Jual Chaunt Ki Muller Daj (Chumomisto's, Venn)

[Avrie Eventide Drega]

ooc: To go to sing for a dead mother.... I will leave it up to you guys which NPCs you bring with you though I think Luca should come with us anyhow... but Gitana Jehan can decide on little sister etc.

TS: Third Cycle of Aperitus, Summer, Era II, XIV (pf)

A sad trip north indeed. But it was true. Nicolesza Rawmie Chumomisto needed to be set to the fire among singing, and dancing... her remaining relatives gathering to honor her life and get to know one another in a way that only death could bring about. The fire wouldn't wait, and their journey must be swift, so they came as quickly as they could. No one walked and only one Vardo came north... that Vardo getting left in Natura where it belonged to trade for horseback and to pick up Avrie's husband Venn. The group came with Luca, the Chumomisto Kumpania's Drifter who could take them no further than Natura because the lines didn't run up the same direction Vortex did. It was the entire immediate family, and they were as mobile as a group could be, pausing only long enough. To a man, besides the lone Mellen and the Naturan Warhorse, they were mounted on colorful Air'riela Colorwashes. Even Hanzi was given one of Luca's mounts to ride... though he tended to protest the whole time.

They lingered no longer than it took to make introductions, get resupplied, then they headed north.. Their initial goal was Vortex, to pick up Anora Eventide.... Morwen Chumomisto, and find the camp that lingered up that direction. That was where the body was, awaiting their arrival. They planned on an uneventful trip, their party far too large to really interest bandits, and too small to slow them down really and making finding campsites safely.

Avrie introduced them all around to Venn... her half brother Jehan, her half sister Gitana, Luca her 'uncle', Hanzi who was no relation, and anyone else they brought along... then turned once they'd located Venn, and introduced him to the group. "This is Venn Drega, my husband... Hes a Naturan Paladin, and hes going to come with us to pick up Morwen from Vortex before we find the Kumpania and have the funeral." She said quietly, still busy packing Cirrus' saddlebags. "Is there anything we really need from the city before we leave?" She thought she already knew the answer, but it didn't hurt to ask anyhow.

[Gitana Chumomisto]

ooc: added in Everilda and Caldo, feel free to add more, Jehan

ic: Gitana cradled her bari lavuta against her chest as she walked. It was cased, tucked away into a wooden piece carved and decorated by her gran-dadrus. She had been doing remarkably well since learning that her mother had passed, but only well in regards to what other people saw. She smiled and jested, maintained an open, boisterous spirit as if she were happy, at ease with the news that Hanzi had brought...completely unaffected. But she was torn and broken inside, feeling such heartache that her mother was gone...that she had left them to die elsewhere. It was small comfort that they could, at least, sing their mother to follow the path of the stars for she was no longer with them following the steady, hard path of the dirt.

She looked briefly at her brother, knowing that her behavior irked him, but fearing to dissemble. She didn't want to crumble. She didn't want to be the weak one who could not hold up or best her hurt. If he was angry he would get past it. He was her prala. He would eventually understand and forgive her for it. She hoped.

Everilda came with them, eyes red and misty. There were few moments when she hadn't been crying. Their mother's death had hit her hard, but Gitana found her attempts to comfort met with irritation and stinging barbs and a glance almost as angry as Jehan's. Was her facade of happiness that hurtful that they'd be so angry towards her? She tried to ignore it and instead tried her hand at joking with Caldo as they walked, enjoying the easy banter that allowed her some escape from her emotions.

Interaction helped, because it gave Gitana something to focus on. She grinned at Venn as he was produced and introduced. "Zamutro! A pleasure to meet one who has wed to my pena." Her common was broken, interlaced with Aire; she'd been a poor study with the common tongue, though perhaps better than her prala. She studied him, this strange looking creature who was certainly gaje and not even human at that...this evident most of all in his eyes. She plastered a smile on her face because she was in no mood to be anything other than cheery--or some semblance of it; another time and she might have been lofty, a little distant, for he was gaje, though married to her pena as he was. "It is...misto...to have another person to call familiya, avrah?" She smiled faintly as her words failed her.

ooc: choosing the light color for common, the purple for Aire

[Venn Drega]

He said little, preferring to learn the nuances of this side of Avrie's family so that he might be sensitive to the ways of grief among them. He was never really a talkative person in any case, choosing to speak what he thought or felt directly. His time in the political arenas were particularly distasteful, but did teach him to read and understand the complex signals of courtly behaviour. This was for him as similar opportunity to learn.

He greeted each person with a friendly smile and sincere "Vedui" or "Serale" and even ventured to tentatively pronounce "Zamutro," before asking Gitana its meaning. She seemed particularly talkative and upbeat given the circumstances while other like Everilda remained sombre. He was not one who judged others by first impressions since each was likely dealing with the loss in their own way. The vast variety within human cultures had always amazed and fascinated him. He observed their particular way of dress, their unique language and the way they conducted their relationships. They in turn gave him sidelong glances likely finding him as exotic as he did them. He did have unique features that identified him with the other species of elves that were more common in Aelyria, but he also had physical traits markedly different.

Clothed in his usual travel gear, he cinched his obsidianate bracers and greaves before mounting his warhorse. He chose to wear his old grey cloak instead of his enchanted Ranger's cloak so that he would not stand out.

Venn's quiet demeanor however was not entirely out of deference to the other he traveled with to observe the death rites of Nicolesza. Sea elves understood death as an inevitability and a movement into another plane, but such losses in times of peace were very rare and it had been centuries since the wars. Every death was jarring. Venn himself had found the death of many friends in war a sobering experience, but now, knowing that this was Avrie's mother, brought back the memories of his own mother's passing. Kiari had lived almost ninety patterns but among elves, this was a pittance for a people who marked time by centuries. Full-blooded humans lived such short yet passionate lives. He looked toward his Avrie for a moment and let his eyes linger upon her be fore he blinked and let the thought dissipate form his consciousness.

[Jehan Chumomisto]

Jehan remained silent during the introductions. He had been a little more talkative along the way here as he was starting to come to terms with his mothers death. He knew how he should have been feeling but he still mourned her. He should have been accepting at the very worst of things. She would now be traveling the stars forever, she would be set lose from her mortal body and never have to rest again, only travel. He was being selfish though and it made him sick. He should be celebrating his mother’s transcendence from this world and into the stars. And soon he would be lighting her funeral pyre and watch for her soul in the smoke and ashes. He had never seen one, nor could he be sure the others who told him they seen them to be true. It is said to be invisible, to be the smoke but there have been claims that they can be viewed sometimes by anyone.

He kept his feeling bottled up and was growing more and more relaxed as the trip continued, growing rather anxious to meet his new sister. That he kept locked away too for fear that he would let lose all of his emotions if he showed one. That was until now, until he was introduced to the gaje man that his half sister had been wed to. He didn’t say anything, he didn’t nod a welcome, he just stayed where he was an examined the man…the gaje.

He didn’t put the look of hate in his eyes, he remained cool and uncaring of what was happening around him. Inside however, he wanted to scream, to just attack this man who would be coming with them, a stranger to him and everyone else…a gaje…at his mother funeral. The word paladin however did peak his interest. He had no idea what it was, but it sounded like something different. Perhaps it was some career that they gypsies had nor yet known about. Perhaps it was good, or it may have been bad. Either way, he remained silent for the time being. He may inquire further about it but not now. This was not the time. He was uncomfortable with this situation…but this man was Zamutro, though he did not even know the meaning of the word. Jehan didn’t offer to help him out, he left him on his own for that one.

He wouldn’t have been able to explain it anyway, Gitan’s common was broken, and mixed with aire in it. Jehans was slow and he had a hard time conveying things he meant.

His father however, Emiliano was more fluent in common than both Jehan and Gitana spoke up with a greeting of his own. “Serale, good greetings to you” he said when they had been introduced. He was taking it surprisingly well, even to the news that his wife had two other children. He didn’t say if he had known all along but Jehan had guessed as much. He didn’t act cold towards Avrie either, he was kind and accepted, which urked Jehan but he said nothing.

He wasn’t sure if Gitana knew the common word for what she had said but he would let her have a try at it. If she seemed as though she wasn’t able to he would explain that it meant ‘Brother-in-law’. He would give her a chance first though.

He had been spending most of the time comforting his youngest daughter, Everilda who was showing the pain more than all else. It was obvious to anyone that Jehan was hurting but he left his face as set as stone in a non caring state though he had been cheering up some. Emiliano had consistently told his children that the loss of the body meant only that they could travel longer and further than they could in these bodies. They would never need to stop to rest, they would play in the stars eternally.

He had explained the belief of gypsy people to Avrie when he could. He hadn’t known if she knew or not about what the gypsies believed but he thought that she should know. It was after all her mother who had passed. She would not know otherwise. It seemed as though Gitana would not speak of it and Jehan, though had been talking some, didn’t talk to deeply on subjects. By the end of his explanation Avrie would know just as much as most gypsies do about the death of their people. This is assuming of coarse if she would speak to him and listen to what he had to say.

OOC: Obviously I brought Emiliano along...hope it's okay the way I'm playing him, if not let me know.
This = Emiliano speech.
This = Jehan speech.

[Hanzi Ambarando]

Hanzi accepted the horse from Luca with great reluctance. Of course he could ride (what gypsy couldn't?) but he was much more of a runner than a horseman. When interregated about it Hanzi usually let fly with a rather pointed "Well, how would it feel if someone rode you?" reply. Deep down (though he would never admit it) big animals made him a tad nervous. A crushed toe when Hanzi was a toddler cemented that fear into his being. Trust them to pull a vardo? Sure. Ride them? No, not if Hanzi could help it.

Except now he was practically forced by Luca to take a horse. Hanzi tried to insist he was as fast as a horse, but Luca didn't buy it.

Hanzi arrived last, mainly because the dang horse wouldn't go the right direction! First, the horse wouldn't move for a full minute, then it decided it was going to eat some grass over there, then he decided to walk lazily north. Hanzi hopped off and gave the horse a talking to. The horse seemed unfazed by the gypsy's demands for obidience. Hanzi could eat his hat with frustration as the Horse suddenly started to trot away, leaving the poor gypsy to run after it in a panic. Animals. Should all be eaten!

Hanzi managed to reach the starting off point with much difficulty and begging.

Hanzi greeted everyone in turn-

He gave Caldo, his cousin, an affectionate punch in the arm. Emiliano and Everilda got his condolences and a couple thoughtful words. Luca, the horse bringer got a half-scowl.

Gitana received a polite yet warm arm across the shoulder, he shook her a little roughly- but this was how the normally stoic gypsy bruiser showed a little warmth.

Jehan got a respectful nod. This was a good lad, Hanzi decided. "Sastimos, my fighting cousin." He gave the traditional greeting for Air'riela protectors- the rough and tumble men whom defended the kumpanias. It basically meant that Hanzi accepted Jehan as a peer.

Avrie- whom he was beginning to know better he gave a wave and small smile. Though a half-gaje, Hanzi came to a realization about her. She meant well, and it wasn't her fault that her hertiage was a bit well...flawed in Hanzi's mind.

...and her husband? A pointy-eared gaje? Hanzi stared blankly at Venn greeted him. Probably even a small snarl began to form at his lips. However, Hanzi's eyes flickered over to Avrie and his face transformed into a smile.

"Serale, Sirrrr" He rolled the 'r' a little. He spoke in common- fluent yet with a strong accent. Yet he exagerated this accent, which he often did, and the accent on thick. "Venn Drega. I am honorrrrred to meet you. I am Hanzi Ambarrrrrrrando.

"If you please, we ride!" Hanzi, the guide on this adventure would lead the way. He pointed north towards Vorex and kicked his horse in the sides. The horse snorted and took off at a run. Poor Hanzi hung onto the horse in terror as the horse snaked through the forest at a blistering pace.

"Horse! Tree stump!" He shouted and pointed. A tree-foot high stump loomed in the distance. The horse took off jumping high and over the rotten stump. They fell with a bang and Hanzi scrambled to hold onto the horn. He pulled himself up and gave a cheer. Hey, maybe riding was a little fun after all...

"Baxtalo! This is the way!"

ooc-

Secrets : Just hanzi coming with me. I figured maybe we can have a mini riding adventure up to Anora and vortex? Not very long, enough for horseriding xp? Also, if everyone's cool with this, I'll sorta "mod" our progress through Hanzi's posts since he's the guide. How does this sound?

occ2- Regular for common speech, this green color for Aire.

[Avrie Eventide Drega]

ooc: Hanzi, you crack me up. Sure, I'm game for a little riding adventure. How about everyone else?

Avrie grinned slightly as she stood beside Venn. The Bardess had noticed Hanzi's antics stealing the show. She turned, and gave 'Uncle' Luca her Drifting instructor a knowing smile even as she realized what he'd done. By forcing a horse on Hanzi, he'd pretty much guaranteed the group would be thoroughly entertained for the journey north, no matter how long or tedious it became. She suspected that he'd provided Hanzi with not only the most stubborn horse he owned, but the cleverest one as well. The colorwash Hanzi was mounted on was nobody's fool. She smiled slightly, knowingly, as her fingers trailed down Venn's arm and entwined with his when she touched them. She felt sorry for her husband, in that instance. He had no idea what he was getting into when he'd agreed to join them on the trip north.

Avrie had listened carefully and respectfully to Jehan's explanation about the Air'riela beliefs in regards to death and ascension. She glanced up, and though it was daylight, she could imagine her birth mother there, wandering the stars happily... faceless, voiceless... She hadn't known, not at all. No one at Cloudkiss, and certainly none of the Air'riela who often wintered there had spoken of death. And although when they'd buried Evan, the gypsies had lit a bondfire for him and danced well into the night, she hadn't understood it, far to lost in grief to care. What she did catch though, was Venn's sideways glance, and the curiously blank expression on her reserved husband's face. Slowly, she'd been getting to know him better, and in the short summer months they'd been a pair, she had came to understand the less emotion he displayed the more he worried about it. He was thinking about death, either his mother's or hers. She squeezed his hand, and said nothing, willing herself to make time later to explain the significance of Luca and her new found hobby to the half elf. He'd have no clue, she suspected, but once they talked about it privately, she hoped his worry would ease.

Avrie grinned at Gitana and Jehan's kindness though. Already, they were acting as if Venn were a part of the group, even with such sadness surrounding the reason behind the trip. Surprise after surprise. Her half siblings were amazingly personable, generous, and open with family. It wasn't something she was used too.

Once the greetings were over, Avrie turned to Venn, and quietly said "The word you'll want to know is Sastimos... it means a sort of greeting.. fair weather, good travel, fine meals.. that sort of thing. It's the Aire version of Serale and the elven Vedui" And if no one else provided a translation, she'd quietly translate the mixture of Aire and common to full common for Venn. It was obvious, by Jehan's lack of good common, and Gitana's thick accent, that the naturan paladin would have to have a crash course in Aire along the way.

Only Hanzi, and he was being deliberately coy, had a true mastery... and he was far too busy managing his mount. Avrie gave a laugh, only half trying to stifle it, before she too released Venns hand and turned to Cirrus. The mare was saddled, and packed for the trip. Along with her mistresses things, and a mandolin case tucked against her saddle, there were gifts loaded for the family. They'd be passed out at the campfire that night, for Avrie was a big one for presents... especially for little Everilda... whom Avrie's heart broke most for.

Avrie swung onto the strong mare, well and easy able to climb onto her tall back now that she'd had her for so long. Venn, of course, had thought well in the gift for there was no more useful one ever. She barely touched the reins, for the mare could sense the other animals excitement and was herself ready to go. Luca nodded, and even Haldo, Caldo's twin seemed prepared...and when they were all ready to go, they set out together, making a rather odd group.

[Venn Drega]

"Sastimos," he repeated, trying the new word out. "And I am Zamutro to your family?" he ventured. He smiled and squeezed Avrie's hand lightly before she mounted up. He had a lot to learn about the Air'riela. It wasn't that he hadn't tried. As soon as he knew he would be joining Avrie on this journey he had gone to both the Temple and Naturan libraries to see if he could discover something of the culture. This however was a futile exercise for neither had any volumes on the subject. Even extensive cross-referencing only yielded snippets from journals recording encounters with the Air'riela, some positive, but mostly unpleasant. There was one item of interest, that turned out to be a small booklet consisting only of seven pages written in an intricate script suspected to be Aire. He actually brought the item along in a protective case with Brother Tinter's blessing to see if the document was indeed from the Air'riela. It was something he would broach as a subject later in their journey.

He studied the different characters around him, still a little foggy in regard to how everyone might be related. Even more mysterious to him was the role of Luca. He had determined that although he was given the title of "Uncle," in common, he was not an immediate family member but served the clan in some manner. The Air'riela also seemed cautious around him, perhaps even a little hostile under the surface. Given the accounts he read from those who had interactions with the nomadic people, he could imagine why. Some of the attitudes of officials or merchants were extremely derogatory towards the gypsies. At the same time, there were reports of both kindness and abuse in different cases. There seemed to be an uneasy relationship between the Air'riela and those they considered outsiders simply due to the minimal amount of contact. This was quite the adjustment for Venn, for the sea-elves were always curious, friendly and playful by nature.

Venn gave neither verbal commands to Connard nor did he do anything more than hold the reins, but the warhorse moved to trot beside Cirrus as they began their journey.

[Gitana Chumomisto]

Gitana grinned at Venn's assumption of the meaning for Zamutro, but when pressed for its translation, she looked at him with a somewhat puzzled look, brows furrowed. "You wed my sister, eh? Zamutra--you are my brother now, huh? My prala." Aid came more in the shape of her father as he supplied the correct definition. Brother-in-law. Gitana nodded and expressed her thanks with a gesture, flashing another smile in the direction of the half-elf before she turned to grab the lead rope attached to Kizzy's halter.

She had opted not to drape a saddle over her back, feeling more comfortable without one. With some effort she hauled herself up onto the mare's back and as she got herself settled, shifting her viola over her shoulder, turned to see Hanzi causing something of a stir as he tried to get the horse he was to ride under control.

"You are quite the horseman, eh Hanzi?" she teased him, but there was little point in it--he was far too busy hustling about, trying to get the horse under control.

And then they were off--more to the point, it was Hanzi who was off, clinging to the horse's back as it broke into a run. She laughed and cried out with a challenging little whoop, shifting her horse after him at a pace that did not quite match, but was fast enough on its own. Gitana loved to ride, loved the wind snapping and the sensation that the road simply flowed away behind her so quickly. There was freedom to it and she indulged in it as frequently as she could. She could not help but laugh as Hanzi floundered, but the noise was lost to the wind. She did not slow until she and Kizzy were ahead, a little distanced from the rest, and then she reined the horse in, turned a bit and paused to make sure that she had not gone off the way that Hanzi planned to lead them.

[Jehan Chumomisto]

Jehan nodded for the most part and mounted on top of Fonso with slightly more ease than his sister had shown. He too had no saddle and obviously preferred it that way believing that only gaje rode with saddles, this however made it slightly more uncomfortable during the ride but he lived with it. He was by no means an expert rider but he was accustom to racing with Gitana on horse or by foot though he had nowhere near the endurance that Hanzi seemed to have.

“Sastimos” he nodded to Hanzi from on top of his horse. He still didn’t get why Hanzi had never learned to properly learn to ride a horse but he didn’t dislike him because of it. During a different time, in a different situation he may have thrown some jokes his way as he tried to get things under control but this time he didn’t.

Jehan gave Gitana a look that she surely wasn’t going to like. He had always been her only Prala and he didn’t like her calling a stranger one and it hurt his feelings. He didn’t say anything though he only looked off to the side and watched everyone else with a distant look. His father noticed this and pat the boy on the back giving him words of encouragement before he went to get his younger daughter mounted on a horse.

Jehan remained silent as they rode, preferring it to traveling the lines. He felt more in control this way, perhaps if he knew how to ride the lines it may be different but they were so limited as was shown here. Riding was his true love though he was curious about being a line rider he just never asked Luca to teach him. Perhaps one day things would be different and he would ask, but for now he was free on his horse. His cares didn’t disappear, they were to big for that now, but they were dulled by the wind that blew all around him.

He followed after Hanzi jumping the log with a little more ease than Hanzi did. It may have been that he had rode more, or it could have been thee connection that Jehan and his horse had. Jehan had been it’s only owner, and Fonso had been Jehan’s only horse.

Before they left however Emiliano whispered to Gitana, his middle child and older daughter with kindness and understand in his voice. “Please watch your words around Jehan, he will not admit it but he is upset by them eh” he kissed her cheek knowing that she hurt for the loss of her mother but didn’t want to show it. He then went to his youngest daughter and mounted her on a horse and set off.

“So Venn, do you mind sharing what exactly a paladin is?” Emiliano asked as they rode. He was clearly an experienced rider as he had little to no difficulty with anything that he was doing as he rode beside the man he was speaking with daughter on the same horse. “You must excuse me for I have never heard tell of such a thing.” His common was good, not great, slowly spoken by better than either of his children.

[Hanzi Ambarando]

Never had a gypsy swore as Hanzi did upon the back of that horse. It blew like the wind across the landscape, a four hooved dirt devil bent on swift and hilarious transit. Both of them soon vanished into the woods. The gypsy sweated and yelled, shook his fist and bit his thumb to no avail. Hanzi even made up a few new curses, including one that speculated as to the horse's true origins.

Was that a laugh? The poor ruffian of the wilderness wondered out loud. I think this horse is ahhhh!!!

A sudden buck mid thought caught the gypsy unawares and catapulted the man through the air in a high arch. He landed with a thud on his collarbone.

"Buffo!" Hanzi exclaimed and stood up furiously. "That is the last time you get the best of me beast!"

Man and horse fought out of sight of the others. This was a matter between Hanzi and the horse. They needed some alone time to talk about their feelings about each other.

Hanzi planned on conversing with his fists...

Hanzi connected with a right jab to side as the horse coiled up and kicked Hanzi across the small clearing that they found themselves in.

Enraged Hanzi jumped on the horse, which started bucking furiously. Hanzi held on. It kept bucking. Hanzi hung tough with gritty determination.

"A-ha! That's right! Never count a gypsy out of the hand!" He exclaimed as one more bounce was weathered.

So it continued until both were so tired that both laid down- Hanzi leaned against the horse's stomach and both snored quite loudly.

That's how the others would see them when they approached. The guide yawned and waved to the others.

"The Horse and I thought we lost you!" He joked and the horse and him began to walk north. Hanzi, this time knew better than to try to ride a horse. Instead he began to run through the forest, the horse trotting beside him, keeping pace with the unusual Air'riela.

A few miles down the road the first obstacle reared its head. A roaring river, a barrier of jagged rocks and dangerous rapids. Hanzi scratched his head. And took stock.

"They call this the invisible bridge. Long time ago a gaje arcanic lived on land on both sides of this river. He created a bridge out of thin air. You create it by activating the round power stone." Hanzi said with confidence before looking worriedly across the river. "Which is on the opposite side of the river..." He pointed and all could see a large boulder, normal in appearance, but for those sensitive to arcana it radiated energy. In between the rapids crashed.

[Venn Drega]

Venn could not help but sense how Hanzi's antics in his struggle with his mount served to ease the tensions of the grief each of the members of the clan felt. He came to appreciated their humanity all the more, noting how they carried themselves, interacted with each other and with himself, an outsider. He did not mind being so identified since his presence seemed to detract from Avrie's difference from the others. He was also happy to explain to Emiliano his vocation as a paladin of Natura. He also took the opportunity to also inquire regarding the cosmology of the Air'riela, which he found fascinating but difficult to understand. Emiliano and Gitana were the most affable toward him while the others despite their difficulty in common but some, especially Jehan, remained distant and cautious.

He engaged in conversation when it seemed appropriate with each of his fellow travelers, often asking for pointers in understanding Aire. He also had the opportunity to ride Connard in a leisurely manner despite Hanzi's great enthusiasm to proceed. In some of this, he gleaned from his interactions the concept of drifting. He was still unclear as to how it worked or even why, but it was rather intriguing. As he was beginning to ask the ever patient Emiliano why they could not drift to Vortex, they came to the river. They had heard the rushing waters well in advance, and the paladin had assumed that they would either ford it in a shallow place. This was certainly unexpected.

He heard Hanzi say something above the noise in Aire but could not understand it. He did see the man point out a stone on the other side of the river and wondered what it might mean. This certainly was not a place where the water could be forded and there was no bridge. He wondered if they had indeed become lost or taken a wrong course. If they had to cross the rapids and tie something to the stone, he realized that he might be the best volunteer given the fact that water was a natural environment for him and even if he was knocked unconscious in the attempt, he would not drown. Seeking clarity on the matter, he drew up next to Emiliano. "I'm sorry, but what did Hanzi say about the river? Are we supposed to cross here?"

[Avrie Eventide Drega]

Avrie stared at the scene. The trip thus far had been amusing to say the least. Hanzi indeed kept them all entertained, whether in sight or by providing hours of speculation when he and the horse had disappeared. Haldo and Caldo had instantly started placing outrageous bets as to Hanzi's fate, while Avrie listened quietly. It was a different sort of lifestyle, a different pace... it was somehow simplier and yet far more complex than she was used too. And though she didn't realize it immediately, she was glad that Venn had come after all. Though her family had made her feel welcome, she couldn't help feeling like an outsider... a fettered one... a lupunza among the air'riela. She spent her time useful, talking with Luca who seemed inclined to go with them on the trip... though she in truth had seen him promising the Baro that he'd watch out for the Chumomisto children.

Avrie didn't mind. Luca was a mentor to her, and she enjoyed his company enormously. Even though he was hundreds of years old for a human, he only looked in his mid thirties. She couldn't wait to share that news with Venn, though she hadn't quite decided how to approach the topic. Something would come up. It always did.

Avrie also spent time with Gitana, though she didn't say much. She wasn't sure what to say. The young girl was obviously hurting though there wasn't much outward sign of it. Her smiles were quick enough, and she spent a lot of time consoling the youngest of them all, telling her stories. Avrie joined in as well, telling stories of her own... legends mostly surrounding the wine industry and working the land. It was what she knew best.

When they came to the edge of the river and stared across at the rapids, she looked back at Hanzi as if she didn't hear him right. "You have to activate that round stone? But how? It doesn't even look like we can reach it from here." She said, not bothering to voice her concern about how the horses were going to react to being convinced to cross an invisible bridge above raging rapids.

Avrie glanced at Venn, raised an eyebrow, then scanned the rest of the crowd. Surely someone knew? "Jehan, do you know anything about this?" She asked, concerned.