Closed Biting Your Tongue [Red]

[Arandolya]

Arandolya The only limit is the Stars . . . Timestamp: Day 23 of Winter, 512 AV [Early Afternoon] The morning had dawned bright and clear, full of red skies and a familiar heat. The prospect of dawn always had an appeal to this certain Inarta, as it always managed to look painting-perfect. Cloudy, you saw the sun slowly light up the sky behind them. Clear, you could watch the sun spill its paint across the sky in a pattern that seemed random, yet too beautiful to have no purpose. Arandolya, a faithful follower of Priskil, loved the small beacon that she seemed to give to those who believed in her ways. It often gave Arandolya the lift she needed on a dour day, and basking her face in the sun gave a peace she could find no where else. Even in winter Arandolya often peeked out of Skyinarta to glance at the rising sun, though of late she had been waking up too late to see it. Today was one of those mornings, as Arandolya had woken only a few chimes before. Grumbling, she threw on her clothes in plans to visit the Tisuma Baths before starting her day. She tied her hair in a quick braid, tucking in feathers and beads with the absent quick-handedness of an Inartan female. Although she had taken a bath the night previous - then reason why Arandolya didn't worry about her hairpiece coming undone, as she had no plans to wet it - she liked visiting the hot baths to soothe nerves and calm any temper. There was also a Chiet woman who knew just how to work the kinks out of her neck, which Arandolya couldn't help but look forward to as she was busy last night. Walking with a purposeful stride, Arandolya only spoke briefly to anyone familiar enough to greet her, not one to spend time with idle chittering when she had plans. She made her way through the mountain uneventfully until she was almost at the bath house. Arandolya could almost see the steam coming from the entrance when a voice called, "Arandolya! Wait!" She tried not to groan. Ducking her head slightly, Arandolya hoped to hide behind a swath of red hair, though it was too tightly done to offer any protection. The man descended like an eagle on prey. "Trying to hide?" he scoffed. Arandolya turned to face A'teir, smiling with any mixture of warmth she could produce for the Endal. "Of course not," came her soothing response, wrapped in the respect tint of their difference in caste as she bowed her head politely before looking back. Honey eyes only level with the man's chest, Arandolya had to tilt her head slightly to meet his gaze - as he refused to take the few steps back that would allow her to look straight. She thought he liked the feeling of superiority that way, and as an Avora, who was she to question it?

[Red Daghul]

It was only a few hours ago that the Endal, who now made his way through the halls of the mountain with the idea of food on his mind, had returned from his hunting trip with two of his friends. It had been a different trip then he had expected, but then again this was the life of a Endal and how could he ask for anything else.

Before Red was a river of red heads moving about through the ways of the mountain, and the Endal had to give awe to the fact that this was his people. They were strong, and proud with a strong sense of surviving. The winter as always had been hard, but they were doing quite well as far as winters went.

Taking a deep breath he started his walk through the river when his eye's caught sight of something from his past, and present that he wished would vanish from his mind. A'teir, his half brother moving through the crowd, and always like a king among his servants. It was like A'teir had something others could never reach even among the Endal he felt as if he was better. In Red's eyes A'teir was a stain from his Father that would never fully disappear.

Today though the younger man seemed on a mission, and his eyes slightly ablaze which sent chills through Red as he felt the sting of guilt for thinking he could just walk away. Shifting on his feet the older Endal turned to tail his half brother just to be sure things would... well not get out of hand.

A'teir was a bigger man standing maybe a inch or two above Red, which made him look much bigger where he wasn't much stronger then the other Endal. The two brothers looked as different as could be where Red was rugged, A'teir was clean cut and sharp. The two didn't even just look different they even acted different.

Not long after Red had started tailing his brother he heard him call out to some one just ahead of him, and then A'teir dunked through a small crowd then slipped in front of a shorter maiden. "Trying to hide?" the answer was lost in the crowd, so Red started to move closer to the two. A'teir reached out and took the girl's arm and started to try and pull her over to a more open area.

[Arandolya]

Arandolya The only limit is the Stars . . . A'tier took hold of her wrist, with a cocky smile, and pulled her out of the main corridor. Guiding - more like pushing - the woman into an alcove, A'tier was able to prevent any escape with his presence in front of her, and walls at her side. "I didn't think you'd run away." he purred, raising a hand to brush down her cheek. Arandolya's breath hitched and she struggled to avert her eyes, though societal respect made her keep a honey gaze level with his. "Do you need something?" she asked quietly, in which A'tier just shook his head. "Nothing but your hand," was his blunt reply. Arandolya did know it was coming, as A'tier had been attempting to court her for a little while now. Although she tried to politely refuse, he kept coming and seemed to take her aloof manner as an invitation. He always wanted what he couldn't have. The hunter was unable to say he was unattractive or not anything she wouldn't want in a husband ... no, he was very attractive, and frankly was an Endal to boot. As Arandolya's golden eyes slipped down to her shoes, she knew it was not because of his status or looks could she marry. He was simply downright ... arrogant. Rude. Had a major superiority-complex going on. And, Arandolya just wasn't ready to marry and settle down yet. A'tier didn't seemed to understand why a woman would not want him, and Arandolya wondered how many times he'd pinned her against a wall in a public place ... she'd lost count halfway through Fall. People streamed by the main corridor at a steady pace, a very few taking the path that Arandolya was in, but no one seemed to give them a second glance. She almost wished they would. Looking to the man, Arandolya sighed quietly and shook her head. "I am not ready to give my hand to anyone, A'tier, though I am honored by your request." "We would have strong Endal children though," A'tier cooed. "Real Endal, and not just hunters," he added in a teasing manner. Arandolya didn't laugh though, and instead felt a flush of embarrassment, bowing her head again to cover her blush. Taking it as passion at the thought of having children, A'tier was quick to take her chin and force her to look back into his eyes, smiling now. "I may not be the best hunter, or an Endal, or even the best at anything I like to do. That does not mean I am fake," the Avora couldn't help but mutter, frowning at A'tier. "Oh, Arandolya, you know I don't care if you bring in so little." That was supposed to comfort her? "I earn my wages, I bring in enough." "No one can blame you that a Wind Eagle doesn't want to bond with you, I know I do." Arandolya felt a sting of hurt at his pointed comment, and wretched her chin away from his grasp. Try as she might to wriggle away, A'tier was right there to stop her. People were now starting to look, one glance from a passerby was all it took. One man to see a flash of red down the lane to turn and see a woman with an Endal. Not too special . . . though it was obvious she was not comfortable, and her tense shoulders gave away her anger. The man paused, and a person asked what, in which in nodded in their direction. Arandolya noticed the others, and looked to A'tier. "People are staring," she said, trying to push him away - though made it look more teasing to the eye instead an Avora intending to harm an Endal. "Let them stare," was all A'tier offered, leaning down. His breath tickled her ear, and she could almost feel his lips on her cheek. "They're just surprised an Endal would settle for an Avora." Arandolya stiffened and huffed, again trying to push the brick wall in front of her. She may have a strong upper body from her bow, but the man was not only taller - but heavier and simply just a larger frame. "If you wish me to marry you, withhold the comments of my caste," Arandolya muttered. "But they are who you are, and however unpleasant, we can't all be born under a star." You are one of the stars, Arandolya, you will shine as bright as the sun. Her mother used to tell her that at bedtime to ensure she went for her dreams, though she did want Arandolya to become a hunter in her footsteps. Though Endal blood ran in their veins from grandparent's, a Wind Eagle has not bonded within their family for almost three generations. They were not ashamed of it though. "Stop, A'tier," Arandolya said firmly, finally coming up with some strength to put an end to this. "Why?" "Because I have no wish to marry right now." "You're marrying me though." "No I'm not." "Wouldn't it be nice to have an Endal in the family? Your mother would be proud you caught the attention of one, and didn't have to marry lower like a Chiet." "My father's a Chiet," Arandolya snapped, eyes beginning to darken in her growing anger. "Exactly. She would have wanted the best for you." Now a few murmurs swirled from the onlooking crowd, and any attempt to pacify the growing tension between the two was ignored. A couple men tried to call to A'tier to perhaps leave her alone, try another day, she looks busy. A'tier was an Endal though, the highest of their society, the most respected, he would stay in line - they had nothing to worry about. Right? "I know what's best for me, not you, A'tier." Struggling to keep the same respectful tone, Arandolya's voice came out flat - at least it didn't hold the poison she wished to spit at him. "Obviously not if you don't want a real hunter in your family." "I am a hunter." "No, you're just a pretty woman playing with a bow. Leave the hunting to the men." Playing with a bow indeed. If a hunter fiddled too much with the string, it often broke. And here was a little bow twanging the bowstring, and although it protested, he kept going. Finally, it just snapped. Arandolya straightened and her gaze burned with anger as she yelled, "I am a hunter, not some red haired Yasi! I have earned my place and skill. You, and not anyone else, can take that away from me! My mother was a respected second hunter! My father a Chiet still within Wind Reach!! No. They are not the best. They are not the Endal you so highly prize. But I am proud to be of their descent none the less, and you cannot shatter that. No matter your arrogance, and cruel words, I am an Avora AND PROUD TO BE ONE!" She pushed past the Endal to the shocked silence of others, and planned to go back home from the corridor she was in. A'tier had other ideas though. Her wrist was grabbed and she was twirled around. Hatred burned in his eyes as his cheeks were flushed with embarrassment. "You will not speak to an Endal that way." "Get off!" "Take it back!" "Let me go-!!" "NO!" Arandolya acted out of instinct and complete anger, now taken by the rare fury that gripped her mind. She drew her hand back and slapped A'tier straight across the face. It hurt her hand, but his grip loosened and Arandolya was able to scramble away. Slapping, a childish move. It worked though, and Arandolya didn't have any faith in her fightig abilities to try punching without breaking her hand. A couple people made a move to stop her. She'd just hit an Endal. Didn't he merit it though? Torn between respect of the Endal and the scene, many stayed frozen. Arandolya, seeing the fury darken the handsome man's eyes, just ran. Ran for her life.

[Red Daghul]

It would have seemed that A'teir had met his match the way he toyed with the maiden though Red wasn't close enough the hear his words he could see the way his half brother moved and knew that nothing good would come of this. Either the woman would be swayed by the boy's charm, or turned off by his arrogance and lust for power. Either way it sickened Red to watch this Endal at work.

Just when Red decided that nothing was going to happen things started to get heated, and though his view of the girl was blocked he could hear the tone of the girl's voice even if he could not make out the words entirely. Moving to put a end to this the Endal found the river of red headed people just became a torrent of a wave, and progress slowed in his attempt to reach the two. Next thing Red knew the girl threw a swing at A'teir which was a foolish move, but seemingly one that needed to happen.

There was no doubt in Red's mind that A'teir's rage would know no bounds, and the girl turned and began her race away. Hitting a Endal was not something you did with out careful thought to your next move, and never when they could strike back. The crowd moved to stop her, but it didn't seem to phase her. It was the sky that took Red's focus as he heard the screech of a wind eagle and knew that this was going to end badly.

Taking off at a run Red pushed his way through the current of red his eyes focused on his half brother who now launched himself after the girl trying to force her out into the opening where he was sure to have his wind eagle ready.

'Daghul!' Red sent into the air knowing that his friend would just be in reach 'I need you here, now!' hoping that his friend was willing and able to get here fast Red broke out of the current of people just in time to see A'teir's wind eagle land right in front of the girl, and A'teir move in on his prey.

"Well now, aren't you just a little brat" spat A'teir as loud as he could making sure people heard, he truly was a jerk. sadly no one in the crowd was going to stop him rather then moved away from the wind eagle and Endal only to watch. "I offer you a life better then you could ever reach on your own, and this is what you give me..." the Endal was shaking with rage "disrespected... I will teach you to touch one above you and when I am done even the Dek won't want you" he lifted his hand to strike the girl.

Red was going to have this leaping from the crowd he yelled "THAT'S ENOUGH A'TEIR!" planting himself in the circle the older Endal faced his brother who turned towards him teeth clenched.

"Back off Red, this does not concern you" there was a bite in his tone as he stared with hate at his brother "She has asked for this, it is my right to deal with her" the shaking in his arms made it very clear that his rage had taken over.

'I am here Red' came a voice Red's head making the Endal feel a little better at his odds of dealing with this sending a image of the other Endal's wind eagle mate Red made it clear that if Daghul dealt with that he would deal with his brother.

"A'teir she is just a girl let her go, and we can all be done with this" A'teir only gripped his fist harder and glared at Red. It was true that the two never got a long, and a mater of fact now that Red really put any thought to the plan of talking done his brother he remembered that it never worked... ever. Then with out warning A'teir attacked.

Luckily for Red Daghul was ready and let out a screech as he dived for the other bird which gave warning to him to start moving to avoid A'teir's attack. The Wind Eagle took to the sky before Daghul could land a attack, and they started their aerial combat while the Endal began their shuffle on the ground.

The first punch came from the younger Endal and Red tried to dodge the attack, but was to slow and felt the impact land solid into his gut making him wrench over. A'teir had always been the better brawler, and so just as he landed the punch he brought down his elbow onto Red's back sending him to the ground. Pain took over for a moment as Red scanned around him aimlessly till his eye caught sight of the red headed girl he was trying to save.

That is when things started to fall in place, and anger started to well up in Red's very soul. The very core of Red found a anger he only could save for this. The girl who is jerk of a brother was going after was his half sister, and with the anger a small pang of guilt started to form. It had been years since Red had found out about the younger girl, and only because he had found his mother just before she died. Red should have reached out to her, but he didn't know how, or where to start...

The thought would have gone on if he had not found himself feeling the impact of a boot to his chest, but with his new found rage the Endal grabbed the next swing of the foot and pulled A'teir to the ground. "You have gone to far this time A'teir" the bruised Endal said as he stood slowly. If only his brother was as slow. Soon the other was on his feet drawing a talon sword in the same moment, and Red moved his hand to his own sword feeling a turn in the battle was about to take place.

[Arandolya]

Arandolya The only limit is the Stars . . . You are an idiot, an official idiot. Why, oh why in the name of all the heavenly gods would you hit an Endal?! Her thoughts raged as she ran through the corridors, A'tier hot on her heels. Arandolya knew she was being forced into the open, but saw no other way to try and get away from the man. Maybe his Eagle would be nice and accidentally land on him? The furious call of a Wind Eagle though eliminated such thoughts, and Arandolya could only hope it was far enough away for her to beat them across the Courtyard. Arandolya burst out into open ground, though already knew by the shadow she was done for. "Curses," she growled, and backpedaled as to not completely head on into the bird. That would be even worse if she bruised a Wind Eagle. Looking behind her, she saw A'tier slow down, a twisted look on his face turning it ugly. The Avora breathed and took a step back, wary of the Eagle at her side. "Well now, aren't you just a little brat," A'tier spat. The people just walked off to form a circle and watch. Sick fascination. "I offer you a life better then you could ever reach on your own, and this is what you give me... disrespected... I will teach you to touch one above you and when I am done even the Dek won't want you!" Breathing in, Arandolya watched him evenly as he moved to hit her. He was entitled, she did hit him. Golden eyes pinned on the male, Arandolya stood still, and just waited for the blows to fall. If she was lucky she'd just be killed in the encounter and be done with it, rather than face whatever waited after this. What did exactly wait after you hit an Endal, and refuse their marriage? Foolish child indeed. The hit swung closer. Just before it landed a voice called from the crowds. "THAT'S ENOUGH A'TEIR!" Arandolya looked over, seeking the source. She found a tall male, a few years older than she. Another Endal. Oh great, he probably wants to join in. A'tier seemed to think differently though as he snarled, "Back off Red, this does not concern you. She has asked for this, it is my right to deal with her." It was his right. Arandolya forced herself not to look at the ground, and watched the two boys with a passive eye, now able to recollect her peaceful personality once the initial rage subsided. She, unlike A'tier, was able to control her anger once she noticed it got out of hand, and most of the time felt very sorry for her actions in the rare times she was fully angered. Like now. The Wind Eagle was keeping an eye on her with a chilling gaze, and Arandolya glanced over to it. Why had they picked A'tier? Why would someone so hot-headed and so cruel get bestowed the honor of a Wind Eagle, and many other women and men should have become Endal. What type of Yasi was A'tier to earn this loyalty? Was she worse than him? Less worthy? Arandolya gazed at the eagle and their sharp intelligence that glowed in their eyes. The sounds of blows suddenly landed sharply dropped Arandolya out of her thoughts and she looked downwards to see the males brawling. Her eyes widened and she fell back, only to feel a scaly leg come behind her, sharp beak hovering near her cheek. Her breath caught in panic, but the Wind Eagle only lowered their head to level an eye, burning anger in the depths. It seemed A'tier wanted to punish Arandolya himself, and asked his Wind Eagle to just prevent her escape. Looking back to the fight, Arandolya met the gaze of the man who defended her, whom was obviously in pain. A flicker of emotion flashed before fury enveloped his eyes, though it disappeared too quickly for Arandolya to disconcert what emotion it was. "You have gone too far this time A'teir," the man said as he slowly rose, both Endals going to their swords. As they drew them, Arandolya couldn't help but briefly admire the balance and curve of the blade, the ease in which both males swung them. The clash of metal soon rung the air to the silence of the onlookers. It was not unusual for people to have sporadic fights within Wind Reach to defend their honor or family, and such was the main cause of death within the out-spoken and down-to-earth Inarta. Yet, to defend an Avora that was at fault? Why did this Endal choose to do so? Arandolya watched, horrified at the fact she'd let a man take a beating for her sake. Although he seemed superior to the other Endal, blood was being drawn, and both seemed determined to prevail. The woman took a step forwards, and looked upwards, noticing the friendly Endal's (that's what she dubbed him, as his name was unknown) Eagle circling their opponent's, watching carefully before locking back into aerial combat. Looking back to the fight it was obvious the men were tiring. They broke apart briefly, and Arandolya knew this was time to intervene. "Stop," she said in a firm voice, stepping between the two Endal. She looked much more confident than she felt, the thought of swords going through her if they were too blinded by battle-hunger briefly flashing through her mind. Arandolya stood straight, and squared her shoulders, looking briefly to the Endal that came to her aid. She nodded in acknowledgement before looking to A'tier. "A'tier, this is not this Endal's fight. Although you obviously have a personal feud with him, he should not pay for my own actions. I will. I apologize, and regret my actions against you. I know it is not my place to refuse your honor, and never should have." It pained her to say the words, but Arandolya knew she must. She was in no position to challenge an Endal. "I hope you will consider a way for me to gain your forgiveness." She fell silent, and breathed deeply. Arandolya then turned to address the friendly Endal. "Thank you," she said sincerely. "I do not know you, or you me, yet you came to my defense. I do not know why, and perhaps never will, but know you have a faithful friend and ally in whatever need comes your way." "Come here, Arandolya," came A'tier's sharp voice. It was pointed and full of anger, but Arandolya went. This time, she lowered her gaze. "Can you battle me for your honor?" "No, nor would I want to," came Arandolya's quick response. "You will obey me." Arandolya fell silent. "Why don't we try it now, eh?" He forced her chin up as he once did. She hated the sense of eyes watching her, and clenched her teeth. "Repeat after me. Until I can fight for my own honor." Arandolya stiffened, and said nothing. A'tier's hand clenched on her chin and he drew his face closer. "Repeat it," he snarled. Arandolya swallowed her pride, feeling a wash of shame in herself as she did what he said. "U-un-until I can fight for my own honor," she murmured. "Louder!" "Until I can fight for my own honor," Arandolya said again in a clear voice. "And beat A'tier." "And - and beat A'tier." "In a fair contest." "In a fair contest ..." "I will be in his servitude from this day forwards." The crowd froze with his words. Was that allowed? Did an Endal have the right to give out that punishment? Some murmured among themselves, but no one spoke out. Of course not. Arandolya flushed with anger, and her shoulders tensed. Hit him, run away, how long would that take? How far would she get? The knowledge made her spit out the words, "I will be in his servitude from this day forwards." A'tier smiled at her and kissed her cheek. "Good, my pet. I will tame that lion within you, and soon it will be a horse I can master and ride." Disgusted, Arandolya didn't say anything. The crowd dispersed as A'tier walked away. For a moment, Arandolya just stood there. She waited until everyone had left, whispering her name, whispering his, whispering the word 'servant' over and over again. It did seem fitting in the ways of Inarta law. She was rude, and refused to go by an Endal's word, and hit him. Thus, she would be forced into obedience. Nothing though, could rationalize it in her mind. She'd just sold her life to an Endal with nothing on his brain but his own trivial needs. Arandolya looked up and saw the friendly Endal was still present. She slowly walked to him, as though her body carried a great burden. "Thank you, again," she said as she approached. The young woman straightened slightly and leveled her honey gaze with the man. "I do not know how much help I can ever be now . . . but please know I will do anything in my power to repay you for what you did today. Just look for Arandolya," she said with a weak smile. With that though, the woman just walked away.

[Red Daghul]

Both Endal stood staring at each other rage filled both their eyes, and in some ways it scared Red knowing that he had such power with in him. The only difference between the two rages was that Red chose to use to to defend while his brother wielded it for his own gain, though it made the older Endal wonder if it was even right then. Now was not the time to ponder that.

A'teir rushed forward, his first mistake, as Red saw it coming and used it against his brother by spinning out of reach and using the flat of his blade to send the man to the ground. Red had no desire to see his brother wounded badly, or even worse dead, but he would teach him a lesson. Soon the other Inarta jumped to his feet and swung high at Red.

The attack was easy to parry though Red could feel just how strong his brother was. The combat on the ground went on and on as both Endal sent blows at each other, though Red simply kept his to now lethal the same was not to be said for the other.

Before he knew it both Red and A'teir stood apart again, and couple of cuts on both men let blood hit the ground. Red knew his face a bruised from his fall earlier, and no doubt his ribs... Iosha was gonna give him a talking to he was sure when he went to get it looked at, but maybe when she heard the story she would give him some slack. It was the middle ground in the battle, and by the look of things A'teir was about to enter battle once more and it would have started again if the girl had not stood up and called it to end.

The scene that unfolded in front of Red wasn't helping his mood, but the way she took things into her own hands made him feel that he should accept her plan. That was of course till she gave into his brother's demand, and that is when he gripped his sword and felt his body start to move forward.

'This is her choice Red, she needs to figure this part out herself' came the voice of Daghul in his head, and he felt his body relax a bit as he let the bird's theory echo in his head. Years had gone by with out talking to his sister, and it was years that he could have protected her if he had known, but now he felt like he had failed her... Was there even a way to help her now.

A'teir walked away with only a glare towards Red indicating that he counted this a win on his part which only fueled the anger towards his jerk of a brother. It was over though and he knew there would be no fighting him again this day. Mean while his sister walked over to him, and he watched her face studying it.

There was a sadness that was set there, and it was clear she was not looking forward to what was to come. A part of Red just wanted to hug her and protect her, and to tear apart the man he called brother. Finding out that you failed to save your younger sister was new, but it was worse then a wound a sword could bring... and to add to it she had no idea who he was.

"Thank you, again" the words were meant to build up, but they only seemed to sear his heart ""I do not know how much help I can ever be now . . . but please know I will do anything in my power to repay you for what you did today. Just look for Arandolya" each word was like a heated knife sliding into his heart as he could feel the pain of his sister as she turned and left. All he could do was stand there staring after her his mind battling for a way to save her.

Daghul was quiet, and Red assumed he was speechless at the moment trying to figure out the puzzle that they held before them. There was always the choice to end A'teir's life, though that seemed like the wrong way to go about it. Then it happened the words came to life all the girl had to do was defeat his brother and she was free.

With out any more thought Red broke into a sprint after his sister, for it was time that she knew the truth, and it was far over due for them to come together. Red would train Arandolya to fight, and when the time came she would beat his brother and secure her freedom. Soon she came into sight, and with a sense of hope he called her name.

[Arandolya]

Arandolya The only limit is the Stars . . . Fire burned within her soul. A fire so heated, so great that she closed her eyes for a moment to breath. Hope. Vigilance. She quietly chanted the mantra of her goddess, letting it pull away the turmoil that threatened to engulf her mind into a rage she wouldn't be able to control. Priskil is said to stand with eyes that know no bounds of sadness, yet her shoulders are straight, and her smile loving. She knows struggles, despair, the very filth of man. She, though, is the beacon of hope. The light at the end of the darkness. Arandolya straightened and raised her chin, golden eyes hardening with determination. She would see this through. Maybe she would serve A'tier till his dying day, but if she just went with his demands, it would make a better life for both of them. She was only a slave if she was unwilling. Arandolya breathed out and smiled briefly, looking towards the sun with her eyes closed. She cared not that she stopped in the middle of a walk-way, that people seamlessly parted around her like a rock in the stream. Thank you, Priskil, she thought, trying to send her gratitude to the heavens and Aquiras' side where she knew her goddess would lie. "Arandolya!" Arandolya's eyes snapped open. For a moment she tensed, thinking it was A'tier already come to command her around for all to see. She would not put it above him. Did she dare turn around? She had to. With a tilt of her head though, Arandolya realized she judged too quickly. That was no where near A'tier's voice. "Endal," she said warmly as she turned to greet the friendly man. "Is there something I can do for you?" she asked with a gracious smile. The hints of sadness and shame had disappeared and now Arandolya stood straight to look evenly into the Endal's eyes. Her molten gold gaze swam with fierce determination, though on the surface they only held respect and genuine friendliness for the hunter before her. They said those who had golden eyes as an Inarta had once lived as a Wind Eagle. Matched their fierce gaze that took in everything, and protected their home. Their strength. Their unbreakable will. Their loyalty to Wind Reach, and their bonds above all else. She wished it were true, for the mind of an Eagle would be welcome now. Arandolya let her gaze slip past the man's to the Eagle beyond, who she smiled at. "I never thanked you, though you have a servant in me also," she said clearly, bowing her head. When she rose it her eyes were laughing. "A willing one." Here, she focused back of the Rider and tilted her head, waiting for a response.

[Red Daghul]

"Is there something I can do for you?" her voice seemed softer now, but the Endal still wondered how much pain she hid behind her outward appearance. Arandolya was so much like what his Mother had looked like, she shared her eyes that seemed to pierce into a persons soul with the golden glow, and of course her fiery hair only added to the look.

Though at the moment Red felt mostly pain for his sister deeper down there was a pride which was odd when he thought about it because he had little to do with her life, if anything at all, and yet they shared blood. For a moment Red just stood there awkward trying to find where to start, and then it just kinda fell into place "well first you can call me Red, and the bird behind me Daghul" his mouth was starting to feel dry, and his chest felt tight as he knew what he had to do next.

"Arandolya, I need to tell you something..." he paused and let his eyes avoid her own "I, um, did your mother ever talk to you about..." that didn't sound right, where to start this was harder then he thought it was going to be "Your mother was Iridssa, I know this because she was my mother" There it was out, and there was nothing else to be done about it "I know it sounds crazy, but it is truth, and that fool of a man A'teir is my half brother... Please come to my home and hear me out I may have a way to get you out of this mess" all that was left was to hear what she had to say.

[Arandolya]

Arandolya The only limit is the Stars . . . For a moment, only silence stretched between the pair. Patient and content, Arandolya just shifted her weight to one leg, allowing the Endal the moment he needed to collect his thoughts - for whatever the reason. Looking around, the Avora noticed people had finally left the Courtyard, isolating the two alone. Another moment ticked by. Finally though, the man did speak, "Well first you can call me Red, and the bird behind me Daghul." Here Arandolya's smile widened. "Pleasure to finally know your name Red," she said then bowed her head again to the bird, "Honored, Daghul." Red (odd name, she must admit) seemed to disregard the formality though and hesitated before speaking again. "Arandolya, I need to tell you something..." Tilting her head, Arandolya nodded in a motion for him to continue. He paused again though, and looked away from her eyes - extremely unusual for an Endal. It made her slightly wary, and she subconsciously moved her weight back onto the heel of her foot, as though to distance herself as much as subtly possible. "I, um, did your mother ever talk to you about..." Arandolya froze instinctively when her mother was mentioned. "My mother talk to me about what?" she asked, trying to keep the sharpness out of her tone. Red seemed deep in thought, and Arandolya waited yet again, this time with a more tense expression. "Your mother was Iridssa, I know this because she was my mother." What? Arandolya stood there, shocked, and silent. Her golden gaze watched the Endal, suspicious for a moment before he continued, "I know it sounds crazy, but it is truth, and that fool of a man A'teir is my half brother... Please come to my home and hear me out I may have a way to get you out of this mess." The woman shook her head slowly, backing up, blowing out a gust of air. She was drawn back into her memories, the ones filled with blurry faces and significant moments. This one was one she often looked at, its vagueness confusing, her mother's figure recalled pristinely. Iridssa had run into Arandolya one day after she'd done training. It was late, and Iridssa had seemed tired, even so she offered Arandolya to come and visit her parents. Of course she agreed. Her father was silent, and appeared in a more dour mood than usual, his greeting was warm though and filled with pride. When they'd settled down, had something to drinnk, and Tamlin excused himself for bed, the two females sat together in a comfortable silence. "How is your training going?" Idle chit-chat to pass the time. "Fine, the hunting is going well for you?" "Yes, an Endal has taken me out many times as a second rider. It's a nice change." Her mother paused for a moment, and smiled, though it wasn't as happy as Arandolya thought it should be, "Any males to take your hand?" "Mother . . . " Arandolya reproached, through Iridssa only arched an eyebrow. The younger woman only rolled her eyes and sighed out, "No." "No Endal settle their gaze upon you?" " . . . . No, Mother." Iridssa nodded, then tilted her head at Arandolya, the familiar action that her child still performed to this day. "What if one did?" "Then I'd accept, who am I to refuse?" "What if . . . what if they had a bad personality?" Arandolya smiled at her mother, knowing this little scenarios she loved to play. What if she wasn't chosen as an apprentice? What is she had triplets? What if she died a virgin? "It depends how push-y there were, I really am in no place to refuse." "What if you did marry them and had a child?" "Then I hope I can raise it well, to take after someone else and not their father," Arandolya said easily with a nod. She thought it would be over, and perhaps they would go for a walk together. Iridssa had different ideas though as she leaned forwards, her dark gaze intent, "What if you'd fallen in love with someone else?" Arandolya now seemed confused, and shook her head. "Why are you asking this?" she asked curiously. "To ensure you know your morals," Iridssa said quickly, though covered up her swift answer with a familiar grin. "Answer." " . . . I'd stay with him, he's Endal." "Is that all there is to it for you, Arandolya?" "No, but if I'm already married to him . . . " "What if you knew he cheated on you?" "Did I cheat on him?" Arandolya inquired, now just going with how Iridssa led. "No." "Then I'd ask permission to leave." "The child?" "Take with me, obviously." " . . . if you couldn't?" "Stay," Arandolya said with assured speed, shrugging. "It's that easy?" "Yes, I wouldn't be selfish." "What if you couldn't? He kicked you out." "Fight, fight every step of the way until the Tavina and Tavinar orders it so. How could I just give up? I'd fight even after that. I wouldn't let that kid go two months without knowing his mother. I would never give up, it'd just be like failing - I'd never be able to live with myself, I shouldn't be able to." Iridssa had no response to that and simply nodded with a weak smile. "Good," she murmured. Leaning over she kissed Arandolya's head, stroking her hair. "You have strong morals, my little star," she said. "Is something wrong?" Arandolya asked worriedly, looking up to her mother with a concerned gaze. Iridssa shook her head and let her grin widen. "Let's go for a walk." Staring into her mother's amber gaze, Arandolya smiled slightly, knowing she would look like that when she was older. Her mother died four days later. Arandolya jerked her mind away before reliving the moments of Iridssa's death, though tears sparked her eyes until she blinked them away. "Oh gods . . ." She stared at Red, really looked at the man before her. "My mother did tell me about you," she said in a small voice. "And I called her selfish," she burst out, horrified with herself, shaking her head as she sunk to the ground helplessly. "She told me! She was trying to! R-right before she .... and I said I would never do what she did. I wouldn't be selfish. I wouldn't let the child go . . . I asked how a mother could live like that. Live with that failure. I-I must've broken her heart! OH Priskil, no," Arandolya covered her face with her hands and cried to the thought she'd hurt her mother so deeply.

[Red Daghul]

this wasn't how he had wanted this to go though the way he had hoped it would go was more of a cheerful event with maybe even tears of joy, but this outcome was the realistic way it was going to go. Arandolya's reaction seemed to only make Red feel worse, but to do nothing would be selfish.

Kneeling down to be at eye level with his sister he felt awkward trying to comfort her. In his eyes Red didn't deserve to be a brother as he had let her go on with out knowing, but then again it was time to be a better older brother. Reaching out his hand he let it sit on her shoulder "Arandolya, I'm sorry for not coming to you sooner..." he wanted to help her, but how his words seemed empty, but he went on "I... I know she would have wanted us to get to know each other, and be a family".

The truth was before Iridssa had past away Red had gotten the chance to meet her, and she was everything he had dreamed her to be. They only got to talk for a while, and it was true the whole time it was awkward but in the end he could tell that even though she was not in his life she wished with everything that she had, and in those few moments he knew she loved him. She had let him know that he was the man she had always hoped he would be.

"come let me get you a hot drink, and we can figure things out" he tried to sound as gentle as possible, and he hoped it would help her find some comfort. The pang of guilt that flooded Red's chest made him wish he had someone to ask for help. It felt confusing, and Daghul didn't seem to find this time to be silent.