[ Ishallr ] Sandspeck Chase

[Amaris]

Ashan 51st, 717

Amaris had been at this for several trials already. They had been successful in finding the spherical specks after the night had passed, though they had yet to see the phenomena behind them. They had only been on the iceberg island of Ishallr for a few breaks, and already they had collected a handful of Sandspecks. They did not spend much time examining them this go around, but once the ten trials were over, they would devote a good bit of time.

It was cold on the beach, though not a cold as it had been inside the caves. They’d experienced it firsthand earlier in the season, and just as it did then, their coat provided them minimal warmth. This, though, was only for a short time and thus they had not thought to bring a better coat. They glanced back at the rented mount, a Merquestrian. Their riding skills were lacking, but the mount made up for much of that. A beautiful creature, to be sure.

Amaris shuddered once more as they picked up yet another Sandspeck, a soft emerald color to match the sand. A quick look in their bag would have afforded someone the start of a rainbow, sure to be added onto in the coming trials. They crouched down to inspect the area for more.

[Ae'garn]

S

wooping down at a glide, his Merquestrian came to a graceful halt with two others behind him. The descent was much more graceful than him trying to dismount, as he’d caught his foot the saddle, and if it weren’t for his agile reflexes would have made an impression with his chin in the sand. Staying upright with a half step, in your face gravity! Ae’garn had made a swift flight over here, late to join in with the chase but that didn’t matter. Adventure didn’t follow a sundial! Exploring the island from above had been amazing, but he had no idea what he was doing down on the ground, which was also the fun! Soon the little Sev’ryn was right in the middle of the group, saying his hellos and getting busy pawing at the sand.

“Is this one?” Someone shook their head, “how about this?” Someone else shook their head. “This?” Ae’garn repeated, “That’s a pebble,” a man near him sighed.

Today Ae’garn had on his usual weather clothes, blues mostly with little bits of shiny leather showing through the chest piece, his hair as usual was slightly unkempt and ran down the sides of his face. Notably Ae'garn had many pockets for eccentricities, odds and ends or just little keepsakes like the pebble was about to pocket, a rucksack also strapped over his back.

Some serious nose scrunching started at that last mistake. Pebbles, shells, did they look like sandspecks? His flying mount wasn’t much help as he showed it one! It sniffed a pebble thinking it food, but Ae’garn quickly put the pebble down before it could eat it. His face was visibly relaxing from the scrunched look, the priest had said he’d needed to get out and stretch his land legs, relaxing before they tried to go rescuing their relics. So out he was! Kinda, I mean the beach was out, but he’d been at sea for almost half this long season. Staring at the lapping waves, they were pretty at least.

“Ummmmm” Ae’garn stood up and had a good look around, trotting on over to where Amaris was, he squatted down as she seemed to know what she was doing. He was about to introduce himself, then realised he better go back for his flying fish horse! One quick walk back later, he trotted his rented fishy friend back over. "Hello. I am Ae’garn and I have no idea what I am doing.” Ae’garn beamed a bright smile, the light catching his angular features as he looked her way. “Can you help me?” Maybe this chaser knew more about these specks’am’a’whatsits?

[Amaris]

Amaris looked up only when someone had spoken to them, shaken from thought by the stranger's presence. They blinked once, then twice before offering up a small smile. They weren't alone the chase. They had contemplated this since the start, but had figured people would join in the later trials. They stood to their full height and almost immediately regretted it. It was not uncommon for them to find themselves a foot or more taller than those around them, but it didn't dampen the reactions from those they spoke to. But they would not let it affect them this time, they decided.

They reached into their bag and retrieved another of the sandspecks. "This," they stated, "is what you're looking for." It was one that they had picked up here, still glowing a soft green though dimmed partly by the light. They still had yet to see the creatures that left the small spheres behind, but in the meantime, the specks would suffice. Amaris looked again at the stranger before peering over at his companion, large eye observing them. They did not seem to be locals. Perhaps this was a visit of sorts; it was not rare to see foreigners arriving at Scalvoris since the clearing of the mists.

"Forgive my rudeness; I've forgotten to introduce myself. My name's Amaris." They stuck out their free hand, returning the sandspeck to their bag. Both hands were laced with floral tattoos, a navy blue color. "I take it you are not a native here." This observation had been concluded after a cursory examination of the pair. They were not as warmly dressed as the mixed blood, despite having come ashore on the iceberg island. Either they did not feel the chill, or they were not aware of it.

Amaris did, however, note familiar Sev'ryn features. Having already gone through with a small introduction, they figured they could ask. "You're Sev'ryn, are you not?" Their expression, a small smile and curious widening of their eyes, did not betray any offensive intentions with the question. They were, after all, curious to see if they were correct in their assumption.

[Ae'garn]

A

e’garn’s eyes went wide as saucers as she stood up to her full height, he felt small at the best of times, but right now he was tiny. To his credit he didn’t stare, not that he would stare, staring was impolite! Wait what was he doing again? Oh right sandspecks! Bright smile fixed and ready to go, he looked up, waaaay up at the sandspeck in her hands. His nose positively wiggling with excitement, never having seen anything like it before in his life!

Clicking his tongue to his teeth…. “Wowza.” The green sphere actually glowed. “Neat.” Ae’garn said happily. But brrr! she had been right in her guess, he had weather clothes so he wasn’t freezing but this was like his dip in Viden’s icy waters all over again. Was everywhere cold? Only home seemed warm.

Shaking her hand, his grip wasn’t very strong and to be honest he wasn’t any good at shaking hands. He’d heard of people doing secret handshakes using your thumb and two fingers up, but that all seemed very confusing to him. This shake seemed simpler than all of that, so hopefully he got it right.

“Nope I’m no native, business trip. Are you a native?” Was stealing back stolen religious goods a business trip? Maybe, it wasn’t as if he could come out and say: Oh I’m just here to nab some stuff then leg it. He didn’t like lying though, so he hoped that wasn’t a lie, it sounded right anyway and that was important people told him. Giving a firm little bobbing nod of his head, he'd decided he hadn't lied. His little mind a abuzz with insecurity on the subject of telling the truth.

“Yep that I am!” Ae’garn beamed brightly, “I mean that I am a Sev’ryn,“ Ae'garn corrected himself, feeling embarrassed for no real reason in particular. He hadn't realised yet that Sev'ryn weren't everywhere, his travels limited to crazy forests, crazier ships and fun rooftop walks.

“Is it always cold here?” Ae’garn asked uncertainly, looking up to tall chaser with him. He didn’t let the cold get him down! Time to chase! Dropping to his knees to see if he could find any strange orb things, they’d make great paper weights for his scribbling’s, he reckoned the priest would like one too.

One of the men that had flown in with this small group had gotten lucky, shining a sphere against his sleeve, but try as he might Ae’garn didn’t find anything. Nose tensed, mah, oh well, what to do next. “Do we just kinda guess where to go?” He asked nobody in particular, hoping someone would help him.

[Amaris]

From their perspective, his reaction was not what they had hoped. In fact, it felt lacking to them. They didn't say anything on this. Just as they didn't say anything on his grip when he shook their hand. They were used to firmer shakes than this, or feathery light as they hurried off. Or none at all, people too caught up in what they were doing or Amaris had merely not offered a handshake. Business trip? They could only assume that much of his business involved taking advantage of the changes to Scalvoris. The island had begun to flourish without the pirate lords around. "Indeed, I am a native," they responded.

They noted that the stranger did not give his name. The way he spoke was a little frazzled and perhaps he was merely trying to pace himself in the interaction and forgot. They'd just remind him later. In the mean time, they beamed at having been correct. Their mother would be proud of their recognition skills when they told her. She often used to say that one could find Sev'ryn anywhere there were trees, but something had told the mixed blood it had been an assurance to calm them in regards to the otherness they had felt in their younger years.

"Oh, well, this island here is an iceberg. It's always going to be cold here." They shrugged, a little more accustomed than the stranger. Their brows furrowed for a moment. They had always wondered why the iceberg never receded, even in Saun. There was an explanation to it, like everything else. They slid their hands into their pockets, surveying the area for a moment. They supposed they had collected a good amount here. They could take it to someone in town to make gold sand or keep it for themself. Both were desirable, really.

At his question, they shrugged once more. "They're on some of the beaches, so, yes: we do pretty much just chase them." It wasn't a bad thing, they supposed. It could be tricky to get to the right beach at the right time, too, but sometimes it was worth it. They had a vague idea of where to check next. Glancing over at the other member of the man's party, they steeled themselves. Amaris could certainly get their proposal out without a problem. They assured themself of that much.

"Would you like to join me in looking for them?" It might not be the best idea to go around with a stranger, but it would be better than nothing. And he seemed nice enough.

[Ae'garn]

I

ceberg! He looked at his knees and tapped the ground a few times to see if he was safe. They were standing on ice! “Oh erm”, Ae’garn leaned in and whispered, “is it safe?” Not wanting to startle anyone he tried to hush his voice, failing miserably. Nobody told him he’d be moseying his way over frozen water! Well snow sure but not just snow! How did water float anyway? It didn’t make any sense at all.

“Well it’s really good to meet a nice native,” Ae’garn said happily, “I mean someone not screaming at me with a bow, or swinging a cutlass and stealing things,” neither of which were any fun at all. Sure it might sound fun when they sing about it, but he’d be having a word with the next bard who told him otherwise, yes sir he would!

“How do we kinda chase them, do they move or?” Ae’garn was confused, which wasn’t that hard all things considered. Strange place, strange land, things were all upside down. Was he feeling homesick again? Meh. His little shoulders sank for a time, but not for long! A bright smile happily masked any longing underneath. Amaris’s offer perked him up in no time. Not used to the company of anyone but the priest this would be fun! “I’d really like that, thank you so much Amaris. I’m Ae’garn, I mean if you want to know my name.” There was insecurity there but also a bit of humility in the tone, grateful for her offer to him.

Humility which led him into a prayer for Cassion, spoken under his breath. Ae’garn wished them both success in their travels. Chiren’s luck they might have, “chance and fortune in Chiren’s name grant us both.” His second prayer became louder as he ended, almost back to fully spoken words.

Hopping up onto his mount as best as he was able, the men with him weren’t coming, intent on looking over what they’d found here, so it was just the two of them. When he’d managed to arrange himself in its saddle, which wasn’t easy! The Sev’ryn looked her way, another lively expression on his face, always with so much energy to give. “Where to!” Holding the reigns, he almost looked like he knew what he was doing!

[Amaris]

In order to meet the Sev'ryn man half way, Amaris bent their knees. This would alleviate some neck ache from having to look up at them. Much like any other visitor might have, he asked if they were safe. Laughing would not have been right, what with them being right in front of them. They offered, instead, a soft smile and nodded. "We're perfectly safe here," they assured him.

"I believe most of us are still on edge after what happened a few trials past." Just like others of the island, they had hoped to never deal with pirates again. Having a fresh wave of marauders had been a wake up call to many, including them. Mostly that they ought to learn to protect themselves. They blinked, taken away from the short horrors of their memories at his next question. "They move." The hybrid blinked again. There was a reason why this was called a chase.

The anxiety that had burrowed within them after making their proposal dissipated as he replied ecstatically. They would not have minded doing the chase alone, but with more people, they could cover more ground and find more of the sandspecks. Perhaps they might even find the creatures that made them, if they were lucky. Their new companion prayed for said luck before mounting his Merquestrian.

Amaris did not fancy themselves excellent with mounts. Despite long limbs, the process of actually getting on the creature was a whole other horror. Cheeks darkened with shame as they struggled the swing their leg over before the creature could move. "I beg of you, please stay still," they whispered to it as they hopped on one leg alongside it. Once it had stilled, they swung their leg over. The pitfalls of little to no upper body strength included a near numbness at just pulling up their own body weight.

Huffing, they looked toward their companion with a weak smile. "I have a few ideas about where we could be headed, but they tend to not linger for long. We'll need to be quick." They nodded decisively, brows furrowed as they thought. Perhaps it would be best to try somewhere close by. But, that would be too easy. If only there were some sort of pattern. "Eligrun." It would be better to keep to the coasts, as to not risk overworking the mounts. They would also be close enough to people to get something to eat and maybe even rent rooms.

[Ae'garn]

A

e’garn trotted the fishy horse steed over and patted Amaris’s mount to try and still her creature. At first not sure which part of this fish creature to start with, he opted for behind its ears, horses always like that back home? Right? Maybe? Whispering something about it not being very polite to move about when people were trying to climb up. He had no illusions that her fish mount heard him, or even understood him, he just treated both mounts like people naturally. Why wouldn’t a fish horse be as important as a person, more here as they were doing the carrying!

His nose scrunched and he became serious, his tone obviously dropping lower, "what happened?" Ae'garn waited very patiently and very thoughtfully beside her, ready to offer comfort or words from Ethelynda or Xiur if something bad had befallen the stranger. Hope and Protection, together they made all things better, if only a bit.

Seriousness came in bouts, bouncing tones and moods triggered by others. So these sand specks moved, well that just made it all the more fun! “Goodie,” he clapped his hands together, taking a check to make sure he was strapped in tight, not trusting gravity today in case he were to fall! They had to be quick? “Sure thing!” Ae’garn was off into the air, enjoying the rush and feel of the icy breeze across his face, it sure was chilly but cold had its own charms and way of making things more real, more pronounced.

Romantic as all that was, he’d forgotten one very important thing! She’d see him do a long loop in front of her with some effort, and either pull up beside Amaris if she was airborne or hover somewhere next to her. Hovering or maintaining an exact distance was trickier than gliding, and he was having trouble keeping his mount level. The little Sev’ryn blinked, bright embarrassment across his face. “Erm, Eligrun is a place?”

Ae’garn really wanted one of these glowing speck things, unreasonably fascinated by them, he didn’t know why they just looked really pretty, and he was sure the priest would be happy with one. Would it offend any immortals to have one? Maybe. I mean some would like it and some wouldn’t, he’d need to consult the priest.

“It’s sooo beautiful up here,” he sighed to Amaris wistfully dreamily looking out across the iceberg. “I bet you come here all the time. Did you, y’know, grow up near here?” He asked happily.

[Amaris]

The memory of the pirate attack, and the shame that had followed their own actions was still fresh. It was not to say that they had not attempted to help; Immortals know that they did. But they had been cowardly. This was not something they could share with Ae'garn. "We thought the island had rid itself of pirates, but it would seem that they always find their way back." They shrugged, as if there was nothing more to the matter. But if the sev'ryn looked closely, he would notice that their face held all that they did not say. Brows drawn in and lips quivering with the words unspoken, they looked down at their mount to avoid looking at their companion.

His mood shifted to joviality soon after, Amaris left reeling. If only they could be like that. A small smile settled on their lips at his antics, brows raised. He was certainly enjoying this. They would not let their own failings spoil his mood and commanded their mount forward. As it slid into the waves, they tucked their legs closer to them to avoid getting wet. Ae'garn returned from his brief flight away from them, somewhat confused.

"Yes, Eligrun is indeed a place. It will require some travel, though." Would he be fine with that? Perhaps it would be better to try a closer beach, for his sake. They considered asking him before Ae'garn spoke again. They shook their head at first. "I was born inland. My parents feared that my brother and I might fall into bad ways, and kept us away from the coast often." Again they shrugged, though not to the same effect as they had done so last time. Their childhood had been pleasant; they found no reason to complain about the parental practices they were subject to.

[Ae'garn]

Ae’garn was no perceptive Genius, but he was a very emotional person. Amaris seemed sad, hmmm. Nose all a’furrow the Sev’ryn would do his best to cheer Amaris up, yes sir he would! “Pirates! I hate pirates!” The Sev’ryn said very definitely, as much as his little voice could muster, followed by a firm bob of his head.

“They shot one of the pirates out of the cannon on the way home.” Ae’garn didn’t know if the story would cheer her up, but he was sure going to try! “Busted the captain’s best chair he did. All kinds of craziness, there was splinters, arrows, cannons, stories, sails and brrrr freezing water,” he shook his little head, Viden’s ocean water wasn’t a fun memory. “I hope they didn’t hurt you too bad Amaris!” There was for all his joviality concern in his voice, and a thoughtful long look for Amaris, small tilt of his head following.

Only when she’d answered did he concentrate back on flying! Which was a good thing as he was heading off in the wrong direction, having to pull himself around to hover beside her. Just like that click your fingers and his emotions did a rollercoaster one eighty to be introspective again. “I kinda think parents always worry about that,” not that he knew, I mean he thought parents would, his uncle and aunt always worried about him anyway. He’d never stolen anything that cost a lot, only things people never really wanted, I mean was that bad? “Maybe,” he said outloud.

“I don’t mind travel, you seem okay to me Amaris! I dunno about this flying though, I don’t really know what I am doing!” He said trying to hang on, at least he was strapped in but by gosh it was not as easy as it looked. Instead he tried to land his mount in the water beside her, but ended up ungracefully splashing himself, hopefully not her too. “Is there a trick to flying?” His mount shook its head free of water and Ae’garn straightened up his damp collar. He’d be following her lead as to where they went.