Closed The stranger in black

[Absynia]

When he described where he was from she had to admit it sounded fascinating, she wondered what it would be like to walk on silk. Warily she eyed his cloak, but decided it would be rude not to try and appear like she had manners. She sat down looking at him, her head tilted slightly to the side, at close range his eyes were oddly fascinating. Green, blue, even blue green these colors were all she mostly ever saw of people’s eyes, but his were violet, seemed strange and exotic. It made sense, he was a foreigner, but he was even more strange than the usual random people that sometimes came to sightsee. She lifted his hand carefully, not even hesitating, he said it was okay so she, unafraid, lifted his hand and moved it to where she could see his claws in the faint moonlight. Curved, sharp, black as ink, she wondered what it would be like to have claws that could shred and tear for her own. She ran a finger along one claw, careful not to knick herself upon it, she wasn’t sure if they hid anything dangerous other than drawing blood.

Her touch was firm, but light, gentle even as she probed, she was focused, though her attention would shift if he moved at all. She noticed while holding his arm that something was odd, something she couldn’t explain, maybe his arm was lighter? The bones of his fingers felt delicate, more so than her own, she wondered what that meant. She glanced at his face and then all at once was suddenly embarrassed so she gently let go looking away. Something in his own gaze brought a touch of color to her cheeks, she didn’t meet his eyes for a few more moments later when she grabbed her slate to write again:

Your fingers remind me of handling a birds fragile wing, its an odd thing since you expect someone to be more ‘solid’.
Tell me more, about where you are from.
I’ve never been beyond this place, what else have you seen?
How far have you traveled?

She went back to watching him again, waiting to hear more, she wondered what the music of his people sounded like, she made a note to ask.

[Demetri Velutina]

Their were many smiles that made up Demetri’s repertoire of expressions. The first most common smile was his ‘kindly smile’ defined by soft lips of the edges of his lips. The angle of his mouth’s positioning expressing the full feelings he wished to represent. The current smile he held smile he held was a rare thing, and more often than not a dangerous one. Not for the person he was smiling at, but because he had let someone see the real side of him. It was a smile of ‘Kind Sincerity’, allowing his gaze to shift onto her hand as he regarded her actions for a fraction of a moment. Having leaned in closer to watch her massage his hand - Sure she was simply examining his hand, but it felt like a massage so that’s what he called it in his mind- with gentle touches that his fragile body found to be appropriate. His slender frame was why he choice to run rather then ride a horse since the galloping shaking would bring pain to his pelvic areas. Once Absynia had turned to glance at Demetri she would have noticed that their faces were inches from each others. When she let go of his hand he ran that same hand though his hair to remove some of it from his face. “Not all things in life require such brash solid approaches. You said a birds wings are fragile and yet a bird can fly so high and mighty though the skies. I may have a fragile frame I believe I am mighty in many many ways.” Pausing for a moment to muse over the various egotistical positive traits he had. “We have people who can fly without eagles in my home city.” Teasing her with that vague statement while he leaned in close to look into her eyes. As she examined his hand, Demetri found her eyes different from most he had seen on his travels. “I have been to the Crystal city of Lhavit, I have traveled to Alvadas the city of illusions where the roads themselves come to life and change as you walk on making no one road ever the same as well as ventured though the unforgiving itself and even found myself in Sylira at one point in time.“ Quirking a brow he grew curious as he hummed a small song he always did when bored, a simple melody from a song from Kalinor. “You have a flying mount and yet you haven’t flown anywhere past Wind Reach?” He knew next to nothing about the eagle riders but if he could fly he would not simply stay in one place.

[Absynia]

He made her unsettled, she didn’t like this, maybe that was why she was on edge, especially near him. She sighed and started to write:

He’s not a mere ‘mount’ he’s a person, like you and me, besides…
Its complicated, since you were not raised here you probably wouldn’t understand.
Just because he and I fly together doesn’t mean we are free to leave, especially since he wouldn’t want to.
Someday…I’ll travel, I just cannot right now…

An outsider wouldn’t understand that for her to leave was for her to also forsake the only bond she had ever had, to a person she loved like the family she never had. She didn’t want to leave Ashta’s side, she would be alone again, worthless again, she would not go back to the life she would have lived without Ash. She started to write again:

What does your native tongue sound like?
What is the music like?
How can you have roads made of silk?
How do the roads of that strange land shift like that?
Do the stars look the same here as they do in the places you’ve visited?

She had an insatiable curiosity, it seemed like her golden eyes swam with all sorts of questions, alight and alive showing she had a quick and imaginative mind. She had imagined these things and came back wanting to know more, she could spend all night just presenting him with question after question, never tired of hearing answers. She started to write again:

Do you have any good tales to tell?

[Demetri Velutina]

Nodding his head Demetri was starting to understand why she kept correcting him about de-anthropomorphizing her eagle. ”I appologize, I do not mean to keep insulting him. Emphasizing that he called her bird by a more subjectively personal term to humanizing her eagle. Still even after hearing her words Demetri was more confused then before. ”I understand that he may not want to leave now, but what if he did? What would be so wrong with leaving? Why are you not free to leave?” After asking his on question Demetri answered one of hers soon speaking in his native language of Symenos. ~"For someone who can‘t speak you sure have a lot to say… And you are adorable when you blush."~ The words almost sounding like poetry; and at the same time sounding as if he was still stalling on the moment, drawing it out slightly as if his words meant something vastly important. She would never know what he said so he added to the exaggerations by allowing his tone to grow softer.

[Absynia]

His words, spoken in the foreign tongue, sent a shiver down her spine. However it was the look in his eyes that again brought a hint of a blush to her cheeks. Somehow she had this bizarre feeling he said something about her, she shook it off and ducked her head a smile touching her lips as she wrote:

Your language is very beautiful.

It was, she had never heard such haunting and alluring sounds such as those as a form of communication. She could have listened to him speak all night, if merely because the sounds were so interesting to hear. Her smile would have been the first he’d have seen on her face, a rare glimpse of more of her further beauty that hardly anyone save for her eagle and the birds ever saw. She did laugh and smile often, but only when listening to the birds speak, play and live or whenever she was with Ash. It was a tenderness she kept hidden and safe because she could not bring herself to show it much around people she didn’t trust. To anyone else she appeared focused, serious, distant, annoyed, unemotional and wary. Other Inarta knew her as the mute rider, the former Dek who somehow rose above despite her disappointing deformity. If he were to ask about her he’d catch a glimpse of why she was so mistrusting, especially if he saw how people of her former rank were treated.

Her hostility was usually veiled around people, but it shimmered in her eyes, she remembered every day what it was like. She heard the whispers, the remarks, knew the glances, no matter how much she did she couldn’t escape and be free of it. Yet she was determined, even through all of that she held her head high and moved with purpose, she would not let them see any weakness. She had a stubborn pride that refused to let them see how it hurt. They would never accept her and as far as she knew, the whole world viewed her as flawed, worthless, deformed. She didn’t answer his questions about the whys of why she, Ash and the both of them stayed, she didn’t have to explain anything so personal to him. If he stuck around Wind Reach and paid attention, asking questions and learning, he’d find out soon enough. She looked at the strange violet eyed man wondering if she should dare to trust him, he could be like everyone else. It was then she detected the sound of wings, the man might not recognize the sound for what it was, but to her those wing beats heralded the sound of her only and beloved friend, Ashta.

A shape, black as ink, swooped down to land perching on an outcropping of rock. His wings stirred up a fierce wind before settling down when his wings folded at his sides. Syn sprang up swiftly closing the distance between her and her avian bondmate. She threw her arms around his neck simply happy to see him, it meant he would keep her company, protect her if she needed it, but also provide her with a sense of security. When she let go his head lifted to regard the Symenestran with a knowing gaze. His long head feathers were flared above his head making him seem a shade hostile, though he wasn’t at that moment, merely interested.

:Not everyday one of your kind graces our aerie with a presence, I trust…you mean my bondmate no harm?:

Words, masculine and holding a hint of possessiveness for the woman he was bonded to would sound in the man’s mind. A will, seemingly older than his own and intent was what that mindtouch suggested. For all that he seemed passive now, before the clawed and violet eyed stranger was a true predator. The look in Absynia’s eyes, the tenderness on her face, was aimed at the being perched upon the rock, not the pale man who may or may not have wanted it turned to him instead. It would also be clear that the hint of hypnosis that he had touched upon her was shattered, Ash’s question was more important than some brief suggestion. If the eagle thought he was a threat, so too would she, such absolute trust she had in her companion. Both regarded him with intent stares, if he could have been pinned to the stone with the weight of the looks in their eyes he would have.

[Demetri Velutina]

When the eagle had landed a sudden gust of wind it had created caused Demetri’s hair to sway to become disheveled. Running his hand though his hair he fixed the wlid strands that blocked his light of sight. Watching Absynia greet the giant beast with a familiar tender embrace that made him slightly cup the bottom of his chin with his hand, letting the tip of the claw on his middle finger scratch at his cheek. The gesture showing how little he cared about the arrival of the bird since it seemed to ruin the moment for him. Demetri hummed to himself as he stood up with narrowed eyes watching the birds aggressive body language of the Avian creature. it caused Demetri’s free hand to rest onto the handle of his bull whip. The Symenestra man much feeling shocked upon hearing a voice inside his head. Among many things that could unnerve him severely was the thought of having another sentient mind in his head. All the secrets he held could be compromised by this winged thing. Thinking a thought to test if the bird could hear him… ”I do not mean her any harm...” Saying nothing, he simply stared at the bird with a focus in his violet eyes. After a moment of awkward silence he responded aloud. “I am happy to grant you the honor of bein graced by my magnificent presence.” Narrowed eyes opening into a curious stare to see how it reacted to his joke. ”We were sharing pleasant conversation, there was never any intentions held in my mind to harm her.” It was true since from the start Demetri had only just talked with her despite the one use of magic to get her to calm down.

[Absynia]

Ash only gave a slight nod before settling down upon the rock preening one wing in an expression of boredom at the man’s remark about ‘his’ magnificent presence. Everyone knew that he himself was more amazing than some clawed pale humanoid, he could fly while the man could not, thus he was more spectacular. Syn gave her bondmate a rub on his beak before taking her former place upon Demetri’s cloak. Again the man would feel a touch upon his mind, but this one was gentle, like the feather touch of fingers upon the outer barrier of his mind.

Now that Ash is here I can talk… Through my bond with him he allows me to borrow a bit of his gift so that I can speak.

The emotions shading her mindvoice was, uncertain, shy, as if she wasn’t used to using the ability for settings such as she was in now. It was true, she usually only used the ability when she needed to speak, usually for duty related things. Unbeknownst to the two Ashta had been watching since the very beginning, but had stayed away simply because he wanted to see what would happen. He had known the man meant no harm, but Absynia needed proof of that with him present. No, he didn’t like the idea of her taking the man creature as a mate, but who was he to stop his friend from finding someone she might like? As it stood right now she was slowly relaxing, she liked him well enough, but her feelings were still too chaotic for him to really judge anything. His partner had never shown any inclinations towards either gender, attraction was an alien thing for her since she tried to keep her distance. Likewise the looks of attraction towards her were just as strange, she wouldn’t understand what they meant and so they would make her uneasy.

She was ill treated as a child, since growing older she had put up barriers to protect herself from further harm. Now those barriers were showing flaws, things that she kept herself from learning or seeing. This would be good practice for her, especially when dealing with people who viewed her with favor and interest.

[Demetri Velutina]

The grip onto the handle of his whip loosened feeling no apparent urgent danger from the large bird. As was typical of his nature, Demetri had never felt quite as trapped as he did in this sudden moments. He was incredibly pleased that she could now speak with him directly, yes; there was no lying about that. It was just that lingering feeling of the bird being a third wheel in the conversation. The only way he could calm himself was to completely ignore Ash since Syn was the focal point of his attention. Sitting down back onto his cloak with one leg spread out completely as his right leg was bent vertically, pressing his thigh against his chest as he rested his right elbow on his right knee. “Well this is a very pleasant surprise. It is always a gift to hear such a lovely voice.” Looking up into the sky he was suddenly reminded of one of the questions. She had asked. “I believe the stars have looked the same everywhere I have been though I think they shine brighter in Lhavit… I am not truly certain of this but since the goddess of stars is the matriarch of that city, I am simply just assuming for the better. ”

[Absynia]

She looked at him with interest, she didn’t know there were other gods other than Eywaat.

What other gods are there?

She could have just read stuff about them, but had never really thought to do so, she easily accepted that Eywaat had chosen her, so why look beyond that? She’d go to the library and go look, she had her curiosity sparked a bit. She looked up at the sky as ever wondering what lay at each of them, would that she and Ash could fly to each one and see.

How is it where you come from people can fly without an eagle?
Do people grow wings beyond these mountains?
I have been out of Wind Reach, but not beyond our land.

With Ash near she felt secure enough that she laid on her back somewhat relaxed. She wasn’t totally comfortable, she kept the man in her peripheral vision when she wasn’t looking at him.

What other things can your people do that others cannot?
How long do you plan to stay?

The questions just kept coming, now that she didn’t have to write them out she could ask any number of other things that she might not have asked due to not feeling like writing too much. Ash kept a close eye on things while not being obvious about it, content to preen his feathers. He could have answered her questions about the stranger, but wanted to see how the clawed man dealt with a woman who was ever hungry for knowledge. He remembered the questions she would always ask him, always asking new things and never satisfied till she had everything answered that at that moment she could think of. He knew she would not leave, true he could just break the bond and let her fly away, but he wasn’t willing to be alone again, just as she wasn’t. He was determined to stay bonded to her till death claimed him or her, even then he was sure he’d find a way to stay beside her. This encounter would do her some good, even if he was worried the creature was trying to steal his partner away.

[Demetri Velutina]

He brushed a hand through hair that was already in disarray from the repeated action of running his fingers through his locks of hair. Pursing his lips faintly as he tugged at the straps of his ink black leather armor absently, haphazardly making an attempt to lossen the incredibly tight straps made of black. They were tight to keep his body supported during everyday action’s like walking, running, and climbing but when relaxing they were uncomforting though not enough to be annoying. “There are a great many other gods, Ionu of Illusions, Rhysol the god of Evil, and Cheva the goddess of Love and Passion… though I worship only one god… Viratas.” He didn’t mention what his god held patronage over in hopes of having her curiosity take interest in his own god of worship. Perhaps it was nonsense, but it made Demetri feel modest when it came to talking about religious matters. Not wanting to besmirch any gods name but more importantly his own. Glancing to the fiery headed girl and remained silent, getting briefly distracted by the irregularities of her eyes. They had already caught his attention before noting her large yellow orbs. Blinking, he snapped out of the distraction when the women spoke to him again. “You are sure full of a lot of questions but I enjoy the company of your presence and is more then happy to answer them.” When she laid down Demetri did the same, letting himself lay on his side allowing him to rest his elbow on the ground to use his hand to support his head. It appeared awkward since his limbs were longer then other races since his head was held high off of the ground being supported by his hand. Due to being on his side he was facing directly at her rather then looking at the sky. “You would be in awe at Aerial Dancing, Aerial Dance. They dancers appear weightless as they glide upon silk with grace.“ When bored or wanting to be entertained in his past Demetri would watch Aerial Dancers practice their impressive feats. Humming lightly to himself he started to think on any other creatures with wings. “Well there are the savage Zith who are born with bat-like wings; what they do not eat they enslave. Beyond the average kelvic who can turn into some type of avian bird there are the Akvatari who have butterfly like-wings and the lower body of a sea creatures flippers.” While he did love hearing himself speak Demetri wanted some curious questions of his own answered. “Before I answer anymore questions could I look into your eyes?”