• Closed • Diverging Paths

[Rynata]

Arc 718, 25th of Ymiden

The moment the rope pulled taut, signaling that the ship was properly secured, Rynata leapt ashore and started sprinting down the docks. The harbormaster she passed by raised a brow but said nothing, merely glancing down into his record book before wandering off to check on her ship. He was by now, somewhat familiar with her face and could tell when the owner of the Gilded Siren was in a rare hurry.

Heels now landing hard against the stone pavement, Rynata slipped through the narrow passageways appearing between the elbows of the many people who filled Scalvoris’ streets. Occasionally, someone would be sensible or alert enough to make room for the oncoming runner, but for the most part, it was left up to her to find an opening that would let her through. Making her way along the route that led most directly to the Scholar’s Nook tower, Rynata gave a calculating glance toward the general direction of the sun, trying to figure out exactly how late she was. The slanting shadows stretching away from the gleaming ball of fire told her that she was not so outrageously late, but definitely late.

Still, she would defend her case by pointing out that the messenger had only just managed to locate her and relay the request from Faith to hold a meeting. Rynata had jumped onto her ship as soon as possible, but the sloop could only go so fast. The delay in getting the word to her was not anyone’s fault. Though her contacts knew she would be around Scalvoris Isle, the real question was where precisely. Rynata, without a stationary home, could be roaming just about anywhere and must have been quite hard to reach. If she was to be serious about trade and Isonomia, she would need to set up a proper channel. One where the message didn’t have to chase her all over her irregular work routes.

Rynata halted in front of the tea shop and ran a hand through her temporarily mist-less hair in an attempt to smooth it down. Stepping into the now familiar ambience of the Scholar’s Nook, she made her way straight toward the winding bar. Greeting Maz with a tilt of her head and a smile, she requested a cup of apple tea, and scanned the room for her fellow faction member.

[Faith Augustin]

Faith was, without doubt, a punctual person but she never minded if others were late. Especially when they were meeting in the Scholars' Nook which served good tea and was filled with books. So when Rynata got in there, Faith was sitting and reading a book whilst sipping a cup of tea. She looked up and smiled in delight as she spotted the biqaj and gave a slight, almost-awkward wave. It wasn't that she felt awkward seeing Rynata, not at all but it was that moment of making herself seen in a public place and the hope that no one thought she was waving at them when she wasn't, that kind of thing.

Still, Rynata came over and Faith greeted her warmly. "How are you? It's nice to see you. I ordered you some tea and chocolate cake." There was a well known thing about biqaj and chocolate and Faith knew that Rynata was certainly not breaking the trend. Faith was delighted that Rynata had become a member of Isonomia. She was a good person, her help in the relief effort had been consistent and she was a hard worker. There was no doubt to Faith that Rynata was exactly the kind of person Isonomia needed.

Which was why she was sure that this was the right decision. She waited until Rynata had answered her with how she was, till they'd chatted just a little and the tea and cake had arrived. When that had happened Faith breathed in slightly and spoke softly. "I need to talk to you, make some plans" Faith clasped her hands together in front of her and then continued. "Padraig and I, my husband, we're moving to Rharne. In about thirty trials." She smiled softly at Rynata and answered the first question before it was answered.

"Slavery is abolished here, I couldn't leave before we achieved that, but I.." looking around she struggled to explain and then simply said it how it was. "And I need to slow down. There are a hundred draws on my time here, and I'm exhausted. I want to make a difference, I do. But I need a balance and I don't have one right now." Shrugging slightly, she wasn't sure that she could explain any better than that. There was so much that she could work all the breaks of the trial and she would never do all she needed to. So, she was going to move, with her husband and their children, to Rharne. There, she could continue to work and build another branch of Isonomia, she said, then lapsed into silence as she thought about it and considered all the ramifications. For the moment, though, she just fell quiet and waited for Rynata to ask any questions.

[Rynata]

Rynata walked over to Faith with a sheepish smile, returning her greeting with a light wave of her own.

"I'm glad I didn't miss you," she said, taking a seat as her breathing slowed down to an acceptable pace. As they exchanged news, Rynata asking about the twins, the refreshments arrived and were set before them. She had just cut into the alluring chocolate confectionery and had been about to take a bite when Faith dropped the real subject of the day onto the table. Pausing slightly, Rynata seemed to consider lowering the fork, but instead bit into the chocolate, chewing thoughtfully. It bought her a little time to digest the news.

"It's funny," she started, placing the fork onto the plate. "I thought you would have been the one seeing me off from Scalvoris." Rynata looked a little forlorn as she said this, but quickly recovered. Life on the sea forced one to become accustomed to partings such as these. It was just that this time, it was she who would have to wave goodbye from the shore. She didn't completely understand why Faith was suddenly departing, but also knew that was how it was with travel. She herself had done similar things in the past.

"I'm sorry to see you go, but I think I understand a little. It's for yourself and for Isonomia. I won't be the one to stop you." Faith had done much in the brief time Rynata had known her, and now with slavery outlawed, there were other places she needed to be. Family she needed to be with.

"You said plans, yes? Are there things you need for the trip? If there is something I can do from my end, I'd be glad to help."

Taking a sip from her tea, Rynata looked toward Faith with attentive eyes. To be honest, it worried her that such a force for good was sailing off into the distance. The way she had been called here was like being entrusted to keep the peace while the faction leader was away. The new uncertainty of the future was both worrying and hopeful.

[Faith Augustin]

Shaking her head, Faith smiled. "If I ever go missing," again, she supposed, "It will be here that Padraig searches for me. I love it here." She was going to miss it, there was no doubt. But still, she waited while Rynata got settled and the pair of them had their orders in front of them. Rynata was a traveler and that meant that telling her about traveling was, in some ways, easier. Equally, Faith had developed a lot of respect for the young woman and she did not like this, not at all. But as much as she did not, she knew that it had to change. Things had to.

As for who would see who off at the beach, Faith smiled, shrugging slightly. "Life seems to throw things doesn't it? I didn't think we'd leave Scalvoris, but then, lots of things have happened in my life which I did not think would happen." Was part of it, she wondered, that she had been revealed as a former slave? Maybe, to an extent, Faith had to admit so. She was not ashamed of who she was, but what she had achieved here would always be tainted with that - and with her not having told people. She would not make the same mistake in Rharne, it would be known and unimportant.

But the plans, she said, they were about Isonomia, not her travel plans. "We're going by Flutterbus. It's a big bug." Faith's expression showed that she was perhaps less than happy with that thought and then she added, with a wrinkled nose. "A big flying bug. I'm going to not think about it the whole way there." That was the best thing to do, she was sure. Her smile at Rynata was genuine, though. "The plans are for Isonomia. I have asked Kura to run it, here, but she'll need help, if you'd be prepared to give it." Faith nodded to Rynata and smiled slightly. "If you'd consider it, that is. Also, I had something to give you."

Reaching into her bag, she pulled out a small, pretty, seashell necklace. "U'frek gave it to me," she said, as calmly as if she was telling her Jim had. "When you wear it, dangerous spirits, familiars, wisps, ghosts and so on can not see you. It will keep you safe against them." Handing it over to Rynata, she smiled slightly. "I was on his ship, I was a slave still and my owner instructed me to cook. So I did. U'frek liked my stew and home made bread, I suppose. I've had it two arcs, but I am Famula's servant," more than that, she was Famula's Champion, but Faith didn't feel the need to brag. "It is my job, my duty and my privilege to see those things, and be seen by them. But U'frek made your people and he gave me this to protect me against the shadow beasts which attacked. I think he would be happy that I give it to you to protect you."

Looking at Rynata, she smiled. "My owner allowed me to keep it, even though I was not permitted to own anything. So it was never really mine. I've just been keeping it for you."

Breathing in, she looked out of the window, then frowned slightly. "Have you ever considered joining the Council, Rynata?"

[Rynata]

“The Flutterbus...” Rynata repeated thoughtfully, sounding out the word as if weighing its viability as a method of transport. A giant bug was certainly out there and nowhere as familiar as sea voyage, but it sounded harmless enough as long as it managed to stay in the air.

“Well, at least you'll have the sky above you, yes?” Rynata said, sympathizing with the bug problem. However, travel by air didn't seem terrible so long as the weather held, and any creature with the word 'flutter' in its name could only be so unpleasant. She had imagined a big burrowing beetle when Faith had mentioned bugs, and was glad no one had yet to introduce an underground travelling method.

Rynata sat quietly and nodded as the subject turned to Isonomia. Even with Faith gone, there was still much to be done from their end in Scalvoris and she would be more than willing to pitch in. The name Kura sounded very familiar, and Rynata remembered the woman giving a grand speech at the memorial service. She had caught a glimpse of her during the Sweetwine expedition, as well. If that woman were to head the local activities of Isonomia, Rynata had no doubt they were in good hands. The question was how she herself could step up to the task. Of course she would be there when called upon by Kura, but there were other things that needed attention as well.

Considering her various options, Rynata was puzzled to see Faith holding out a delicate trinket. Eyes swirling with the colors of wonder, she listened to the other woman's story about U'frek and how she came about the necklace. The tale was a surprisingly simple one, but even though Rynata herself had never met her race's creator Immortal, she somehow believed it was a very fitting story. The gift was something from a free spirit with a simple and kind heart. In both cases.

Having edged toward the end of her seat, Rynata turned bright eyes from the necklace to Faith. "He has a ship! Of course he has a ship. Wha-." Clearing her throat, the sailor reigned in her excitement to start again. "I mean, I don't know what to say except, 'thank you'. It's a wonderful gift. If you're willing to part with it, I'll make sure to treasure it."

Warmed by the kind gesture, Rynata placed the necklace on her side of the table between herself and Faith. The soft colors of the seashells shone cheerfully against the tabletop.

"And I think it goes without saying, but I'd be happy to support Kura and Isonomia going on. She is one of the Council members, herself, yes? I've seen her a couple of times but I should introduce myself properly later."

Then it was Rynata's turn to try and explain. She had never looked at the Council as her place to be. Not because she was being humble or modest, but because she didn't believe it was her style of work. Since she was far removed from it, her impressions about it could have been mistaken, but her Biqaj senses told her it was too tied to the land. Too many people expecting her to take sides.

"I haven't. No," she replied cautiously. Perhaps Faith was suggesting that Isonomia would benefit from being able to work from that position. After all, that had also been one of her many occupations on the island. "I believe that would mean joining as part of the Scalveen government...No, I hadn't considered that. I suppose a lot of good can be done from the inside, but I've always been unaffiliated with that sort of position. Or just never had the chance to, really," she finished laughingly. Hoping that explanation would suffice, Rynata posed another suggestion. "You mentioned Beacon a few times. If Isonomia needs assistance in organizing that community, I could help there."

[Faith Augustin]

"Sky above us, granted,"[/] Faith said with a wicked grin. "Which does not change the fact that we'll be in a big bug. Ew. Just ew." She was a medic and a mother and she understood that, things which eat were, by necessity, things which expelled waste. Still, she didn't think that it was necessary to go into more detail than 'ew' and she recognised that she was probably somewhat over reacting. It was a very quick means of transportation, of that there was no doubt.

And yet, she was stuck on it being a bug. Padraig didn't seem to mind at all and so Faith was pretending she didn't. He probably did quietly, she thought, but the whole 'scientific interest' overtook it. Which changed nothing. It was a bug. A big bug. A big, flying, fluttering bug bus.

Faith gave a slight shake of her head and turned her mind away from the fluterbus.

Rynata liked the necklace and Faith smiled. "It's my pleasure, there's no need for thanks. I'm sure you'll have better use for it than I." The young Champion of Famula saw much better use in it protecting her friend, than in half the time not wearing it herself. She hoped and believed that U'frek would approve. Rynata was one of his, a biqaj, and she was a good person.

What she wasn't, though, was keen on working in the Council. Faith couldn't really argue with her, that being the case, but when Rynata mentioned Beacon, Faith's face lit with delight. "Oh would you consider that? That would be amazing!" She explained what they were needing in Beacon. There were all sorts of roles, but someone overseeing it, looking after the running of it would be an absolute gift, if that was what Rynata was thinking. "I mean, the community is largely ticking over now, it's quite clearly structured, but as people arrive and leave, those starting the programme and those who have passed through and now have jobs and skills of their own, there are things to organize. If you could do anything there, it would be incredibly gratefully received," Faith said and she smiled in delight.

People were so good, she thought. It did her good to see. And Rynata was a very prime example of just that.

[Rynata]

Rynata's expression softened, seeing that her idea about Beacon was well received. She felt that there was more good she could do there than in an office with the Council.

"I could step in and help manage the system, then," she said, after Faith had explained Beacon's situation. "It seems like most things will sort themselves out, but I'll be there to keep an eye on things and make sure the community has access to what it needs. Of course I'll be helping out with regular tasks as well, but I suppose newcomers will need the most support in settling in. And I can help make sure those leaving either have connections outside or intend to stay and teach."

Beacon was a smart project. It offered a chance to people who would otherwise be left on the side of the road. It was a home to those who had nowhere to go. Now that slavery was made illegal, those who were most vulnerable had somewhere to turn to. The community had the power to build itself up. Rynata just had to ensure it stayed that way.

"If there's anything new to be implemented, I'll take care of it. That, or I'll be talking with Kura to put it in place," she finished.

"What about you?" Rynata asked, looking at Faith. "Do you have plans for after you get to Rharne? I'm assuming you'll be doing much of the same," she chuckled. "Running about for the good of all, setting up a new branch of the faction... I hope you get your well deserved rest, at least."

Faith would leave Scalvoris a different place. Time would tell how the island moved on from here.

Off Topic

I think we're just about done, if you want to post one more. Let me know if you want any knowledges. And thanks for threading!

[Faith Augustin]

Faith looked at Rynata and she nodded her head. "Thank you. Really, thank you so much," she smiled and looked around at the place and she considered that here, she had been just Faith. Not a former slave, not a famous person or someone well known. Here, she and Padraig had started out and almost no one knew them or knew of them. They had been anonymous. It was hard to imagine that now, and yet only an arc had passed. But they had done so much, seen so much.

Achieved so much, and that had not been in isolation. Whilst Isonomia had been started one trial in Andaris, her Nir'wei and Padraig dreaming and believing and hoping, she saw the people involved now and Faith could not be more proud. It was a community and people like Rynata were very much part of that. She would be an excellent person to be in charge of Beacon. Reliable, resilient and fair. She would do a great job of it, Faith was sure.

"Kura has a scroll, I have it's twin," Faith said with a smile. "They're magical and whatever I write, Kura sees and vice versa. So I won't be out of contact. I can fuss and be controlling from a distance, in fact." She smiled and then Rynata asked what she was going to do in Rharne. Faith looked rather wistful as she considered it. "We've been there before, Padraig and I and there's poverty there. I want to work with the Order of the Adunih, the Merchants and the Militia, the Priestesses of Ilaren, too. Work together."

Faith glanced at Rynata and she smiled warmly. "You know, a rest." Breathing in she felt a wave of emotion at the thought of leaving this place, but it was time. It was right and it was needed. "Try to make a difference. That sort of thing."

Change was as inevitable as the morning being followed by the night, but it was hard, Faith considered. Still. Rynata was safe hands and it was, very much, time to move on.

oocAll done! Thank you for the thread - as always a pleasure to write with you! And no, no knowledge for me! Thanks

[Bumblebee]

Review Pending

Faith

🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝

Skill Knowledge
No knowledge requested.
Non-Skill Knowledge
No knowledge requested.
Loot & Consequences
N/A
Renown
Maxed Out.
Magic
No.

Will Faith ever save the world and settle down? Haha. Seems like every time I look up she's planning her next move. I liked the friendly dynamic between these two PCs and I'm sorry the review took so long.

Rynata

🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝 🐝

Skill Knowledge
Discipline: Accepting sad news with poise
Etiquette: Thanking people for gifts
Leadership: Stepping up into a leadership position
Leadership: Knowing one's own strengths
Storytelling: Being a good listener
Storytelling: The story of Faith and U'frek
Intelligence: The importance of speedy communication
Running: The consequence of being late
Running: Thinking ahead to the fastest route
Non-Skill Knowledge
Location: Scalvoris Town, Beacon
Kura: Council woman and Isonomia officer
Loot & Consequences
Seashell necklace from Faith
Renown
+5 (Beacon leadership)
Magic
N/A

There was a lovely tone to this thread... Simple, peaceful, nostalgic even. How two writers manage to capture that so subtly is beyond me. Beautiful work, and I'm pleased to have witnessed the lovely flow you two share.