Ruvanas Primary Expedition

Ruvana is yelling so hard it hurts. "I'm done! You have proven again and again that you don't care about me! All you keep me around for is to use me to increase your collection! I'm not one of your tools!" Ruvana takes a deep breath, her anger still raging. "I thought-" But she exhales and catches herself, getting some of her composure back. "I can see now that I misjudged our relationship. I'm leaving... I should have gone on my Primary Expedition ages ago." Ruvana turns to leave, having said her peace but feels a tug on her arm. "Wait!" Ruvana looks back seeing panic in their eyes, and maybe- "No." Ruvana pulls her arm free fron the other Laminons grasp. Pleadingly they beg to her. "Don't go! I- I can cut you a better deal! Make it more of an even split? I can probably even get you that gem you've been eyeing at the market or maybe something else. Just stay Ru, we have a nice gig here." Ruvana laughs before she can catch herself. "Good bye." Is all she can manage as she waves without looking at them. Afraid she will look into those pleading eyes and cave. They made it clear what she was to them and she plans to leave Embercall by tomorrow morning at the latest. 

Ruvana flies over the familiar bridges and crystal formations to her home. Built into the wall using stone and some cheap wood. Unlocking the lock on her door she opens it to her hoard. Shelves of gems, rocks, and other trinkets line the walls with a simple bed in the corner. Her sighs deeply looking around. Thinking to herself Ruvana starts to sort her collection. She picks up a quartz that was one of the first crystals she had earned with her own hard work. This one is definitely coming with, Ruvana decides with a faint smile. She grabs her bag and starts wrapping the most treasured peices of her collection for safe travel. Her smile quickly falls, picking up a small garnet that was hidden behind another stone. This one had been a freebie given to her by- Ruvana shakes her head not wanting her rage to return. "Into the sell pile it goes!" She says to herself quietly as she places it in a growing pipe in the center of her room. 

"And that's that!" Ruvana sighs again as she ties her bag shut. Looking at the cart full of her hoard. A pang of regret makes her squint her eyes shut. Not wanting to part with the treasures she's put so much time into, so much pain and hard work. "I have too, I need money for lodging and food for this expedition. Who knows how long it will take me to find... Work? Someplace I belong?" Ruvana trails off sadness now filling her core instead. "Every Astrali needs to do this. Even if I end up back here, I need to get away for atleast a little while." 

Pulling her cart outside she leaves the door open and makes her way to the market. Ruvana already knew each peices value thanks to the competitions, but not wanting to sit there all day she sold many for less. "Thank you very much, this will go a long way during my travels." Ruvana says with honesty to the Cetun now holding onto what used to be her cart. In a cheerful voice he gestures at the cart as he talks. "Of course! I've been needing a new cart and it came with bonus goodies!" Ruvana nods, having now sold the rest of her belongings she was free to leave. "Hope it treats you well then." Ruvana decides to say as he puts his own belongings into the cart and makes his way out of the market. She watches him go, feeling almost rooted to the spot until he disappears into the crowd. 

Ruvana scratches her left wing, it always itches in times like this. Rolling her eyes at herself, she double checks how many star tokens she has now to distract from her wings. The cold metal feeling nice in her fingers. Ruvana makes her way to the middle of Embercall to the junction that can lead to either Silverfalcon Caps or The Fergan Steppe. Looking both directions neither stand out as obvious choices. Playing with one of the coins still in her hand she has an idea. Ruvana puts away all but a single coin, making sure it has two distinct sides. Taking a deep breath she tosses the coin high up into the air, watching it flip and twirl. The question turning in her mind as well. Which way do I want to go? As the coin gets closer she realizes her choice. Ruvana catches the coin with a closed fist and puts it away without looking at the outcome. 

Stepping out of the tunnel into the warmer lands of Stellagos, Ruvana looks around curiously. Now that she is out in the open the call of true exploration fills her core. Ignoring the path ahead of her, she decides to follow the mountain line instead. Finding her own path, getting away from it all. Ruvana sighs looking around double checking Embercall and the path is no longer in view. She finds a quiet spot and begins to braid her hair. Doing it up quickly for the journey ahead of her. Stretching her wings before taking flight, flying for awhile. 

Ruvana found the tall trees along the mountains very fun to fly under. Weaving her way through the trunks with their branches over head. Bushes and grasses grew below her, Ruvana glides lower. Putting her hand out to feel a cool moss blanket before flapping her wings again to bring her higher. The forest was full of life. The rich colors of wood contrasted by the cool color of the sky, the greens somewhere in between. A patch of fog hanging low catches Ruvanas attention and she flies into it with a huge smile. The mist around her cool and damp, beading on her scales and soaking her braid. A laugh escapes her as she bursts out of the fog higher into the sky. "This is wonderful." She breaths a bit out of breath, her smile never fading.

Scanning the forest for her next destination she sees a large group of rocks with a particularly inviting flat one perfect for sunbathing. Eyes narrowing in excitement Ruvana scrunches up her nose and dives, tucking her wings to her body. It's exhilarating, her body feels so light and free. Ruvana opens up her wings as the ground approaches, gliding the rest of the way down to the rocks. She sits down on the warm stone. Ruvana giving all her limbs a much needed stretch before undoing her braid. The water from the fog having made it rather damp. Laying on her stomach she opens her wings allowing the sun to shine on as much of her scales as possible. The warmth soaking into her skin feels amazing. Ruvana sighs happily as she gets comfortable, deciding a nap would be wonderful after the flight. Thinking about how traveling has been so fulfilling already, so free. She drifts off to sleep wondering what she'll do next.

Ruvana continue to follow the mountain side for a few days. Rotating between flying and walking as she wants. Traveling without a clear destination and enjoying the views. Her worries from Embercall fading as she gets further and further from it. Still in the air, Ruvana gasps lightly as she spots a town full of what looks like wooden houses in the distance. Without much deliberation she changes course for it to stock up on some much needed supplies. Ruvana didn't want to admit it but she also was beginning to miss conversations. A loneliness starting to creep in after many days alone. Scanning the town she notices a sign with Blackburn written on it next to the road leading in. She lands next to it, fixing her bag and undoing her hair before entering. 

Walking around Ruvana notices that among the wooden houses a few odd ones were made of stone. In a town so full of wood something about the stone made her mind turn curious. A delectable smell distracts her briefly, coming from a market square nearby. Following the scent Ruvana finds the cart responsible for it with grilled foods being prepared and sold. The Cetun working within chatting happily with a Cloven who she can tell even from this distance has an excited expression. Something about the scene made Ruvana pause, watching them talk as the other cooks. An all too familiar feeling starting to rear it head as she pushes it down. Shaking her head to clear her thoughts Ruvana takes a deep breath, reminding herself that's one of the reasons she's on her journey now. Still the pang reminds her that she really wants to have a good conversation with another. 

Waiting from a distance Ruvana only approaches after the other Astrali is given their meal, ate, and left. The Cetun running the cart now sitting down at a wooden table set up outside for customers to eat on. Taking a final deep breath to quell the still simmering feeling from before Ruvana joins them and sits down. They look up a smile already on their face, a slight tilt to her head before speaking up. "Hello there, my name is Lāvanya though feel free to shorten it to Lāv or Anya." She pauses, tilting her head the other way looking at her expectantly. Ruvana can't help the smile on her own face from growing, this felt nice. "The name's Ruvana myself, some call me Ruva or Ru though." Ruvana catches herself off gaurd as a thought makes her smile faulter. Those Astrali are now back in Embercall and she probably wouldn't hear those nicknames for a long while. Movement from Lāvanya catches her attention and she realizes the other is now standing up. "I know how to fix that! What's your favorite meal and how do you cook it?" As they talk Lāvanya walks around the table to Ruvana and offers a hand. Confusion coursing through her, she looks up at the Cloven. Ruvana seeing nothing but kindness and genuineness from Lāvanya. What would they gain from this? Was this some type of scam? 

Taking another breath in Ruvana gingerly takes their hand and pulls herself up. Lāvanyas beaming at her, she feels a soft smile returning to her own expression. With hope Ruvana asks. "Would you happen to have some fish?" Now standing the other leads her back to the cart and gets to work, excitement evident in even her movements. "I have plenty of fish! So, what is this dish you have in mind?" Ruvana thinks for a moment and remembers one that always brings her comfort. "Seared fish with mushrooms and veggies. It's a pretty simple meal, most can gather all the stuff needed within the caves so it's a staple in a lot of houses. Normally they make a sauce with the mushrooms and pour it over the fish I think? I know I always enjoyed when the greens were those really soft leafy kind too." 

Ruvana watches as Lāvanya gathers everything they'll need from baskets and storage within the cart. Preparing it all fresh and asking questions as she works. "So where are you from if it's alright to ask?" Ruvanas smile didn't faulter, this chat has brought her spirits high enough. "From Embercall, I'm currently on my Primary Expedition actually. What about you?" Lāvanya stirs the mushrooms in a pan as she answers. "Originally from Whirlpool Harbor, though now I travel all over Stellagos. How else would I learn all these fantastic recipes." Ruvana chuckles at that. "Huh, that makes sense. You travel around in your cart selling food and by chatting with customers you learn new recipes to cook,  growing your available menu. That's genius!" She feels a bit embarrassed she had thought Lāvanya was trying to scam her before now. "Correct, and there is another bonus as well. Getting to enjoy great food I never would have thought of on my own." Ruvana and Lāvanya look at each other and each of them has a bright smile, this had been just what Ruvana needed. 

"I am almost done here, anything else I should add?" Lāvanya asks as she removes the pan from the flame, placing it on a cooling stone as she stirs the sauce more. "Nope! And it smells delicious by the way." Nodding they begin to assemble the dish and bring out two plates to the table, placing down one for Ruvana and a smaller one for themself. "Food is served, please enjoy!" Ruvana nods her thanks and takes a bite. It's different than back home but also so familiar. Humming in delight she continues eating, Lāvanya joining her. "Oh, this is wonderful! I can see why the Astrali of Embercall would pair these together. Such a lovely filling meal." Ruvana smiles her mouth still full swallowing before replying. "Yep! Though I think we have a seasoning back home that gives it an extra something. I'm not sure what it is though?" She furrows her brows in thought trying to recall what it could be but comes up with nothing. Lāvanya giggles as she talks. "No worries Ru, that gives me even more reason to visit there myself." Ruvana blinks, she forgot she had told Lāvanya that nickname. "I... I think you'll like the food there Anya." 

They continue to eat and then chat for awhile until Ruvana remembers a question she had. "I know you don't live here but do you know why so few of the houses are made of stone?" Lāvanya tilts her head in thought before nodding. "Blackburn is a town known for harvesting wood so it tends to be the main building material too. Though from what I've heard they get the stone from Goldbrook in the Mineral Expanse up the coast." The town sounds familiar, making Ruvana more curious. "That's the mining town ya?" Lāvanya nods standing up as another Cloven approaches her cart. "I believe I have another customer, thanks for sharing your food with me." Ruvana jumps up before they can leave. "Wait! I owe you for the food, here how much do you need?" She digs around in her bag and pulls out her star tokens. "Oh, I almost forgot. Thank you!" She smiles and holds up a couple fingers, Ruvana counts out the coins and hands them over as she says sincerely. "Thank you for the meal and the much needed chat. I really appreciate it." Lāvanya smile goes wide with excitement. "It was my pleasure Ru! Good luck on your journey." They wave and hurry off to their cart greeting the Cloven. Ruvana still in a good mood decides to continue exploring the town.

Leaving the market area Ruvana continues further into town. Most buildings are housing with a few shops mixed in. One for wood carvings catches her attention and she decides to take a quick peak. Inside is full of statues, furniture, and other miscellaneous trinkets. Examining one Ruvana notes the craftsmanship is high quality with attention to even smaller details. Wandering the shop, she looks at each piece stopping as she notices one of a simple yet elegantly carved lunar cotton plant. Ruvana picks it up gently, turning it to view the different angles of the plant carved into the purple wood. Checking her coin satchel she counts her remaining tokens and smiles, still plenty left over. 

Scanning the shop again Ruvana notices a Laminon sitting at a desk carving away. Clearing her throat first before she asks. "May I purchase this please?" He hums in response, placing down the chisel and standing up. He looks at the carving in her hand and nods quietly walking to a counter. Ruvana follows and places it down letting him pick it up and inspect it before he gives it back. "Ya." He says in a gruff voice, looking at the coin pouch in her other hand. Realizing he was just waiting for payment she retrieves the star tokens needed and places them on the counter. He counts them before picking them up and nodding at Ruvana again. "Thanks." Is all he says in a rough voice before going back to the desk and continuing his project. She looks at the carving in her hands, smiling as she looks at the intricate details on the leaves and boll. 

Exiting the building she rests on a wooden bench nearby to think, still looking at her newly purchased carving. Ruvana knew she left Embercall without a set plan in mind for her destination, and the Mineral Expanse seems like it may be worth checking out. Placing the trinket in her lap she sighs, thinking maybe Goldbrook will have some gems or other materials she can sell. Ruvana closes her eyes and tries to think if there is anywhere else to go first, nothing comes to mind. Putting the lunar cotton peice away in her bag she stands up full of energy again. Determination overflowing, Ruvana begins her search for how to get there from Blackburn. 

Spying a Quillian standing nearby Ruvana thinks they look a bit bored. She walks up to them with a hand up in greeting as she asks. "Do you have a moment for a few questions from a traveler on her Primary Expedition?" They turn to fully face her and they seem thoughtful before smiling at her. "Sure I got a moment." They say in an airy carefree tone. Ruvana smiles back and nods her thanks before starting her questioning. "Do you know anything about the town of Goldbrook?" They chuckle lightly "I do indeed, I lived in Chromena actually. We got a lot of materials from the mines there." Ruvana nods along committing the information to memory before asking her next question. "Gotcha, good to know. If I was headed there from here what route would you recommend?" They think on this one for a bit, scratching behind their right ear. "Ah, if you don't have interest in Chromena itself you could take the right path out of town to Moonseed. From there you just need to follow the waters edge to Goldbrook. If you wanna take the roads then going left and heading through Chromena would be your best bet in my opinion." Ruvana flashes a quick smile at them, still considering her options. "Thank you very much, I appreciate the help." 

After waving goodbye Ruvana looks up at the sky, seeing the blue shifting to dusk colors. Finding an inn to stay in for the night didn't take to long. Ruvana pays for a night and dinner at the front desk. Sitting down to eat a hot meal before going to her room and enjoying the soft bed. Quickly she falls asleep with her plan bubbling away inside her mind. Ideas of what Goldbrook may be like and all the things she could find there. In the morning she brushes her hair and puts it into a bun. Walking to an open part of town before she takes flight and follows the road out of town. It doesn't take long before Ruvana finally spots the cross roads, she can't help the grin that forms on her face. Following the right fork she heads for Moonseed, flying above the trees to make better time. 

Arriving the next evening Ruvana lands by a Cloven laying on the ground with a hat over her face. Her landing didn't seem to disturb the other, waiting quietly to see if she will get up. Ruvana can't fully surpress the giggle that escapes her as she realizes the other is fast asleep. Looking around she spots a wooden box with many many insects flying around and many flowers about as well. Deciding against wondering off Ruvana sits down nearby to rest herself after her long flight. It's peaceful as she closes her eyes to enjoy the sun on her scales, soaking in the warmth. Stretching her wings Ruvana yawns, sleepiness coming for her too. She takes down her hair but stays awake, not fully trusting of the stranger still asleep. 

As the sun begins to set with dusk quickly approaching Ruvana is beginning to wonder when the other will wake up. Thinking to herself if she may sleep through the entire night. Before she can fully comprehend what is happening Ruvana hears fast paw steps quickly approaching. In her panic she crouches and flings her wings up defensively, shielding herself from the incoming threat. Her head following the sound so anything close enough would hit her horn first. Breathing heavily she realizes the attack has halted, looking up she sees a large Beastion in his traveling form scowling at her. Core still racing Ruvana didn't move, watching as he also kept his eyes on her. He pads over to the sleeping Cloven and nudges her lightly. In a gravely voice which sounds rarely used he says. "Meliantha, wake up.... Someone's here." Meliantha grumbles, swatting at him and rolling over. Her voice sleepy as she replies, yet still warm. "It can't be dusk yet, I just layed down Konr!" He snorts though his expression shifts a bit, Ruvana thinks he looks cold but there may be a hint of something else. He reaches down and pulls Meliantha to her hooves, keeping a firm hold so she doesn't fall. She stretches and puts her hat back on her head, eyes still shut. He blows out another breath and tries speaking again voice still rough. "Awake now?" She nods her head and he gently let's go of her, she yawns one more time before opening her eyes. Revealing glowing yellow. 

She has her back mostly to Ruvana who can only see a small glimpse of her face. Melianthas full attention on the Beastion in front of her. "Thanks for waking me Jotunn! I would have slept half the night again." She says with humor in her voice. "I fell asleep after taking care of the hives so we'll need to go back to mine to get breakfast." Ruvana notices Jotunn still keeping an eye on her, though she hasn't moved, watching it all unfold from her protective wing shield. Meliantha tilts her head in confusion, realizing something isn't right. "Whats wrong Konr?" Ruvana can hear the concern in her question, making her tense up more. Not moving Jotunn replies gruffly as he nods his head in Ruvanas direction. "Visitor." Meliantha follows his nod and turns, seeing Ruvana crouched and wings still up. Her eyes go wide and she spins back around to Jotunn before saying wryly. "Oh you should have told me sooner! She looks like she could bolt any second!" Jotunn lifts an eyebrow at that which makes Meliantha chuckle as she talks. "Fair, Fair! I got this. Thank you Konr!" 

Turning back to Ruvana she waves optimisticly, a charming smile helping defuse the tension. Her tone is casual as she speaks. "So sorry for the scare. Welcome to Moonseed! Jotunn here does a patrol of the town and seeing a stranger near me sleeping had him on edge." Ruvana considers the statement, admittedly she hadn't considered how that could have looked. Nodding slowly she uncrouches, feeling stiff and still rather uneasy. Finding her voice again she replies in a slow, cautious way. "I see, I saw you asleep out here alone and needed to rest myself after my flight here." Looking back over to Jotunn, Ruvana still finds him very intimidating but also impressive. "You seem like a reliable protector, I'm sure Moodseed is lucky to have you." She smiles though her nerves are still on high alert. Meliantha however seems lively. "Oh! Must have been a long flight, Blackburn I assume with you being on this side of town?" She's now leaning on Jotunn, squinting her face up in thought as she tries to guess. Ruvana nods, slowly beginning to relax with the adrenaline wearing off. "Yep, stopped there on my way through and got some directions to Goldbrook." Meliantha blinks in confusion and Jotunn seems to scowl. Her confusion evident in her tone as she asks. "If you are going to Goldbrook there was a shorter route unless you plan to skip Chromena entirely?" Ruvana smiles, this had started out rough but they both seem nice. "I plan to follow the waters edge to Goldbrook once I leave here. Figured it would be good to pick up more supplies since this will be the last town till I get there." Meliantha seems surprised by that but continues on smoothly, Jotunn however snorts with his eyes narrowed. Ruvana tries to stand firm though his gaze is making her wary, like he's determining if she's telling the truth or if she's a threat after all. 

Meliantha startles Ruvana as she snaps her fingers with a realization. "My goodness! I forgot to ask! You've never been to Moodseed before have you?" Shaking her head no, Ruvana chuckles a bit. "My first time here, well everywhere really. I'm on my Primary Expedition and I've never left Embercall before now." Without thinking Ruvana pulls her left wing around for her to scratch. Meliantha smiles excitedly and gestures for everyone to follow her. "Then we have to show you around! Moonseed is a bit different than most towns so I'll give you the rundown on the way." She turns to Jotunn before continuing her thought. "Can you warn Boran I'm gonna be a bit late for breakfast?" Jotunn just nods before bounding away out of view. Meliantha hums lost in her own thoughts for a moment before starting up the conversation again. "Alrighty! Time for the tour and general guide to Moonseed. Probably most important, is understanding the town is mostly nocturnal. So if you really want to experience this place you will need to stay awake for a bit." Ruvana has heard of a few nocturnal towns and that did make the mentions of breakfast at dusk make more sense. Though now she has even more questions so she voices the first one that comes to mind. "Then did you sleep all day out in the sun?" Meliantha giggles though it sounds a bit hollow. "Oh no, my sleep schedule is different than most here. Since I work with the hives which are only active in the day, I wake up around midday and go to sleep sooner than most." Ruvana nods along as they continue walking letting Meliantha continue talking as she saw fit. "Though I have a bad habit of taking naps while waiting for dusk. It's just so boring with no one to talk too! So I wait outside town so if anyone drops by I can show them around!" Meliantha turns to Ruvana and gives an apologetic smile. "Sorry again if Jotunn really scared you. He's actually super sweet when he's not in protection mode." Ruvana keeps her face neutral, not wanting to admit it. "I'll be fine, I'm pretty tough." She gives one of her best toothy grins to really sell it, Meliantha seemingly falling for it. "That's good." They continue to chat until they reach town.

"Oh, there's my house!" Meliantha points to a house made of wood and glass, a large window taking up most of what Ruvana could see from here. "I'll need to go inside to grab breakfast for the boys. You want any? It'll be oats, honey, and fruit!" Ruvana nods before replying. "That sounds delicious! I can pay-" Ruvana starts digging into her token pouch but Meliantha interrupts her. "I don't make Jotunn or Boran pay so I'm not taking anything from you." This surprised her, food is the most important resource, giving it away without payment didn't make sense. "If you're sure?" Ruvana says with uncertainty, she still didn't know how to feel about this generosity yet. Meliantha just continues her bright warm smile and waves off her concern. "I am! Give me just a moment to get everything together and I'll be right back out."

As Ruvana waits for Meliantha, she tries to get a better feel for the town. The sun was disappearing behind the trees but the once empty town was coming to life. Lights from inside the glass houses filled the area with color. Many Astrali leaving their houses to go check on the fields of crops that also shown with new life now that the light faded. Ruvana prides herself for her observational skills and came to the realization that most everyone has a glow here. Looking down at herself she smiles, well all but herself. Her scales and asteroid remnants may shine in the sun but in the dark they only catch peices of the moons rays. Ruvana makes note that Moonseed also has a large variety of Astrali, Clovens probably making up the largest percentage. Her eyes wander as more and more Astrali begin to wake up for the night, it was beautiful. 

Having been absorbed in her thoughts Ruvana startles at a sound directly behind her. "Ruvana! Sorry for the wait, I couldn't carry it all without getting my basket out." Turning a bit quicker than she means to Ruvana looks at Meliantha before taking a deep breath. "You can be rather stealthy." Ruvana chuckles trying to calm herself again. Meliantha tilts her head with some confusion but doesn't comment on it, instead holding up her basket for Ruvana to inspect. "Got everything needed so we can stop by Zunairas before eating breakfast with Boran and Jotunn." The basket has jars full of oats, chopped fruit, and supposably honey inside as well. The mention of a new name catchers her attention before she can fully appreciate the food. "Who's Zunaira?" Meliantha winks at Ruvana and gestures to another side of town. "She runs the towns apothecary though it has lots of stuff which can be helpful during a journey. That and I need to drop off this jar or honey for their tea." Ruvana nods, the apothecary in Embercall was always interesting so checking out a small town one could be fun. "Lead the way!" Ruvana says with a cheerful smile, her exhaustion long forgotten.

Inside the apothecary is like an entirely different place. The layout is cramped, shelves full of bottles, plants, and stacks of goods. The smell was pleasant, like herbs and something sweet. A Quillian in the back working on infusing her magic into a bottle. "Zunaira I brought you some more honey!" Meliantha calls out from beside Ruvana heading for a subsection of the place. Zunaira replies without looking away from her work. "Thank you Meli, just put it in the kitchen please." Meliantha giggles, disappearing behind a door. "Already on it!" Ruvana takes the moment to begin looking around, it's messy but everything is labeled. Checking her tokens again she has enough to get some general medicine for injuries and some bandages. Ruvana grabs them along with some dried food for the road. Carrying them over to what she hopes is the counter she waits for Zunaira to finish what she's doing. 

Meliantha returns from the kitchen, walking over to see what Ruvana plans to purchase. "Nice, hopefully you won't need the medical supplies but smart to have it." Ruvana nods in agreement, as Meliantha squints in thought again. She hums, going back into the rows of supplies looking for something. "Here it is!" Meliantha unfurls a paper to reveal a general map of Stellagos. Ruvana wonders how she forgot to get one up until now. "Thank you Meliantha, I didn't have one yet." She takes the map from Meliantha and places it with the rest of her purchases. "Oh here, let me just." Meliantha reaches into her bag and pulls out a few tokens to hand Ruvana. "Since you hadn't planned on it let me pay for the map." Ruvana pauses, trying to comprehend why Meliantha feels the need to pay for it. "Take it!" Meliantha insists as she places the tokens in Ruvanas hand. "Thank you?" Before she can question it further Zunaira appears from the back. 

She looks at Ruvana for a moment before speaking. "Welcome to Moonseed, traveling or staying?" As she asks Zunaira checks all the items Ruvana is purchasing. Meliantha smiles, looking at them and letting them speak. "Traveling, I'm on my Primary Expedition headed to Goldbrook next." Zunaira nods, taking in the information as she puts everything in a grass woven satchel. "I see you already have the star tokens ready for payment?" Zunaira asks looking at Ruvanas hand and what she had already placed on the counter. "Yes! Here." Ruvana gives her the tokens in exchange for the satchel. Meliantha giggles as Zunaira turns to go back to her project. "See you later Zunaira!" Without turning around Zunaira waves at the both of them, disappearing behind a large shelf as she says. "Goodbye you two." 

Ruvana stores the satchel in her bag as she follows Meliantha out of the store and back into town. "Boran lives in that house over there. We often meet up for breakfast after Jotunn finishes his patrol." She points to another house made of glass with some wood supports. Many strange contraptions attached to the top of it that spin. "I met Boran actually during my own Primary Expedition! With his knowledge of the weather it makes my work with the hives a lot less guess work. It's really impressive!" Her curiousity peaked Ruvana begins asking a few questions before they get there. "Is that what the equipment outside is for?" She hasn't seen anything like it before. "Yep! Each has its own use and can help him keep the town ready for anything weather related. He predicted a dry spell awhile back and if we hadn't stocked up on water it would have been rough." Meliantha admits as she kicks a loose rock, though she quickly brightens back up. "A lot of Astrali around here focus on stuff that help others! Jotunn keeping us safe from creatures or threats and generally being around to help with labor, Zunaira and her apothecary full of helpful stuff have saved multiple lives, and Boran with the weather too! They are all such big helps!" Ruvana remembers something Meliantha said earlier at dusk, so she asks without giving it much thought. "Other than working on hives are you like the towns welcoming guide? Making sure travels don't get confused?" This makes Meliantha laugh though it feels, off? "Yep! Since I'm awake during parts of the day I'm normally the first Astrali that most visitors meet. I try to help out in anyway I can, making sure to keep an eye out." Ruvana squints at her, something about her tone feels different and it's bugging her. "Between that and the hives I can see why you would need to take naps. Sounds like a lot of hard work being so vigilant." Ruvana tries to say it causally but the questioning thoughts in her mind don't help. Meliantha turns to look at her eyes wide for a moment before smiling. "You think so? Thanks for that, I hear that pretty often from the boys too..." They walk in silence till they reach the house, Ruvana not prying any further. 

Meliantha opens the door without knocking, ushering Ruvana inside. The house has plenty of room for visitors, a couch against the wall and a desk piled with books and gadgets. An Artificial sits at the desk reading a paper while Jotunn appears from another room. Meliantha smiles genuinely and lifts the basket up high before saying with excitement. "Who's ready for breakfast!" Jotunn snorts as Boran tumbles backwards off of his bench and makes a noise Ruvana didn't know was possible. Meliantha covers her mouth trying to hide her giggling. "Oh, I'm so sorry Boran! I didn't mean to scare you!" He scrambles to his hooves and has a smirk on his face with an eyebrow raised. "Suuuure you didn't Meli. Wait, who's this?" His attention turns to Ruvana as he notices her next to Meliantha. Ruvana gives a quick wave unsure how she ended up in this situation to begin with. "This is Ruvana! She's on her way to Goldbrook so she's just visiting. Jotunn spooked her earlier so I wanted to share breakfast with her as a sorry. She found me asleep outside town." Boran nods and looks over at Jotunn before giving Meliantha a teasing look. "So that's why he didn't have to carry you back today." Meliantha sticks her tongue out at him and giggles, walking further into the house to a table and setting her basket down. "I don't fall asleep everyday!" She protests, though the mood seems playful and warm. "Fair enough, just means you might be awake longer tonight." Boran adds as he brings a pitcher of something sweet over to the table. Ruvana still standing off to the side looks over at Jotunn, still in his traveling form now sitting at a spot at the table with no chair. The scene is so domestic. A group of friends enjoying food and chatting, it made something in Ruvana hurt. She wants this, but Moonseed didn't feel like home. 

"Ruvana?" Meliantha calls to her from the table, making her blink and realize she had been lost in her own thoughts. "Sorry, um." She looks around trying to shake off the feeling, trying to shove down. "What should I do?" Ruvana pulls her left wing around and scratches at the scales, the other wrapping around her as well. Meliantha frowns slightly before replying. "Sit wherever is most comfortable and grab a jar. It's time to eat!" She passes a big jar to Jotunn who grunts in response, opening it and pouring it into a bowl. Boran starts eating his own share as Meliantha takes out a final jar for Ruvana. "Here, hope you like it." Meliantha hands her the jar and a spare bowl. Ruvana nods replying with a quiet. "Thank you." As she sits down in the open spot across from Jotunn. Looking up at him again he's still a bit intimidating, his size and cold expression hard to read. Boran seems pretty friendly himself, hearing him squeal earlier when Meliantha scared him and then the friendly banter gave her a good idea on the type of Astrali he is. Taking a bite of the oats Ruvana is pleasantly surprised how much flavor they have. The fruit and honey giving it an addictive sweetness. "This is really good!" Ruvana comments looking over at Meliantha who's smiling back at her. "Thanks!" 

They continue eating with casual chatter for awhile before Boran remembers something. "Meliantha said you are headed to Goldbrook right?" He asks Ruvana, putting down his now empty bowl. "That's right, I'm going to follow the waters edge along the gorge till I get there." She tries to recall the name of the gorge she saw on the map but fails, deciding to check again later. "Be careful then. My readings show a storm is brewing that direction and it's looking to be a rough one." His tone has shifted from earlier, now completely serious. Meliantha looks up from her meal and tilts her head. "That's not good, there isn't a lot of places to take shelter out that way." Even Jotunn seems to find this worrying as his eyebrows furrow further. Ruvana just smirks and puts her confidence on full display. "Thank you for the warning. I'll be fine though, I'm a lot tougher than I look!" She stands and stretches her wings out for extra dramatic effect, feeling a bit silly though she didn't want them to worry about her. Surprisingly Jotunn is the first to respond, his voice low and rough. "Be careful still." Is all he says before Meliantha and Boran nod in agreement, Boran adding on. "He's right, even if it's nothing it's still better to be prepared." His tone going playful again as he looks at Meliantha. "Some of us had to learn the hard way to trust my predictions." He elbows her lightly making Meliantha laugh. "Hey now! You don't have to tell her that!" This makes all of then chuckle, even Jotunn who actually looks happy in this moment. Another pang of of that familiar feeling ruins the moment for Ruvana, keeping her smile as she feels the pit returning in her core. 

"I'm gonna go." She says once they all catch their breath from the giggling. Ruvana can see Jotunn tilt his head as Meliantha pouts. "You have had a long day, let me show you where the inn is." Ruvana swallows the lump in her throat as she lies through her teeth, hating every second of it. "Oh don't worry I saw it on our way here." She smiles, not looking any of them in the eye as Jotunn gets up from the table. He gathers the bowls and heads to the kitchen while Boran puts away everything else. "You sure?" Meliantha asks as she walks over to Ruvana, causing her to take a step back. "I'm fine! Thank you.... for everything Meli." She says the nickname and it feels like ash on her tongue, wanting the closeness after just lying to her face. Ruvana just wanting to run away before the pit in her core grew any more painful. "Okay. Goodbye Ruvana. Good luck with your expedition?" Her tone is confused, the shift in the air evident to both of them but not knowing how to handle it. Without looking up at Meliantha, Ruvana turns and before walking out the door quietly says. "Bye." 

Ruvana leaves Moonseed immediately, pulling out her map and heading for Obsidiheim Gorge. She flies through the night and is in the Mineral Expanse by dawn. Resting for a bit by the waters edge before heading off again. Ruvana knew she was running from her feelings but she didn't know what to do. Jealousy over treasure she was familiar with but this, this was completely new. How could someone be jealous of friendship? By midday Ruvana watches as the sun disappears behind a wall of dark clouds. High wings and pelting rain soon following. The water feels cold on her scales but it didn't stop her. Pushing through, trying to continue even as it gets rougher and more dangerous. Repeating in her mind she is fine, she just needs to keep going. The wind and rain buffeting her wings feels like ice stabbing into her, then she's falling. A sharp pain in her left wing making her curl up as the ground gets closer. She strains to open her wings before impact to soften the blow.

Groggly Ruvana begins to wake up, the sound of a nearby fire in her ears and a soft blanket on her bringing her back to the waking world. She keeps her eyes closed, her breaths steady as she tries to get her bearings. Ruvana hears movement, trying not to flinch but keeping her gaurd up. Who knows where she is or what is going on. She hears clanking metal and something shuffling through some bags, making Ruvana even more anxious. If she was rescued who knows what type of payment they could demand of her. Just as she begins to debate running she hears the sizzle of oil and the smell of food cooking. Opening up her eyes slightly Ruvana spots a Cloven with horns next to the fire cooking. She looks strong and pretty tall. Trying to shove down her mistrust and racing mind she stretches slightly, yelping as her leftbwing doesn't move correctly. The other Astrali jolts and whips around as Ruvana almost jumps up in panic. Looking at her wing she's relieved to see it's just a splint of wood and some bandages that made it feel wrong. Core still racing she gives an awkward smile to the other who looks rightly concerned.

Ruvana says silent, again not knowing what to say as she tries to wrap herself in her wings. Seeing this the Cloven decides to be the first to speak. "Names Kalina, I found you covered in mud and hurt on my way back from Goldbrook. Did my best to patch you up and make you comfortable but I don't know enough about wings myself." Ruvana nods and examines her left wing again, it's hard to know with the splint so she shrugs. Trying not to worry about it for now as Kalina continues her story. "We aren't far from Chromena if that's where you need to be?" She said it like a question, waiting for Ruvana to speak. She must have flown off course if they were so close to Chromena. Ruvana shakes her head and clears her throat a bit before speaking. "I was actually headed to Goldbrook... What's it like?" Her curiousity of hearing a first hand experience dulling some of her nerves from earlier. Kalina snorts, a smile on her face. "Lovely place! The Astrali there are wonderful but somethin just didn't click. So now I'm on my way to the Fergan Steppe next! Though I'll probably stop in Chromena again first." Ruvana nods curious if she will end up feeling the same or not. Kalina looks over to the pan on the fire and smiles. "Let's eat some! Can't be travelin on an empty stomach." 

The meal is nice and they chat about their travels so far, Ruvana leaving our some of the more emotional moments. "Can you try testin out that wing for me before I go? Just wanna make sure you'll be alrigh." Ruvana gives Kalina a nod and removes the bandages carefully, giving it a gentle tug. It's sore, but not broken. "Feels just fine to me. Thank you for the meal Kalina." Ruvana waits for her to ask for compensation but again she's surprised by everyone's generosity. "That's good! See ya round Ruvana." Kalina says with a smile as she waves her farewell. Ruvana waves back, trying to hide her confusion as they go their seperate ways.

Ruvana follows the path up to Goldbrook. deciding to walk for most of it. Wanting to let her wing rest and recover. Stretching it often but not putting to much strain on it. Ruvana contemplates if this town will even be worth all the trouble. Especially since she's starting to really like traveling. Meeting new Astrali has been so different from back home and everyone has been so interesting. Even if she gets lonely, the freedom has a lot to enjoy. Taking a deep breath she stretches her wing again, fully extending it to test how it feels. Relief fills Ruvana as it doesn't hurt or feel uncomfortable. Testing some wing beats she lifts off the ground slightly before landing again. Deciding to not test her luck though just yet. 

Taking her time, Ruvana reaches Goldbrook in a few days. Resting often and enjoying the time to think. Still occasionally wondering what the others back in Embercall may be up to but not letting it consume her. Ruvana sees an Artificial Astrali pulling a cart up ahead. As she gets closer she can see a tarp over the cart concealing what's inside. Curiousity peaked Ruvana waves them down as they go to pass and they stop, confusion clear in their expression. Not wasting time she decides it's best to explain herself. "Sorry for the trouble. I am traveling to Goldbrook and wanted to ask how far I have left on my journey." Her tone calm and making sure not to look at the cart to much. They seem to relax as they reply. "It's about a half days walk from here pullin my cart so you should get there before dark." They pause looking at Ruvana before hesitantly asking. "You wantin to get a job at the Obsidiheim Mines?" She smiles a confident smirk, teeth white and on display. "I was thinking about it. I heard they have some lovely crystals up there I would love to get my hands on." Her eyes go back to looking at the cart. "What are you hauling? Rock maybe?" She really wants to see what could be under there. The other Astrali snorts and unhooks themself from the cart, going around to where the tarp is strapped down. "You wanna see?" It's said playfully, like they could tell all along. Ruvana takes it in stride, nodding as she jogs over. "Yes I would." 

Inside is a colorful assortment of crystals and metals. All unrefined and still covered in bits of rock. Ruvana stares at them, unable to look away. Seeing such raw materials has her core buzzing. "Beautiful." She breaths out. Beside her she can see them smiling. "They pay me to haul these beauts over to Chromena to get all cleaned up." Ruvana is listening but she's trying to identify each material and it's general worth so they continue the conversation instead. "A haul like this I'd say is pretty average. Should have seen the ones a few trips back. They found a patch of this real cool green gem that was just stunnin." Finally looking away from the cart Ruvana can't help her excited smile. Even her voice is colored by the pure anticipation. "Thank you, for showing me these! You will probably be seeing me around Goldbrook often if this is what the mines have to offer!" They nod and smile back as they refasten the tarp. "Lookin forward to it but I need to be off. See ya round then!" They fasten everything back up with practiced ease and wave goodbye as she steps aside. "See you!" Ruvana waves goodbye as she hurries to Goldbrook, ready to find out what awaits her there.