echoes

Word had reached The Huntress that a particular Rivani merchant from Kont-aar had been granted permission to sell for a bit in Arlathan's market. He carried a particular tea blend that The Huntress had been missing of late. She'd only ever had it in Qunandar and, despite ill thoughts, it was a comfort she missed.

She'd met this particular merchant once before on his last venture here, he was a friendly man. An older vashoth that she'd learned had been born and raised in Rivain, but still knew some of the culture. And the fact, alone, that he'd gotten a hold of this tea blend seemed to be miracle work. As far as The Huntress was aware, the necessary herbs weren't available outside of Par Vollen.

Jaraas, she greeted with a surprisingly warm tone. He offered a smile and greeted her in return. Do you truly have the tea? she asked, almost nervous the word she'd gotten was wrong. But, thankfully, he assured her he had it.

How much do I owe you? she asked, unsure if he'd want coin or something else. To her surprise, he was starting to wave her off. The Huntress shook her head. No, I must.

The man sighed. "Very well, perhaps we can call it even if you do me a favor," he conceded to her. "I was separated from my Asaara on the way here. Find her for me and we'll be even."

Agreeing to his terms, The Huntress stepped away and looked around in thought. Hands on her hips, she pondered her options as to where a stray osprey could be found.

Merilin had felt compelled to travel to Arlathan; though they were not far away being that they were in Rivain for the majority of the time. He'd dragged Eriar with her (some small part of himself constantly refused to let the aberration leave his sight).

Eriar was not with him though, as he wandered through the streets of Arlathan, marveling at being home. He had never expected to see his homeland again; and yet...

Here he was. And something dark stirred within him, almost a flood of pride. He was proud of this place.

Merilin turned a corner, to head to a vendor, when he came face-to-face with... a big ass bird. His jaw twitched, as he scoped the crowds for his lover. Eriar had a habit of sending animals his way, despite the fact she knew he greatly disliked them.

Avian creatures were not exactly a strong-suit for The Huntress. While an excellent tracker, birds presented a number of challenges when it came to finding them. So, she began in the best way she could. After hearing about where they got separated, she started off in that direction.

Weaving her way through the throng of people in the market, The Huntress kept all her senses on high alert. Be it sound, sight, or smell that might lead her to her quarry faster.

Naturally, she'd not found the vendor's companion in the spot he'd lost her. But, from here, it didn't take The Huntress overlong to begin searching and, ultimately, trek back into the market.

Frustration had not taken hold, but she began to wonder if she needed her own companion. The cat's senses would be far better than her own and likely would pick up on the sea hawk far quicker.

But, fortunately for her, she came upon a corner and saw an elf standing in front of one she hoped to be her quarry. You found her, she remarked of the elf, offering him a grateful look. The bird, however, seemed agitated.

Directing attention to the raptor, she spoke in an even tone. Ashkost, Asaara. Taashath. Slowly, but surly, the agitation seemed to fade.

Merilin was staring at the strange bird, seriously searching for Eriar before another woman came upp. I did. He doesn't seek praise, nor does he preen in the grateful look the elf gave him. He listened as she spoke to the bird, until its agitation faded.

Is this yours? You should keep it on a leash.

The Huntress coaxed the bird up to perch on her shoulder, looking then to the stranger. She arched a brow. Birds may not have been her own personal choice of companion, but she knew what the soul of another meant to her people. Her... former people. Though she struggled to see this other elf as who her people should be. Elves like this made it all the more difficult for The Huntress to stick to her promise to work on integration into this society Vela was helping to build. She sighed, a curl to her lip as she commented on the stupidity of his idea.

Basra Vashedan.

Merilin raised an eyebrow, he didn't know that language. Not surprising, given that he'd only learned Common recently. I'm glad you found your pet.

There. Now Eriar couldn't claim he was being a surly nuisance. He couldn't stand other people; he barely tolerated his lover and her eccentricities sometimes.

The Huntress stared blankly at the man. While not unusual for the elves here to not understand her, his reaction was not exactly common. Running one hand over the bird's feathers, she shook her head at the stranger who'd found her prize.

She shrugged. Ebasit.

Now knowing not to expect a reply, she returned to make her exchange. And maybe she'd be able to enjoy what she set out her day for.