Storyboards: Kataia

The beginning | Apprenticeship | Sorceress in Training | Adventurer's clan title | The Meeting | The Ride

The beginning
Standing just outside the gates of Sendar, Kataia knew with one more step her life would be forever changed. The soil of many lands crossed clung to her boots, eventually fading to dust to be carried off with the waiting winds, much like the remnant memories of her past life she is about to leave behind. With a final look over her shoulder, darkness enveloped the land, darkness that held for her only the possibility of continued sorrow and mourning for the innocence of her youth. Looking ahead, she could see the ominous glow over Sendar that overwhelmed the city’s torches. The glow that illuminated the night came from immense bolts of lightning that carved their existence in the black skies over the land on the adjacent side of Sendar.
The lightning had an unnatural power that would one day be hers to control. The thunder that followed vibrated in her throat and breasts like the drums, which signaled the beginning of the new hunt in her homelands. She knew the thunder was calling to her was and will be her beginning.
And so it was, Kataia now stood at the beginning of her life in a land where she knew little of language or culture, only knowing a single soul in all the land that lie before her. The Priestess Shinara told Kataia of the prophecy in which she would one day sink her boots into the mud of paths leading to her destiny as a sorceress and of the enlightenment that comes from being of Sendarian descent. Shinara was there to greet Kataia as she entered the gate, offering jugs of milk, pie, and new clothing as a mark of welcoming. Introductions to many people were made at this juncture as well as promises to help in any way to make the transition to this new life as painless as possible. After days of becoming familiar with the land and the mastery of basic spells bestowed by birthright to sorcerers, Shinara suggested that a request be made to the Adventurers clan to take Kataia amongst their ranks.
Over the space of many days, Kataia became more skilled in defeating creatures, though not an easy practice for her to learn. On several occasions, she had lost her life at the hands of a creature of evil only to have it restored by the Gods, as she was ordained to take part in many adventures to come. On her paths to gaining experience and wisdom, a young warrior named Eijiken befriended her and would help on many occasions to train her in the ways of combat and the use many of her new unfamiliar spells and skills. This friendship was welcomed and regarded with high esteem as Shinara could not always be able to leave her responsibilities to help. Kataia followed Eijiken on many occasions into the sewers of Sthiss Tor to slay the creatures that dwelled in the stench and decay through mazes of tunnels.

A year went by and Kataia now in her eighteenth year made many new friends and was becoming familiar with the language and culture of these peoples. One such friendship that developed was with a woman known as Shariana, a woman as quick with her tongue, as she was her dagger. She seemed prepared to stand, match wits and shed blood at any given moment. She was also kind and willing to help those in need and Kataia was often times on the receiving end of this generosity. It was during one such encounter, when Shariana was sharing her insight with Kataia, that Kataia received word she had finally been accepted as a welcomed member of the Adventures clan.
At this point Qethia of the Adventurers clan quickly stepped in and began teaching Kataia all that she would need to know and accomplish as a respected member of this clan. There was so much information given and now freely provided by the members of this clan that knowledge now came flowing as quickly as water. Reassurance and a warm welcome soon followed from Wylset who was willing to always see to the needs of Kataia, even at times when a need was unrealized by herself, such as adequate armor and clothing. As events seemed to begin to move faster than even time it self now, so did the newfound friendship between Kataia and clan mate Xanya.
While everyone was more than willing to help in the matters of war and spells, Xanya was the first to take Kataia shopping. Xanya bought her a pair of sleek thigh high riding boots that seemed to bring about much attention. With everything good comes its equal in bad however. While out fighting Grolims later that afternoon, Kataia received a beating she will not soon forget. In the hands of the healer, she realized that she had forgotten to remove her new boots and wear her simple boots that had received a spell of haste. Lesson well learned.
Though many things more events had transpired during these early days, they will not be recorded at present. Thus this concludes the beginning of Kataia’s adventures.

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Apprenticeship
So much time had gone by, so many changes have come to pass, when Kataia looked down at her hands, they hardly seemed to be hers. Her body was sore from the hard work and long hours of traveling, now very much a part of her life. Yet here, this place, always seemed to wash away her weariness, her mental fatigue would disappear, as if for just a moment time would stand still. Sitting on a soft patch of grass, Kataia looked out towards a beautiful waterfall that always reminded her of one at home she would play by as a small girl. The sound of the water falling from the mountains added peaceful background music, which encompassed reflections of her experiences during the last five years.
Kataia now age twenty-three has been in the kinship of the Adventures for five years, which would seem like only yesterday, if not for the time that was quickly erasing traces of her youth. Shortly after her induction to the clan, Qethia helped Kataia gain employment, doing odd jobs for others who required her services. Many of these jobs took Kataia far from Camaar, often times, resulting in her being lost for many days. It has always been easier than not for Kataia to get lost in strange lands, with the pressure of completing tasks for very important people this still has proven to be the most sensible means of providing for her needs with no real skill in any particular trade. On many occasions, at the beginning, Qethia would accompany Kataia on her tasks providing direction and companionship.
The jobs that Kataia usually did for people involved delivering merchandise or letters, locating lost valuables, purchasing goods that could not be found close by, and the occasional assassination of which she rarely inquired about details. The jobs were easy enough, but the many days that it took to accomplish them began to wear on her physically and mentally. The unending fear that she would not complete a task in an efficient amount of time crawled through her nerves as she could not afford to lose her only source of income. Whenever sent to a new land, the bitter taste of uncertainty welled up in Kataia as she has received bad directions from common towns people leaving her lost and at times in grave danger.
For a moment, Kataia began to recount in her mind the many times she was asked to go to Melcene, that she had been attacked and left for dead by the creatures who had no provocation but for the taste of her blood. Such thoughts caused Kataia to shudder and the hair on the back of her neck stand up at the number of incidents that could have prevented her from being here at this very moment. She sighed in relief as she again gazed again upon the waterfall and admired the surrounding lands, which were free of rampaging elephants and bloodthirsty leeches.
Kataia’s mind then shifted from thoughts of danger to memories of companionship found in Qethia’s volunteering to help her complete various jobs. She marveled at how she could enjoy those moments, with such appreciation, as she had always been somewhat of a loner by choice. To which she justified that being in such a strange place, where there are no certainties, she found strength in the companionship. With a wry smile, she thought about the occasions that Shariana had accompanied her on several jobs. Shariana being familiar with the area hardly had the patience to be lead in a circle of mazes to get to a location that never seemed to be so as when Kataia was leading the way. Shariana would just reply, “In time you will learn these lands and will not get lost so easily”, with a look in her eyes as if she were secretly pleading to the Gods to bless Kataia with a sense of direction.
The pleasant thoughts of other conversations and experiences with the men and woman that she had met, since she had been here, randomly flowed in and out of Kataia's mind as she began to drift off to sleep. There was a soft breeze dancing across the leaves on the trees above her that seemed to cue the birds into a melody that filled her with a peace that could only be explained by the smile that began in her eyes. A quick nap would be nice before setting off again on her travels, she thought, and was then carried off to another world, one that holds her dreams.

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Sorceress in Training
As Kataia took in her surroundings, she was overcome with an ominous feeling. Kataia immediately went through her last steps in her head as an attempt to assess her sanity. She was on an errand for a Drasnian merchant, and set up camp for the night just within the borders of Midennir. As she woke and started around, she found herself in the grasslands of some distant land before a structure of goliath immensity. The architecture of the building appeared to be very ancient, but the size was so massive that she could not help feeling overwhelmed, as its very existence seemed to demand even the air around her.
Before Kataia could attach logic or reason to what was taking place, the presence of another was upon her. Quickly glancing around to lock her eyes on a figure, she was startled to find none. The level of fear that Kataia now felt was incomparable to anything she had experienced before. Finally, the presence made itself known to her.
“Kataia, it seems that you have come a long way in your training, yet there is much for you to learn."
Kataia tightened her chest and stood straighter, as if this would hide the fact that she was shaking with fear and uncertainty. “Who are you? Where areyou? Why am I here?”
“Kataia, do not presume yourself so important that you may demand answers from me, I know what is in your capacity, as well as what is not. You will follow them!”
As if compelled to do so by a force that was her own but controlled from somewhere outside of the realm of comprehension, she raised her eyes and shifted her gaze somewhat to the left of the building’s entrance where she saw a small group of men dressed like soldiers.
“If you should succeed then I will make myself known to you. Now go!”
Rationalizing that it would probably be safer to follow the group of men then to stay and face the consequences if she did not go, she cautiously began to walk towards the structure. All at once, thoughts flashed in her mind of the endless possible dangers and what could almost be defined as despair began to take shape inside of her. While in that moment of hopelessness, the familiar feeling of pride took shape and she at once empowered herself to take on this task and succeed, if for nothing else than to find out what all of this was about. She told herself, Besides this must be a dream; there is no other possible explanation. Then she set out at a quicker pace.
Kataia met the group of men at the entrance, where she would greet them with the short introduction she had been preparing in her mind as she made her way across the field. She opened her mouth to speak but had been cut off by a man who appeared to be in charge of the expedition. The man stood a few inches shorter then the rest of the men in the group but had a muscular build and held himself with pride and esteem. The other men stood in a half circle around him, waiting for instruction and order.
"Woman, you have no business here leave at once. We will not have you getting in our way nor will we lend ourselves to protecting you, go now!" the commander of the group stated blandly.
Immediately all the planned introductions Kataia had worked out in her head escaped her, and were replaced by a disdained smirk. Kataia replied flatly, "I am hardly here for your approval, nor do I seek your guidance or protection. My business takes me to the same place yours does, and though I will be following your group, I am not apart of it. Carry on as you were, and do not assume you have anything you could offer me in way of services!"
A bit taken aback by Kataia’s rather abrupt dismissal of his self-proclaimed status for the group, he gave orders to the men to embark upon their expedition, while giving Kataia disgruntled look. And so the group plus one, stepped into the entrance. On the walls were meticulously carved images of dragons adorned with precious stones to give color and splendor to the scenes played out along the walls. Images of dragons devouring men, and engulfing forests in fire, and bowing before demons of whom they sought approval. Kataia questioned if staying in the grasslands was not the better choice after all.
The group of people walked down a large corridor that reached a room that split into four different paths. The odor of burnt flesh made Kataia’s nostrils flare and her stomach bound into knots as she realized that the images on the walls were about to become a reality. As the group approached the corridor, four guardian dragons breathed fire down the hall engulfing the path with flames, killing all but one of the people. Kataia had walked alone, a small distance behind the group, her movement slow and cautious. The sight of the group’s sudden destruction made her gasp, but she could not bring her self to running away.
Kataia continued on down the path, slowly inching her way towards her foreboding fate. She moved towards a dragon that seemed to have an unusual pull on her motives. She did not creep up without the attention of the four dragons though. They were curious, intelligent, and wanted to see just what she thought she was going to do when she made her final approach. Kataia, told herself once again this was only a dream, yet could not ignore that she was soon going to die, dream or not.
As no plan seemed to be a good one, she decided that she would just attempt to intrigue them into conversation, so she might be able to give some meaning to her death. Kataia was not capable of coming up with some great plan to tackle the situation and somewhat in hysterics she justified that if she was going to be placed in a ridiculous situation, she was going to offer a ridiculous response. After Kataia spectated the four dragons as she approached, she had chosen one (or perhaps it chose her) that would become her target. A slight smile danced across her lips and then was suddenly replaced with a penitence expression, as she pushed out thoughts of logic for her next actions.
Kataia went up to the dragon, filled her chest with air, and released it from the bottom of her lungs, expelling her breath on the dragon as though she could blow fire. She stopped for a moment telling the dragon, to watch out because he was going to die, as she had been given her the power to breath fire. She was going to get revenge on him for the death of the group she came with, which she truly felt, little loss. She made several attempts breathing heavy and hard trying to blow fire from her mouth but obviously failed. Her cheeks were red and she was exhausted from trying. She felt dizzy as the blood rushed to her head because of her tactics of hyperventilation.
The dragons being highly evolved creatures did in fact encompass a sense of humor and found a quality of entertainment in the spectacle before them. There was also the secret delight in the fact that Kataia had earned the right to approach them as she had offered the payment of sacrifice, yet still behaved as she had. The dragons laughed in a deep roar that vibrated deep within her chest, feeling her with the resounding fear that she was now going to die.
The dragon she had approached then spoke to her. "Kataia you are not so sly as to escape the slaying of the group you came with. They were merely the price to be paid for our attention. Your display was not necessary as you had already earned your life with those who lay before you."
Kataia was horrified at that, she did not care about the others until she realized they were slain for her to gain admittance. This was all too terrible, she thought, and begged herself to just wake up, as she doubted that she was asleep. Three dragons took their leave down the paths closest them, leaving the remaining dragon Kataia had chosen behind with her.
"Do you know why I am here?" asked Kataia.
"I do." The dragon replied. "I am but a piece of a whole that you need for you to fulfil that which you are and will be. Nevertheless, I cannot tell you what piece I offer, that you will have to discover on your own. I can only offer what is and in that, you must decide meaning. Few fully understand but some do and your worth is based on your level of understanding."
Kataia very confused at this point but relieved at the fact that she was still alive tried to grasp what she was hearing. Then she asked, "Why did those men come? I didn’t bring them, they were already here. I just followed them."
The dragon looked at her through disapproving eyes, "They came to destroy us, as men often do. You did not have to bring them, but as it is, you have given them honor in their deaths as they were sacrificed for a purpose that will hold greater value than the impending suicide they were willingly going to submit to. Man fears what he cannot control and we are not of the world of men, and therefore they have no control over us but what we allow."
"This is only a dream right? I mean I have never heard of real dragons in all the lands I have travelled; it is something kids are told to make them behave, but this is not real right?" questioned Kataia.
The dragon gazed upon her with a slight flare in his eyes, "You know best don’t you?"
Kataia thought for a minute and decided that she wasn’t going to push that subject any further at this time. "Ok, so what do I do? What now?"
"You stay until you leave and when you leave you take with you what you have," the dragon replied.
Much time had passed since the initial meeting, Kataia and the dragon had developed a remarkable bond of friendship. Their interaction was intriguing, creative, and intellectually stimulating for Kataia. A great love grew from this that was profound, as she had never experienced with any other being. The dragon had given her a gift that she could have never known existed. The dragon had given her a soul, whether it was always there she will never know, but she would not have found it if not for that bond.
They spent hours talking everyday matching wits, teaching each other new things, while disagreeing and debating many issues. An experience of relationship that was incomparable to any other. Often men would come and try to kill the dragons, because of their fears and their ignorance. Neither dragons nor Kataia trusted other people, because the fear of man would lead to the destruction of all. However, one cannot always be on their guard.
A man wearing a dirty black cloak, snuck unnoticed into the area of the forest where Kataia and the dragon were debating their ideals of political power and men. The cloaked assassin inflicted a fatal wound that would eventually take the life of the dragon, while underestimating that Kataia would offer any threat. Kataia was enraged; she swept in behind the man and slit his throat. The dragon and Kataia both knew he would die from his wounds it was inevitable.
Unfamiliar tears began to streak Kataia’s face as she contemplated the loss of what she held so dear. The dragon received this expression and spoke to her.
"Kataia, I told you I could give you but a piece of what you are but this is the only way I could ever have given it. Your mind has always been strong and it has offered me an enjoyment that has prolonged our time together. It is time though, do you know what I offer you?"
Kataia fought the urge to hold all her thoughts in her head where they were safe, and answered, "Yes, I know what you have given to me. I have known for a long time what the piece you have held is. You have given me insight to my soul and have shown me the boundaries and depth to which it reaches. You have taught me of the safety within love, and fear and weakness in hatred. A body only houses the mind and it matters not what form or shape that takes because it may only blind one from what is, or hold one back from what can be."
The dragon’s eyes flashed red in acknowledgement. He then stated, "In that you will learn the boundaries and all that your Will encompasses. You are a sorceress, and all your greatest strengths are in your Will and Word, but until you know yourself you will never be able to use these to the degree within your capability."
Kataia, nodded in a sudden comprehension at the implication of their exchange of final words, piecing together what was said and how it applied to her being. Kataia closed her eyes tightly at this, and quickly began feeling sorrow over the state of her friend again.
"Kataia do not mourn my death for you know I never was more than what was created in your dream. I was placed here by your teacher, I am merely apart of your training. In this wisdom you are now able to move forward to the higher levels of training." And with that the image of the dragon faded from existence.
With a slight stir, Kataia opened her eyes taking in the surrounding forest. Her feelings of sorrow were suddenly displaced as a fog settled into her mind embodying her experiences and carrying all but mild traces of them to a place just out of her awareness, where the rest of her dreams lay in wait. Though the intensity of what had taken place in her mind had subsided all she had learned remained and would now forever be apart of her. Then a sound of laughter could be heard echoing in her mind.
"You sure do take your time about things Kataia." The source of laughter broke off and declared. "Others who have managed the realization of mastering their Will never dragged it out as you have. I was scared that if you did not bring things to an end soon I would have to start playing with time to give you more hours to sleep this night."
Kataia sighed, "You’re an evil teacher, you should not play with the emotions of someone that goes to great effort in keeping them locked up, like I do. You should know those live in dreams alone, and exceed the limits of control."
Laughing Kataia’s teacher replied, "You better get on your way you do not want to upset that Drasnian. We can talk about what happened more when you have had ample time to consider it, come see me when you get back."
Kataia got up and gathered her things setting out once again on her journey. She snickered to herself, and then began going over the facts and applications of those, which she had recently come into possession of.

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Adventurers Clan title
It was just before dawn when Kataia woke up. The morning air was much colder than normal, and made it difficult for Kataia to get comfortable. She ate a small meal and began gathering her things, contemplating what to do next. She knew she had a job to do for the Drasnian merchant, but really needed to speak with Wylset or other officials at the Adventurers clan hall. Her recent encounter with her teacher had given her a great deal to think about, but she needed to discuss it with someone she trusted.
With that final thought, she made her way back to Camaar. She sent a messenger with a note telling the merchant there would be a delay in her arrival time, but she would make up for that somehow. When Kataia arrived at the clan hall, Aran was there to greet her with his usual tight bear hug. Wylset arrived shortly after she had, and the three exchanged pleasantries. Sitting at the tip of her tongue, however, Kataia was unable to tell the others the real reason for coming home so soon. It didn't feel right to her.
After awhile the discussion had shifted to roles and titles of several of the clan members. Kataia had reached a point in clan status that she should be recognized for her contributions. As many through the lands already recognized her as Kataia seeker of truths, it was time she was given a title she would be associated with by her clan brothers and sisters. At a loss to what that should be, she asked Wylset and Aran for assistance. Several ideas had been suggested but quickly dismissed.
Finally, Wylset asked Kataia what she plans to offer, or what she sees herself offering to the clan. After thinking for a minute, Kataia referred to her pastime of gathering information throughout the lands, and compiling such insights in away, which is easily accessible to all adventures. Wylset agreed, stating he had also had the same thoughts. Several more minutes were spent with each offering suggestions when Aran was finally able to capture Kataia's role in the clan with a complimentary title. Therefore, it was then decided that Kataia Gatherer of Wisdom would now be recognized for her duties to the Adventures in that name.
It was getting late and Kataia knew she could no longer put off the Drasnian merchant. She also knew she couldn't bring herself to discuss her real reasons for being there, as she realized it was something each sorcerer had to come to terms with alone. A new sense of pride filled up in Kataia's chest as she considered the possibilities of new contributions she could offer her clan, in that she would continue to live up to her new title. After packing her horse and a warm meal, Kataia set off again for her next adventure
She softly chuckled to herself wondering if she brought enough soap, considering how much merchant butt kissing she may have to do for being so far behind schedule.

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-Part 1- The Meeting
Finally, Kataia thought, as she rode up to where Reidia was waiting for her.
"Did you get my message; I was running behind?" asked Kataia as she dismounted.
"Yes, but us merchants do not like to be kept waiting." Reidia winked as she replied.
"I know. Something came up that couldn't be avoided. Oh and I am sure you already heard about what happened to Aran. Regardless everything is taken care of. I spoke to Floyd and he said you had a job you needed done and asked for me specifically. I figured you must have some new news for me, or just missed me." Kataia beamed a smile at her friend.
The stable boy put a harness and lead on Kataia's horse and lead her off to the stable to be fed and brushed. Kataia watched as he walked off and then indicated to Reidia that she was ready to enter the Merchant's clan hall. The two walked in and sat, exchanging a few comments of the weather and the over all well being of each other.
"Okay Kat, don't be mad." Reidia exclaimed as her voice trailed off when Xanya entered the room.
"Xanya, you are the last person I expected to see here right now. How have you been?” asked Kataia.
Kataia noticed the exchange of looks between Reidia and Xanya and realized that something was going on. She made a quick inventory of possibilities, personal matters, something that involved Kataia specifically, something bad it had to be something bad. The usual excitement of running into each other was lost, and this suddenly didn't appear to be a chance meeting of the three of them. Kataia's shoulders dropped in unison with her jaw as she uttered the words that she didn't want to ask.
"What, what happened, what's, what is wrong?" Kataia asked.
Xanya looked at Reidia and tried to withhold the solemn expression but failed miserably and burst into laughter as she truly did her best to explain what was going to unfold. Xanya began,
"You see we voted and well you lost. It was a fair vote I swear." Xanya chuckled.
Reidia piped in, "Yeah we drew straws."
"Twice" Xanya giggled. "We wanted to be sure."
Kataia rolled her eyes, "What the hell are you two up to, and what did you get me into?"
"It isn't that bad, I swear." Reidia made a feeble attempt to reassure Kataia, trying desperately to maintain the composure she managed to muster.
"Okay, cut the shit, what is going on?" demanded Kataia.
"Well, there is a woman from dryad forest who requires your presence to escort her to the Wanderer's Haven." replied Xanya. "It isn't that funny, but well we know how much you love being around others and well Xabeith is, well lets just say she is not exactly like you."
"What is that supposed to mean? You do not have me feeling secure with all this." Kataia said as she cocked an eyebrow at Xanya and then shifted her gaze to Reidia.
"Well you're kinda serious all the time, and well Xabeith is sort of well, not so serious. She is great you will like her but you two are just a bit different. The only reason you are going to take her is because we think that you need to have some fun, and she will bring it." Reidia assured.
"Yeah, besides, you have never been one to have trouble actually come looking for you." Xanya added.
"What is that supposed to mean? What are you getting me into." Kataia asked with a somewhat cynical smile.
"HEY XABEITH, COME OUT HERE. THERE IS SOMEONE WE WANT YOU TO MEET!" Reidia hollered down the hall.
Xabeith entered the room glowing as though the sun rose in her eyes and the moon danced in her path. Xabeith was a Dryad but not like most that had fathers of differing races. She was breed from a nearly pure Dryad lineage. One often wonders what happens to the males that are born out of the interlude of dryad female imprisonments of those unsuspecting males along the paths of the forests. On occasion, a male is born after such exchanges, and when he is not murdered at birth he is left to father children and bears the title of slave. Xabeith had a father of Dryad decent equal to that of her mother's. Giving her one of the rare gifts to embody the Dryad characteristics as they are overwhelmed so often with humanoid features.
Xabeith on first appearance seemed to be a girl of no more than 15 at first glance, but that second look often leaves those with a normal curiosity to take in the rarity that is she. What is often mistaken as dirt, upon closer examination is the mark of the forest. A birthmark of greenish brown tint, resembling an etching of ivy begins above her brow, and cascades the left side of her face, gently outlining her jaw and throat, extending down to her shoulder, with your view cut off by her dress. Her skin, once the color of snow but bronzed by the kiss of the sun, a shade that complements so elegantly the birthmark of nature that tattoos her flesh. Her eyes at first glance, beamed with a heavy jade color, only to be diluted with emerald and aquamarine dimensions. An absolute reality of differentiation between humans and Dryads are understood when seeing the purity of this woman's racial characteristics. She was young but not nearly as young as suspected at first glance, Xabeith was in her early twenties.
Taken in the features of the woman that stood before her for a brief second Kataia rolled her yes back over to Xanya and asked, "Why am I summoned to do this job...Will I be paid for babysitting?"
Xanya burst out into laughter and replied, "This is hardly babysitting job, and we just think that you will enjoy this in comparison to all the boring things that Floyd has you doing these days."
"Fine, I do not know what you two are up to but I will do it. I know that Czrel is good for the money, and as a merchant job, it is above your heads. We will discuss this later. Xanya, and Reidia well your evil and I would expect this from your devilish nature. Xabeith get ready we are leaving." Kataia said blatantly walking back out to the stables. Kataia was quite content in that she was able to withhold her own smile, and was slightly concerned about the chance of a pillow hitting her in the back of the head as she walked out of the clan hall.
Xanya looked at Reidia and stated, "Well that went well."
"Yeah it did." Reidia replied as they both burst out into laughter.
"What is so funny?" asked Xabeith wanting to be apart of the nature of the mood.
"Well for one we are still alive." Xanya replied in a way that indicated there was never a risk.
"You see Kataia is a very good friend but she doesn't always get in with the fun we have. She is way too serious and well you are, well you just do things a little different. She has a schedule and well you do not know what a schedule is yet. You are both in for...if anything...an educational experience." Reidia offered with subtle reassurance.
"Uh huh" said Xabeith with a raise of her brow. "We will talk later." Xabeith said without interest in reply or expression of her two comrades.
With that, Xabeith walked out to meet Kataia at the stables to ready up her steed that was prepared 30 minutes before Kataia's arrival. Final preparations before the journey were in order and were to be done to her wishes or she would do them herself without complaint.
Xanya looked at Reidia with a look of anticipation that will only be reconciled with word that Xabeith had met her destination. "You know it is like salt and pepper, each is of their own, but one is rarely asked for without the other regardless if both are needed. What is to compliment, will."
Reidia replied questioningly, "So then you think we may not die because of this? I for one think that Sendar was never further away then it is tonight."
Both Reidia and Xanya laughed knowing their two friends would grow from their pairing that was truly a request beyond their own doing.

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-Part 2- The Ride
Kataia and Xabeith set out on their trip to Sendar, neither breaking the silence as nothing but superficial chit chat were in order and neither willing to succumb to such informalities. It was not long before Kataia let out a laugh, thinking about how silly Reidia and Xanya were when they were together. The three had grown to be very close friends over the years, but none of them seemed to have as much time to visit as they once had. For a moment, Kataia let her mind drift back to times spent with her, Xanya, and Reidia. The thoughts were so pleasant that her smile suddenly seemed to make her glow. It was one of those contagious smiles that caught Xabeith in its grasp.
Xabeith beamed a smile back towards Kataia and asked, "What is going on with you over there? What are you thinking about?"
Kataia let out a laugh with that and told Xabeith that she had just been thinking back to some of the memorable experiences she had had with Xanya and Reidia.
"Well you better tell me about them because if you keep smiling like that you're going to wind up catching bugs in your teeth." Xabeith teased.
"That is absolutely disgusting Xabeith. It probably isn't as funny second hand but I was just thinking back to a time in Tol Honeth. After several glasses of wine, out of more bottles then any of us counted, we ended up in a steam room. I believe we wearing no more than our weapons and the drops of wine that never managed to make it in our mouths. We were having an intriguing conversation about an important subject that well yeah I have no clue what we were talking about. It was great though. Not nearly as great as when Ssolvarian showed up. I am guessing you can imagine the surprise in his face to find three armed, naked, drunk women in the sauna. As I remember, he did not stay for to long. That was a great day."
Xabeith chuckled and indicated that she was sorry she missed out on the fun. "You know I don't need a babysitter. I just didn't want to travel alone. I have not left Dryad forest before and I didn't want to take this trip alone. You do not need to take care of me I can care for myself but I really didn't want to run into something that I couldn't handle being in lands that are foreign to me."
"Well just stay out of trouble and everything will be fine. I heard that Wanders were making some changes that involved some stable arrangements for Dryads, Ulgos, and Rivans. Interesting irony when you think about it. Wanderer's taking in the most secluded races. It makes sense in a way, the ones who hold to know specific racial social order paired with those who hold few ties with those outside of their own societies. I am sure there is a fundamental foundation that lays within all of you, that bears a deep commonality in nature. Perhaps it is of self-reliance and self-preservation. It is a very brave thing you are doing based on the immensity of the changes you will need to make living under these new conditions." Kataia spoke as a reflection of thought rather than as a conversational topic.
Xabeith looked at Kataia and thought about what she could add but decided that she would find a lighter subject to discuss then the social habits of her people and those she was going to be living with. "So how long do you think it will take us to get there?
"The weather has been horrible, so it may take us over a week. We will have to stop and stay at Inns along the way. I do not feel too much like sleeping under the stars with blankets of snow." Kataia answered.
As the women approached the guard post, they could see the two lanky guards interrogating Cherek man. The man handed the guards a few coins, and looked up as Kataia and Xabeith came to a halt. The man reined his horse around next to Kataia and said something that Xabeith tried to hear but was unable, try as she may. One of the guards that looked like he had recently had his nose broken, indicated to the women that they could continue without stopping. The woman continued east, and Xabeith looked back and saw the Cherek man hand the guards a few more coins.
Xabeith got a devious smile and asked, "A friend of yours I am guessing?"
Kataia slightly dug the heal of her boot into the left rib of her horse. The horse responded by widening the gap between the two ladies, and slightly increased its pace. Kataia looked back to
Xabeith and stated, "We will ride up to Yar Gurak and stay at the Rockslide Inn tonight. There is a storm coming this way and we need to get off the roads.”
A few miles up the road, three scraggly men wearing brown wool cloaks caught pace with Kataia and Xabeith, but slowed to a relatively even trot just before they passed them. One of the men made a crude gesture and a raw invitation about having some fun with him, directed towards Xabeith and Kataia. However, his tone of voice was meant to be more of an attempt to get a reaction than an actual offer. Just before the man closed in to pass Xabeith, her horse lifted his tail and began to pass his last meal in the path of the repulsive man's horse. Xabeith looked back and said, "A royal carpet for his highness! How fitting!" She then gave a slight bow of her head and looked forward again without expression.
The man smiled, with an evil glare towards Xabeith. "The next time you bow down to me you will be on your knees female." He loosened his reins and drove his spurs into the horses gut leading his group past Xabeith and Kataia.
"What a jerk!" Xabeith said then mimicked his comment about her bowing down to him again.
Kataia got a serious look on her face and told Xabeith, "There are some people out here that we do not want to make enemies with. It is a long way to Sendar and there are some very dangerous people on these roads."
"I am not scared of them they are no more than scum. I will hardly waste my fears on men." Xabeith snapped back to Kataia.
"You are not in your forest Xabeith, Your people, your tress; nothing is here to protect you. You do not have the same advantages out here. Do not go making trouble that will be more than you...more than we can deal with." Kataia replied with a reassuring tone.
"Do you think they will come back?" asked Xabeith.
"No not tonight. It is getting late and like I said there is a storm moving in that no one, no matter how crazy they are, will want to get caught in." answered Kataia.
Xabeith began to look more closely at the faces of those passing them on their way to Drasnia. She wondered why they looked so suspiciously at them, what secrets they had, and mostly if they were dangerous. The woman picked up the pace to a steady lope when the temperature began dropping hoping to get to the Inn as soon as possible. Kataia could hardly make out the mountains of Gar og Nadrak to the east as they entered the town of Yar Gurak as the cloud cover densely thickened to touch the ground. The cold air was tugging at the two and directing their thoughts away from the hovel of a town to finding a warm place to sleep.
Kataia and Xabeith made their way down the muddy, slush of the town's main road and finally came upon the Rockslide Inn. Kataia paid the stable master to take her horses to the back stable and have them prepared for her to leave in the morning. Xabeith spoke rather incoherently as she gazed around in awe. "You don't really mean for us to stay in this dump do you? Please say you don't and that we are just here for...(Xabeith's voice trailed off as she tried to think of a logical excuse that would bring her to this inn)...you know there is nothing I can think of that would bring us here." Xabeith said while looking truly disgusted.
Kataia laughed, "You could sleep with the horses if you want. I am sure the stable master wouldn't mind your company."
Xabeith gave Kataia a dirty look and walked up to the innkeeper. The innkeeper directed them both to a room upstairs that was very small but suitable enough for their needs. He left and returned to his work leaving the women to their privacy. After settling in Kataia suggested that, they venture down to the tavern and have a drink and a hot meal before turning in for the night. Xabeith agreed and followed Kataia down to the bar where they both ordered a warm meal and a glass of brandy.
After paying Delrak, the barkeeper, they walked to the lounge and found a seat near the fire to wait for their meal. A few moments later, a waitress approached the table with a very pleased look on her face. "Kataia, I am so glad to see you. Delrak just told me you were here. It has been so long, how have you been?" the waitress asked.
Kataia's eyes lit up when she saw Kavilyn, a woman she had befriended from her many stops at the Rockslide Inn over the years. "I have been great, I have been working a lot though and really could use a month or two to rest."
Kavilyn looked directly at Xabeith and asked, "So who is your friend? Don't see to many Dryads here. With the exception of when you, Xanya, and Reidia show up to rein havoc on our humble
establishment."
Xabeith glanced around the room trying to find something humble about her surroundings and got a rather confused look on her face.
Kataia and Kavilyn both laughed at Xabeith's look and awkward demeanor. "This is Xabeith, I am taking her to Haven in Sendar."
Kavilyn looked at Xabeith and said, "Hi, I am Kavilyn let me know if I can do anything to make your stay here more comfortable."
Xabeith began with the intent to share suggestions but realized that what she really needed was a miracle, and chose to only return Kavilyn's greeting and thank her for her offer of service. Delrak called to Kavilyn and she promised Kataia and Xabeith she would return soon with their food and more drinks. Kavilyn walked off leaving Xabeith and Kataia to their conversation. Kataia thanked Xabeith for not being rude or insulting to her friend assuring her that she realized how tempted Xabeith was. Less then fifteen minutes later Kavilyn returned with their food, and told Kataia that she was going to sleep and she would see her before she left in the morning.
They both ate in silence and after finishing her meal Xabeith stated that she was tired and was going to head up to bed. As she stood to leave she noticed a familiar face enter the lounge and turned and asked Kataia, "Hey isn't that your friend the man we saw at.."
Kataia cut Xabeith off mid sentence replying, "Sleep well we have a long day ahead of us tomorrow. Goodnight!"
Xabeith looked bemused and wordlessly glanced at Kataia as she turned and walked out of the room. Xabeith bumped slightly into the Cherek man she saw at the guard post earlier that day, and offered him an insincere apology before exiting the room. Kataia watched this and rolled her eyes at Xabeith, as her friend walked over to where she was sitting alone now.
"I will get the purse she took from you after she goes to sleep. She still has a lot to learn about the world outside of her forest." Kataia reassured her friend. The man gave Kataia a slight smile and order them both a drink.
The following morning Kataia woke up Xabeith and told her that she needed to get ready it was time to go. Xabeith commented on how well she had slept and was reluctant to move. She looked around the room and noticed the bed next to hers and whined out, "You mean we have to make our own beds here? What kind of Inn is this, the service isn't very good."
Kataia grabbed her bags and stated that she would meet her downstairs in fifteen minutes or she would leave Xabeith there. She met her friend at the front door and returned his belongings that Xabeith had taken from him, as he was walking out of the Inn. Kataia then made her way back over to where Kavilyn had been wiping down the bar. Kataia gestured to the stable master that she was ready for him to bring her horses around with a warm smile and a tired look in her eyes.
"Wasn't that Febrin you were just talking to?" Kavilyn continued without waiting for Kataia's response. "I haven't seen him around here for a while." Kavilyn looked over to where Xabeith had just walked up and took the seat next to Kataia.
"How did you sleep, Xabeith?" Kavilyn inquired.
"Very good actually, but I have never stayed at an inn where you had to make your own beds." Xabeith stated.
"If the beds are slept in, I make them the next day, and put clean linen on them as well. Guests do not make beds here Dear. I have made some snacks for you to take on your trip in case you get hungry." Kavilyn reached behind the bar and handed a small satchel to Kataia.
"So Kataia what time did you get back to our room this morning?" Xabeith asked.
Kataia hugged Kavilyn, said goodbye, turned, and walked out of the Inn. "We are behind schedule; we need to get going Xabeith."
It was quite clear that that would be the end of that conversation, and both Kataia and Xabeith headed out for the second day of their trip to Sendar.

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