Fantasy RPG Forum - Standing Trials

Asari Rosacea didn’t like the way people looked at her. She had only been in Desnind a short time, yet it seemed like whenever she left her room at the inn, people were content to glare at her. Their eyes said the words their mouths wouldn’t speak- they didn’t want her here. It had been similar in Nashaki, but she had been a child then. Her mother had earned more glares than she had. Then, in Nekhet, she had been praised for her trade in herbology. The doctors there adored her, respected her, because of that crucial skill. However, Desnind was different. Here, all they cared about was that she was a Naerikk. Every stare, hitting her like ice water, causing goosebumps on her fair skin.

Most days, Asari escaped into the forest. This was the case tonight, around midnight. The dark haired Naerikk pulled her cloak a little closer to her slender, short form, shivering at the cold air as she walked through Desnind proper. As she crossed through the marketplace on her way to the gate, she spotted people lined up outside a booth selling lanterns. What’s so special about lanterns? She wondered, approaching.

As the line dwindled, Asari finally got her answer- they were for the “alaiwa snäyì” or “light walk”. Apparently people were buying them and then walking in groups of friends to the Kẹjí Kisa. Asari hesitated, her blue eyes calculating as she pondered whether to join in on the festivities. She didn’t entirely understand the point, though it did sound like fun. However, it was the type of thing you went to with friends, and so far, Asari had none.

“I’ll take a lantern.” Asari ordered, scooping a hand into her pocket for the small bag she kept her coin in. Fishing out two golden nells, she paid the Sev’ryn who was selling them. To her surprise, he didn’t complain or give her any trouble, simply gave a grunt and handed her a lantern, which was alight with glowing caterpillars.

Making her way to the entrance of Desnind, Asari paused to light her lantern before slipping through the gates. While she may not be quite brave enough to celebrate with the rest of Desnind, she could certainly have her own celebration of sorts.

Walking past the camps of those who chose to stay outside Desnind’s walls, Asari merely took a quick glance before she began walking into the forest, the light of her lantern guiding her.

A Naerikk was never skittish. This was something Asari had told herself for quite a long time to prevent her tendency to jump. Funnily enough, it never worked. When she heard a voice call out from the darkness, she jumped so hard she almost dropped her lantern, making the caterpillars within bounce. Her other hand went to her chest as she whirled around with wide blue eyes.

She was relieved to see that it was a boy who had called out- a human, by the looks of it. “Cassion’s sake, where did you come from?” She said, exasperated. Less for the fact he was there, more for the fact that she hadn’t seen him. Taking a deep breath, she approached a little closer so she didn’t have to speak so loudly. Asari gave a small smile at his question.

“No, actually. It’s… over-rated.” She felt lame saying so, because it revealed the truth- she had no one to go with. Shaking her head, her black hair swayed slightly. “I’m more of a… self-celebration type of person. Plus I’m not… Well… I’m not really welcome among the Sev’ryn. Best to let them enjoy their holiday. I thought I’d go for a walk instead.” She hoped the tinge of sadness she felt didn’t show in her voice.

Crossing her arms, Asari paused a second before she walked over, gesturing to the end of the log. “Mind if I sit with you?” She had yet to introduce herself, but this man didn’t seem to look at her like most did. Perhaps he had no qualms about the Naerikk. Either way, it would be nice to have company, for a short time. She hadn’t had many pleasant conversations since she left Nekhet.

As she perched on the end of the log, beside him, she gave another smile and- despite her inner judgement telling her to put up more of a guard against people she didn’t know- held out a hand to this new male. “Asari Rosacea.” She greeted him, her eyes bright in the glow from her lantern.

Judging by the grin, you don’t seem all that sorry. Asari noticed, but it was actually a little amusing to her as well. It was nice that she could see him a little better now though, studying his face with interest. He looked young- though humans were hard to tell. Just like Naerikk- they stopped aging at twenty-five, so you could be speaking to one over the age of fifty and not realize it. As she sat beside him, she gave a smile.

“It’s… not lame, not really. But it’s a Sev’ryn holiday that I take care not to join into. The forest doesn’t scare me, regardless. I’m happier out here than with their kind- and they prefer it that way.” She paused, before explaining, “I certainly fit the word outsider to them. I’m a Naerikk, not human like I assume you are. Naerikk are… often mistrusted.” Her smile faded and she took a deep breath as she met his gaze, “We don’t have the best reputation. The Sev’ryn, who are so honest and good, see the Naerikk as… unworthy people. As a result, they aren’t comfortable interacting with one. I probably could have kept my race as a secret, if I tried. But I strive not to prove them right- so I’ve told everyone I’ve met. For all their value in honesty, I don’t think it’s change their opinion of me much.”

In truth, she thought many Sev’ryn to be hypocrites, but she’d earn nothing by admitting to that- not in Desnind, anyway.

Shaking his hand with a gentle grip, Asari’s own was cool and smaller than his, fitting near perfectly. Once she had released him, she reached up to tuck a strand of her hair behind her ear. “Likewise. So, Arlo Creede. You’re new here, and you don’t speak the language… but isn’t it a little strange to camp outside the city? In Cylus, no less? As it gets colder, you may be quite at risk out here.”

As she said this, another group of friendly Sev’ryn passed by, all with lanterns and loud laughter, clinging to each other as they began their celebrations. Asari’s eyes followed them, a sense of wistfulness filling her gaze. Even for a Naerikk- left out as often as they were- Asari still found it to be a terrible feeling.

“Would you be interested?” She asked suddenly, turning her head back to look at Arlo with her big blue eyes. In the light of their lanterns, her face paint glowed an eery green that made her eyes pop, the flowers that framed them intricate. “In the Light Walk. That’s what it’s called. What I’ve gathered is people go with a friend, and they… carry lanterns, and they walk to Kẹjï Kisa. It’s a winery… best spirits in Desnind. We could go, if you’re not opposed with attending beside a stranger. At the least we could share a drink or two… at the most we could get wasted.” It was a joke, of course- though a half one- smiling as she mentioned getting wasted. Even so, her offer was genuine.

“I know the owner. Phyt Cruces Shamsaldin. I visited when I first arrived in Desnind- learned he was from Nashaki. That’s where I’m from, so he and I… we tolerate each other, I suppose.” Asari explained. Now she was definitely babbling, and she gave a light laugh, looking down at her hands, which were tucked in her lap. She found herself observing the sky blue nail paint that she'd put on them just earlier that afternoon, trying to distract herself from looking up at Arlo again. Wow… I really am making a great first impression here.

Even her thoughts were sarcastic.

Asari was surprised by the younger boy’s words, her eyes widening a fraction. He was well spoken- and he was right. Hesitating, Asari thought on the many reasons, the truth of the matter. She was biased, of course, being a Naerikk herself, but… “I think… sometimes people fear what they don’t understand. They listen to the opinions of those they trust, and their own opinions shift to match.” She took a breath, before giving a small smile, “You’re right, though. I… would very much like to be the exception to my race.”

His admittance of preferring to be outside wasn’t so surprising- most people in Desnind held the same opinion. “It’s a beautiful place to stay outside. I’m a herbalist, I’m out here a lot myself. But in this cold… well, I’m happy the inn has been accommodating enough to a Naerikk.” Asari responded.

Asari was pleased as he agreed to go with her on the light walk, giving a smile- until he mentioned being unsure if he’d be allowed to drink. Leaning closer, her eyes narrowed as she studied his face. Is he truly under age? Oh snickerdoodle, that’s a shame. He’s cute… Young, but I could have sworn… he speaks like he’s older….

Leaning back at after a moment, Asari gave a light shrug. “Huh. You don’t look that young- I would never have guessed. I'm twenty-one and would have guessed you're my age... While it’s true that those who participate in the Light Walk traditionally do drink the signature seasonal spiced Holpxay, the holiday is… more about being with friends.” Standing up, she waited until he did the same before grabbing her lantern with one hand and linking her other arm with his, her manicured hand gripping his sleeve, giving a smile. “The rest usually includes Sev’ryn songs and ancestor stories… At the least we can sit, listen. At most… maybe I’ll tell you my own story. We’ll see where the night takes us, Arlo Creede.”

As they began down the path, she teasingly nudged him with an elbow and added, “Sheesh, I can’t believe you admitted to being under age and not drinking. Haven’t you ever lied before?” That was her Naerikk side talking, Asari giving a laugh. “I was drinking at the age of thirteen. Little bit of liquor never hurt me. You’re… noble, I’ll give you that.”

Freedom. It was a concept that Asari had a hard time with. So many people believed they were free- but were they? In Augiery, slaves were the common, shackles seen more than jewelry. In Nashaki, with its towers and its rules, freedom seemed… almost laughable. But then again, she had been the daughter of someone who broke Nashaki’s biggest rule- use of magic. It was hard to believe in freedom when you were a kid, watching your mother be dragged off from using her gift. She supposed if one was to find freedom, they’d find it in Desnind. But what of other places? Rynmere had its nobility, and Asari barely saw that as living in freedom.

Desnind… however. “I… suppose I can see your point.” Asari commented vaguely, though she frowned. Maybe I can’t be the same way… because I’ve been looking for somewhere to claim as my own. It was true, and she knew it. She’d always wanted a place to call home, ever since she fled Nashaki. Traveling sounded nice but… everyone had to stop traveling sometime, right? Or perhaps some people found home wherever they went… maybe travelers like Arlo were simply better off. It was a difficult concept for the Naerikk to ponder, and after a minute she gave a brief smile and let it drop.

Asari could tell when she made people uncomfortable. It hadn’t been the first time, and she could see Arlo frown when she took his arm. There I go again… Asari thought, holding back a sigh. She was relieved when he slipped away, taking the opportunity to cross her arms instead. It was the fault of never having contact with people- she tended to want closeness. Patting someone’s shoulder, ruffling someone’s hair, taking their arm during a walk. Maybe I’m too tactile. Or maybe people just don’t want to touch a Naerikk. She pondered, gazing up at the darkened sky for a moment. Even strangers were comfortable for someone who didn’t have any friends.

Yet she kept to herself as Arlo returned, putting a good distance between them. His response of lying was true enough- yet it also pointed out to Asari the blaring fact that most people of Desnind and her wouldn’t get along. Lying is second nature to a Naerikk. My whole childhood was one big lie… is it so hard to break that habit? Asari bit her bottom lip, reaching up to run a finger along her face paint design on her temple- a habit she did at times. “Welcoming and helpful… to those they like.” She commented quietly, so much so that it was almost as if she didn’t intend for Arlo to hear.

“So. You travel. Have you ever been to Nashaki?” Asari asked as they walked. “I grew up there. Or maybe Etzos, or Viden? Two places I’ve been considering going. Etzos especially- they could use more healers, and that’s what I hope to become. I hear there’s plenty of fighting in that city.”

She listened to his answer as they walked, taking deep breaths of the chilly Cylus air. It wasn’t long until the Kẹjï Kisa came into view- and with it, the sound of joyous celebration. The place was packed, some of the Sev’ryn even standing outside, laughing and talking and drinking. Asari found her walk slowing, arms tightening a little bit as she gazed at the winery, well light up with lanterns similar to her own. Some might have called it social anxiety, but the look in Asari’s eyes was almost fearful in her hesitance.

“H-Here we are.” She said, clearing her throat in an attempt to hide how shaky her voice was. She didn’t do well in crowds but… in the interest of making more acquaintances, she was willing to try.