[flashback]I Can Tell That We Are Gonna Be Friends (Murphy)

[Syllke Skyglow]

Spring 36, 511 A.V. The spring snow storm had finally blown itself out and when the young Vantha and the wolf kelvic had emerged from their log shelter the world lay blanketed under a new, smooth layer of white crystals. The moon was out and the stars twinkled like diamonds in the bitterly cold air. Syllke had urged Murphy to stay in his wolf form in order to stay the warmer, and the two had made it back safely, to the ice gates and thence to the Skyglow hold. Syllke’s parents and grandparents had been happy to see him back safe and sound, and when he told them that Murphy had been a part of that being possible, they of course welcomed him with open arms. The two had been fed and warmed and sent off to bed, Murphy having reclaimed his human shape. The next morning, when he awoke, Syllke went in search of his new companion, who had been given a temporary bed on the floor in the common living area of Syllke’s immediate family. Murphy was already up, and eating a breakfast provided by Syllke’s grandmother. The old lady lovingly gave Syllke his own breakfast and left the two boys to talk while she went about her daily housekeeping. Syllke ate quite a lot, as usual, and encouraged Murphy to have as much as he wanted. When they were finishing up, Syllke set his bowl aside and looked at the other boy thoughtfully. They had chatted a little, about this and that, but nothing of any real consequence. But now Syllke adopted a more serious tone, asking, “So – what now? Will you stay in Avanthal, Murphy? It doesn’t seem like you have too much to tie you to this place. Is there another city you’d like to travel to? Back to the Isurs? Or further south?” With his elbows on the table, he added, “I’m thinking about leaving Avanthal myself. I mean, I intend to leave – I just haven’t decided on when.”

[Daroes Murphy]

Murphy ate slowly and listened to what the other boy had to say and watched at how fast he devoured his food. When the Vantha had popped the question of what tied him down, his eyes widened. "oh, um..." The Kelvic boy paused kinda of shy to the question. "My parents are buried here so I come here every so often to say hello and tell them about my troubles..." The Kelvic boy stopped not wanting to give the all details that tied him down, nor did he want to bore his friend with his life. "I have always wanted to see Denval and Alvadas, those cities interest me the most." The Kelvic boy said trying to change the subject. "What about you? Where do you want to go?" The boy changing the whole thing flipping it onto his new companion. The Kelvic watched as the boy pondered and slowly started eating the food, his friend's grandmother had made for them.

[Syllke Skyglow]

“Oh, I see . . . “ Syllke said thoughtfully, as Murphy mentioned that his parents were buried here in Avanthal. “Well, I can see that would be a reason to stay, but . . . “ He shrugged. “I’m sure if your parents could, they’d tell you to do your best to have the best life that you can. Anyway . . . “ He took a sip of tea. “I’m going to head to Denval first – it makes sense, as it’s on the way to everywhere else. Then . . . ? Who knows? I’d like to see as much of Mizahar as I can.” He was watching Murphy eat, recalling how sad the boy had seemed the day before. It seemed like he hadn’t a friend in the world. “It would be fun to have someone to travel with. I’m sure I’ll meet lots of people, but . . . you know. To have a real friend along – that would be fantastic.” He hesitated, not wanting to create any sort of conflict for Murphy. “So, I was thinking, if you decided that you wanted to leave Avanthal, and you wanted to tag along – I’d be happy to have your company.” Well, there, it was out. Murphy could say yes or no or maybe and it wouldn’t affect how Syllke felt about him. He just didn’t feel easy about one day setting out on his own adventures and leaving the boy behind to fall back into moping outside the city walls with no family, no friends and no future, so to speak of.