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Kaya's easy rhythm of speech, even with the dark subject matter make her vocal reasoning sound like a meditation. "The question why would seem to have two answers: the obvious and the not as much. For the obvious, clearly whoever did this wishes to destroy life. As for the less obvious, perhaps the answer lies in the history of this town and what significance it had for the people of the world. If we assume that the arsonists are enemies of all people in the world, then perhaps this place had some tactical importance, or perhaps there was someone or something here, that the culprit did not wish for the world to have..." Kaya's ears flip a bit as she looks around at her cousins. "When I looked through what remained, there did not appear to be a sign of struggle, only destruction. The people here did not seem prepared for whatever happened. Was that your impression as well, cousins?"
The Previous Day, Fire Hoping, and Insights:
Kaya would have tried to gather complete remains as much as possible, and attempted to count how many people were dead in the fire. She would in turn discuss with the wary Cernan how many people he would guess lived in this town, based on its size. Based on this information, Kaya would attempt to guess if there are survivors who either fled the fire, or who may be captives of the arsonists.
Kaya would have lent her serene presence to calming the child. Other than sharing anything she would have learned by counting the remains and some generic crooning to help sooth little Gina, she would remain almost completely silent. One of the few things she would say, quietly to anyone nearby, "This is truly the work of evil." This may seem obvious, yet to Kaya it was significant. For her, enlightenment, getting closer to god, was always following saint Kamali's teachings up toward inner peace, which opens the heart to Heaven. One most be at peace, and detach oneself from the world. The first truth of this way, is that life is suffering, and while that may be true, and while death is a part of that, this massive scale of death, this mass murder. This went far beyond suffering. It is the work of evil, an evil that must be stopped. Before, I followed you out of discipline, cousin of my dreams. Now, I know why we fight. On this insight, and the purse sensation of the lost of life, on emptiness and unity of purpose, Kaya silently meditated, having never known such horror before.
At dawn, Kayahidye likewise awakens just as the sun reaches over the horizon. She spends the earlier morning, meditating, floating in the air, in the lotus position. As others begin to rise and gather, her bring eyes flash open. She then begins to drift upwards, higher and higher, and like before, she floats hundreds of feat in the air to get a full view of the surroundings, before descending, and sharing anything that is useful that she found. In serene calm, nods at Eli's late morning words. "It would be a kindness to take Gina to a safe place."
Kayahidye would have walked most of the road from the earlier gruesome scene in silence, only commenting (based on what she had seen in the air earlier), that she fears this is not the worse they shall yet see. Upon arriving at the remains of Endurant, she bows her head sadly, though still tranquil in her demeanor. "It appears it is too late for this little village, as our relative warned us." She looks around, coughing slightly at the smoke. "Though, cousin Natanja may be right, perhaps this only part of the settlement..." In quiet determination, Kaya joins the others in searching for survivors, working as quickly as she can. She goes with someone who is able to summon water, and takes care only to avoid the flames. Otherwise, she moves as quickly as possible in searching through the wreckage. Then speaking quietly with someone nearby, she says, "What do you think, cousin? Should we call out for survivors?"
Shortly after descending from her levitation, Kaya would have mentioned to the others, "There seems to be a lingering fog in Endurant's direction. Though since it is rather late for that, I suspect it may be something else entirely..." Earlier conversation on Imps - Cernan and Arabeth: "It's all about the alchemy, Kayahide. I never thought I'd have to fight a fiend, but if we're going to, we'll need special weapons. Silver. Cold Iron. Holy water. I can mix some alchemical oils that will help in short combats, but we should really see what we can commission when we get a chance to rest or shop." "That is very interesting Cernan. I am impressed with your knowledge of creatures from other worlds! Would your oils work on a person's hands or feet?"
Reactions directly after battle:
"...a man who apparently entreated with these spirits of foul tempers and filthy mouths. They were here to stop us, because we were, to paraphrase, nasty 'nasty good scum', and, more importantly, 'no one gets through' because 'no one is supposed to know yet." Kaya drifts up to the group having a discussion around Eli. "If this wicked man has a secret he means to keep from us, we had better make sure we find out what it is!" She says in good humor. After that, she would have drifted high up into the air, to about one hundred feet up, and takes a look at what she can in the distance in all directions.
She later would descend and share anything she saw with the group, and join Arabeth and Cernan in discussing the nature of fiends. "I am concerned that few of our attacks seemed to affect them...."
Kaya shall join those riding toward the front acting as eyes for the party of kin.
"There it is!" Kaya points to the place where the critter landed. Kaya drifts down to above that particular spot and kicks down with her foot to test if the critter is still active or down.
As the imp beneath her seems to suddenly hold still for a moment, and then vanishes, Kaya takes the opportunity to strike again with her foot from above!
Still afloat in the air, Kayahidye is surprised the thing didn't fall with Vincent's dagger. Not sure what she saw, she continues her attack from above. Perhaps it's healing is... limited? This time, each leg bends at the knee, and then launches down in rapid succession- in what one might call a flurry of blows!
"These don't look friendly..."
With a look quiet determination on her face, Kaya takes to the air to strike at the fiendish creature attacking Kiwyn (or whichever can be reached quickest) from above!
Kayahidye hears the vocal reaction, and notices Kiwyn's blushing. Kaya still has a sense that the girl is hiding something about herself.. out of fear? Shame? In any case, it is deeply personal, and 'cub' was a slip of the tongue she is trying to dismiss. Kaya let's it go. Kayahidye remembers the teachings of Kamali- every person is like a lotus in a mountain stream. Some are high on the banks, open in the sun, others are in the shade, partially open, others are in the water... Everyone is at their own place in life, and must follow their own path.... If Kiwyn here wishes to hide herself, then I shall not interfere with what she needs to feel comfortable. She shall reveal her true self when she learns to accept herself, in time. Returning from her reverie, Kayahidye tilts her head to a side slightly with a gentle, warm smile. Her expression as she looks at Kiwyn exudes unconditional acceptance. "That is adorable, if you don't mind me saying. It must have been wonderful to have such a loving mother, when you were with her." She pauses to reflect a moment, "Makes me wonder, what my mother would have called me, whoever she is, if I had known her... a bitter sweet thought!" *****************************
Breakfast conversation with Natanja and Kiwyn --- though overheard for the most part, by all listening:
Kayahidye bows her head in gracious gratitude toward her comforting cousin, with a subtle purrrr-rrr at her warm, supportive touch. “Thank you, dear cousin. In some ways, I have come to accept that life itself is a mystery. Still, I have a good feeling about this quest of ours. From all I've learned already, I believe we are on as much a journey of self-discovery as a quest to confront evil.” She smiles, “I am quite comfortable in my role as peace maker, and so far, my genuine curiosity about people has helped me much in that. Now that we know we are all family, I am even happier to massage our bonds of camaraderie that are just beginning to form.”"My apologies, cousin. I have not heard of this Lotus Saint or of the Cloud Wreath Mountains. I am gladdened to hear that you have honed your form into keen weapon and have attained inner peace for it will be a boon to the group when we undertake these goodly missions." ”I do not blame you for not knowing the Saint of the Lotus! She is rather obscure, outside the Mountains. The Cloud Wreaths are a rather remote place, where most who wandered there have returned to a Nature-bound tribal life style. It was Kamali uniquely among them founded a lonely little temple, where her followers and descendents still practice her teachings written in the Celestial language to this day.” "I am Emberkin, by divine heritage, and we, peri-blooded Aasimars, have great skill with fire-magic. My bond with the Flame Spirit, Eth, has only deepened the flame within, cousin. And aye, some are drawn and some repelled, depending on their preferences and proclivities. I, however, am confident in my own skin and nature. This has given me an emotional and mental strength. I was fortunate to have had opportunities to speak, learn from and work beside other Emberkin in my homeland." ” I cannot say that I have attained similar inner peace -- possibly a simple form of acceptance of who and what I am. But I am driven -- as if my very life is dependent upon it. There is not much harmony in that” “Emberkin? So you are not only a favorite of a powerful fire spirit, but you are yourself a child of flame! Forgive me if my questions seem prying, but I am endowed with quite the curiosity,” she nods humbly, ”- is your inner flame- for you, an affinity for fire, or do you possess fire in your very soul? You say of yourself that you are driven, yet so much that there is little harmony. You are strong, yet the power you carry must come with turmoil.“ Her voice grows softer, soothing, from velvet to silk, “The path to inner peace is different for all. I had to reconcile a somewhat feral nature with the discipline I sought. You, it seems, must learn to control the power of an element that burns within you. That is an entirely different sort of challenge. I am here for you, so long as we travel together. I shall be glad to do anything I can to help sooth any turmoil within- should there even be need for such. And I would love to learn more about the Emberkin, of your inner flame, though perhaps we should speak of this on the long road!”””I was also raised in a temple.” She says, looking over at Kaya. ”Tho I was taken there as when I was but a cub. They had told me and my family I had been chosen by the goddess and given a sign that I was destined for a greater purpose.” Kiwyn tries to sound cheerful but a small frown touches the corners of her mouth. As Kiwyn speaks, Kaya listens with the sincerest interest and kindness. However, her ears noticeably perk up at the mention of the word 'cub'. She looks to her cousin Natanja as she asks her questions, and gives cousin Kiwyn a moment to respond. Then, she would add in her velvet, gentle voice, “So you were taken away from your family? That must have been difficult.” Kayahidye says gently. Again, she would give the girl a moment to respond to that, and would focus on her response if given. Otherwise, after a breath and then another, she would remark, “It is interesting to me that you say when you were a 'cub'. Your manners are so refined, dear cousin Kiwyn, for you to refer to yourself as animal.” She pauses for a moment, kindly inviting her cousin to say anything she wishes to that, though her eyes show that Kayahidye suspects there is more to Kiwyn that meets the eye, though she is not sure what. She does not put any pressure on Kiwyn to 'reveal' herself in any way, rather she merely invites to girl to speak of herself as she pleases, and fully accepts any response or silence that comes. Should no answer come, or should there be any following awkwardness, Kayahidye ends it by chuckling, clearly at herself, and then saying, “Though I understand that it is ironic to here that coming from me! I often refer to myself interchangeably as child or kitten, when talking about my early years, though in my case for obvious reasons!” After a good laugh, “And words are often only how we use them.”
Kayahidye's go wide at the mention of the spirit animal, ”So Oko is far more than she appears! Though then again, judging by the radiance you both exude, perhaps you are exactly as you appear,” Kayahidye muses with a pensive smile. Kayahidye pauses to reflect on the rest of the story. ”Eth,” she tries the sound of the name, ”so you are touched by fire cousin, no, I would rather say, I see much of Eth's flame in you. Yes, you have much energy, and I imagine many must be drawn to it.”
When asked about her own story, Kayahidye opens her mouth as if to speak, revealing some of her pointy, white feline teeth, as her amber eyes seem to search the air for the story. Finding it, she smiles and speaks in a silky, soothing voice. "As I said, my family was the monks of the Parakamaghara Temple, which is perched high up in the Cloud Wreath Mountains east of here. I was found there as a baby, and taken in. During my life time there, I learned the teachings of Kamali, the Lotus Saint. I discovered inner peace- and a way to share it with others. I learned how to use my body as a weapon, and how to disarm other warriors by taking their intent to fight." Kaya chuckles to herself, "This helped greatly in my wanderings through the mountains, especially in making peace between warring tribes, dealing with the many beasts there. I searched the mountains for my parents, and spent time with the Catfolk clans, and even learned their language. However, none of them knew of me, or my birth parents. Eventually, the monks began to say that I drifted out of the clouds themselves!" She sighs and bows her head in reflection. Then looking up with a warm smile, she concludes. "However, now I know a distant ancestor, and many extended kin! That is a start I suppose, but it raises many more questions. I agree though, that more of such talk is best spent on the long road ahead, to shorten the journey, as some say!" discreet response: Kayahidye would speak in a matching low voice, and answer her cousin's discreet gossip as follows, "My feelings exactly. Andrei seemed a man of much experience. It saddens me he was unwilling to try and trust us, and he is kin after all. Although I had just met him, I think he will be missed."
"Dear cousin Natanja, your bird friend is most beautiful. I do not know the species very well though- is Oko a falcon or hawk?" She smiles warmly at her cousin... Kayahidye listens attentively, her eyes following sister Natanja's gestures to the rounded wings and smooth beak. "I see, and Oko's talons are indeed like little curved blades! I did not know of the different styles of hunting of the hawk and falcon. Fascinating!" She looks at the way her fiery relative handles her bird, and the complete comfort the bird seems to have on her Natanja's arm. "It seems to me that you and Oko have quite a rapport; you appear to share a bond that is more than trainer and bird, yes? I would love to hear your story, cousin, of you and your hawk. My family has always been the monks of the Parakamaghara temple. You and the others here are the first blood-kin I have known. I wish to know more about you, so would share your and Oko's story, cousin, over breakfast this morning?" With one set of fingers curved and another lain over them, clasping hands as such, Kaya respectfully bows her head and shoulders with her request. She waits calmly, serenely for her sister-cousin's response, though her bright topaz eyes shine with anticipation in the cool morning light.
"It would be wise to gather provisions for the journey," Kayahidye concedes, and then smiles, "And I would enjoy seeing more of the city." She pauses for a moment, her tail twitches, "Still, we should not linger here too long, unless we must." She spends a moment admiring the great bird perched on Natanja's arm, as well as turning the occasional wary, though amused glance at the beast at Marius' heels. She then speaks to her cousin, "Dear cousin Natanja, your bird friend is most beautiful. I do not know the species very well though- is Oko a falcon or hawk?" She smiles warmly at her cousin, and then turns another subtle, wary glance at the slavering beast at her other cousin's heels.
During the dream....:
Kayahidye's amber eyes glow like warm embers as she smiles pensively.
"It is funny how fate goes. I searched and searched for many years for my origins where I was found in the Cloud Wreath Mountains, and never found anything. And then by following a voice and beckoning hand in a dream, I am led to my lost extended family!" Her tail twitches as she nods to the woman in her vision. "My aunt? My sister? I shall make it my heart's purpose to fulfill this investigation, until, like all things of this world, eventually, it is past."
She listens to Cernan and Natanja's conversation with interest, and then says,
Over the course of the conversation Kayahidye mostly listens, though occasionally speaks to some of those around the table when the opportunity arises. At some point to Eli, "I find it very interesting that your mask has the name "Calm", Eli. For you, it would seem, Calm, peace, tranquility are external things, rather than something one discovers within. For me, "calm" has always been an inner most peace." Kaya is keenly aware of the mentality of those around the room, particular the meek girl, Kiwyn's discomfort at Kaya's feline appearance. Kaya understands that few of the people here have likely seen a catfolk before, so she is understanding of any possible discomfort. She silently hopes that they shall see the light within her, and past her feline appearance in time, as the monks in the Parakamaghara Temple did. Kaya also takes note of the wolf sprawled out by Marius' heels. She is greatly amused that the beast seems to have taken no notice of her as of yet! Kaya is not the least bit flustered at Azmaria's entrance. She greets the new comer with a warm smile. Her ears do twitch at the mention of demons, however. "Greetings young one. Demons you say? It seems that your journey here may have been far more strenuous than my own. I am Kayahidye, monk of the Cloud Wreath Mountains. Pray, what is your name?"
Kayahidye's journey to Vigilant:
After receiving her vision during meditation, Kayahidye opened her topaz eyes, and drifted down from above the mountain lion statue to the temple grounds. Her preparations for the journey consisted of merely walking to the head monk of the Parakamaghara Temple.
When Kaya had arrived here, he was just a boy, and now he was a well-aged man, and Kaya's oldest friend. Facing his human mortality had given him a wisdom even beyond what Kaya had attained after all these years. He was her oldest friend, and best teacher, after life itself. Kaya walked to where he meditated and sat seiza before him, until he opened his eyes. She rose calmly to her feet, and all she need do was look into his eyes, and he he knew. "It is time," he said. She smiled sadly, and nodded. "Go with wisdom," he said. "I shall walk with peace," she answered. They bowed, and then embraced each other. Afterwards, she took her final stop at her quarters to gather her meager possessions and then left the Parakamaghara Temple, the heavenly home of the Lotus. She walked through the Cloud Wreath mountains, making good time as she drifted down difficult climbs and played among the clouds on her way, her tail wrapped around her waist like a belt. She landed on the mountain road she somehow knew would lead her the town. She looked at the sun in the sky, and knew she had made good time. She had plenty to stand here, and look up at the mountains that had been her home for a life time. "I now see them as the rest of the world does," she reflected, "And this may be the last time I ever look on them. Seventy years, and they seem as nothing now, that they are past. I am making good time, so here on this road leading to the next chapter of my long life, I shall mediate on the transience of all things in this world." Kayahidye meditated on the transience of all things in this world, until her mind was fully clear. She then became her journey, as she walked peacefully all the way to Vigilant. She enjoyed the scent of every tree, the smell of every flower on the way. Yet she was always aware of the discrete passing of time. She arrived, at last at Vigilant at the precise moment she was told to be there, not even a fraction of a second early or late. She was there, in Vigilant at noon on the Solstice, meeting Eli and many other travelers in the Green Tree Inn.
Kayahidye, a woman with a very feline presence, with an indigo hue to skin and silvery fur, and bright topaz eyes. She ears a long, feline tail with a silvery tuft at the tip, wrapped around her waist like a belt. She wears a plain blue-green vestments that fit her form loosely. She seems to know where she needs to go in the inn. She walks to the table where Eli sits, and where many others have already joined the table and are still arriving. She smiles peacefully at each as if everyone at the table were an old friend of hers, completely at ease among total strangers. Her ears quietly perk up as Eli speaks his greeting to everyone. Patiently waiting as each person introduces themselves, she introduces herself as well, "Greetings travelers, I have shared your vision of the mysterious woman. I am Kayahidye of the Parakamaghara Temple on the Cloud Wreath Mountains." She bows with hands clasped before her to each of her travelers. "I have long known that I would one day leave that place as suddenly as I had appeared there, so in a way, I have anticipated this summons for a long time. Since it seems we shall be traveling together, the most important thing is that we learn to trust each other, and to enjoy each other's company." She smiles warmly at each person around the table, and takes a smell of all the wonderful foods and ales around the table. "And what a wonderful way to begin in this, for sharing a delightful meal with fascinating new friends in a pleasant tavern is indeed one life's finest pleasures."
Hey GM Angelina, this is Suthuri, finally checking in again after what's been a crazy week for me! I hope you'll accept this last minute submission! Here is Kayahidye (Kay-a-hEEt-yay), the feline serene monk. I traded all spell-like abilities for a fly speed of 20 ft., an ability she has gained in combination with her heritage and monastic training. She can often be seen levitating as she mediates at early morn and eve! Her stats are pretty much complete. I just need to add gear and traits. I have here my submission with the in-character responses to the original questions. "So, why should I choose you? What have you done with your life so far? What talents can you bring to the cause of good? And, most of all, how do I know I can trust you with this mission?" You dreamed a woman asked you these questions, and something about her made you want her to choose you. Kayahidye's responses: Levitating, cross-legged in the air some twenty feet over a mountain lion guardian statue at the base of her high, cloud-wreathed temple, Kayahidye's tail twitches, swaying in rhythm with her breathing as she enters a deep, dream-like meditative trance. In this dream-like state, she receives a vision that compels her to answer several questions to the woman who speaks to her.
"I would be a wise choice for your mission, for I shall bring dedication, and disciplined focus to your cause. I shall remain calm within, and with a clear head and clear judgement, no matter how adverse the challenges I must face to answer your calling." Her serene, neutral expression brightens into a pensive smile.
"I have many talents to give to your cause. With a mere touch, I can make even a raving beast reconsider its choice to fight. I have learned all manner of avoidance, by words, by swift movement. My body is a weapon, should things come to blows. However, I wield the powers of peace and redemption as well as a warrior's hands. I am quick on my feet, and I shall only become faster, and I have learned a second way of movement. Even without wings, I can walk on the air, and drift through the skies." Kaya opens her heart to the woman speaking to her in her dream-like meditative state. "You are in my mind, so I invite you to look deeper within." She says, "Within me, there is only sincerity, and serenity. With peace and dedication, I shall become the cause you wish me to fulfill, just I have become the tranquility which I practice. Therefore, you can trust me with your purpose." |