee. "We'll go get Miss Taki for you, come sit in the living room, door's open." The small Fae smiled, bowed her head and zipped off through the house to go find Taki. Rina only saw the flash of light as Kamina zoomed by, but was already perched on the edge of her hive watching the door. An old friend coming to visit was a full on celebration in Taki's home and every single person who'd visited more than once was keenly aware.
|
|
Adventurer
IS OFFLINE
22
Renown
Human/Elf
https://talesofcharon.proboards.com/thread/4816/veriles-thinks-on-paper
18 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Veriles on Aug 27, 2023 2:15:45 GMT -5
"Oh- oh right, yeah, yeah, I'll.. just make myself at home then," Veriles offered to no one in particular as they dragged themself through the door, at once very aware of their limbs and how uncomfortable they seem to be in any position.
They waited as patiently as possible in a place so chaotic; everywhere you looked- everywhere you listened- there was an energy that ran through the very walls of the house. and while inside, Veriles couldn't help but to feel a little chaos run through her too. It was infectious, but that was one of her favorite parts of visiting Taki. She always felt less bound by life's limitations here.
Once she'd taken a few deep breaths and had a few sips from a cool drink, courtesy of Rina, Veriles relaxed just enough to strike up a conversation with her. They talked about Veriles's training and progress, Taki's adventures, and mundane happenings around the house. Time passed so fast that the pair of them hardly noticed when Taki had finally arrived. After exchanging small talk, Veriles tried to ask her important question once again, but with a bit more forethought this time.
"Hey, so, you know how I was saying its about time I leave the farm? Would you maybe be able to teach me everything you know? Maybe if you aren't too busy, you seem pretty good at the whole adventuring thing and I could really use the help, you know, I've gotten pretty good at manipulating my sickle but Its still pretty slow going, I could show you if you want but I think I did last time and I haven't improved mu-"
Taki moves to cut her off.
|
|
Mage's Guild
IS OFFLINE
28
Renown
Crescent Isles
627 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Shitakibo on Aug 27, 2023 3:04:57 GMT -5
THWAKK!!! Another slug released a shower of sparks as it slammed into the target. After an hour, the shaman could nearly put a slug anywhere she liked. The metallic sphere returned a moment later and she packed the kit away into a small pouch. She heard the hum of electricity a moment before Kamina came bolting across the courtyard.
"Miss! Miss! Veriles is here!"
"Oh? Veriles is here? Well then, let's go see what is going on." Replied the shaman, following the pixie across the courtyard. As she approached, she could hear Veriles conversing with Rina and slowed her pace until it sounded like things wrapped up. She opened the door and walked through the house, then stepped into the room to greet her guest.
It had been a long summer, and Taki knew she'd probably be heading out to Veriles' father's farm to consult about their crops and such for the next year. She wondered if they were wanting to get started early as she listened to the hurried explanation.
"Hey, so, you know how I was saying its about time I leave the farm? Would you maybe be able to teach me everything you know? Maybe if you aren't too busy, you seem pretty good at the whole adventuring thing and I could really use the help, you know, I've gotten pretty good at manipulating my sickle but Its still pretty slow going, I could show you if you want but I think I did last time and I haven't improved mu-"
The shaman held up two hands to quiet the anxious half-elf, understanding their request with a growing smile. Taking a step forward, she placed a hand on their shoulder.
"Say no more Veriles, I will help you achieve your goals. Learning to live in the wide world in your way is the goal of many and I look forward to sharing whatever knowledge I might have. Do you have plans on where to begin? Questions you'd like answered? Tell me all about your newfound interest in the life of adventuring." She responded, trying to get the lass to calm down a bit and feel reassured.
|
|
Adventurer
IS OFFLINE
22
Renown
Human/Elf
https://talesofcharon.proboards.com/thread/4816/veriles-thinks-on-paper
18 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Veriles on Aug 27, 2023 16:02:26 GMT -5
That's a yes. That's almost certainly a yes. I really hope that was a yes. "Gecko. I wanna make a friend. Or, wait, let me start over. I didn't think I'd get this far-" Veriles takes a short series of fast, deep breaths and seems to calm down measurably. "I want to learn to befriend animals on a deeper level, kinda like you and Dad." Veriles explains at length about her new friend, and her lack of progress. They made sure to talk about the Cool Rock Exchange they had going on, and invite Taki to participate next time they passed through the Marsh Flats. "So, those are my goals: See more of the world with my Gecko friend and improve my grasp on the arcane to help at the farm. You know, back in the day, Mom used to be able to do so many chores at once with her magic, but- well, she's human. Dad and I will need to take care of her one day. I'll get strong enough to shovel the whole stable at once- just watch me! Oh which reminds me-" V eriles seemed to catch herself as she fell through her own exposition, and was now vibrating with excitement instead of anxiety, "asking you was all I had planned today. Wanna maybe hang out today and not do any hard work until some other time?" Honestly, it didn't really matter what they got up to. They were sure it'd be a fun time no matter what.
Like Dad always says, you could till a field with this woman and have a blast.
|
|
Mage's Guild
IS OFFLINE
28
Renown
Crescent Isles
627 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Shitakibo on Aug 28, 2023 6:36:16 GMT -5
Offering them a hand, Taki steps back and nods. "Let's take a walk, I'll give you a tour of my home and teach you a bit about what my life is like." The shaman replies. Kamina and Rina giggle excitedly and start chasing each other around the room. "Let me preface this day by saying no part of this was easy and I have found a lot of help along the way. I will do all I can to pass my wisdom to you, both in hopes that you are able to grow and to give thanks to those who made this possible." She explained as the pair walked outside into the balmy summer day. The courtyard wasn't large, but it was pleasantly decorated with bright flowers and ornamental planters for them. In addition there were covered benches and hammocks for guests to relax, with round stone pathways that Taki and her companions brought up from the river down below. She turned right and entered a building that seemed made of woven strings or fibers of some kind. The framework was made of shoots of sturdy bamboo, lashed together with a braided rope of the same material skinning the outside. A hand crafted sliding door served as the entrance, which latched in place with a simple hook and a bar on the frame.
Inside were neat rows of plants, grouped together in different sections with hanging plaques displaying their name. A myriad of fruit bushes, vine and root vegetables, spices and medicinal herbs grew within the glittering shelter and it had a strong earthy, damp aroma within. After closing the door behind Veriles, she began to explain.
"This is the greenhouse, something Shion was instrumental in designing. She's probably about somewhere close by, but it's her webbing that makes the threading you see. We cultivate a combination of things in this building that would otherwise have difficulty growing because of soil condition or competition for resources. Many of my spices, herbs and ingredients come from this building. It was an endeavor to make work, but once we figured out how to make the structure strong, weather resistant and still let enough light in, the plants did the rest. Each morning after breakfast I come here if I don't have a job lined up. Weeds are pulled, each plant is checked and watered, fertilized on a schedule and harvested as a group effort with a couple of the others who are able to help. My goal with the whole of my agriculture is to provide enough variety, food and nutrition for myself and the other companions that live here, as well as the ability to serve guests and help with crises in times of need. This is accomplished through several preservation methods I'll happily share with you as part of the research and information we copy into a notebook to get you started. Feel free to look around and ask questions about things as you like Veriles." She concluded, having walked around the building once before setting on a bench to give the lass space to embrace her own curiosities.
|
|
Adventurer
IS OFFLINE
22
Renown
Human/Elf
https://talesofcharon.proboards.com/thread/4816/veriles-thinks-on-paper
18 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Veriles on Aug 28, 2023 21:51:02 GMT -5
Veriles hopped this way and that through the forest of new and exciting things. Not that the plants themselves excited her- nor was it the idea that one could know so much about so many plants. Veriles themself has a tome's worth of knowledge on plants and growing from her time on the family farm. No, what excited her the most was that each plant, once properly named, categorized, and understood, had a great many uses, the most basic of which she could only dream. But just below the veneer of wilderness was a harmonious order, with each plant and each part of each plant given just the right amount of structure and freedom, of light and shade, of care and independence; each thing in balance with everything else. This must take so much effort
this might be harder than a long harvest season
Still, she asked every question she could, with barely a care as to what she remembered and what passed from her mind as easily as it was introduced. Some plants were very nutritious, and some only edible when prepared carefully; some could make durable ropes and weaves, and some had no such strength, bruising to a touch. Still, each one had was grown with intent and with care, and each one would return the effort severalfold. That, at least, the farm had taught her.
"I can see how hard you work here. Everything is tended so well, and its all flourishing. I'm worried, though. I see how in-balance everything is. On the farm, I just have to do a job until its done. I don't have to know how much of a field to till or water- Its just all of it. How would I ever know how to take care of so many different things? I'd be studying forever!"
|
|
Mage's Guild
IS OFFLINE
28
Renown
Crescent Isles
627 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Shitakibo on Aug 29, 2023 2:38:57 GMT -5
Taki chuckled softly at the idea that one could do all this in one go. "You misunderstand Veriles, this is years of work, trial, error and persistence. You start with what you need most, and expand it out from there. This level of garden is something you build into, much like the life that I've enjoyed the last year or so. When my mentor retired, they passed on much of their knowledge and possessions... not to mention all the help from local craftsman and smiths to get the tools and materials needed. There's no rush, much like nature itself changes and grows, so to must you cultivate your own life. Your spirit is gentle and has the affinity to connect, you just have to be able to express that in your own way and trust yourself. Patience, Observation, and Understanding are the keys to a Druid's life." She said, finishing her snack and waiting for Veriles to join.
The pair walked along marked pathways through the complex of Taki's home, the shaman sharing facts and wisdom about her favorite things as well as anything she was asked about. It took roughly an hour to tour the complex, after which they returned to the courtyard. Taki let out a sharp whistle that echoed through the green, vibrant area to signal one of her companions. A few moments later, a large spider, roughly the size of a house cat with a bright blue iridescent carapace came skittering and hopping into the spacious area. A pair of large round eyes looked to the shaman as her chelicerae rubbed back and forth.
"I'm here Miss, how can I be of assistance?" Shion asked, her body tilting to the right slightly.
"Veriles here would like to learn more about the ways of Druidry, since you are able to communicate with us both at this moment I thought it best you assist us in getting started learning about how to read an animal's language even if you or it do not speak."
"Marvelous, I'm to take on the role of the wild creature encountered then?"
"Indeed, we'll begin when Veriles is ready." Concluded the shaman, giving the young farmer a gentle nudge on the shoulder for encouragement.
|
|
Adventurer
IS OFFLINE
22
Renown
Human/Elf
https://talesofcharon.proboards.com/thread/4816/veriles-thinks-on-paper
18 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Veriles on Aug 29, 2023 5:00:47 GMT -5
"Okay," Veriles fumbled for the way forward, "So I'll need something to feed the Gecko- I guess something Shion likes would do. Here-" Veriles produced a leather pouch-sized grub habitat, and from it, a grub. "So if I crouch down like this, and-" she holds out her hand to Shion, crouching to about her level, "I usually let them approach me. The other way around, and they dart off."
Veriles thought back to their first few encounters with the wild gecko. They had disappeared just as she spotted them. It took a while for them to approach Veriles at her fire, and a while still before they started trading. She still didn't know how to get it to trust her enough to hold it, always darting from her grasp.
She figured she could skip to the part she was stuck on, since Shion was already a friend of Taki's. "So.. How do I get you to trust me?"
|
|
Mage's Guild
IS OFFLINE
28
Renown
Crescent Isles
627 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Shitakibo on Aug 30, 2023 7:30:53 GMT -5
"Being calm, patient, and minimizing any sudden or jerky movements. Don't make yourself appear to be prey or frozen in fear... but don't be a threat either. Let the animal choose you and take no offense if they don't... If you're already forming a bond with a specific creature, you've already taken the first steps. Forming a pattern is the next step... something the creature can grow accustomed to every day and associate with you. When they're ready and you've put in the effort, they'll follow you home one day and that will be the start of an amazing journey all your own." Taki explained as Shion watched the girl's hands carefully.
Shion could sense her nerves, the grub in her hand wriggling it's stubby stumps as plump as could be. She darted forward, leaping the distance with the pressure stored in their powerful legs. Landing only about a foot away, the shimmering spider tapped the fore of their front pair of legs against hers, grasping at the fabric with the small clawed pads that allowed her to climb even slick surfaces. Trying to shake her nerves, the pair of shorter but stronger forelimbs appeared over the edge of her hands fishing for the grub. Her largest, forward pair of eyes watched the young elf's every twitch, breath and reaction with startling focus. How would she react to something invading her space suddenly? Would she understand that each creature may express their trust in different ways? Both shaman and companion observed carefully...
|
|
Adventurer
IS OFFLINE
22
Renown
Human/Elf
https://talesofcharon.proboards.com/thread/4816/veriles-thinks-on-paper
18 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Veriles on Aug 30, 2023 8:06:12 GMT -5
"Oh! Hey there, that was easy!" Veriles took a panicked step back but quickly steadied out. She stood smiling at Shion, not sure she had learned anything exactly. "So, I should just be patient and the little dude will figure the rest out?" It couldn't be that easy. Sure, she'd usually end up scaring them off by petting them or trying to pick them up, but how else were they gonna get used to it? "What if they just keep darting off and never follow me home? How do I even know they want to see the world with me?" She had a hard time just letting them vibe. Maybe that was her problem? Had she been pushing away her potential friend by keeping them too close this whole time?
"I think I understand something. Its hard to put into words, but I think I get it. When are you going to be around our farm again? I would maybe want you there in case I'm not good at this." Veriles's voice shook with nerves and excitement. Could she really do it?
|
|
Mage's Guild
IS OFFLINE
28
Renown
Crescent Isles
627 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Shitakibo on Aug 30, 2023 10:56:04 GMT -5
Shion takes the grub in her chelicerae, gnawing at the morsel after she hops back. She prances about in a circle happily and nods to Veriles with her bright blue body.
"She'll figure it out with practice Taki, it'd be worth the time to show her the first step."
"I see... I was pondering that very thing, so your input is appreciated." The shaman sat thoughtful for a moment as she considered taking some time from her end of summer preparations to get the lass started in her new life. She let out a pair of long, low whistles in a short burst to call her other companions.
"Hanehiko, you and I will be taking a trip with Veriles here. I'm going to leave home in the care of the rest of you. Please tend to the harvest gently while I'm away and keep each other company. Hiko, meet us down by the river and I'll bring your saddle." She addressed her gathered flock, before turning to Veriles with a wide, toothy grin. "I've made up my mind, we're taking your training to a more practical setting so be sure your pack is secure and you've got all your stuff before meeting me down by the river. There's a ramp leading down to a dock on the other side of the workshop." Instructed the shaman, patting the lass' shoulder with two hands before turning and walking in the direction she had just described.
|
|
Adventurer
IS OFFLINE
22
Renown
Human/Elf
https://talesofcharon.proboards.com/thread/4816/veriles-thinks-on-paper
18 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Veriles on Aug 31, 2023 3:38:57 GMT -5
Veriles didn't have much to burden Hanehiko with, as she had carried her pack here herself. She only had the most essential tools and supplies for travel, but if they were to see more of the world, they would have to swiftly and thoughtfully add to that collection.
The journey here was tiring enough, how much more can I reasonably carry?
Oh, the speed at which she can move! Veriles's curiosity quickly overcame her fear, and awe came soon after. Until she began to lift off, Veriles assumed Hanehiko would be.. boating? swimming the long way around. Now, with her eyes open, it was hard to do anything but stare. The water passed her what felt like impossibly fast as they soared above the seas surrounding the Crescent Isles. "Look, there's 'gazer! Its to the, uh-" Veriles looked at the sun, full body flinched, then held up a hand to shield her eyes and looked generally towards the sun to get their bearings. "It's to the east, I think." Behold, and the sparse smoke trails to the northeast reflected the vibrant yellow-orange sunset, and blues gave way to greens and brown as they passed over the forest. Hark, and the cries of gulls faded to the chatter of bugs, birds, frogs, and so many more souls. With stark speed and a lofty perch, Veriles could see for the first time how connected all this life is. They spent their life seeing the trees, but from up here they could see the forest.
In a world so small, how could anything live in a vacuum? How could I?
The farm was full of life of all kinds. She thought herself above them, but this! This is what it is to be above the worms and foxes and grubs and owls of the farm. Perhaps she lived closer to them than she thought.
|
|
Mage's Guild
IS OFFLINE
28
Renown
Crescent Isles
627 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Shitakibo on Sept 6, 2023 7:11:16 GMT -5
Taki looked back from her perch smiling, then leaned down and said something quietly to Hanehiko. When she was done she walked carefully across her back and handed Veriles the reigns. "See you on the ground, and don't worry, she knows the way down... Trust is your first lesson of this excursion." Said the shaman before spreading her arms wide beyond the boundary layer of calm air. With a light hop, the wind caught her body like a kite as she gracefully tumbled off the Celestial Manta and towards the ground below.
With a jubilant shout, she tucked her arms in close and pointed her nose down as her body began to change. Diving rapidly towards the ground, Taki shifted into a sleek falcon of gray and white with sparse black markings. She flaired her wings, their angular shape working with her tail to turn to the diving momentum into a high speed glide over the canopy below. She banked towards Veriles' farm, rolling out of the turn in a wide loop before sailing over the trees with a graceful glide. She landed on the simple pole archway that noted their main gate, resting as she watched Hanehiko come gently soaring down.
|
|
Adventurer
IS OFFLINE
22
Renown
Human/Elf
https://talesofcharon.proboards.com/thread/4816/veriles-thinks-on-paper
18 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Veriles on Sept 9, 2023 14:56:00 GMT -5
Veriles's heart stopped. Of course it did, whose wouldn't? She knew Taki was perfectly okay; that lady was powerful. Feeling suddenly unsteady, Veriles remembered how much she liked breathing. Okay, we're holding tight now. Really don't wanna fall off so close to home. And we're breathing. Hey I wonder if I can do that with telekinesis.. They scarcely remembered they held the reins, but Hanehiko needed little guidance to the ground. The farm was a well-visited place, and, she could only hope, a fondly-remembered one, as well. Gathering her stuff, Veriles felt the weight of her kit, light as it was, and pondered the effort Hanehiko's kindness had saved her. I'll definitely bring you a meal worthy of Taki's steed.
"I'll let Mom and Dad know its you that's just landed on their front doorstep, and help them set another place for supper. Its late enough that we should head out tomorrow, though." With that, they ran ahead. As eager as they were to conquer tomorrow, they directed that energy to preparations today. Over supper, Taki and Veriles's parents talked about boring plant stuff, but Taki also talked with Veriles a bit about the lessons to come. On this whole journey to befriend this gecko, she felt she was already learning more about herself and the world around her. Who knows what cool lessons are to come?
|
|