[Matthews Bay] Prologues and Epilogues

[Ethan]

Even though Ethan had never been one for some of the more "Human" emotions. Especially sorrow for another person's situation. He did feel bad having to break the news to Sondra. She looked so defeated by his words. Maybe he could of said it in a softer manner? He grew uncomfortable with her weakness. Sondra had been such a strong and fierce woman. Able to withstand anything, or maybe that's just how he saw her. But this... wounded demeanor was new. Everyone had weak points and low moments. It was natural, it was human. But that didn't mean they had to be tolerated. "We can work this out Sondra." He was crouched next to her as he spoke. "I won't sneak you into the city. It's bad enough Hadrian might get sick, I won't risk you too. But we can find you a place along the beach. I'll fly out everything you need. Don't worry, it will be like camping on the road, but less dangerous." He gave her a lop sided grin. He knew it wouldn't be as good as a feather bed but she would have to live with it. "Hadrian is a skilled teacher and I'm more practical than most students. I'll be fine Sondra." He understood her fear of magic but didn't wish to speak further on the topic, continuing with. "The Pyromancer has left our company." It pained him to say it even now. "To rejoin her family I guess."

[Sondra]

"Don't look at me like that, Ethan. I don't need a nursemaid." There it was, that mildly insulting resistance so familiar to him. She couldn't look at the Kelvic while she spoke, choosing to cast her eyes towards the sea. It was flat an unyielding, a perfect sight to steady her. A compassionate glance like Caelum's would start tearing out the sutures. "I wouldn't ask to be snuck in," she scoffed, "I'm not aiming to get anyone in trouble just because I don't want to eat more hard tac." Sondra sat straighter, gingerly rolling her stiff shoulder. Her scales rippled with color as she stretched her neck, exposing them to the higher light. She moved as if preparing for a prize fight instead of another span of numbing uncertainty. "'Fine', eh? Whatever you say, bird." She exhaled and slipped to other thoughts, "Poor Hadrian. Kendall seemed smitten. Maybe there wasn't... enough." Sondra grinned, though it had no joy. "Who's to say what's in the heart of a woman?" Leaning back, she released Ethan from the illusion of close confidence. "I'm not going to jump overboard. You don't have to watch me, Wave Guardian." She made a noble looking gesture that might have signified something in Mura. "Promise by the Lady's eyes."

[Ethan]

Some of Sondra's former umph came back to her. Whether it was because of his supportive presence or her inability to appear vulnerable for too long, he couldn't say. But Ethan was happy to see her regain a little color in her cheeks. Weakness was just as important as strength, but there had to be balance. And right now, in the face of such uncertainty, there was no room for it. He would have to remember to bring her a bottle of wine when he could. An irritated grunt was all the response he was willing to give on the matters of Kendal's heart. She left, and that was it, she was nothing to him, even if his heart said otherwise. "I don't know what's sillier, me being a guardian of the seas or you trying to appear noble." He grinned, obviously more tickled by the second thought. "And you shouldn't swear upon your gods so easily Mistress Sondra. I need you to get your gills overboard before my comrades see you. If you go with them you'll be tied up in a pitiful refugee camp or kept on board. Go now and we can find you a cozy little spot on the beach. "quiet and away from prying eyes, just in case your trip left you aching for more than a warm meal and soft pillows." His eyes flashed with it's usual mischief, but there was a calmness deep within his pale yellow eyes that betrayed his coy words and exposed something much more serious

[Sondra]

Sondra took a knowingly fruitless swipe at the Kelvic. "Cheeky bastard," she chuckled, forcing herself into good humor. "Even if it did, you know I don't like poultry." She pointed with her chin towards another Wave Guardian who was talking with a cluster of Denvali. "How about that dark haired one who came on board with you? Think he fancies Konti?" Something shined in her eyes, "I like the looks of him." There was a true reluctance when she finally unpinned her gaze from the man to counter Ethan's offer. "I'll go where the rest go," it was spoken with insistence. Whether Caelum would remain near her or bloom towards higher purposes, she wanted to linger in his shade longer. "I've got a few people among this flotsam and jetsam. May be the last I'll see them." Sondra was trailing a current that ran deeper than she was admitting. Her hands flexed, remembering the phantom shape of strings and the texture of sand on skin. Dreams that drew her to a place destined to crumble. "You can visit if you've got the time, birdy. Think you'll have a bell or so to spare? All that learning, guarding and the slew of bird wives I'm sure you got."

[Ethan]

The swing was indeed fruitless but he made a show of ducking back, so he didn't hurt her feelings entirely. Ethan's eyes saw all things, even in his more limited body. He had yet to be surprised by anything within his line of sight. Even in the dark, motion was impossible to go unnoticed. "Ellard?" He looked over his shoulder at the man she was interested in, he turned back and smiled. "Oh I'm sure I can arrange something." If that's what it took to please Sondra, he would do it happily. Kelvic's, even ones such as Ethan, didn't care too much for morality. When she told him her wishes, he was astounded. Whoever was important enough to make her stay was truly special, and a significant threat. He smiled happily at her jest and replied "Oh, you. I hardly have any time for ladies when I have to keep Hadrian safe. He has an independent streak a mile wide and it leaves my wings cramped tracking him." He breathed in deep, trying to grasp the situation fully. Sondra, surprisingly not dead, has bumped into him half a world away. Amongst a fleet of ragged refugees, and wanting to stay close to certain individuals. It was enough to make him queasy. He and Sondra had never been anything beyond mildly flirtatious. But he had a certain obsession with her that went past her superiority as a woman and possible mate. It was an emotion that confused him, so he did his best to ignore it until he was alone. "I'll visit you whenever I can. See if you're being taken care of. Have a drink with you. Maybe bring Ellard over." He laughed, hoping she didn't name this individual that was so dear to her.

[Sondra]

"Sounds fair. I won't demand Ellard straightaway, either." Sondra's quick grin showed Ethan her recently chipped canine. There were always new little flaws when she resurfaced. Who knew what she would be in twenty years time. Would the intrinsic loveliness of her race survive such rough handling? Defying the grace rendered her race, she seemed intent on showing signs of passing years. At least she wore her welts and scuffs with the same reckless ease with which she acquired them. "As much as I appreciate the uniform, fly to see me sometime too." Her head leaned against the mizzenmast behind the crate she sat on. "There's something about the silhouette," she said with a strange introspection, "I got used to it for a time. I don't get used to much anything anymore. Can't even keep a steady reflection." Trying to swim beneath the ripples her confession may have made, Sondra pushed the subject back to Ethan. "So you're too busy tailing Hadrian. I wonder that you two don't get chevas marks and get it over with." Her head lolled to look at Ethan again, "Tell him Caelum's here."

[Ethan]

He assured Sondra he would let Hadrian know of this Caelum's presence within the city, but otherwise remained silent. He understood the painful absence of familiar faces. Her's for one and Kendal's. Even though he hated to speak of her or her traitorous abandonment of Hadrian and himself. He missed their conversations and long hours of Reimancy practice. But even though he understood. He didn't know how to respond. This... admission, was new for Sondra. He didn't want to see too far into it. Trying to force a romantic meaning behind it all. But he couldn't just ignore it. Deciding he was thinking too much on the subject, he sat down besides Sondra leaned over and kissed the top of her head. "Missed you too Sondra."