[#047] Murai's Links
Murai greatly has Ahnkahari to thank for their love of animals, but even more so of travelling. Befriending him when they were both young, Murai appreciates Ahnka's outgoing nature to balance out their more relaxed, somewhat secluded one. A golden lab and black cat duo, they're often found together in their free time, and are almost always up to *something.* Whether that's fixing the caravan, coming up with new music, or simply just goofing off, it's clear Ahnka is Murai's most dearly held friend.
Ahnkahari and Murai are childhood friends from the same village, they grew up tossing mud and wood at each other and it shows in their interactions. When they speak with each other, it is almost incomprehensible to the foreign ear. Ahnka travels in the same caravan as the vet and brings them little animal memorabilia from other regions when necessary.
Although Ra's animals are... Not Murai's favourite, they still try their best to give them the same care as they do any other animal. When they let her, of course. Ra'khai on the other hand, IS one of their favourite clients. That's partially because of the quick payment, but Murai also finds some of Ra's inventions absolutely fascinating. They make the pecks that she receives worth it, in her eyes.
Murai is the vet for Ra'khais hellish animals. They are not very proud to admit some of their scars came from their mounts. The ichgor doesn't ask too many questions, is affordable and prioritizes health of the animal, which is exactly what the outlaw needs at the moment. he really cannot afford the guards on their tail again-
Murai likes to spend time with Tehn simply because he's comfortable. With the chaos that comes with their job, it's nice to know someone that doesn't have animals to tend to, someone they can just simply sit and relax with. They always feel refreshed and recharged after hanging out with him... Maybe the naps have some part to play in that, but Murai certainly isn't complaining about those, either.
Another ichgor that Murai will sometimes pick up on their travels, Aera is someone that Murai spends a fair bit of time with. Even if it is completely by accident. They seem to have a rather comical knack for crossing paths with the cartographer, to the point where they've both made a game out of it. Whoever spots the other first gets rights to draw on the other's notebook. Murai likes the arrangement, it helps to keep them aware of their surroundings as they're constantly keeping an eye out for their friend.
The White Sparrow is Murai's favourite place to stop when they have a moment to. The atmosphere is quiet and peaceful, and Lattevora is always a sight for sore eyes. They're sure to bring the café owner painted landscapes of the places they see on their travels, sometimes even collecting flowers to press and dry for her. They don't get to spend much time at the café, often having to simply drop off gifts, pick up a drink and go again, but on the few occasions that they can stay and talk they usually find themself laughing over something silly that the two of them have done. She's a wonderful friend to the veterinarian, and one day hopes to bring her on an adventure with them.
Coming across Mei in an unfortunate set of circumstances, Murai was more than happy to offer a helping hand to a fellow ichgor. It was a long process, getting her mount out from where it was stuck, and then making sure it was fit to walk again- but they got there in the end. Mei ended up hitching a ride in the caravan while her animal companion recovered but- she was good company, while they were together. Murai would be happy to see her again, should they have another run-in. Hopefully on purpose, this time. Or at least not on the side of the road...
If Murai had to pinpoint one moment in time, one person that made them love any and all animals, it would be that first visit to Mainaaka with the cattle. The bigger animals were always a bit intimidating to her, but he showed her that so long as you respected them, there was nothing to fear. Nowadays, Murai keeps an eye out wherever she goes for the missing Ichgor, hoping to one day see her friend just once more so he can tell her about the stars again.
Mainaaka knew Murai from way before the caves. As he cared for cattle, the young azvirahn always visited him to get used to the animals. They bonded over this, the vulture would talk to them about the stars and the sky. One day, it all abruptly ended when he disappeared.
Finding it quite the honour to look after Lazura's animals, and perhaps taking some pride in it, Murai always takes a bit of extra time with them to ensure they're in tip-top shape for their next event. Not even someone who travels as often as them is oblivious to her lavish parties and incredible talent and success with makeup, finding it admirable that she built such a successful business. While the crowd she often has around her estate may not be their vibe, they still find Lazura, personally, to be an enjoyable presence.
Lazura met Murai through Anhka and enjoys their gentle soul. She often trusts Murai to look after her animals health before and after events to make sure no drunk partygoer snuck them anything.
They know each other in passing, though not much more. A brush here and there that didn't end on the best of terms, that's all. Murai hopes that maybe they can try again sometime.