Timestamp: 16th Day of Spring, 507 AV
Location: Endrykas, Sea of Grass
Location: Endrykas, Sea of Grass
A Thunderstorm had rolled over Endrykas late the night before, after Vanator had walked Sybel back to her tent. The Drykas had to admit, he would have enjoyed listening to that storm from within the benshiran woman's abode, from beneath her furs. But a peculiar, unspoken restraint had developed between Van and Sybel. It certainly was not rooted in disinterest. Quite the contrary, Vanator could not remember wanting to be with a woman more than the beautiful Benshiran, and only with iron will had he not insisted on sleeping with her. But something more had developed between them, a circumstance that Vanator could not quite define. It was respect, awe, affection, and a connection at a depth that insisted on patience and exploration, as if, like examining a piece of art, moving too fast one risked overlooking a precious detail. Also, the anticipation that waiting created, the reverence of a pending union, was tantalizing and flavored the potential intimacy with an incredible excitement that Sybel seemed to share. So, after their date, Vanator had left the sultry Eyktolian at the entrance to her tent, with the promise to return for her in the morning.
Dawn came shining brightly, the sun beginning to dry the night rain from the blades of grass with the aid of a cool spring breeze. Vanator had risen early, excited to see the desert girl again. He had asked his young cousin JInna to ready Backlash for the ride, his Strider mare was rather fond of the young girl and would give her no trouble. Meanwhile, Vanator snagged several of his aunts sweet rolls, wrapped them in a cloth and made his way through the wakening city to Sybel's camp.
With a quick combing of his fingers through his long hair, Vanator paused before the woman's canvas dwelling and cleared his throat. Lifting his voice, he announced. "Sybel of the Tents of Alijah, Descendant of Malech of the Sons of Rapa, your mount awaits!"