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“Sounds good to me, friend.” Han cheerfully agreed as he performed the transactions on Juniper’s behalf, before handing up a couple Tunawa-sized bundles of meat and berries to the duo perched on his shoulder. The shopkeepers gave him a look he wasn’t used to receiving- something between hesitance and confusion. They clearly weren’t accustomed to the site of a Tunawa riding a bird riding a human. Their loss. “Alright, let’s get down to the lake so you can get cleaned up. Maybe if we hurry my shirt won’t end up smelling like this forever.” He added the last bit with a smirk and a chuckle, glancing up to Juniper and nodding slightly, mischievous grin on his face.
He didn’t want to go to the piers, that would hardly be a fitting place for a wash. Even if the one in need seemed physiologically more akin to a snarky head of cabbage than a woman, she was a dignified cabbage. They would head a little further down, closer to the edge of the city- somewhere with a real shore. As he thought on it, still walking through the marketplace, it occurred to him that it might not be a great idea to put his new friend in the freezing cold water, even if she did desperately need a wash.
“Say, are you sure you really want to bathe outside? Cylus only just ended- can your people handle that kind of cold water? I don’t want to be the one who got you killed if I can help it. If warm would be better I could heat some at home.” A joke about vegetable soup nearly made its way to the surface but was quickly suppressed. It amused him to be in this position- he hadn’t been so ill informed about a friend for a long time. Of course, he mostly interacted with the types that populated his corner of Idalos- Biqaj, Human, Lotharro. Tiny green women weren’t his specialty. But he could change that.
The Tunawa handed the man the Nel for the payment and held on to the packages that held her and Bone's food carefully. It was kind of hard with how everything was set up, but luckily since they weren't going to be flying, she didn't have to worry to terribly much about it.
Bone would screech at any of the shopkeepers that would look too long at them, startling a lot of them, but that was all the bird would do. Just a simple screech, almost like she were trying to say, "hey you're being rude." Juniper at least felt that way. She chuckled a bit at that thought. Though it immediately stopped when Han had made a comment about his shirt smelling and smiled about it. She blinked at him and then looked down at herself.
"I.... Must smell pretty bad.... "
Her voice was soft but definitely hearable to Han, she'd been more talking to herself though when she said it. She shrugged a bit and was cautious of any sudden movements he'd make as he walked around so as to not drop the food.
She did however almost jump when the man asked her a question directly. She blinked at him for a few trills as he asked his questions and then she just shook her head and smiled.
"Should be just fine. Too hot and it'll ruin my leave, besides. Fire isn't a friend of us. Sure it'll be a bit cold, but shouldn't harm me. I'm more worried about what lurks in the waters than anything."
She smiled at him softly. Something about that statement could have sent chills down most people's backs. The ways she said it, just seeming to be weighted deeply by her past. After a moment she just looked before her, watching the town and the scenery go by.
"I... remember, when I was even younger... on my second birthday I think it was... A Sev'ryn had me on his shoulder, taking me through Desnind, showing me the sites, teaching me about his culture and his home."
There was a long pause, and she seemed to laugh coarsely as she shook her head.
"He...indulged a young, overly excited Tunawa, that hadn't even found her bird yet. I was naive. Wanting to learn about the world, but I was ignoring the most important things. Sure I remember the grand sites, but I didn't see everything. I didn't see the pettiness of others, or the poverty and squalor that some lived in. I was just worried about what I wanted. Brushing off all the warnings that everyone gave me. It's brought me here.. in the most unpleasant way probably possible for a Tunawa."
She shook her head again and just looked up at the sky. A long and heavy sigh leaving her tiny lips.
"And here I am again.. feeling like a child, wanting to know about this building and that building... almost forgetting about the potential that someone could sweep me up at any moment in time and sell me off to be a slave. I'm.. not cautious enough... Am I?"
She just sat there, looking up at the sky for a moment before looking back down and shaking her head once more, putting a small sad smile on her face as she looked to Han. One hand up as if to wave off the thoughts.
"Never mind. Don't worry about it. I'm just mumbling anyways."
Expenses
I want to say that all together the fruit and the meat maybe came to around 5 SN, but if the grader thinks it should be higher that's fine.
A moment of silence passed between the two as Han mulled over his new friends words. They were the words of someone coming of age- the realization that there is more to the world than grand monuments, big cities, and beautiful landscapes. Yet, there still lingered that burning curiosity and desire to see new things. He hoped silently that she would never lose that. It gave him hope, seeing her spirit live on in the face of struggle. It made him very happy, even if Juniper seemed pretty low in comparison.
“So you and the bird- Bone, that is- haven’t always been companions, then. How is it that you go about finding a bird and convincing it to let you ride it?” Bone had, to this point, been mostly silent, excepting a few screeches here and there at the occasional merchant or passersby who walked too close. He was interested in learning more- the two obviously had a deeper connection than just owner and pet, and he was keen to absorb as much knowledge of his new Tunawa friend as he could get.
It wasn’t long after asking his question that the coastline came into view, along with the expansive port that made up most of Ne’haer’s marine border. Ships filled the view, some small, some massive. Shipyards and docks all over, and more fishing vessels than anyone knew what to do with. It was truly the economic powerhouse of Ne’haer, the vitality of the city flowing richly in the form of food and nel. He paused as they entered this part of the city, wanting at first to simply take in the sight for a moment. After a moment, however, he put together that Juniper may well be uncomfortable around the docks after her experience, and he felt somewhat guilty for admiring it with her right there, realizing now what her words about fearing what is in the water may have meant. He said nothing, but quickly glanced up at her with a sympathetic look, wanting to make sure she was alright. Having done so, he resumed his pace, and they made their way toward their destination, weaving through yet more crowds that packed the docks.
“I’m a hunter, you know. I spend a lot of time outside of the city. Sometimes I forget just how fully packed this place can be. When I was younger, I traveled from place to place, and sometimes you’d go days without seeing a soul besides the ones you were with. I think I preferred that, in a way. What about you? You like it here, or do you prefer places that are more… scarcely populated?”
Some interesting and really imposing questions were coming from Han at that moment. She raised her brow at him. Did he know he was kind of being intrusive? Well she'd been a little too free with the giving of information in the first place. She sighed to herself and looked ahead, staring at the scene before them. If she didn't hate ships so much, it might have been a massively beautiful sight to behold. Though as it were, she kind of wished that some sea monster were reeking havoc upon each and every one of those ships.
She shifted in the saddle, having to hold their bundles even while not flying was still difficult, especially with only one arm. She sighed and looked to the man as he spoke up again. And again, he was asking another personal question. Well, it's not like she gave him any reason to believe that she wouldn't answer such questions.
"I don't know if I like it here, I haven't really been taking care of myself or paying attention. To be frank, I lost interest in adventure, but I also don't want to be stuck in one place. I did that too long. I saved Bone as a baby. Abandoned by her mother or fallen out of the nest. I raised her all on my own. That's how she became mine."
She answered his questions nonchalauntly, like she wasn't really interested in answering his questions anymore, but she still gave him most of the answers. Slowly she looked around. Bone gave a little screech once more.
Han listened to Juniper answer his questions, this time in more of an aloof manner than before- probably getting close to her limit for socialization. ’Ah, well. Still plenty of progress for a first meeting.’ Han thought to himself, smiling as they made their way finally to the far edge of the port. ’Juniper and Bone. Tunawa, lost her arm to pirates, craved adventure, not so much anymore. Likes berries.’ He made mental notes on his new friend as he did with everyone. Concluding those thoughts, they finally reaches a spot where there was less happening and more open ground and beach.
“This ought to do nicely. You can get cleaned up here and then we can go our ways, if you like.” Han said, figuring if the young tunawa was tired of talking she’d likely not have much desire to continue together either. It occurred to him then that perhaps he ought to offer a place to stay. He doubted she’d accept on account of her previous run-ins with humans, but he did find her sitting in a dirty back alley. It couldn’t hurt to offer, he figured. “By the way,” He started. “I don’t know if you’d be interested, but if you need a place to stay, my home is open to you. No pressure of course, just thought I’d make it known.” He wondered briefly what it would be like to live with a Tunawa. Would you have to put the fire out? He didn't like the idea of accidentally killing his new friend. And what had she said earlier- that Bone would "cut him" if anything happened? He certainly wasn't looking forward to that.
Having asked his questions, he allowed Juniper some peace and was silent for a few bits for the first time since they'd met up, and let himself reflect on the whole ordeal. He thought about the pirates in particular. Juniper had suffered at their hands and would never forget it. It was so unnecessary. It wasn't anger that grew in him, but a recognition that the world would be a better place without such people. The thought appealed to his darker side a great deal. 'You know what would solve this problem? Killing them. A dead man can't hurt anyone....' He relished the thought for a moment that seemed to linger for bits before he realized the path his mind was walking down. Han quickly closed his eyes and began to slowly inhale and exhale, getting into a very minor meditative state of mind- not the most effective, but it would have to do. 'Killing doesn't fix things. We can only seek to help those in our path. Killing doesn't fix things...' He only did this for a few moments, just enough to wrest some kind of mental control back, but it drained him emotionally like it always did to assert himself. He looked around, seeing that everything was still quite normal- Juniper and Bone were still at the water and the world was still turning. Han let out an exasperated sigh, and deep down he knew he couldn't do this forever. But that was a thought for another day. For now, he would do what he could for his new friends, nothing else was important.
As they finally reached the lake, or at least the portion that Han though acceptable for her to bathe, Bone carefully launched herself off of his shoulder and fluttered to the ground right by the water. Juniper launching herself off Bone was careful to land on only her right foot before looking around for any animals that might be big enough for them to be a problem. Not immediately seeing anything she slowly headed to the water.
There was still bits of ice floating about in it. She grumbled to herself. At least it would be a good wake up call. First she opened the food packages. Putting a hand up to Bone's beak. Telling her to wait. Sniffing at the meat and looking over it as best she could in the low light she nodded and then smiled to Bone.
"Good girl, go ahead, chow down."
Bone screeched and flapped her wings in a happy display before digging into the meet, using her talons to rip into the meat to help her get more manageable pieces. Juniper got to eating herself. When she had her fill she headed to the water and started to rinse herself off. Dirt, grime and old sap slipping off of her body. She shivered a bit at the lapping water.
She paused a moment as she heard him ask his question, but she stayed silent while she carefully started washing off Bone's feathers. Bone didn't like the cold water, but there wasn't really much she could do about it, and she wasn't about to chance flames catching her at Han's place. Han's place, he wanted her to stay with him. Do she dare? Humans had done nothing but trick and harm her until he came along and showed her that humans could be kind too. She frowned at this thought and shook her head.
"Well.. I don't see the harm in staying.. nearby... If there is a tree or something nearby or if you have rafters that I can stay in, and you can stand only having the smallest of fires if none at all... I wouldn't mind being around.. Don't expect me to stay around long or tell you where I'm going though... understand?"
She looked to him for a moment and then sighed before going back to work on her bird, dirt and grime making interesting patterns in the water. Juniper already looked a lot better, even if she was shivering.
Han could tell his offer was received with a degree of hesitation from Juniper. He understood, of course. The last time she’d had an extended stay with humans she lost an arm. Only fair for her to take him with a grain of salt, or ten. He was glad that she did really seem to be open to it though, even if it was an openness that had to be glimpsed through a conspicuously prickly demeanor. Regardless, it was good to see her finally getting cleaned up and fed along with Bone. He’d set out that trial to make friends and be helpful, and he could only hope that he’d been able to fulfill that goal for their sakes. He was just one man in a very big world of people who would not be so kind or generous, and even he didn’t have that much to offer- he’d merely provided the impetus to eat and get clean. Other than talking her ears off- if Tunawa even had ears?- He really hadn’t done much of anything. He was glad to help but in a way almost regretted that all he could do was speak kind words and offer a place to stay.
“Of course.” Han replied to Juniper with a smile. “I wouldn’t expect you to do so. You’re free to come and go as you like, you needn’t involve me in anything unless you desire to do so.” He wanted to make sure she didn’t think he was encroaching on her or even had the intent to later do so- his offer was merely intended as a way for her and bone to get out of the elements, especially in the cold early trials of Ashan. “All I want is to make sure you and Bone don’t freeze out here. But whatever you choose to do, and however long you choose to stay, your decisions are your own, and I won’t object to them.”
Having spoken, he waited for the pair to finish their business so that they could move on. It was interesting the way life would occasionally throw you these strange little treats, the kinds of random encounters that leave you feeling satisfied. Even if they were infrequent and rarely lasted long, he was glad of them. Juniper seemed to have had much of the desire to adventure and live drained from her, but he knew it would come back in time. Nobody he knew had ever stayed down forever unless they were dead. No, before long she would likely be on her way, and who knew if they would ever meet again. But even if they didn’t, they would be part of each others story now, an entertaining footnote in their personal history. He’d had many encounters with strangers over the years, and he liked to hold on to as many memories as he could, even if they seemed irrelevant. They were part of him now.
“Whenever you two are ready, we can head back to my home. Just let me know.” Han said, smiling, feeling satisfied that he had made one more friend that trial.
Knowledges
Hunting: For Friends
Meditation: Praying to Center Yourself
Meditation: In the Heat of the Moment
Discipline: Making Friends Because You Have To
Persuasion: Convincing Someone to Let you Help Them
Intelligence: Probing Questions
Caregiving: Offering your Home
Caregiving: Helping to Get Fed
Caregiving: Persistent Kindness Yields Results
Caregiving: Offering Sympathy to A Stranger
Caregiving: Joking to Lighten The Mood
Caregiving: Making Sure Your Friends are Cared For
Loot: N/A Injuries: N/A Renown: N/A
Points 15
Juniper
Knowledges
Polearms- Quarterstaff: One hand/armed wielding
Animal Training- Hen Harrier: one low, soft whistle = calm down, safe
Animal Training- Hen Harrier: beak tap when not flying to "Wait"
Meditation: Using fear as a grounding point
Intimidation: Threaten Pain From your bird
Intimidation: My Business is my own, bugger off
Intimidation: Good posture, Look Bigger, stronger and prouder
Field Craft: Checking if meat is still fresh enough to eat.
Socialization: Be Prepared
Socialization: knowing you're an oddity
Socialization: Being Cautious of Humanoids
Socialization: Placing a Little Trust in someone.
Interrogation: Managing to answer most of the questions
Han: Makes Jokes
Han: Want's to be friends without gaining trust
Han: Weird, but I guess he's okay.
Han: Sometimes goes off into space
Han: Seems interested in my past
Han: Asks way too many freaking questions
Ne'Haer: Markets
Ne'Haer: Alley ways
Ne'Haer: The Lake
Loot: -5 SM for the the food Injuries: N/A Renown: N/A
Points 15
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Angst tends to lose against kindness! Han is a sweet man - kind of like a milk chocolate bonbon with a gooey, murdery center! Juniper is definitely jaded, for good reason, and is a moody little thing! Both of you did a good job of setting your characters' emotional states and naturally reacting toward one another without me having to suspend belief for the sake of the thread working out. Han's comments about vegetable soup were 10/10 haha. Good thread!
