Ayedah was relieved that Maris had family to go to, but the way she was talking still worried her. Was I like this when you died, Father?, she thought. She was too young to understand when her mother died, and with Danel...with Danel she knew what was coming. But when her father was killed, she might have been just like this. It was so hard to remember for certain, since she was living through it and not observing from the outside.
Without really thinking, she quickened her pace to bring her ahead of Maris if only for a moment and said, "If there's anything I can do, I...I live nearby." She pointed in the direction of Danel's apartment and told her the address. "I mean, if you ever need help." She tried to keep her offer of help gentle; she did not want to push the poor woman.
She looked up at the sun, noting that it was nearly noon. Damn. They will probably be expecting me back soon.
Ayedah:
Ayedah:
Watching Maris leave, and hoping that she would be alright, Ayedah stood in the street for a moment, letting what had just transpired fully register. What is happening to this city?
She then looked up at the sun again, and realized she had better get moving if she intended to take care of her business and get back to the others. She turned and quickly made her way towards Danel's apartment, hoping that it was still alright.
Ayedah: The apartment was still in the condition she had left it. The memories lingered there as well. It almost seemed as if nothing had happened.
She quickly went over the daily chores she still had to do. Not much noteworthy... for once. Things were relatively quiet. No further riots. No attempts at looting one random dwelling, one among dozens
Ayedah let out a sigh of relief. Everything was as she had left it. The paintings were still safe. The chaos of the day and the previous night was forgotten. Everything was normal again. Everything was where it was supposed to be. Except Danel.
How long Ayedah simply wandered about the room, she could not tell. It was only after she took care of what needed to be done around the apartment that she realized tears were flowing from her eyes. She wasn't sobbing, not crying out, the tears just came. She sat at the foot of Danel's bed, wishing to all the gods and spirits of the sky that he was still there. We got him, Danel. Lamm, I mean. He will not harm anyone ever again. But Sozite....she's still missing. But I promise you, I will find her. I will find her, I swear." Ayedah noticed she was talking out loud. She smiled despite herself, thinking of what Danel would say if he were there. 'This thick lowland air must be getting to your head!'
Wiping away her tears, she sought out the painting of Sozite as an adult, as Danel had imagined her at least. It would be a good idea to show this to Zalen. She was afraid to take it with her though. Danel's paintings were priceless to her now, and she did not dare put any of them at risk. She spied the leftover blank canvas and drawing tools Danel had left over. Maybe...no, there will be time for that later. I need to get back to the others soon.
She double-checked the apartment again, and locked the door behind her before knocking on her neighbor's door. She had to find out who she needed to speak to about paying rent. If they will even let you, that is. She remembered how unwelcoming some of this city's people were of Shoanti. She hoped the people next door did not just suffer her presence for Danel's sake.
Ayedah: A small, elderly woman opened the door just an inch wide. She looked so deeply tired it was a mystery she managed to keep her eyes open at all. "Ah, the girl... You're the one who's moved in with Danie, right? Dan... dan... Danel? Something."
She tried to focus on Ayedah, but she had to be almost blind. Ayedah asked her questions, but had to repeat herself several time. "Ah, Landlord. Ah, that would be Serio. Ah, pretty Serio. Got all the luck. His mother, Gods have mercy... wonderful young woman, but she had to fall for that elf. And well, so we have Serio. Just didn't grow into his shoes so fast. I think he handles it all now. Just try... he's living in his dear mothers house."
She was at least able to describe the route to that house in remarkable detail. Old memories, seemed to never really fade.
Ayedah listened patiently to the elderly lady, grateful for her help. Thanking her, she left for Serio's house.
A half-elf? And it sounds like he's rather young. She wondered at how quickly half-elves actually aged. For one so young to have so much responsibility... Still, she was optimistic. Perhaps someone of mixed blood would not share the prejudices of many of his human kin.
She hurried her step. She had to be back to the others before too long.
Serio actually was a pleasant enough fellow... who did not seem to mind the change in tenant. "As long as you pay rent more reliably than Danel, I'll be fine and dandy with you."
Ayedah's relief was obvious as she thanked Serio. As she went back to meet the others, she thought on the mention of Danel's paying habits. It was no wonder that Danel had to part with his paintings, just to stay off the streets. She wanted to get as many as she could back even more now, anything to get back as much of her friend as possible.
At least she could easily protect what she had already. But that was something to pursue on the side. Sozite was what truly mattered, and her new companions were her best chance of finding her. She hurried her pace.