Character Name: X'yrin Exultare

Character Age: 3.5 years

Character Gender: Female

Preferred Specialized Rank: Kenpo | Konrei

OOC Name: Zyn

Other Characters Played: (Zynex)

OOC Second Form of Contact: Aim

Character Alignment: (optional)---

The sun was in her eyes again. A rare hare clutched between her jaws and a refreshing gait to her stride; fortune smiled warmly upon the Nomad, greeting her cheek by the wind's gentle caress. Worn and well traveled, this was a kind offering from the Fates, this agreeable day. Awakening to the dawn's early light awarded the female a fine meal to tide her during the day. Before her was land yet to be trekked, virgin soil to be marked by her worthy paws and realms yet to be explored. To stop and rest unnecessarily was a luxury to the Nomad. So used to travel, testing the limits of her endurance was a well learned trait of her tribe and did well to push her a little further each day. Only in the afternoon would she find herself a place to rest and truly enjoy her morning catch. Like her, there were others in the midst seeking the prey of the morning to abate the hunger pangs roused during the night, and she was not so inclined to let herself be vulnerable. How unfortunate to have her back turned while in the middle of a meal during the hunter's high time. Experience had taught her better than to be so naive to what lurked within the foreign valleys.

The meat would last til she was ready to break, that much was certain to her. But when would she find the time to let herself rest again; truly settle and establish something worthwhile? How many more miles would she travel today? Ten? Fifteen? No longer was she a part of the nomadic tribe, but their learned habits, their culture kept her afoot. Still she found herself pondering the same thoughts as she had while among them. Doubt had crept into her heart over the course of a year. And though she ignored it, snuffed it down and out of her mind, it remained within the recesses, awaiting a vulnerable moment to rear again and make itself known. Now would be such a time, it seemed.

Groaning, the female tossed her head back, the hare flopping lifelessly against her neck and chest. This was not how she wanted the day to continue! Not within another war with herself! Was it too much to ask the Fates to give her a single day of internal peace? It began so nicely... The fresh scent of flora on her nose, a cool gentle breeze to guide her along. She should have been able to travel carefree, til her calloused pads were numb and the energy was drained from her impressive Secui form. But alas, an early day called her. The troubles of her mind sapping her internal strength to continue. Perhaps the meal would serve her well.

Heavy bulk soundlessly placed in the soft grasses of the field. Dangling hare finally rested in a broken pile at her paws. Her nose still held the pungent aroma of native flowers melding with the ripe scent of heated earth, but she minded neither. Her mind was too preoccupied with questions of her own well being to care for anything outside the ordinary. Soundly, the skull of the deceased creature was crushed beneath a massive paw and rend in two by equally formidable jaws. A careful snip of her fangs here, a subtle pull of flesh there, the belly of the hare spilled from the messy incision releasing a divine scent into the air. Its warmth flowed finely to an awaiting tongue, its meat savored by starved fangs. Had there been anything better than this? Perhaps. But for the moment, she was a beast in heaven. Truly blessed that the voices of doubt had receded for the moment.

She ate in peace among the company of flowers.

Since returning to Ichika, some days ago, the Jiryu was both herself and not herself. No being could ever stay consistent; life was change and if one was not constantly changing than they were surely not among the living anymore. Even in death change would penetrate the body, decaying it from the inside out until blood and bones decomposed back into earth--which was perhaps one of the most drastic transformation any creature undertook. Yet Nayru's modifications were not so stark, only those who knew her best would see the shift in personality, the alterations in mood: the withdraw back into herself, the strictly enforced structure and the silent way she eyed the others with. They were not new habits to her, rather a return to her old ways of life.

Early she rose, as she had done every morning in Dahlia de Mai, and Nayru scolded herself for having become lazy. Often she would linger in the warm nest Gideon and her shared, but now she thrust herself out into the chilled morning, long before the others in the shared apartment building awoke. On small, silent feet she went to and from many of the key areas of Ichika, as she had often done in Dahlia. Checking first in the vineyards, some plants still needing harvesting and now that Siku had gone Nayru had to pick up the slack. Mechanically she began to pluck fruit from vines, eager to get the whole harvest in before the threat of frost. Finally she had to stop herself, knowing that there were other places that would need her attention.

Next she moved to the ranch, checking the animals and knowing both Adonia and Saul would be by throughout the day, and yet she couldn't help but set to work feeding the ones that seemed hungriest that morning and pulling water to and from their makeshift homes. Then the girl moved to the Abbey, pleased to find everything in perfect order there and even if she wished to set herself to work, there was none to be found. And so she allowed herself a moment for quiet meditation in the adorned halls. Yet this was not a break from her daily chores, merely a part of them. Her mind too had become lax and lazy in the comfort of Ichika, and while such a relaxed lifestyle might suit Razekiel, Nayru knew herself to be a warrior and to have allowed her guards to fall so completely was a grave oversight.

Centered once more she began the most tedious of all the tasks on her to-do list. The borders of Ichika. Recently they had expanded, the land they claimed increased and thus the amount of land she had to travel to secure all the edges of the land was greater. This did not daunt her, she merely made her way along the flowered boundary line. Now and then she would mark her scent, mingle it with the others she found. It was rare to come across one that was not of Ichikan origin, and when she did it did not take long to discern the source. Few visitors came, and most who did stayed.

And so it was without surprise she came across a strange scent, and very soon after that the maker of the scent. The woman dined on the other side of the invisible boundary, settled in among the late summer blooms and Nayru came upon her in her well trained fashion. A ghost, silent footfalls and downwind to keep her scent from finding the other too quickly. When the tiny two toned lady was upon the other, ruby eyes sought to meet with those of the stranger, and Nayru bowed her head low, her body language easy and casual as she clasped her hands together and smiled at the other, no words spoken.

Character Name: X'yrin Exultare

Character Age: 3.5 years

Character Gender: Female

Preferred Specialized Rank: Kenpo | Konrei

OOC Name: Zyn

Other Characters Played: (Zynex)

OOC Second Form of Contact: Aim

Character Alignment: (optional)---

Oblivious she became; not long after she was found by a passerby, her mind was so enthralled with the meal all else took a backseat to her senses. Inhaling the food with greedy whiffs finally alerted the female to her company. She had feared not being left alone to savor her meal, and like a fool had brought on the inevitable.

Her large head snapped up, snatching a tendril of flesh from the carcass. Her wary eyes seeking those of the oddly quiet female. What? No tease? No banter? No threat? Her head cocked with a curious tilt to the left, confusion worn on her sleeves. This was not what she had expected at all, but it was plainly acknowledged that this girl had no want for her food. Judging from the well tended body, the aura of content radiating from her assured form, the smaller female was a wolf well fed and cared for. What reason did she have to raid a Nomad?

The lady had convinced herself rather effortlessly that this was simply an engaging encounter, nothing more or less. Lapping the hare's blood from her muzzle to better smell the female, she noted with certainty the commonality between the scent embedded in the field and her own natural essence. Umber limbs shuffled in place to better adjust the seated dame more comfortably. Her tail emerged from its captivity beneath her backside and swept around to drape about her hindpaws. The Nomad visibly relaxed following the casual lead of the paw clasped Lady. Her eyes lingered shamelessly upon the twined digits. So thin and dexterous not at all like her heavy pads, too clumsy to do anything more than support her gait while in run. She huffed soundly through flared nostrils with disinterest then turned her head away.

Swept by the gusting winds, she rose at last relinquishing the remains of the hare to scavengers sure to come looking for it. The females' shared silence was well maintained as one came to stand before the other, sound steps leading her further down the border line at a leisurely pace. She came to a gradual halt but a few yards away, her gleaming eyes peering over her shoulder to the distant girl. Again her crown tipped with curiosity. Would they walk together?

Nayru kept the same calm, amused expression on her face as she witnessed the changes in the other. The suspicious eyes of the other as Nayru came upon her mid meal, the slow relax and finally the woman turned away. Nayru still said not a word but merely watched the woman as she abandoned the last of her meal and moved away. That the outsider did not speak as she peered at Nayru was strange, but then perhaps it was strange that Nayru did not speak to her. If the stranger had a purpose, Nayru did not inquire after it. Surely the woman would state it. Yet she did not and Nayru was content to believe the woman was just a chance visitor.

As the woman moved Nayru mirrored her, step for step, her tiny paws keeping the distance between the two constant. The lady walked and looked back at Nayru and clearly Nayru could read the question in her eyes. Like a child again, ready for experience of any kind, there seemed no reason not to walk along the stranger. The nameless lady was going somewhere, and Nayru wished to know. And yet, unlike the child she once was, she did not ask. Nayru knew that answers came sooner or later and she did not have to inquire after them. Patience would pay off. And so, on one side of the invisibly boundary, Nayru kept eyes glued to the girl on the other side, and if the other moved, Nayru moved too—little more than a black and white shadow.

Character Name: X'yrin Exultare

Character Age: 3.5 years

Character Gender: Female

Preferred Specialized Rank: Kenpo | Konrei

OOC Name: Zyn

Other Characters Played: (Zynex)

OOC Second Form of Contact: Aim

Character Alignment: (optional)---

They would walk apparently, but no more than a shadowing of the autumn furred woman's steps. Interesting to say the least. By scent alone the female could tell she was nearing pack lands and yet the little female was inclined to let her stroll as she pleased. Perhaps this was not a lead to the pack? The Nomad had encountered several that attempted to run her off with all their vigor even though she had done nothing more the waltz along their territory. Oh yes, she danced the marked lines quite often; a trait learned from her nomadic brethren who periodically skirted a pack's borders without treading into their domain. A simple means to let the neighbors know that they were there and traveling and meant no harm.

This woman's actions were much the same, her powerful stalks carrying her swiftly along the line with similar intentions. Undeniably the adventurer's spirit bid her to address the other female, inquire about the pack that resided across the fragrant stones. Perhaps initiate a trade of some sort. Oh the Nomads still had their clutches deep within her though they were long gone, most likely travelling their usual routes. Their culture influenced her habits, her manner of thinking especially with newcomers in her path. But she had to adapt a little. She could no longer be at ease when encountering another, for the tribe was not around to envelop her when in danger. She was now single from the collective... alone.

But capable.

She stopped at last, turning swiftly on the tips of her paws around to the smaller girl. Amber eyes peering into the strangers own, searching beyond delicious red for the other's intention. She had made her own quite clearly as far as she knew; she was a traveler intent on claiming the small bit of land without contest til she was ready to venture onward. The Nomads traditionally offered some kind of trinket or craft or peace and and good will. However she was painfully reminded that she was again alone without the crafthands to offer something on behalf of the whole. She could only offer her calmed demeanor. Obsidian claws raked through the soft earth again marking her intentions then seated herself for effect.

She waited patiently, further drawing out the silent conversation in the hopes her request would be granted.

Step for step Nayru kept herself alongside the stranger, never falling behind or moving ahead. The pace was not too swift and the woman moved with an easy gait, her attentive eyes mostly on the stranger and less on the land she knew so well. Walking the borders was automatic, at least on her half—little thought had to go into what foot went where and how far it was until the next tree. The stranger never crossed over, or even tried to. She was no fool; clearly Nayru was a wolf of the pack and could call the others on whim if not deal with the stranger herself. And yet neither did cinnamon-amber animal move away from the borders, but continued to move alongside of it and Nayru could not quite discern the purpose. Obviously the traveler meant no harm and the younger girl did not mind her presence, and was rather enjoying it for the time being.

Abruptly the woman of autumn stopped, turned and sat herself facing the piebald lady. Nayru felt she had little choice but to mirror this action also, keeping the distance still between them but easing herself down onto the same level. The calm, bemused smile stayed on her face and widened when the two made eye contact once more. Ruby reds matched the gaze of the dark honey pools set into the face of the other, and still she said nothing. Too long had their silence lasted and it felt wrong to break it, and yet how long could it last? Nayru could sit all day without a word, but eventually the woman would go away or attempt to cross the border. To prolong her presence or drive her away, speech was needed if Nayru did not employ the use of more drastic actions.

Nayru was not a drastic creature, she moved like a ghost and often acted like one. She spoke as one too when she finally did so. "This is Ichika no Ho-en." The soft words fell from her lips, barely audible above the natural noises of the earth—wind, birds, their own breathing. Still the words were there, as if an answer to an unasked question.

Character Name: X'yrin Exultare

Character Age: 3.5 years

Character Gender: Female

Preferred Specialized Rank: Kenpo | Konrei

OOC Name: Zyn

Other Characters Played: (Zynex)

OOC Second Form of Contact: Aim

Character Alignment: (optional)---

The silence was comfortable, but words would be needed eventually. Both knew this but neither jumped at the opportunity. Though the Nomad prided herself for her skills of negotiation and barter, she was less inclined to speak. It would have disturbed the field's tranquility...

She sat quietly, observing the subtle expression changes on the female's face. Her pitiful warrant her permission was not taken hostility, to which she was grateful, but the traveler was righted on her unintentional wrong. The land was claimed, perhaps beyond the borders she kept herself from. For all she knew the very ground she had dared mark was under protection of the pack. How fortunate would that have been... And to think, she'd stolen food from their hunting grounds. It seemed all too obvious now the reason for her little escort.

" 'see," the female said at last, her strong voice received as but a whisper. " 'apologize for trespass." A time of lack of use left her voice thick and broken, her speech a fraying string of coherent words. She was not at all embarrassed by this, more bothered that she was forced to make herself audible. Despite her preferences, she concluded this as her time to leave. The pack wolf was gracious enough not to attack her outright for trespassing, and she would do well to take this opportunity before their encounter worsened.

Admittedly, it was pleasant to be in another's company again. For a brief moment she was reminded of the Nomads; their strides matching, their purposeful steps leading toward the same unseen goal. Uncertainty might have lied ahead, but they were comfortable simply to be around each other, travelling together instead of alone. She felt the weight of her ears as they shifted back against her skull. " 'find elsewhere," she continued, rising her slumped form from the soft seat. "I return with meat for apologize. 'stolen meat." She bowed her head, inclined to be in better favor with the female before she took her leave to replace the stolen prey. She needn't be in disfavor of anyone should she find herself within this territory again...

The broken, hoarse voice of other reached Nayru's waiting ears and her expression never changed as the words washed over her. It seemed that the woman had not realized that what laid beyond the stone and flower border was the claimed home of many. Ichika was a strong pack, full of motivated and talented individuals, though from a glance their existence was shrouded by the mountains and valleys that separated them from the rest of the packs and loners. Most knew they were there, yet not many from their neighboring packs had opted to make the journey up the steep slopes just the visit the merged creation of Dahlia de Mai and Phoenix Valley. Nayru did not mind, the less intrusions the more peaceful Ichika seemed. A world separate from the others. And yet so often Dahlia had had visitors, both benevolent and otherwise, the girl was familiar with answering the calls and questions of those lingering at the edges of her land. It was a welcome event when one came for such purposes to Ichika.

"You are forgiven." Nayru did not mind the intrusion, for the lady had not quite stepped onto Ichika soil, and even if she had? What then? Nayru knew that the others guarded Ichika well, they did not play at the games Nayru did. And yet, Nayru knew too that if ill intentions were to arise from the woman the warrior could make little work of disposing her. Nayru felt no desire to be hostile or dominate until the need truly arose. The energy she would spend doing so could be better put to other activities and emotions. Even when she had slain another Nayru had felt mostly at peace, a little sorry and only anger for the shortest of moments. One simply kept a more level head if they did not let their emotions reign free.

"You need not trouble yourself so," the melodic voice of the other was still little more than a murmur. "How can one own the life of another?" How indeed? Ichika kept horses and livestock, and yet Nayru was not quite sure that if the animals were to escape that she would wish for anyone to round them back up. Why restrict their freedom? Nayru felt uncomfortable but took comfort that the animals seemed to benefit from the shelter and food that the Ichikans provided them. If they longed for freedom past the free reign often granted them, none of the creatures indicated so.

"Besides, you did not take from Ichika land. You've yet to step on our soil. You may if you wish." The invitation rolled out naturally. "Or if you wish. I will wait." She would wait for the other to return with the gift, it the woman wished. Nayru knew the value of a gift offered and would not insult the other by denying her.

Character Name: X'yrin Exultare

Character Age: 3.5 years

Character Gender: Female

Preferred Specialized Rank: Kenpo | Konrei

OOC Name: Zyn

Other Characters Played: (Zynex)

OOC Second Form of Contact: Aim

Character Alignment: (optional)---

Her ears were forward attentively, swiveling backward now and again as the chirp of distant birds were received. Truth be told, she did not like being on the waiting end. So used to quick decision and consequence, she felt anxious now waiting for the other's judgement to pass. The Nomad hadn't experienced anxiety of the like in some time and was bothered by it. Like having thorns grate through her fur to the tender flesh beneath, her nerves on end and dancing excitedly. This trial was wrecking!

But at last! Forgiveness! And the female visibly relaxed, her muscles losing their retained tension whilst her nostrils flared with a relieved exhale. Still in good favor; it was a start that only became better when the extent of her range was explained. Her brows peaked with interest. So she hadn't crossed the barrier, by chance she had stumbled upon it. Her tail pat the ground in staccato rhythm. Fortune! And what was better still; she hadn't taken from their land and was not obliged to repay them. But the autumn female was a gracious being at heart, especially to those that showed her kindness of their own accord.

Taking a life for the sake of a gift felt unnecessary now that she was made aware of her situation. Perhaps a craft easing into the Nomadic tradition of trade. Be it for information or an item, one thing was not given without something to show for it in return. Her ears were not deaf to the invitation, more she chose not to reply to it just yet. As the tribe would recite to each recruit that wanted to be a part of their lifestyle; a pack is a commitment. She'd be damned to just at the invitation blind without knowing what it entailed. Regardless, it was an 'offering' on behalf of the Ichika. And on behalf of this solitary Nomad, she would make her offering. " 'moment," she raised her paw as to urge the girl to wait a moment, her heavy paws already carrying her swiftly across the field before waiting for reply.

The woman might have been hastened, but her eyes were still sharp as they cut frantically through the late summer growth. A collection of weeds here, a fragrant blossom there, she plucked the flora from its earth to gather her materials all the while looking back occasionally to ensure herself the nameless female remained. No sense exerting all this effort if she was going to leave. But this would have been easier had a crafthand been here with her... The magician would have already had a trinket to give, something small but skillfully crafted. She had watched them enough to know a basic design, but nothing extravagant as the adornments worn by the heads of each family. The gift she would make had she the skill. Flowers and weed stems would have to do for now though.

The Nomad returned with her collection in her mouth, a little more enthusiasm to her stride in knowing she was not a trespasser. She returned to where she sat before, just across the border but within reach of her escort. "A moment," she requested again now free of the taste of flora in her mouth. Her craft would have to wait a moment while she rid herself of her clumsy paws. With minimal effort, her bulky form began to realign growing taller as her spine straightened out and her neck lengthened. The shift of thick haunches to muscled thighs was perhaps the most awkward transition as she was forced to all four momentarily, the curve of her legs more pronounced as they curved with the form of the knee. Elbows for her arms and fine digits for her hands. She felt misplaced, always at first and even a little disgusted by her adopted form, but she could not dismiss the useful implications (few as they were in her eyes) that came with it.

Her form was tall and lean, a contrast to the brutish Secui form. Their similarities residing in the course mane running along her back, untamed and mangled. An overgrowth of unfashioned fur swept over her eyes nearly veiling her radiate hues from view. But she tossed them back, smiling gently as she reached for a flower and stem to begin her craft...

The minutes ticked by in comfortable silence as dexterous digits went to work. The warmth of the sun coupled with a soft, fragrant breeze; it was a wonder the woman hadn't stopped to enjoy a day like this before. Always so driven to explore, to further her knowledge of the world that encompassed her... missing little days such as this. A soft 'click' sounded as her claws cut the stem of her creation signalling its completion. Carefully she extended the woven trinket; a simple braided cuff of flowers topped with an assortment of small red flowers. "A Nomad's gift," she explained with her tail thumping proudly. "X'yrin's gift to..."

With a small bob of her head Nayru nodded her consent as the woman took off, intent on retrieving a gift for the rabbit she had taken or for nearly trespassing. Although the Jiryu had told her that no such gift was necessary, she was moved that the stranger felt the need. Nayru recalled her travel from pack to pack, giving gifts on behalf of Dahlia de Mai, even to Inferni. Some had not greeted her so kindly, but others had embraced the gesture warmly. Some had even returned the favor, Inferni being one of them. The gifts of Inferni had instilled on her the importance of such an act, and though she wouldn't have before, she dare not deny anyone the opportunity for goodwill and friendship.

Focusing on the memories of giving and getting made the two toned lady's wait seem shorter than it was, although the woman did not dawdle. Returning she dropped a bunch of blooms from her mouth, but another request of "'moment" indicated she was not quite ready to present the token. Nayru said nothing as she waited another moment more, calculating eyes always upon the figure of the other. Nayru watched as the woman shifted, her body growing long and erect, opposable digits growing out of stiffer, less flexible ones. Quickly the woman set about to weaving together the stems of the blossoms and soon enough Nayru understood what was happening.

Once the woman completed the adornment, Nayru gingerly reached out to accept. As the gift passed between the two the younger lady smiled as the name of the other came to her for the first time. They had spent much longer than most would in each other's company, both without words or names and it was nice to know the other's title now. "X'yrin?" Eyes danced as she inspected first the flowered cuff and then again the woman's face. "It is a pleasure to meet you. Thank you kindly for such a fitting gift." Ichika was the land of flowers, surely, though the stranger could not know this. Gently she placed the crafted jewelry onto her body and turned her face back up to meet the amber eyes of the other. "I am Nayru. Jiryu of Ichika."

Character Name: X'yrin Exultare

Character Age: 3.5 years

Character Gender: Female

Preferred Specialized Rank: Kenpo | Konrei

OOC Name: Zyn

Other Characters Played: (Zynex)

OOC Second Form of Contact: Aim

Character Alignment: (optional)---

X'yrin was fulfilled once the gift was passed from her paw to the other's. Her tail swept the ground at her side in content, a subtle gesture to the elation she felt within. On behalf of the Nomads, she had done well in her eyes. Holding true to their traditions, she had initiated and completed an exchange. Had the head of the Exultare witnessed the exchange, there wasn't a doubt in her mind his broad chest would have swelled with pride. The thought in turn made the woman do the same, her head lifting proudly with the swell of her chest.

The other at last announced herself, calling herself Nayru along with an unfamiliar title. Was this a form of rank? The traveler had heard of packs adopting this to establish hierarchy; to award certain privileges to individuals of a certain qualification. Her ears perked up with interest. "What is 'Jiryu' to Ichika?" she inquired, head tilted curiously. Carefully the female raised a slender digit toward her own chest. "Is it like the Exultare to Nomads?" Hearing her question as if fell from her lips, she wasn't sure the other would understand. Few packs were like hers. Most looked upon themselves as a single unity, not divided as hers was. Reminded of this, her ears dropped and her brows knitted with uncertainty. How could she explain this without making herself look like a primitive fool? She wouldn't have blamed the female if she thought that of her now given her broken speech.

"Nomads.... have families," she began utilizing both paws in gesture to better aid in the explanation. She held up a paw, using the index finger of the other to point to each individual digit. "Exultare is one of them," she tapped the first digit. "Exultare are... guards, defenders. All born as Exultare are this way. Another is Marecks; crafts and songs... And other families. All born have the tasks of the family. But all the families"- she clasped her paws together, twining the fingers to represent unity- "travel and work together. Some teaching skills to other families." She looked to the female with a hopeful smile, hopeful that her explanation made some sense and gave clarity to her question. "Is 'Jiryu' like this to Ichika? Family name? Or is it...title? What does it mean?"

There was no surprise as the title did not register with X'yrin, there was no reason it should. The ranks of Ichika no Ho-en were unique to the clan and only those initiated really knew what the words meant. Even newer members had a hard time grasping the meaning of the titles for a while, until one day it became like a second language. Another tiny piece of the Ichika tradition and culture. And yet, the culture was no so very different than others, Nayru realized this. And the words of X'yrin were a testament to the fact that although from different origins, both the Nomads and Ichikans had some things in common.

Families, Nayru smiled at the word. It was better than group or class. "Jiryu is not like Exultare," although Nayru knew that if she were assigned into one of the classes of Ichika, the warriors would have been it. "Ichika too has families. Four of them. The guardians and defenders belong to the Envoy class. We aren't born into them though. We choose. And we have specific ranks within those families, they perform specific tasks." Perhaps it would have been best to prep one for tasks from early life, and in a way they did. Even the puppies had families, as a way to assign them mentors to look up to, but these were not solid. They could change, just like any other aspect of life.

"Jiryu isn't in a family though." In a way Nayru missed not being part of a smaller, close knit group working together. And yet, she worked with them all, and at the end of the day they were all part of the same entity, it did not matter what class or family one belonged in. "Jiryu means compassionate dragon. Ryu is a title we give to our leaders."

Character Name: X'yrin Exultare

Character Age: 3.5 years

Character Gender: Female

Preferred Specialized Rank: Kenpo | Konrei

OOC Name: Zyn

Other Characters Played: (Zynex)

OOC Second Form of Contact: Aim

Character Alignment: (optional)---

The foreign rank may not have been like the nomadic families, but Ichika did have familiar units... or something along those lines. This thought alone had the female's tail wagging with interest though she maintained some neutrality on her face. Too bad the rest of her hadn't received the message to remain composed and collected. But this was by far a pleasure to encounter, knowing that her own lifestyle was similarly reflected by another. The task portion within the families she understood, but ranking within them was something she did not grasp outright. Was it like having a head or elder in the group, then an adult, then a yearling? She could only assume given she felt embarrassed for letting her enthusiasm get the better of her. She must have looked simple... easily intrigued.

She had learned 'Jiryu' was indeed a rank and apparently one of high regard. X'yrin knew of leaders and the responsibilities they often upheld. The Nomads had their leads as well but were called the Heads of their respective families. Together they joined to form a single ruling body. "You rule a family," the autumn female deduced. "As Nomads are ruled by Shepards, Ichika is ruled by Ryu... yes?" Oh she hoped she understood that correctly. Nothing would have been more harmful to future negotiations if she misunderstood their structure. How was she to know whom to speak with if she couldn't recognize their Shepards?

"Are Ryu marked?" she inquired further, her eyes already darting over the female for an indicating trinket to her rule. "Adornment?"

Nayru did not try to hide her enjoyment at the encounter, though she took note of both the facial cues and the bodily ones that the other gave off. When the Jiryu willed it so she could appear as a blank slate, unreadable except by the very rare soul. Yet since coming to Ichika she had felt less a need to conceal how she felt, it did not seem so bad a thing for her pack mates to know her inner feelings and thoughts. On the rare occasion she stepped foot off the sacred soil than she might don her mask, but even now, with X'yrin who was only a little less than a stranger now, she smiled easily and let her ruby eyes show that spark of interest as the other continued to question her on the structure of Ichika.

"Yes, Ichika is ruled by the Ryus. Myself and one other." An odd pair, perhaps, her and Razekiel but the overly bubbly male balanced Nayru's reserved demeanor quite well. That they two got along splendidly, as if they had been meant to work alongside one another in some large scale plan of the universe. Or perhaps it was just by chance. Nayru knew better than to question it. "No, we are not adorned. The Ichikans just know. We are all a family and thus must know the names and the ranks of our brothers and sisters." Ideally that was how it worked, although when new faces came or one switched jobs there was some adjusting, but the Ichikans too were good at adjusting.

Nayru's overly gentle voice rose and fell but just barely as she mused over the answers to the lady's questions. It was not uncommon for others to be curious of the habits of Ichika no Ho-en, and Nayru did not mind satisfying that curiosity. Yet it allowed for her to develop curiosity about the other and there was nothing stopped her from asking questions of her own. "Where are your others? The Nomads?"

Character Name: X'yrin Exultare

Character Age: 3.5 years

Character Gender: Female

Preferred Specialized Rank: Kenpo | Konrei

OOC Name: Zyn

Other Characters Played: (Zynex)

OOC Second Form of Contact: Aim

Character Alignment: (optional)---

Oh she was a curious female, but the Ichikan female seemed more than willing to answer her questions. It put the woman at ease to be able to quench her thirst for information without appearing too greedily or suspicious. Was this how the Ichikans greeted all strangers? If so, it wouldn't have surprised her if the pack was well liked and versed.

It was a shame that the Ryu did not have adornments. X'yrin would have loved to observe their cultural art, but that was not to say there wasn't some kind to be seen. She nodded in understanding still holding the glimmer of interest in her eyes. Brothers, sisters, they truly looked to each other as family. One would have thought such words were used to convey false unity as a lure, but the Exultare could see truth and was utterly charmed by it. Family. The word like a treasure.

When asked about her own family, X'yrin turned her gaze from whence she came, muzzle tipped toward the sun as if marking is position. She hummed thoughtfully, travelling down the mental map embedded through routine trips year round. As their collective's name suggested, the pack was constantly mobile. Anyone that did not know their traditional routes would be unable to find the group unless my chance. "Travelling now to the mountains. Before winter, Nomads reconnect with familiar packs along the way then return to the mountain base for winter to... make more brothers and sisters." X'yrin about slapped herself but settled for raising a finely digit hand to her forehead. "I mean... to mate." She wasn't as juvenile as she made herself sound, she hoped her exasperated expression would convey. "Not used to words," she explained in her defense. "Nomads use movements and sound. Only with strangers and leaders do we use words." The female smiled shyly. "Out of practice..."

Admiring the way the woman seemingly sought the information from the sun, Nayru waited. Surely the Nomads did not make it this far, or else she would know of them. Such a large group moving through would have been noted by one pack or another over the years. And yet Nayru had never heard of them until now. She listened as the cinnamon and brown sugar woman told her of their trip to the mountains, for purpose of procreation and Nayru nodded, although still she did not quite grasp what that was all about. Make more brothers and sisters. Mentally she made a note of this manner of describing sexual unions, for Razekiel would surely enjoy it when she recounted the words to him. The man seemed more interested in sexual relations than she herself, although slowly she was beginning to understand his train of thought. To create more of one's self, sure, she understood, but to this particular task she had no desire. Desire for Gideon perhaps, but that seemed a messy business and they had not attempted copulation after the first disastrous night.

"Do not worry, words are often best when they are unspoken." The girl had never been one for much speech, and silence was perhaps her most comfortable state. Too many others seemed ot fill up the air with senseless chatter and while Nayru did not mind their buzzing she contributed as little of it as she could. To communicate solely with movement and sound, pure emotion and less thought, seemed by far the more natural manner to do so. "Are you traveling to join them? Your family?" The woman had seemed to be going somewhere. Nayru had come across her midmeal, and Nayru had traveled enough to recognize a resting point when she saw one. The woman lingering on their borders had simply been rejuvenating herself, letting her muscles relax as she fueled them with the flesh of the hare. And yet, if the Noamds traveled together, why was this one not with the rest of the group?

Character Name: X'yrin Exultare

Character Age: 3.5 years

Character Gender: Female

Preferred Specialized Rank: Kenpo | Konrei

OOC Name: Zyn

Other Characters Played: (Zynex)

OOC Second Form of Contact: Aim

Character Alignment: (optional)---

Understanding her circumstance, Nayru was more than kind not to jest the female about her words. Undoubtedly she sounded ignorant, perhaps simple but the Ichikan was polite enough not to center her attention upon. To this X'yrin was grateful and bowed her head in thanks. Gestures were more appropriate than words in some instances anyway.

But caught in the excitement of conversing with another, the Nomad had for a moment forgotten that while she divulged the practices and community of the travelling group she was no longer a part of it. Proud as she was for her people, it was painfully aware that she was alone. The Jiryu's question returned the female to her present situation, flinching as the weight dropped abruptly upon her. "Oh..." she uttered quietly. "N-no..." Her ears laid back against her skull whilst amber eyes cast a bashful glance to the earth. "I left them... nearly seven seasons ago. Did not want to travel to same places. New, stranger places. But Exultare Shepard- I mean... sire, no.. father- would not move speak with the other heads to move the Nomads. Said it was dangerous... familiar lands made it easier for newborns. But I was granted leave. Told that I could return when satisfied. I am...still travelling."

She had felt embarrassed being found away from 'home', let alone questioned on it when she had showed such pride for the unique people. Hypocritical, one would say. However... "Ichika," she continued, lifting her large head to again catch the ruby gaze of the pack Lead. "Ichika is the first pack I have met that has the structure of the Nomads. But... it does not move? It claims an area?" Her already erect ears drew forward still, her front tipping forward as well as if pulled by the lure of intrigue. "You must have defenders, guardians like the Exultare." She looked to Nayru hopefully. "They are strong?"

Wanderlust. Nayru experienced the urge early in life, but as a child a trip from one pack to another had seemed a great under taking. In her adult life she made the journey from Ichika to Aniwaya with little trouble. Yet it had been dangerous when she was a pup, and yet no one had stopped her. No one had tried. Conor and Bris had never restrained her, and perhaps it was better they hadn't. Now her four feet, or two at times, were planted firmly in the soil of her pack land. First Dahlia de Mai, and then Ichika no Ho-en. There was no desire for wandering. Yet Nayru could understand why others might long for something other than what they had always known.

Ichika was what Nayru knew now, but it was still fresh. Not even three months old. It would be a long time before Nayru grew weary of it’s vast expanse of lands. Perhaps that time would never come. "Yes, Ichika claims land. A lot of land. We do not move." They had moved, had made the trek from Dahlia and Phoenix Valley, but they hadn't been Ichikans then. Ichikans did not abandon their home.

More questions fell from the lady's lips, and Nayru knew that these questions were ones to answer carefully. To fully divulge the defense of their clan to anyone on the outside was unwise, and at the same time Nayru was not a liar. "We have guardians, yes. They all have their own individual strengths." Nayru had yet to see Rendall in action, or Jaden, but the latter was well seasoned in battle and it showed in his demeanor and appearance. Gideon, who headed them all, was softer than Nayru herself, but it couldn't be helped. Nayru would have taken up his position, had she not other obligations to look after. "You are a warrior X'yrin?" She had indicated as much before, but it was good to clarify. Good to know that one warrior was in the presence of another.

Character Name: X'yrin Exultare

Character Age: 3.5 years

Character Gender: Female

Preferred Specialized Rank: Kenpo | Konrei

OOC Name: Zyn

Other Characters Played: (Zynex)

OOC Second Form of Contact: Aim

Character Alignment: (optional)---

X'yrin was steadily growing certain that this stop was of more benefit than any she had taken prior in her journey... of course not undermining the brief pause she took seasons back to explore a pack centered in debauchery. It was one of her more, interesting stops. But this one was much more enlightening and she hadn't demeaned herself to receive information either. Always a plus.

But when Nayru confessed they had guardians and strengths to suit them individually, she smiled trying her damnest to contain her excitable tail. "Guardian to the Nomads, yes. Exultare are born to protect the Shepards and their families," she confirmed, her chest swelling gradually. "We act as escorts," she continued with he words now forming a little more natural as she came accustomed to speaking. It was doubtful they would abruptly switch gestural conversation anytime soon. Not when the autumn female could barely keep her jittery paws or tail still. "When the Evan'ules- the hunters and trackers- venture from the group, one Exultare goes with them should they encounter another pack, or enemy. We are taught to defend with words and physical strength. If one cannot protect the small herd, then that Exultare as put back through training. Each must be able to protect their brothers and sisters without needing help from the others. For what if there would multiple parties and few guardians?" They simply could not make more. At least not until mating season and even that was a stretch given the qualities the guardians looked for in their stock before breeding.

Drawing a careful paw to her chest, the female continued proudly. "I was the guard of our young-ones til I was ready to protect the Shepards. When the Exultare Shepard became ill, I took his place until he was able to walk and strong enough to protect his brothers. Even if the time was short, it was an honor. The Exultare were unhappy when I asked to leave, believing I could take his place permanently as he grew older. But I could not keep walking the same trails... not when there was so much more to discover and bring back to the Nomads." They had a unique quality that was falling away with its unused potential. The Nomads were explorers; all of them. And rather than further their reach they wanted to remained in areas they knew. It was a waste of what they were capable of. It was a shame that of all of them, only one was determined to tap this potential...

But X'yrin couldn't dwell on this now not when there was a well of knowledge sitting patiently before her. "Could I meet your warriors?"

The lady explained the ways of their warriors and Nayru felt more at ease. If one shared their line of defense than it was more acceptable to share her own. And Nayru was pleased that from the sound of it the Nomads only acted in defense, rather than offense. Dahlia's history of bloodlust was one reason Nayru had made the decision to abandon the pack. It may have been their home once, but the Dahlians didn't have to live under such a shadow forever. There had been a brighter future waiting for them and Nayru believed few of them would deny that now.

When X'yrin had finished her explanation Nayru nodded, and then perked her ears forward as another question fell from her lips. She wished to meet with the warriors? There were only a few, and even so Nayru felt uncomfortable calling them forth for such an impromptu meeting. And yet, she was an Ichikan and a warrior too, although she did not hold a rank specifically saying as much. Had she been knocked down from Jiryu there would be no other place for her except in the Envoy class.

"I am one of them." That was true enough. "The others, I am not sure what they are doing now." Whatever they were doing, Nayru did not feel it right to interrupt their day just then. "Perhaps you can meet with them another time." Nayru could tell them of the lady's interest, she doubted any of the three kind hearted canines would deny an audience with X'yrin. "Or if you'd like, you could stay here, for a while at least, and meet with them?" Why not? Offering a place to stay, even if only temporary, was within her right. It was within the right of any Ichikan really, and Nayru would have liked if the others made greater effort to make a show of Ichikan hospitality.