The Journey Continues! (DragonSong)

[Kalak8538]

Eihmo'tei was taken off guard by the stranger, but seemingly not as much as his two friends. The way they reacted to this one's approach made him nervous. The two of them being on guard suddenly made him think that there was some sort of danger here, and this feeling intensified from feeling trapped. It did not last however. After only a few seconds, the tension was gone, and everything was calm again.

All Eihmo'tei could do was look on as Kiara negotiated with the stranger.  They were bartering, just as the Zerdani tribes did sometimes, trading some things for other things that were needed. He had given her some strange clear object with liquid inside, and in return, she had given some shiny bits and a very nice looking piece of jewelry. The Zerdani knew that she had done this for him, and felt guilty. She had given up such a treasure for his sake, all because he had foolishly gotten himself stuck.

The thick liquid soaked into the fur of Eihmo'tei's fingers. He understood what this was meant to do, and did his best to work with it. Up and down he wiggled his claws, hoping to get enough space between them and spine so that the liquid could seep in. There was, in fact, only a small amount of space there, but it was enough. A few minutes of wiggling later, his now slick claws quickly slid out of Kit's spike!

The Zerdani nearly fell off from the sudden give, but managed to re-balance himself. Looking at his shining claws, he chuckled with the relief he felt. "I am free!"

His happiness was short lived, however, for the Zerdani remembered what Kiara had given up for him. Getting up now, he turned around and balanced himself on Kit's awkward back. He grabbed the necklace of bone, twine, and stone from around his neck and lifted it around his head, expertly moving his ears and chin so as to not get it caught. Holding it in front of himself, he looked to Kiara. His eyes were apologetic, and his ears drooped down. "Take this Kii'arah. For the one you lost. I am sorry..."

[DragonSong]

Kiara let out a quick breath of relief, smiling at Eihmo'tei as his claws came free. Kit shook his head quickly; while his spikes were like her fingernails as far as sensitivity was concerned, it must be nice to no longer have someone attached to one.

She was surprised, then, when he stood and turned, balancing precariously on Kit's back as he pulled the necklace he wore over his head and held it out to her. He said something in his own language, every line of his body portraying remorse. She blinked, unsure how to react. "Um..."

"He says it's in exchange for something," Kit told her. "I think...because you gave that bauble away to him." He jerked his head toward the still grinning Essyrni trader.

"Oh." She raised her hands peaceably, smiling again. "No no no, tell him it's alright, really." Kit started translating, and she was suddenly reminded of their surroundings by a soft clearing of a throat.

"Excuse me," the trader said, "but I assume you are new to our fair city. Do you need a place to stay?"

"Ah-" Kiara glanced back and forth between them. Carrying on two conversations was hard enough when everyone spoke the same language, let alone this. "Actually, if you could point us in the direction of a good lodging house, we'd be very grateful," she told him, nodding, before looking back to Eihmo'tei with a reassuring smile, signalling for him to keep his treasure.

[Kalak8538]

The Zerdani reluctantly brought the necklace back to his own chest. Jewelry (although primitive and crude) is very important in Zerdani culture. Perhaps this was not so in Kiara's culture? Eihmo'tei felt guilty that she had given away such a treasure for his sake, but if she wouldn't accept the necklace, he could not force her to take it.

With necklace still in paw, his attention snapped back to the stranger. He and Kiara exchanged words in the same language. Eihmo'tei listened to the words very carefully, trying to discern meaning based on tone. It was utterly hopeless. Even if he knew what words they were saying, he didn't understand anything about the giants, and would not understand the meaning of their words. Still, the language was fascinating. Maybe later, he could try asking Kiara to teach him it.

He pulled the necklace hack over his head for now. The only thing the Zerdani could do was continue listening in on their conversation...

[DragonSong]

"My brother runs an inn, just a few streets over," the happy trader told her. "There's a large courtyard, I'm sure your dragon will be comfortable."

Kiara resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Of course his brother ran an inn. Still, there probably weren't a lot of places that Kit would be able to stay near them. "Alright, lead the way. Sir." She remembered, belatedly, what her father had told her about Essyrn and manners.

The man beamed and set off. Kit grumbled something about not needing a stable like a damn horse but followed. Kiara returned her attention to Eihmo'tei, smiling. "This man is going to take us to a place where we can stay," she explained while Kit through translations over his shoulder. She stretched her arms over her head and arched her back, blinking against the glare from the sun. "Whew. I dunno about you, but I could use a bath," she laughed, rubbing Kit's side with her leg to get at the itchy patch of scales on his flank that had been bothering him since they landed.

[Kalak8538]

Several words later, and the group was off again. Eihmo'tei re-adjusted himself on Kit's back, making an active effort to keep his paws away from the lizard's spines.

They were heading for shelter, this much was certain. Although the curious Zerdani did not want to find shelter yet, but decided that Kiara and Kit knew what was best. He gave a nod to convey that he understood them, even if he did not understand every word. Eihmo'tei diligently scanned his surroundings as they all continued down the bustling streets of Essyrn. At first, all the sights, all the scents, and all the sounds were amazing and exciting to the simple Zerdani. He saw giant, immaculate dwellings, adorned with different colors and patterns. There was food that was beyond imagination, featuring smells that had never been known to Eihmo'tei or his kind. The clothing of the natives ranged from pretty and fancy, to more simple and ragged. Even the latter was fascinating to him. All around, the sounds of conversation in that strange language rang out from every direction.

Eihmo'tei made the mistake of trying to take everything in at once. His tiny head was spinning from the sheer hustle and bustle of the city. He spaced out, and everything around him blurred together. Slowly, he began to slide down Kit's side, completely unaware that he was doing so. His vision began to fail him, as did his other senses. His simple mind was overwhelmed, and the speed of his sliding accelerated. The Zerdani was about to completely black out.

[DragonSong]

"Whoa boy!" Kiara felt Eihmo'tei start to slip in front of her and reached out, just barely managing to grab him around the middle before he fell off the dragon's back. "Hey, hey you alright? Eihmo'tei?" She shook him lightly, but he was unresponsive, though at least breathing.

Kit halted, twisting his head around to see what was going on. He acted sour, but despite himself the dragon had come to care about their little companion, at least a bit. Their guide saw the problem and backtracked, asking, "What is the problem?"

"I think he's fainted," Kiara said, shaking her little friend again, trying to be gentle but panicking a little. She looked up to their guide, eyes wide. "Let's get him out of the sun, and water, I think we need water, maybe?"

The man nodded, setting off at a brisker pace with Kit trotting behind him. Kiara cradled Eihmo'tei in one arm, using her other to steady herself against the dragon's uneven gate. That strange thing happened to time, where it seemed both impossible slow and impossibly fast, but soon enough they approached a whitewashed building that glinted in the sun.

"I will get my brother," the trader told her as the entered the courtyard, then took off. Kiara slid down Kit's flank, sheltering herself and the fox-boy under the shade of his wing.

"C'mon, c'mon," she muttered, sitting cross-legged and propping Eihmo'tei up with one arm. "You okay? Please be okay."

[Kalak8538]

Although never completely closed, Eihmo'tei's eyes opened up completely when he snapped out of his daze. The faintness he had been feeling had nearly disappeared, although his head was hurting a bit. Perhaps shelter WAS a good idea after all.

Somewhere in the back of his mind, Eihmo'tei was debating letting Kiara carry him the rest of the way. The lack of sleep from last night was starting to get to him. Rest was what was needed now. He was sure of it. However, if he did that, his new friends might think him weak and frail. He had to use this opportunity to show them that he could stand on his own two feet (both figuratively and literally). Once his toes gained purchase on the ground, he used his own strength to stand himself up. Everything was fine now. The initial shock had dissipated. "Thank you Kii'arah. I am fine now." The little Zerdani spoke this with relative confidence.

Eihmo'tei knew what had done this. There was simply too much to take in here, and he did a poor job processing it. In this community, there were probably more giants on one street than there were Zerdani in his entire tribe. He still couldn't believe it all, and he was witnessing it! He gave a slight chuckle. "There is so much life here... So much happening... It is not like home."

[DragonSong]

Kiara nodded slowly at Kit's halting translation. Exact phrasing was lost, but she understood the message. "Hey, I get it. I'm just glad you're okay," she said with a smile. "I guess you didn't really get out much before, huh?" A thought that had been nagging her ever since they'd met Eihmo'tei. "Say, where are you from exactly anyway? Just- the Moraki? How many of your people are there?"

Kit shot her a look that said she was overloading his translation abilities and- probably- the poor fox-boy's already dazzled senses. She snapped her mouth shut and smiled sheepishly. 

[Kalak8538]

Eihmo'tei appreciated everything that the giant Kiara had done for him, even though that had only known each other for such a short time. Despite this fact, she and her giant bat lizard were far from strangers to him. He wondered if all giants were this kind. Probably not. His own kind had some bad individuals, and this race was probably no different in that regard. The Zerdani counted himself extremely fortunate that he had not encountered one of this kind's bad individuals. His view on them may have been different. He may have even been hurt - or even killed - had this bad giant found and pinned him as easily as Kiara had.

She read off some questions, but Eihmo'tei did not understand with Kit refusing to translate. Instead, the giant creature gave her a mean look. Maybe the questions were inappropriate? Or did she simply ask them too fast? It did not matter.  Eihmo'tei returned the smile. Then he asked a question of his own. He felt now was the best time for it. "Kii'arah. Will you teach me how to speak like you? Like the rest of your kind?" His method was not working as well as he had hoped. Now it was time to ask directly. Eihmo'tei only hoped that Kit would translate it.

It was just after he asked that his giant sensitive ears picked up something. Raising one ear and pointing it the right way, he could distinguish one sound from all the rest. Two individuals were running with some haste towards them.

[DragonSong]

Eihmo'tei said something and the dragon's eyes widened slightly. "Oh," he said, sounding a bit impressed.

"What?" Kiara asked, brow furrowing.

"He wants you to-" Kit started, but was interrupted by two Essyrni men fast approaching.

"Miss, miss." The happy trader again. Kiara rose and greeted him politely, whereupon he introduced his brother, the innkeeper, and held out a small water flask. "For your sick friend," he said.

She smiled and said with real gratitude, "Thank you," before turning to give Eihmo'tei the flask. "Water," she said slowly, miming drinking from it; no time for Kit to translate, she just had to hope he understood. She faced the trader and his brother again. Bowing at the waist she said, "Thank you for your help, sir. How much for a room for the night."

The innkeeper eyed Kit and said something to his brother in Essyrni, who replied in kind. Kiara waited while they bickered back and forth- about prices she assumed- and asked out of the corner of her mouth, "What was he saying before Kit?"

"I believe," the dragon responded, "he wants you to teach him Common."

[Kalak8538]

Eihmo'tei offered thanks for the water, remembering that he had exhausted his own supply last night. Filling his waterskin was something he needed to do at some point. He made that mental note as he inspected the strange item in his paws.

It was that same strange stone (at least, he thought it was stone) that Kiara's knife was made from. He had not had the chance to inspect that knife before since that meeting last night. In fact, he counted himself lucky that it was not used against him at the time. Now was his chance to see more of this "stone" up close and personal. It was cold despite the sun's heat, probably because of the water it held. It was more smooth than any stone the Zerdani had seen before, and it reflected sunlight just as well - if not better - than a pool of water. He wondered what kind of stone this was. Was it found in the desert? His kind had never encountered such stone before. Eihmo'tei decided he would ask Kiara about it later, to deny this gift of water any longer may have been interpreted as an insult.

The Zerdani figured that drinking from it was similar to his own waterskin. However, the spout of it was made from the same stone as the rest was, as opposed to the soft wood of his own waterskin. Trying to drink from it proved difficult, for the "stone" hurt his teeth. He managed to get a mouthful or two, looking almost like a puppy trying to drink from a bottle. Not wanting to be greedy, he offered the flask back to Kiara.

[DragonSong]

Kiara took the flask back with smile. "You're alright now?" she asked, Kit translating. Listening to the dragon rumble out his strange words, she decided that teaching Eihmo'tei Common would be an interesting undertaking, and a very useful one. But they didn't have the time in that moment, because the two Essyrni men seemed to have decided on appropriate payment.

"Fifteen silvers for the night," the trader said. Either his brother didn't speak Common or he just didn't feel like talking to them.

It was expensive, but Kiara didn't feel like haggling. "Very well. Thank you." She fished some coins out of her purse and passed them over.

The innkeeper smiled. "I will show you to your room," he said with a heavy accent. So he could speak Common after all.

Kiara turned, planting a quick kiss on the tip of Kit's nose. "Be back in a minute," she told him. "Stay out of trouble." He gave a dragon chuckle and nuzzled her cheek. Smiling, she turned to Eihmo'tie and offered her hand, nodding toward the gleaming inn. "Alright, little friend, ready to see the inside?"

[Kalak8538]

Eihmo'tei gave a nod in acceptance to the question. He had been fine before the water, but it was a nice gift while the hot sun was beading down on them. Normally, his kind was used to being out during the day, but thinking he would be traveling during the cooler desert nights, he wore a bit more clothing than was comfortable during the day.

He gave his paw to Kiara as she reached out for it. The Zerdani was unsure if Kiara had agreed to teach him her language, but now that they were leaving Kit, it would be a challenge to understand the giants' when they spoke. It was a challenge that Eihmo'tei accepted, for he had no choice. Paws locked, they headed inside.

[DragonSong]

Kiara gave a soft whistle. The inside of the inn was rather lavish, everything cleaned to a sparkle with exotic plants dotting the main room and some sort of fountain against the wall.

"You will be on the second floor, overlooking the courtyard," the innkeeper told her with a toothy grin.

She nodded and smiled politely. "Thank you." He set off up a staircase and she followed, glancing down to make sure Eihmo'tei stayed with her.

"So," the innkeeper's brother said, catching the look. "What exactly is your small companion?"

Kiara chuffed a soft laugh. "That is an excellent question," she muttered, then shrugged. "His name is Eihmo'tei."

The trader paused at the top of the stairs as though suddenly remembering something and turned to face them, nodding respectfully. "Forgive me, my manners have been lax. I am Zani, and this is Farim," he indicated his brother with a wave of his hand.

Kiara nodded in return; kneeling next to Eihmo'tei, she pointed to each brother in turn and repeated their names, then laid a hand on his shoulder and said "Eihmo'tei," before touching her own chest with, "Kiara." Without Kit there, she wasn't sure how much was understood, but she hope the message got across.

[Kalak8538]

Stairs were a new sight for the Zerdani. His kind dug their homes into the earth, but it seemed these giants were content to live as close to the sky as possible. He somewhat struggled going up the steep staircase, since each step was up to his knee. Despite this, he continued with determination, using both his arms and legs to climb. At the top, Eihmo'tei could tell the giants were talking about him, especially when Kiara said his name.

It was understandable that he would draw sush interest. These beings were new to him, and unknown to other Zerdani. This meant that in turn, his kind was also new (and probably unknown) to these giants. The one giant offered the names of himself and his partner, which was confirmed by Kiara running through all the names. Eihmo'tei needed to keep his mind open to strange words that could be names. In case it was needed, he remembered the gesture that Kiara had showed him in the desert. If other giants knew this gesture, it would be easy to get the names of others if needed.

He repeated after Kiara, pointing to each stranger in turn. "Za'Nii... H-Ha Reem" the first was easy, for it was close to a Zerdani name, but the other was more difficult. Eihmo'tei struggled with the "F" sound. His attempt sounded more like a hard "H", almost similar to a huffing dog.

[DragonSong]

Zani and Farim smiled, evidently quite charmed by Eihmo'tei, and jabbered at each other in Essyrni for a few moments. Then Farim gestured for them to continue moving, and Kiara straightened up, following after them.

"Here," the innkeeper said, pushing open the second door they came to. "Your silver buys you dinner and breakfast in the courtyard, and there is a bathhouse on the first floor." Kiara's ears perked up at the word bathhouse. "Welcome to Essyrn." He ushered them into the room and shut the door.

"Well," Kiara said, putting her hands on her hips and looking around. "This is nice." The room was a sparkling clean as the rest of the inn, a plush looking bed draped in a gossamer canopy against one wall (probably to prevent bugs from getting at guests while they slept), another wall almost completely open as it changed into a balcony over the courtyard.

[Kalak8538]

"So this is a giant's den." Eihmo'tei thought quietly.

It had a lot more open space than really seemed necessary, making the dens back home look even more cramped than they were. The curious Zerdani was quick to walk around the room, familiarizing himself with the new surroundings. Looking out to the balcony, he marveled at the great view of the courtyard. He stepped outside, but not to far, since he did not trust that it would sustain his weight. After a few moments of gawking, he retreated back inside.

Walking over to the bed, he inspected the canopy that was hanging down. It was some sort of really thin, light cloth. He wondered how such fabric was made. His own clothing seeming so thick and uncomfortable in comparison. Whilst inspecting it, Eihmo'tei saw the opening that revealed the giant's bedding inside. This might as well had been a table for the little Zerdani. He rested his arms on top of it. It was SOFT, much softer than the freshly dug sand that Eihmo'tei slept on in his own den. He climbed up on top of it, and struggled to keep his footing as he stood. He walked around on it, feeling the softness under his paw pads. The Zerdani's legs failed him on the unstable surface, and he fell to all fours. The entire surface was solid, but gave way easily. This was confusing to the simple Zerdani, at least until he decided that it did not matter.

Suddenly, all he knew was that it felt really nice. He plopped down onto his stomach, with arms and legs sprawled in every direction. There he laid with a smile on his muzzle, taking in the new-found comfort. His eyes were starting to get heavy.

[DragonSong]

Kiara chuckled as she watched Eihmo'tei explore their temporary residence. As he climbed up onto the bed she stepped out onto the balcony, whistling for Kit. The dragon's head peeked over the rail and she went to meet him, noticing that he only had to lift his front legs off the ground a little to reach the second floor. She stroked his muzzle distractedly, looking out over the courtyard and then back into the room.

Eihmo'tei seemed to be quite content, lying on the bed with the covers fluffing up around him. She smiled, patting Kit's forehead. "I think maybe we could use a bit of a rest before we try to find our contact," she mused. The dragon rumbled agreement, dropping back to all fours and pacing to the center of the courtyard to lay down.

Kiara went back into the room, sitting herself on the edge of the bed. "Hey, Eihmo'tie," she touched his shoulder lightly. "I'm going to go use the bath." She mimed washing herself, walking her fingers across her palm to show she was leaving the room. "Why don't you take a nap?" she suggested, pointing to him and then clasping her hands together and pillowing them under her cheek, miming sleep. "Unless you want to wash up, too?" Again she pantomimed washing, then gestured between the two of them to indicate she would show him where to go.

She could have called Kit for translation help, but she thought she'd give teaching Common on her own a whirl first.

[Kalak8538]

The now tired Zerdani was perfectly content where he was. All of the sudden, he couldn't find the strength to get up.

Looking up at Kiara through the corners of his eyes, he read her expressions like they were den carvings. He didn't understand the "wash" motions, but even if he did, there was no getting up to accompany her. What he did understand was that "take a nap" meant sleep. Just thinking about sleep made him let out a huge canidesque yawn. His eyes got heavier and heavier until they eventually closed.

"Takka napp..." he responded. Even in his exhausted state, Eihmo'tei tried his best to mimic Kiara's words. His eyes were closed, but his sensitive ears were still listening around, as was instinct for his kind. Soon, they would flatten against his tiny head, once he had completely surrendered to sleep.

[DragonSong]

Kiara smiled at Eihmo'tei's choppy Common. "Ok, then," she said, patting his head lightly. Belatedly she realized he might be offended by the gesture and withdrew her hand sharply. "I'll be back soon," she told him, standing and stretching her arms over her head, then moving toward the door. she paused just before she left, glancing back to see her new friend already snoozing away.


She spent longer in the bath than was probably proper, but damn it felt good to just soak for a while. She returned to the room wrapped in a fluffy towel made of some fabric she didn't recognize and carrying her travel-worn clothes. Making sure to shut the door quietly behind her, Kiara craned her neck to see if Eihmo'tei was still sleeping.

He appeared to be, so she dug a fresh change of clothes out of her pack and moved onto the balcony so as not to disturb him. Kit rose from where he'd been sunbathing in the courtyard, stretching like a cat before padding over to pop his head over the rail again. "You seem happy," he commented.

She nodded agreement. "I don't think I've ever appreciated hot water or soap more in my life. I had sand in nooks I didn't even know I had!"

The dragon rumbled a laugh.