Rhoelyn: Mu Lin and Su Le follow after the others. He takes them down by the homes staked above the water. There are a few Pandaren fishing off the side.
Araatris: “Our anglers,” Gingo says, “are known to be the most prolific on the Jade Coast. We supply over half of the fish to the region.” Rhoe looks around.
Rhoelyn: Rhoelyn gestures to the fishing dinghies and asks, “Do you only use smaller boats like these? I didn’t see any larger fishing boats.”
Araatris: “Larger boats are less maneuverable around the sea stacks. We prefer the dinghies.” He points out at the spires of rock jutting from the bay.
Rhoelyn: She follows his hand. “That would make it difficult. It’s amazing how you’ve made some of the homes over the water. The tides must be mild.”
Araatris: Mu Lin chimes in. “This area enjoys fair waters because of the rocks and island.” The priestess nods, looking at the colorful temple atop a spire.
Rhoelyn: “Would it be too bold to ask how you get to the buildings up there and how you get all the kites…,” Rhoelyn spins slowly, “…everywhere?”
Araatris: Mu Lin and Su Le exchange looks before the man smirks and reaches for a painted sphere that hangs from a rope on his belt. “Allow me to show you.”
Rhoelyn: He tosses it up, “Hushao!” Mu Lin begins to swing it and a shrill whistle cuts through the air. Not far in the distance, a wolf howls in response.
Araatris: Rhoelyn starts to grin at Tsume’s response, but when motion attracts her gaze to the top of the cliff, she gasps, eyes widening. “Elune’s Grace.”
Rhoelyn: A long red serpent with no wings twists through the air. As the great oriental dragon lands behind him, Mu Lin introduces him, “Meet Hushao.”
Araatris: When the priestess immediately starts to step toward the beast, Davin grabs her arm. It’s one of the guards, Jay, who asks, “Is it safe?”
Rhoelyn: Mu Lin nods, “Very safe. Would you like to check him out and fly with me first? I must admit that I’m surprised you don’t have flying mounts.”
Araatris: Before the guard can respond, Rhoelyn gently but firmly removes Davin’s hand and says, “That’s not necessary, Mu Lin.” Jay frowns at her.
Rhoelyn: “Miss, that’s not a gryphon or hippogryph; I’m not sure it’s a good idea.” Jay sighs as Rhoelyn steps forward, smiling. “I’m not in danger, Jay.”
Araatris: Moving slowly, she offers a hand to the serpentine dragon. “Hello, Hushao.” Mu Lin watches as he raises his head and peers down his snout at her.
Rhoelyn: Hushao huffs before settling his nose under her hand. Rhoelyn glances at Mu Lin, “We can ride him? I can’t imagine the view from up there.”
Araatris: He nods. “If you wish to – and if your guardians will permit – I will take you up to see the shrine.” The priestess gives Jay a pleading look.
Rhoelyn: Jay and Davin share a look before the soldiers sighs with a grin. “I must admit that I’m curious, too, Miss Silverwing. Just please be careful.”
Araatris: She smiles, her excitement palpable. “I am quite good at being careful.” Mu Lin chuckles at that as he climbs on Hushao’s back and offers his hand.
Rhoelyn: Rhoelyn takes his hand and he pulls her up in front of him while Jay hovers below. “I’ll take you up to the shrine above and let you look around.”
Araatris: The priestess straightens her gown and holds onto the crossbar at the front of the saddle. Her grip is white-knuckled, but her gloves hide it well.
Rhoelyn: “It can be a little disorienting, but I’ll have hold of you the entire way.” Rhoelyn nods and Mu Lin commands the serpent to rise. “Easy now.”
Araatris: “Oh!” Rhoe blushes at the squeak that escapes her as the serpent surges upward and plunges her stomach into her knees. Mu Lin chuckles once more.
Rhoelyn: Once they settle into smooth flight, Mu Lin takes them up and circles the shrine, giving her a good look. She peers around excitedly as they land.
Araatris: When Hushao settles, the night elf slides down, resting her hands on his scaled shoulder as she gapes at the small, intricate building.
Rhoelyn: Mu Lin grins, “It is beautiful, is it not? You should see Tian Monastery. It is this and more.” He slides down behind her. “You may look closer.”
Araatris: She wanders closer, drinking in the details. “Beautiful does not do it justice, Mu Lin. These shrines are usually dedicated to someone, yes?”
Rhoelyn: Mu Lin kneels in the shrine, lighting incense. “Yes, this one is to the founder of the village. We light incense and ask them to watch over us.”
Araatris: Rhoelyn lingers in the doorway, admiring the carved altar and watching the smoke curl toward the wooden ceiling. “There is serene power, here.”
Rhoelyn: “We are a people of balance, Rhoelyn. We prefer to live in peace and quiet, enjoying good company.” He gestures to the village below.
Araatris: “But we are no strangers to conflict, to suffering. We are not weak or soft.” He points at the huge figure in the cliff. “We have overcome much.”
Rhoelyn: The priestess takes in the massive statue. “Who are they?” Mu Lin places a hand on his shoulder. “The mogu. They once enslaved the pandaren.”
Araatris: Eyes widening, she looks down at him. “When was this?” “More than twelve thousand years ago,” he answers. “Defying the mogu taught us much.”
Rhoelyn: Mu Lin stands and steps beside her. “You will see much of our way of life, Rhoelyn.” A wolf howls again followed by a more feminine echo.
Araatris: She grins, walking to the edge of the spire and searching the village with her keen senses. “I am very much looking forward to the opportunity.”
Rhoelyn: She catches sight of two figures running and playing near the water with a few smaller forms. “But I believe my guardian has a head start.”
Araatris: Rhoe points them out to the Pandaren. “Your sister seems to have a light heart, today.” he observes. She nods. “Nysse…did not enjoy the journey.”
Rhoelyn: Mu Lin considers this, “We have two philosophies: Huojin and Tushui. At their most simplistic, Houjin are decisive and Tushui are more thoughtful.”
Rhoelyn: “Your sister seems more like the Huojin. She prefers action over inaction. I can understand.” Mu Lin grins. “The journey will be good for her.”
Araatris: “I think you see her clearly, Mu Lin. She is not meant to be still.” The priestess watches them thoughtfully. “I believe she is meant to soar.”
Rhoelyn: He walks back over to Hushao and chuckles, “You have beat her to that. Would you like to fly over her before we land? The cubs will like it.”
Araatris: Rhoelyn follows. “Yes. That sounds like good fun.” The two mount up, and Hushao streaks over the beach, making the cubs screech and giggle.
Rhoelyn: The huntress, wolf, and pandaren cubs race after the dragon towards Gingo and Su Le. They tumble as the cubs pounce on them, giggling madly.
Araatris: As Hushao alights, Su Le carries Jay up on her own serpent. “Thank you, Hushao.” Rhoe slips down and pats him, watching them play with a soft smile.
Rhoelyn: Tsume pins one and begins licking him as he flails. “It’s no use, Minao. She’s decided that you need a bath.” Nysse ruffles his head fur.
Araatris: “She is a mother herself, little one, so she would know.” The priestess approaches them with Mu Lin, a smiling sea of calm amidst the chaos.
Rhoelyn: A disheveled Nysse blushes, “Yeah, she has twelve cubs of her own.” Her expression falters thinking of someone else and she clears her throat.
Araatris: Rhoe speaks to the children as they approach her. “Nysse trains the wolves. All of those pups learned to hunt and protect their family.”
Rhoelyn: Minao protests, “But I’m not one of her pups!” Rhoelyn kneels and gently pulls him from Tsume’s grasp. “Are you sure?” She dusts him off.
Araatris: The cub snickers at that. “I don’t even have pointy ears! And my tail is little.” “Mm.” Rhoe glances over at Mu Lin. “Family isn’t only blood.”
Rhoelyn: The wolf butts him gently with her head and he grabs onto it to stay upright. Nysse smiles softly at him, “She misses her own cubs, too.”
Araatris: The priestess straightens and walks over to rest a comforting hand on her sister’s shoulder. “It’s fortunate ours is a short visit, isn’t it?”
Rhoelyn: Nysse scratches a flushed cheek as she looks up, “It’s alright. There’s a new land to explore and see. She’ll be fine once we’re on the road.”
Araatris: “I’m sure she will. And her cubs are in very good hands.” She smiles gently. Nysse risks a glance and finds the adults exchanging knowing looks.
Rhoelyn: Blushing even more, Nysse busies herself standing and dusting off. “Ummm. Yes. Yes, they are. So, where were you going next on your tour?”
Araatris: The priestess looks over at Gingo, who gestures back up the cliff. “Perhaps you would like to see how we treat the fish before we visit the garden?”
Rhoelyn: The huntress nods. “I’d like that.” She picks up Minao and sets him on Tsume’s back. “You’re just the right size to ride a wolf like I used to.”
Araatris: The boy puffs proudly, leaving the other cubs to play while he gets a wolf ride. As they walk away, another child sidles up and takes Rhoe’s hand.
Rhoelyn: They walk up the path and follow it to where a few pandaren are working at a table. One looks up and waves, calling out, “Greetings, guests.”
Araatris: Despite her friendly smile and kind words of greeting, Rhoelyn conveniently lets Nysse and the others step in front of her to inspect the table.
Rhoelyn: “These are beautiful. Are these over here the same ones we had for breakfast?” Nysse sits with them, learning a new technique for deboning.
Araatris: Gingo gestures, telling her all about the local fish and their process with obvious pride. He’s clearly delighted by her genuine interest.
Rhoelyn: Nysse notes Rhoe’s polite interest and requests, smiling, “May my sister go on to the herbs? I’d hate to hold her up from her favorite part.”
Araatris: The priestess manages to hide her excitement as Gingo blinks. “Well, certainly. Though I was just going to show you how we harvest the eyes.”
Rhoelyn: The huntress gestures broadly. “I’d love to see that. Do you think Mu Lin or Su Le would mind taking her on?” She glances around questioningly.
Araatris: Su Le nods and straightens from where she was leaning against a pungent barrel. She sweeps an arm toward the stairs. “I will escort you, priestess.”
Rhoelyn: Rhoelyn bows her head. “I would be honored. Thank you. Nysse, you’ll have to tell me all about it later.” Nysse grins as they head up the stairs.
Araatris: Two of the guards trail them as they head back to the inn and pick up Lana. She leads them up to the top of the cliff and to the orderly garden.
Rhoelyn: The herbs are set into neat rows and clearly labeled signs, though the names are not familiar. Lana smiles as the priestess’ eyes light up.
Araatris: “You keep a lovely garden, matron,” she gushes, wandering happily between the rows. Her guards lounge, bored, until she gasps and shies back.
Rhoelyn: The guards leap to their feet and start towards Rhoelyn. She exclaims, “What was the creature?” Lana sighs, “Seems we have virmen again.”
Araatris: Rhoe laughs shakily, pressing a hand to her pounding heart. “It looked like a cross between a rat and a kobold. Oh, Elune. That startled me.”
Rhoelyn: “They’re pests, but not usually dangerous.” Lana mentions to Jay, “It didn’t get very close and it’s gone now.” She kneels and checks the garden.
Araatris: The priestess crouches beside her, peering under the leaves, but Jay steps up, placing a hand on her shoulder. “We should be going, miss.”
Rhoelyn: Rhoelyn quickly covers her disappointment. “I suppose it is getting late. I hadn’t realize how late it’d become.” She stands and bows to Lana.
Araatris: “We can hope you will have time to linger longer when you return, Rhoelyn. All of you.” The Pandaren’s smile encompasses the guards as well.
Rhoelyn: The priestess smiles and replies, “That would be very nice. All of you have been very hospitable, Lana. Thank you.” Jay escorts her to the path.
Araatris: They don’t wait long before Nysse and the others join them, gear already in tow. Tsume sniffs curiously at the oxen pulling their small cart.
Rhoelyn: “Rhoe! We made a spot for you to sit.” Nysse gestures for Rhoelyn join her at the back. “We thought you might like to relax while we traveled.”
Araatris: The priestess gives Nysse’s hand a quick squeeze. “You spoil me.” She giggles and adds, “But I will gladly ride.” She turns to their hosts.
Rhoelyn: Rhoelyn bows deeply to Gingo and Lana. “Thank you for showing us your home and the wonderful meal. I hope to see you again before we leave.”
Araatris: They both bow in return, and Gingo says, “You are always welcome. Have a safe journey, friends. We look forward to your return already.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse waves at them before helping Rhoelyn into the cart and settling her into a spot with a couple of pillows. The pandaren wave as they head out.
Araatris: As Davin guides the oxen and Nysse and the guards range around the cart, Rhoe smiles and mutters to herself, “This is off to a lovely start…”