Sandwiches and Sunlight

A beautiful day, predominantly due to what is NOT present. There is no pouring rain nor chill wind. No stagnant air nor oppressive heat. Also gratefully absent are werewolves, demons, vampires, wights, usurpers, damnable statues, nor whatever other potential terror might be lurking somewhere else.

What are present, significantly, are flowers: full blooms, a cornucopia of fragrance upon the light breeze, and one Aya. Rather than stand upon pathstones or bench, she currently lies upon a spot of grass amidst (and not upon) some of the colorful flora. She may be eyeing the few fluffy clouds, resting, or merely repeating an option demonstrated to her by another.

A beautiful day has proven a quality opportunity to make the trek from the wilderness to the north to the northern gate of Alexandria, and Seldan has taken full advantage of it. A pack to accompany a bow and a light cloak over his back, armor well-cared for but ordinary in appearance, the sun glinting off of it, he sets an easy pace from the gates through the gardens. The cloak he wears is an unusual thing, a light thing but one that is hard to look at or really see properly.

"Do you wish to stay at the temple, Zeke?" he is asking. "I think us all safer, the fewer nights I spend within these walls."

Zeke, the blue-scaled sith that walks at Seldan's side considers his question. In deference to the fact that they had recently been out in the wilderness he is for a change of pace _not_ in his usual clerical robes. Instead he is in more moderate fair in dark colors the better to hide himself from any prey they might find whilst not in Alexandria proper. "No. Thissss one isss will remain with you if that isss acceptable. Thisss one doess not wisssh to become embroiled in dutiess at the temple ssshould you wisssh to leave promptly."

Taking full advantage of the calm day to remain productive is that a scarred mul'neissa woman in a tank top. Coils of rope loop from shoulder to hip on her, leather straps taut against her arms as a heavy grey tarp is bound and slung over her shoulders. Headed southbound from the University side.

Her load makes it hard to see around, though she slows at hearing a conversation take place. A pair of silver-rimmed shades peek over the load and-

Aryia's ears press firmly against her head as the cargo-mul diverts course with heavy steps towards them.

It was certainly a nice day for time outside. Which meant that naturally, Seyardu was spending her time inside the temple of Althea to tend to everyone who was taking advantage of the fair weather. But at least finally, she was taking a small break outside.

A break which involved carrying a large covered basket in one hand that she offered sandwiches out of to passerbys. The silver sith-makar stops and waves to Aryia when she sees her, and continuing on, to Aya, and Zeke and Seldan as she gets closer.

Seldan inclines his head to the Hearthguard passing out sandwiches to those present in the area, but politely declines with a wave of his hand. "Feed those in need, Hearthguard," he demurs politely. "Of course you may remain with me, although I can return for you, do you so wish," he offers then to Zeke. "I shall not abandon you, and I would not have you neglect your duties for my needs."

A familiar pair of voices cause Aya to sit upright amidst the blooms, followed shortly after with her rising to her feet. This shift allows her to more readily note Aryia and Seyardu, as well. "Sister, Hearthguard," she offers in greeting before turning to the voices. "Sunguard. Silverguard." A mild pull of wry tugs a lip corner upwards as she suddenly feels well-protected.

"There isss no-thing presssing Sseldan." Zeke reassures Seldan. He too declines a sandwich from Seyardu, though only half for the same reasons. "Peasssce on your nessst." He offers to the other sith instead, and then again to Aya and Aryia once they are within range for a proper greeting. His green eyes flicker skyward and then he offers a gentle shifting of his tail. "Peasssce on all your nessstsss. It isss a fine day yesss?"

Aryia tilts her head up once in greeting as her hands were occupied carrying this load. And she accepts the food. By biting it on the passing way and continuing on her path towards the Silver/Sunguard duo. Some tomato slices are lost in the process.

She nods to Zeke, slowing to a heavy stop before the weighing tarp is dumped unceremoniously behind her with a >THUMP<.

She points at Seldan, holds up a finger, then pulls off her bag to rifle around within it.

Some pieces of lettuce fall out of the poor sandwich dangling from her mouth.

Seyardu does seem disappointed when two people turn down the food, but at least Aryia accepts one of the sandwiches, and perhaps she would have better luck with Aya. "Aya, silverguard Seldan, and hearthguard Zeke. Peace on your nests." She greets. "Would you like a sandwich, Aya? I do not think I can convince the others, and I can't give them all to Aryia. It is certainly a fine day, which is likely why so many are out today. A much more pleasant reason for commotion, yes?"

"And also upon yours," Seldan returns politely, returning greetings all around with an incline of his head. "A fine day indeed." He turns curiously to Aryia as the mul drops her bundle, watching with interest. She's made it clear that she wants him to wait, and so he does, his gaze steady on the woman. No words needed - he merely waits, and somehow, he just sort of - fades in and out as he waits.

Zeke like Seldan waits patiently for Aryia to reveal what she is pulling out of her pack. With greetings given, he seems entirely satisfied to stand there and simply wait.

The mute glances up as she takes a moment to shove the rest of the food into her face (and looking like a chipmunk in the process). She squints. "Why are you- nevermind. Can you stay corporeal for like, ten seconds?" she flicks with a free hand as her other hand pulls out a piece of attire.

It's a terribly simple headband. Or rather, deceptively simple.

It holds no magic. It's function is purely as is: keeping hair out of one's face. Its form?

Carefully braided strings of silver thread are wrapped tight around a mithral band, the tesselation giving a diffracted light that breaks the white reflection into a ghost of a random color in the sun. Affixed off to the side of the band, almost like it breached the metal itself in growth is that a closed black petaled flower.

The mute holds a hand over the addition, casting it in shade. Almost as if it was curious about the change in light, the flower slowly blooms open, speckled turquoise dusts the petals in flecks while a soft white borders the edges. Hand removed, it clams up and hides away.

"Midnight Eye. It hates the sun, but it endures for the darkest parts of night. Sparkles in pitch black," she gestures, the gist understood for those that don't know the language.

She proffers it to Seldan. Aryia expressions are a mess to read, but there's a hint of a smile in there somewhere on her sweaty face after she somehow gulps that whole meal down. <Handspeech>

Both of Seldan's eyebrows lift in interest, but at the comment about him remaining corporeal, a small, sheepish smile tugs at the corners of his lips. He speaks an arcane word, and his form settles into consistent corporeality. "Forgive me. I am unused yet to the effect." He reaches to take the headband, studying it appreciatively. "A most unique thing, and one I had not heard of. It is fine work indeed, and showcases a thing of great beauty. It is yours? Zeke ... Hearthguard.- had you ever seen such a thing?" He turns to show them both the Midnight Eye.

Seyardu stops and blinks, and the cleric chuffs. "Well, I do not know what is causing you to fade in and out like that, but it sounds concerning. How it would even happen within the wards of Alexandria is curious. I hope you are doing alright."

"Yes, I have heard about headbands, and seen many people with them. Women with hair, and relatively long hair often use them to keep it from blocking their vision, and they are often adorned to look nice and accent it at the same time. Like the dark flower that would likely contrast Aryia's hair."

"Unless you are referring to the flower? I have seen it before, yes. Aryia and Violet have flowers and other plants in their home, and I believe I have seen that one growing near her window."

Zeke is admittedly not the most fashion-forward of individuals. However even he can tell the time and effort that went into the creation of the item that Aryia offers to Seldan. To preserve the flower and allow it to function fully, to create the headband itself from the eye-appealing pattern which she chose. He looks at Aryia when he speaks, not Seldan. "It isss very lovely to look upon, and the materialss are remarkable." Only then does he turn to Seldan himself, to answer the question which the man had asked. "Thisss one hasss never sseen thisss particular ssspeciesss of flower before kin."

Aryia smooths her tanktop out as they try and puzzle together the flower, as well a curious look about the questions surrounding the vanishing in and around. A grin creeps onto her face at the compliments, chest puffing out in pride. "It's mine. Was. Yours now. Made it for you. Also Seyardu is right. Keeps hair out of your face. /Your/ face. Don't think I don't see you fucking with it all the time to get it out of the way."

She preens her bag of some minute detail before closing it and slipping it over a shoulder. "I don't know many people who grow it save for my parents," she motions towards the closed bloom. <Handspeech>

A quiet laugh greets Aryia's commentary about his hair, and he studies it politely, then dons it in the way of one who is well familiar with such problems. "Mal keeps threatening to chop it off," he observes with plain affection. "The headband helps, but it is not perfect, especially when it has only just been cut. Still do I thank you, for you do fine work." He shakes his head, looking at the cloak. "I do not understand all that is at play, within these walls, but it is off now, and shall remain so." Automatically, his hand reaches up towards the wayward lock of hair at his temple, now bound by the worked headband. "Remarkable work, and the gift is kind indeed. I was not aware that you did such work."

There's a shifting of Zeke's tail back and forth and distinct amusement that's thick enough that even those not particularly familiar with sith emotions might well recognize over the comment about Seldan's hair. Zeke would never think to comment on the grooming of one's hair (after all he understands it not at all - and softskins tend to be a bit particular about their grooming), but he has indeed noticed Seldan's difficulty with that particular lock of hair always getting in his face.

Aya initially declined Seyardu's offering, as they seem intended for those in need. However, noting the consternation, she belatedly accepts and subsequently consumes the sandwich. Not as ravenously as others, which keeps her silent yet observant until it is finished. She has a thought as to the impetus behind Aryia's gift to Seldan, which brooks a momentary frown as she suddenly feels lacking. A modest attempt to cover that is made when she speaks up again on the related topic. "Lengthy hair is considered a sign of strength, power, and pride to many, in my experience."

Aryia chuckles, remembering a time ago having briefly met Mal before. Though her head inflates as complimented more, evidence given by her smile turning into a smirk. She nods once, but answers with a hand. "In another life, I was a seamstress and marriage coordinator," she answers off the cuff to Seldan.

What?

"I dropped the latter and remembered how to do the former. If you need any clothes and Sandy is too busy, hit me up. Which reminds me."

She turns her gaze to Zeke, and points at the bluescale before gesturing sharply, "You're next." Dun dun dun!

One hand reaches down to pick up the dropped tarp. Muscles flex and strain as its pulled up to her shoulder. She nods to Aya in agreement before expounding, "I don't know Seyardu, why do makari fuss with their scales a lot? I like my hair. Except when it was green that one time..." She makes a sour face. <Handspeech>

"Hair grows constantly," Seldan explains to Seyardu, with a small smile. "Keeping it groomed requires attention, no matter the means." She inclines his head to Aryia. "I shall remember, and you have my thanks. No longer do I make my home in Alexandria, and yet I have need at times of clothing for its confines."

He turns then to Zeke, touching the headband once again, and to Seyardu. "She is most talented."

Zeke blinks. "But thisss one hasss no hair." He states with curiosity, then belatedly realizes that though he has no hair that something similar could still be crafted for a Makari. Embarrassed he nods his head low to Aryia. "Thisss one appreciatess any time ssspent on ssuch for thisss one, thisss one isss interessted to sssee what you create."

"Too bad, you'll have to find someone else for Violet." The silver makari teases. "Granted, if it ever did come to that, I feel you would rather have someone else focus on the busy work necessary for softskin weddings. That is fair, if it is constantly growing, then there is not an effective way to stop it, and it would need care regardless."

"And we do not, Aryia. A healthy lifestyle and exercise is all that is necessary for scales to look good for most, as a sign of strength and well, health. The scale polish I got and used is an anomaly, even if it turns out that Sjach did like how it looked."

Aryia snorts, grinning as she adjusts the weight on her shoulder. She chuffs at Seyardu, shaking her head. "And leave her all alone? Nah," she sticks her tongue out. The mute nods to Zeke, snaps a finger gun towards him and steps away, grinning. "Nice to see you all, but I got to get this shit on my boat before the weather decides to tank."

She gives a parting wave, moves the tarp over both shoulders, and lumbers off. <Handspeech>

Seldan looks after the diminutive mul, his gaze steady and thoughtful. "Perhaps there are those within this place that were better than I had thought," he muses, half to himself, then turns back to the other two. "Even so," he agrees with Seyardu's remark. "The are no simple answers. For myself, oft do I wonder about managing a tail." A ghost of a smile accompanies that.

Zeke laughs, tries to stop himself, but then chuffs out a full deep laugh in amusement. "Thisss one often wondersss how you go about _with-out_ one! How you do not trip over your own feet every few ssstepsss thissss one doess not know!" He laughs again, then apologizes.

Aya watches Aryia depart, belatedly commenting, "It was not -that- terrible when it was green..." Zeke's laugh startles her out of her absent musing with a blink. Has it been so long since she had heard or witnessed that. It brooks forth a smile of her own. "I would have asked how either of you do not trip over your tail. I suppose it is just the nature of how one was born... or hatched."

"That is not what I meant and you know it, Aryia." Seyardu sighs. "Good to see it, take another sandwich for the road, or for Violet if you run into her." She offers before the Mul'niessa leaves, all but shoving the wrapped sandwich onto her.

"Well, it's wonderful for balance, yes. And you can smack someone with it if you have half a mind to. Goodness knows, I'm clumsy enough with one, and I shudder to think how I would manage without."

"It is as Mistress Aya says." Seldan's laughter echoes Zeke's, pale blue eyes bright with delight at his chosen-brother's rare mirth. "I know not how you sit down, and I know not how you keep it from getting stepped upon, or tripping over it. It would seem to be a great inconvenience."

Some of the mirth subsides as he considers Seyardu's explanation. "Balance without it is not so very difficult, we learn when we are very small. Do you build armor to protect your tail?"

Zeke has seen the chairs that soft-skins sit in and he can well understand then the reason that Seldan might not understand how a sith might be able to sit down. "With great care doess one sssit." He offers with a nod that is at least half amusement. It is as good for him to see Seldan smiling as it is for Seldan to see him amused. "Trussst thisss one. Sseyardu hasss the right of it. They are good for balance, and with-out one, thisss one would never have been able to walk."

He chuffs again at what he assumes is a joke from Seldan about sith tails needing armor, then realizing that it might not be he adds. "That isss likely what sscaless are for kin. To protect tailsss from intruding ssshoesss."

Now Seldan laughs? Aya begins to wonder if she dozed off in the grass and awoke in a different realm... Tails and balance make full sense her as all is about positioning about one's center. That scales developed just to protect tails from being stepped on... now the mul'niessa suddenly looses a laugh.

"Because my eyesight is quite bad, you see." Seyardu chuckles. "So I spent many young years tripping over roots and rocks and underbrush I could not see properly. It is not to say that those without tails can not balance, more so that, much like Zeke prior, the extra balance is necessary for myself."

"Sitting is difficult. Aryia had some chairs and stools made to accommodate tails properly, and they are wonderful for rest. You should ask her about them sometime, if you have Zeke over often. And stepping on tails, well, that is why you keep them close and keep aware of your surroundings, and they can move most things out of the way on their own."

Seldan's eyes remain bright with laughter, but he nods. "I do not doubt that you would have been able to learn, tail or no, and yet is it well. I shall endeavor not to step on your tail." Given that the paladin has yet to ever step on Zeke's tail, that is most likely a jest. "That shall I do, for my kin is always welcome within my home. It must not be so very different from learning to wear a sword."

Zeke coughs and nods to Seldan, turning his attention on Aya now. "Have you had a chance to talk to Mikilossss?" He inquires this a bit subtly, in case Aya has no desire to share her reasons for her talk with Mikilos with others.

Aya's mirth is naturally descending, though Zeke's inquiry aids the final portions to fade in favor of other matters. Her expression does not delve into the negative, however, as she dips her head in a nod to the Sunguard. "I did, and his information was most helpful. It is an option I did not have before, and I am grateful." She dips again to him, this time a bow of torso. As she rises, her eyes shift to Seldan briefly, yet she makes no further comment.

"Well, just ask her sometime, I am sure she would be happy to share what she knows." Seyardu smiles, though it too passes, and she nods. "Well, I am glad you were able to find out what you hoped from Mikilos. Do not hesitate to speak to me Aya, as we promised to help you through whatever may come to pass, and that has not changed."

Clearly, Seldan has missed something here, and why Aya would talk to Mikilos is a mystery to the paladin. His mirth fades, and he looks among those present here, but holds his peace, his relaxed mirth fading into a quiet reserve. Not an angry or uncomfortable thing, but closer to his default, here within the city walls.

And then it hits him. _Oh._

Still he maintains his peace, although his expression shifts into one of understanding.

Zeke nods politely in return to Aya. "Thisss one iss glad that he wasss able to be of ssservice to you." Zeke notices the glance toward Seldan, but holds his peace on that. It's not his place to speak for the paladin, nor is it his place to speak for Aya. If words need said, they will have to say them themselves. He nods again and realizes that he's derailed the conversation. "Thisss one apologizesss. Thisss one wasss merely curiousss."

Aya does not seem offended by the slightest at Zeke's curiosity, though she turns her attention to Seyardu. "I have not forgotten, Seyardu. You have already aided me more that I can repay. As have you all," she adds as she pans back to the other two. There is a pause as she considers her further words. After a long moment, she decides to bid them farewell. "As a start, I will leave you to enjoy the day and the gardens while you are able. Peace on your nests, and lights upon your paths." With that, and somewhat abruptly, she pivots and moves to depart the gardens.

-End