Meeting Elder Lyra

Still recovering from all that had transpired in the last few minutes, you are slow to take initiative. With an exasperated exhale and a gentle shove against your shoulder, your aquatic friend quips, “I know she seems a slight bit intense, but you’ll have to understand the stress she’s been under. She does grow on you, should she be given the chance.”

“I doubt our departed feral friend would agree with you,” comes your wry response, still in awe of how easily this Lyra handled the infected that had so nearly made a meal of you. A good amount of anxiety at the thought of being within punting distance of the woman still plaguing your mind, you nevertheless begin to step forth toward the larger hut.

“A fair point.” Comes the cheerful reply, Arro quickly stepping up beside you to keep pace. “Though the loathsome slob did give her adequate reason to remove him in such a manner. Speaking of which…” You then feel the Vaporeon grasp your right hand, drawing it up as you turn curiously to see what he was up to. “You’d likely wish to return these to their home before entering Lyra's abode~.” Arro pinches one of your clawed digits and gives it a wiggle to accentuate his point.

Realizing you’d left them extended, you instinctually jolt your hand from his, quickly sheathing the pointed razors. This sudden motion steals a surprised gasp from your friend before his usual smarm returns. “Still so shy after all we’ve been through!” He teases with a giggle. You shoot him an annoyed look, which is immediately disarmed by his ever present smile.

Sensing he might have pushed too far, Arro offers a change of subject. “You picked an odd time to utilize those.” His voice is more playful than accusatory, though the dread of having to speak of them is no less distressing. “They no doubt would have provided you an edge against that fiend had you brought them out when we started.” The Vaporeon delights in his terrible pun giving you a chance to explain them away.

“I.. forgot about them.” You flatly state, looking back toward the nearing hut. “Heat of battle, you know?” The blank stare you get in return tells you the water type isn’t exactly buying your reasoning, but thankfully he doesn’t press further. Arro merely shrugs and continues his bouncy gait up to the tall archway that the large Milotic still had to stoop under. After another breath to steady your nerves, the questions you would ask this wisened chieftain flying though your head, you step through the entryway into the darkened interior.

The hut is more spacious than expected, its far wall extending back past a lightly furnished living area adorned with simple, yet well aged wooden craftings. Looking after the chieftain, you fail to find her in the common area, instead continuing your scan of the impressive structure. You feel a soft, slightly damp seaweed throw rug beneath your paws as you step into the room, giving a polite wipe to each before venturing further. To your right resides a modest cooking area similar to the one you’ve seen in Arro's home. To the left is another archway, a covering of small shells and pebbles strung together to offer a bit of privacy from the majority of the hut. Assuming this is where Lyra has gone, you begin to make your way toward the doorway.

As you are about to draw back the shelled curtain to the room, however, a large hand pierces the veil and brushes it aside. You awkwardly stumble back into Arro as Lyra ducks her way into the room, fixing you with another look as she passes by. She says nothing as she pads her way over to a pile of kelp and tall grass before settling herself down into it, stoically motioning for the both of you to sit opposite her. Not wanting to say or do anything you might regret, you gingerly follow the Vaporeon to a smaller patch of the aforementioned padding and quietly find a seat next to him.

The three of you sit in silence, neither you or your friend willing to break the tension. Having your first real look at the woman before you, Lyra is able to impress as even seated she still towers over the both of you. There are small signs denoting her age, some soft lines about her face and a slump in her broad shoulders. She wears only a humble cloth wrap over her generous chest and a similar item protects her femininity. Two silky red fins flow from her head to rest upon her crossed legs. What is most eye-catching though, is her hefty tail swishing behind her. Four red and blue fins protrude from its tip, shimmering in the rays of sunlight allowed through the far window. You find it hard to look away from them as they continue to dance in the air beyond her shoulder.

Lyra looks over the both of you, likely considering her guardian’s words about you. Those red eyes have softened a bit, but they still burn with an intensity fueled by a lifetime of responsibility and tough decisions. After a long while, she seems to come to a conclusion about you, letting her firm visage sag a bit, a heavy exhale accompanying the motion. The chieftain then offers a polite nod in your direction and speaks, “I am Lyra. Village elder and protector of the people herein.” Her words are gentle and crisp, almost seeming as if accompanied by a soft hum. They feel nice buzzing about your head. “Arro states you’ve come for wisdom.” She continues, “He has stood resolute in his duties to Cove Crest for many years and I value his words. Might I ask your name, stranger?”

You find yourself missing the song-like voice as it ends, before gathering your thoughts and introducing yourself. She listens quietly as you relay your name and thank her for allowing this meeting. Lyra takes a moment to commit your words to memory before nodding again and replying, “Welcome to our village, Kale.”