Closed Confronting the Obvious

[Svasra]

Dragul contemplated her inquiry, and Svasra patiently waited, watching his face flicker with a thoughtful expression. "I would not doubt that boats will take you far, but it is hard to say just how far this far north. I am not a frequenter of ships, so alas I cannot tell you more than that," he finally said, though Svasra only nodded absently.

"I have often wondered how it was I packed up camp and left ..." Dragul began, as willing as ever to share his experiences. His honesty was something Svasra appreciated, and listened with an intent ear as he recounted his travels on a more emotional degree than what Svasra had asked of his previously. "... I did not leave without reservations." Here, the woman nodded - this time with agreement - as she realized he would have been much older than she when he departed from his birthplace. She had a mere twenty years to grow roots and become attached to snowy Avanthal, how many more were in Dragul's heart when he turned away from it?

"There was not that much too leave behind. No family. No friends." This caught her by surprise, and Svasra's eyebrows raised. Nothing to leave behind? Her heart lurched for the man who spoke in such a somber baritone, and her expression softened as he continued. Was leaving maybe a relief? A journey to find ... something that would make it painful to leave behind? Something you, simply, wouldn't leave? "... There was potential out in the world beyond. Wonder. Amazement. Mysteries. Perhaps even..." he trailed off, though he continued after a moment's hesitation, " ... a new beginning. A friend. A companion. The darkness and shadows are comforting, and for me that will never change. However, loneliness is something I dread, perhaps now more than ever."

Svasra settled back in the saddle, and blinked her ever-changing gaze at the man. He had took her much, and she trusted it was the truth. No matter how much he wrapped himself in shadows, he spoke with an unfailing ring of truth. She moved Frozen Tundra a few paces closer to Dragul where he stood next to Snowfall, and found even in her saddle they were nearly eye-level, having to tilt her head only slightly down to look at the Akalak. Leaping down, Svasra landed lightly in front of him, and placed a hand over the tense muscles in his arm that stubbornly crossed over the others in front of him. Even though his clothing it seemed he was so much more warm than the inhabitants Svasra was exposed to in Avanthal, the sensation odd as it spread over her cool hand, odd, but not unpleasant, she had to admit.

The Vantha hesitated to offer him a cure of this loneliness, and her permanent companionship on this journey. She cursed her hesitance, but something always held her tongue. Instead, she only offered her company now. The assurance while he was in Avanthal, at least, she was a friend. She hoped the smile she showed, and the touch she gave was enough to portray such thought that her broken Common could never achieve.

After a moment, Svasra leaped back onto her horse, the movement becoming more familiar and fluid with each time she did it, needing less time to firmly place her foot into the stirrup before swinging her other leg over. Frozen Tundra seemed to adjust to his new owner aswell, staying carefully still as she got up. "Let us continue, Dragul, maybe we find ... adventure, out, ah, here." Smiling, the woman clicked her tongue as she gently nudged Frozen Tundra into motion, looking back to ensure the man followed.

Note: "Svasra speaking Vani", "Svasra speaking Common"

[Dragul]

It was still far too cold, and did not appeal to his preference of climate. However, there was still a warmth that radiated through him thanks to his winter attire. Such warmth kept his body from going numb. He remembered the warmth that had billowed out of the first fire he had managed to light while traversing the frozen landscape. Such a flame had been near impossible to start in the wilds and winds, but he had been successful after some time. The flame also had died too quick for his comfort, but had sufficed to give him enough of what he had desired. However, Snowfall had seemed to care little about the climate. In fact, Snowfall continued to maintain that position.

Svasra seemed to have been touched by something which he had said. Something in his revelation about the past had struck a chord in her. Each of his words had rung with truth, but they were absent of certain other truths he yet had a desire to reveal. Some things would remain secrets, and for how long he was unsure. He felt a contradiction rise within him. Here he was a soul delighted with the power of secrets, and yet he was spewing his own truths and secrets to a lass-whom he had admittedly felt some kinship-but knew little about. He wondered if Akajia would find him a fool, revoke the powers she had bestowed upon him. He hoped not, and in fact he prayed not, as he had some days before, and more days before that.

Svasra's change of position was unremarkable to him. She moved with a steady calm, underlined by evident emotional responses. He had begun to notice the relation between her emotional responses and her eye colors. Each one revealed a little bit about the other. Still, he knew only a little more. He felt a twinge of sadness, for Avanthal was indeed lingering with secrets for the shadows had confirmed thus, but he could not locate the sources. Things that were happening in Avanthal were happening behind closed doors, and in shadowed corners he couldn't find. It enticed him all the same, and it was the secrets he could only guess at that enticed him more. He felt a bit of energy course through his veins. Then he felt something familiar, but different all the same.

Svasra's hand lay upon his arms, and followed the muscles where they crossed. There was a chill that ran through him from her touch, yet it was laced with warmth. This was not the first time such contact had been made, and he wondered if it was to way of the Vantha to be so comfortable around people. Yet, he doubted that such customs always translated well over to foreigners. From what he had seen and heard about Avanthal he was not to crazy in believing turmoil was indeed afoot.

A smile parted across her face, and he understood. She was still in conflict with her decision, but was willing to be companions so long as they remained within Avanthal, or something to that effect. He watched as she made her way back upon Frozen Tundra. She was getting better. The movement a little more fluid, and the horse responding more in unison than rebellion. He smiled, and remembered the time it had took for him and Snowfall to bond. He found purchase on the saddle, and hauled himself onto Snowfall in a single sweeping motion that was a little rigid from the cold.

Turning to Svasra "Indeed, perhaps an adventure yet awaits us out here. But in the meantime, what would you like to discuss, as we trot along? You could always tell me a story, or perhaps rumors, or perhaps more of yourself and your journeying plans." He did his best to urge her onward in the discussion, wishing in both a friendly and devious manner to learn more about her, and her home. Who knows, the goddess of secrets may enjoy the most random of things, and her servant all the same.

[Svasra]

He didn't like to sit in silence, did he? Always wanting to talk, to learn more, mainly of Svasra. Always so mysterious, wrapped in his secrets and shadows. Not that it was bad, or that Svasra disliked it, though it was much different than other friends she had come to know. "Always ... wanting to know more," Svasra noted with a wry grin in the man's direction. "Maybe later ... here, I can sing a song. It is , ah, in Vani, but, it is a song everyone ... should know in Avanthal."

Svasra began gently, her hesitant voice of an untrained Snowsong, a sweet mezzo-soprano that had the unique quality of those that never bothered to refine their tones. "The Spring will soon come
Once Winter is done
The Fall has passed
And Summer was fun." Frozen Tundra's ears flicked, seemingly curious of the noise his rider was constantly emitting, though Svasra hoped it was not unpleasant and he was trying to express his horse-y displeasure.

"The snow will fall
To the tune of our song
While we raise our voices
To the days growing long

"Our Goddess is coming
Back to her children, woman and men
She brings the snows on her hands
Our beloved Morwen."

The song died off quietly, and Svasra cleared her throat briefly afterwards, patting Tundra's neck. "It is, ah, childish tune, but pretty tune. I hoped, ah, hope, that I didn't ruin it," she commented with a small grin. "Before I tell more, of myself. Tell me story. Of Akalak. Story told when you were little?" Svasra always loved listening to new tales, whether they were legends, or funny memories. If they were something she could spin into a regal story that would lose people in its words and grandeur, there was never enough time in the world to listen.

Note: "Svasra speaking Vani, Svasra speaking Common"

[Dragul]

Snow crunched lightly under hoof. Neighing sounded in the air amidst breaths of visible air from the cold climate. Wind lightly rolled and whistled across the tundra, and yet, Svasra's song carried above them all, at least within Dragul's sphere of focus.

There was a simple nature to the song, and despite the brokenness of his Vani he could just make out a few lines. However, the scant few weren't enough to give him the full scope of the song. He decided to ask Svasra after he performance, which was wonderful. There had been a nervousness that plagued her voice at first, but it seemed that line by line it was receding, like the snows come spring. As if to confirm this thought, Frozen Tundra neighed. Dragul patted Snowfall, interested in his opinion of the matter, but the frostmarch seemed more intent on listening than commenting.

Each verse was rather delightful and not too elaborate. He found himself liking it more than he had imagined he would enjoy a song of the north. Svasra finished shortly, and he found himself absentmindedly clapping casually. He did not find it too much of a trifle since she deserved it for an on-the-spot performance.

"Well done". Snowfall neighed now in turn, as if to follow him in his praise. He wondered to himself if the frostmarch had heard the song before, for he never did learn much from that horse trader way back then. "On the contrary, you did fantastic, while I did not understand all the words it was delightful".

Svasra then, much like a merchant, implored something of him before she would tell him more of herself. He decided it was only fitting. Perhaps she was suspicious of all his questions, or perhaps she had figured out the game he was playing, and decided to play as well; oh what a fantastic game that would be.

A story. From his youth. He tried to recollect all the far-flung tales of falsities. The legends, and the heroes. Nothing came to mind, and then it hit him. "A story eh".

"Well there is one I suppose that I remember better than the rest. It begins long ago, when the world was younger, and riddled with less scars. The Gods each governed their respective part of the world, but there was nothing preventing love to blossom, even amongst the gods such things are possible. Thus two such Gods found this blossoming love for one another, and Wysar and Akajia became lovers. Such a union is strange, but then love often transcends most reason. Their love was powerful, filled with passion, and mysteries no doubt given the nature of the Goddess of the Night. It is even said that their love was so strong that it turned Wysar's skin its now dark hue. Many Akalak believe-myself included-that it is from this love that our people were born. Beings of strength and mystery, rather apt. However, it remains a mystery with the little records that remain from the great cataclysm, and perhaps the only one who knows the truth, is the Goddess herself, but whether she would tell another soul, is greater mystery still".

With that his somewhat mundane story, a story that he had been told by his father many times, was over. There was a shred of truth to it though. He did believe it. He also wondered if that knowledge could ever be gleaned from his Goddess. To know that secret would be a pleasure beyond compare.

He hoped that the story would suit Svasra's fancy. He simply continued to trot along, taking in the scenery like a moving enigma, awaiting her reply.

[Svasra]

When the song ended, Dragul clapped in an absent fashion, drawing a surprised look from his companion. "Oh, ah-" She paused, flushed with embarrassment, struggling to remember the last time she had sung in front of someone outside her direct sphere of family. Tell stories to a whole tavern, no problem ... singing, well she was a Snowsong, but she much preferred different ways to pitch her voice. His complement only drew her gaze away from his as he fell silent, no doubt thinking of something in return to tell.

Svasra had to admit the keen enjoyment of this interaction, sharing tales of not only themselves, but of their cultures and cities. How many legends lay beyond her Icy Gates? Hundreds? Thousands? The stories that kept her in bed, warning her of mages that entice children with flavored snow igloos, or the ones that made her bend down to speak to the frogs within the Springs, anxious they might respond with a demand for a kiss. Children's tales were such a small part of the whole though! There were legends! Of Morwen, of her lights, of the city, and the gods. How many more would she learn?

Only when Dragul spoke did her thoughts focus back to the earth, gaze turning to him as he gave his story. Ah, of the Goddess of Night, she thought appreciatively, listening with rapt attention. The short tale told of the passion of her love, and the supposed birth of the Akalak race. A small smile tugged at her lips as she contemplated the truth behind the tale. Every legend and tale comes from something, doesn't it?

When Dragul had finished, Svasra paused for a moment before giving her opinion. She had to admit, the mysterious quality of Akajia rang quite a familiar bell as she studied the dark-hued man. Was it just the deep bred quality? Or a devout follower? Always about secrets, mysteries, surprises ... and the gnosis on his back? "Akajia," Svasra said finally, smiling at Dragul. "You ... She is, ah, your goddess." Though her voice tilted at the end to phrase it like a question, Svasra's keen gaze didn't leave much room for fault.

Note: "Svasra speaking Vani, Svasra speaking Common"

[Dragul]

Dragul waited while Svasra seemed to contemplate how to respond to his story. At first he thought that perhaps it was one she had heard before, but then again he slightly doubted that given the fact she had never ventured beyond the walls of Avanthal. However, her response took him rather by surprise. She had guessed correctly. He halted Snowfall, the horse stopping obediently in its tracks, occasionally shifting from side to side. He fixed a look upon Svasra, his cold icy eyes piercing into her. Yet, it was all for show, most of it anyways. He laughed.

It was a deep laugh, one laced with a tone of seriousness, but filled with a humor that was truthful and spry. He hoped that he had successfully startled Svasra, at least that would make the moment more delightful. However, he had to admire the lass, for she had guessed correctly far sooner than he had imagined or planned. How much will that change, I wonder.

"Correct." The lass seemed sure of herself, a fine quality, but one that could perhaps lead her too far astray if the right hands were guiding her. He would have to watch her closely, lest she wander too far alone, and be fooled by others, but that was for later.

"She has been my Goddess for some time now, and she is part of the reason for my being here in Avanthal. The rest however is due to..." he paused, but only to laugh at the realization "...Fate".

"Yes in some capacity I serve the lady of the night. However, all things that surround her are a mystery". He paused in order to contemplate something, which he realized would be good for him to mention, more for her sake than his.

"I would be wise if I were you, and only bring matters involving my involvement with Akajia in private. Now is fine, but it is hard to say just who belongs to the ranks of her followers, and the various plans they may hold. Some may be less lenient in allowing others to hold too much information in regard to the Irst".

He rubbed Snowfall, and looked at Svasra, this time with a smile. "But fret not lass, such things are often exaggerated. I do only mean to jest...a little" and with that he placed a firm but reassuring hand on her shoulder. "The world is not as scary as it seems. Only half the children tales are true" he said with a laugh.

"Regardless, is there any question's you wish to ask of me, while I'm feeling in the mood to be open and honest? It is hard to say if I shall find such a mood again".

[Svasra]

Dragul seemed surprised. Snowfall was halted, Frozen Tundra doing so moments later, Svasra carefully backing him up a tad to come level with the man as he look at her. It seemed that piercing gaze did not just settle on her every-changing eyes, searching for something much deeper that Svasra was unsure as to what he was looking for. Was it odd she felt a small flicker of pride she managed to startle the mysterious Akalak? Though, he was again startled her when he burst out into ... laughter! Laughter of all things at a time like this.

Svasra settled back in her saddle as she smiled gently, waiting for him to explain such humor. Did she guess horrendously wrong and he found enjoyment in such a butcher of his faith? If not the Goddess of Night, then who would be his patron goddess? Svasra had to admit her knowledge in religions was small, and the guess she made was solely based on the personality reflected within Dragul's tale -- perhaps she did guess wrong after all? Oh, how foolish you would seem then, she thought chidingly. Yet, the laughter that Dragul filled the air with - she had to say, it was quite a pleasant sound - did not seem towards her. She let out a small stifled laugh herself, unable to stay silent with the dark-hued warrior so humorous beside her.

After his mirth had died down, Dragul had acknowledged her correct, in which Svasra felt a small thrill, her smile widening. Even so, Dragul continued to warn her of others such being told, his words coming unbidden to her mind.
"She comes and goes with the changing of the light,
She is the master of secrets and ruler of the night" and his little comment before he left the first time they'd met "... Oh and remember, the night is not without watchful eyes."
Svasra nodded, seeing now why he had asked for her to keep his secret should he tell her who his Goddess was, and here she is, walking right into such trap! Keep a secret, eh? Svasra breathed out, and nodded, promising herself this was a secret she would keep. After all, it sounded like her safety was in its best interest anyways.
"All stories, they are ... are founded on, some piece of truth," Svasra commented idly as she pressed gently on Frozen Tundra's side to spur him into motion once more. The young Frostmarch gave a small jolt before settling into a smooth pace, causing Svasra to lurch to grab onto the pommel, chuckling at the spirited stallion's prance.

"Questions?" Svasra echoed, looking at Dragul, amused to hear him admit he was feeling open and honest. Was he not usually honest with her? "I am not sure, more to know of this, hmm, goddess, would be, good? Wise?" she mused, though she was curious of his gnosis marking. Having been marked at birth, Svasra only knew of the process through friends having been marked at their coming-of-age ceremonies, or being present when Morwen grants a mark at her Returning Celebration at the beginning of Spring when a few parents who had children over the Winter bring them to be publicly given a gnosis. Where all gnosis granted like such? "May ... May I ask of your ah ..." Svasra frowned, struggling to remember the correct word for gnosis in Common, "ah ... mark. Mark of Akajia. When? How?" Svasra absently brought her mitten over her mark on the inside of her wrist, practically feeling the brush of her goddess with her icy grace and gentle touch.

Note: "Svasra speaking Vani, Svasra speaking Common"

[Dragul]

He was delighted by the whole display. He had managed to surprise Svasra, despite the certainty with which she made claim as to which of the Goddesses he followed. It was a good jest. After a short while everything settled down. Svasra managed to find the questions that she desired to inquire him with. He wondered just how much he should let Svasra know, and how much was too much to earn him the wrath of the very Goddess he was seeking to serve. However, for the sake of the journey yet ahead, and the work that he would be able to do for her hinges on his ability to have this young woman trust him. Besides, if all he were to tell her was in regards to some of the skills related to the gnosis, and perhaps a little of his past, how much harm could it do. Considering the many secrets it may allow him to garner later on.

He scratched his chin, trying to figure out how to carefully word his next few sentences. "Well, I received the mark by chance. The Goddess found something prominent within me. Something which I do not understand, but accept none the less" true, and not at all revealing. In fact it only served to enhance the air of mystery around him.

Now when it came to the gnosis, he would have to be careful to not mention the Irst, or about Makath. Those discoveries could come later, if Svasra was clever as he imagined, she would figure it out. "The gnosis as far as I know is a mystery as well. All I know is that I can communicate with the shadows, and they tell of me of happenings and secrets whispered in the presence. I have very good vision seeing into shadows, but otherwise it's higher powers remain a mystery. Something I relish to one day discover" something in the last phrase was perhaps laced with a little bit of sinister nature. Nothing evil, but devious.

He wanted to ask about her gnosis, but he imagined that its powers were rather obvious. Some form of a resistance to cold, and the ability to shape ice. There was undoubtedly much stronger powers higher in the ranks, but that was easily known throughout the pantheon of Gods and Goddesses. Instead, he had a more direct question. It was something which he had been feeling for some time now. Each of their meetings seemed underlined with a sense of uncertainty. The questions, the body language, the uncertainty was sometimes permeable. While he had his own reservations, the feeling often emanated from Svasra herself. He imagined it was either emotional ties to her home, or something more interesting in her past, a secret which kept her from leaving. He silently delighted in discovering it, by whatever means. However he felt a little kinship to this lass, and so it wasn't as sinister a desire as it was with others he had followed. But the question.

"I have a question for you. One that I think needs to be asked". He paused trying to collect his thoughts, and sound both serious and soothing.

"I think we need to confront the obvious lass, and so I must ask, what is it which keeps your thoughts here, and from journeying outside this city?"

[Svasra]

Dragul seemed to hesitate slightly with the idea of revealing more of his mark, perhaps reconsidering the offer to be open and honest. Even so, the Akalak admitted to gaining the attention of his goddess by chance, and accepted the mark unaware of why. That only creates more questions, Svasra thought dourly, displeased with his turn-about way of answering. As Dragul explained the working of his gnosis, Svasra raised her eyebrows in surprise, casting an absent look at her own shadow. Does my own know my secrets? she wondered idly, as though her own dark figment would spill everything she refrained from revealing to Dragul. As he had his secrets, she had rights to a few of her own.

Funny, isn't it? How times change? A few years ago Svasra would have disliked and distrusted Dragul quickly with all his mystery and secrets. It went against the openness of her family, and violated rules of the house. It went against what she thought was only morally right. Don't be ashamed, don't keep a secret. A simply mantra to say and live by when she was too young to understand. Yet, it wasn't like that anymore, was it? Shame was not the only aspect that created mysteries. The feeling of privacy. Of having one thing tucked away from judgement. She did it to protect some memories. At the time of them, she did it to protect him. Svasra immediately retreated from such thoughts, content to wonder if she was ashamed later on. Not in public, not where she could not show the hesitant emotions forced dormant.

Looking to her companion it seemed he had been in thought as well, now glancing to meet Svasra's gaze. She felt he had something serious to say, as his eyes appeared intent and focused. Raising an eyebrow slightly in inquiry, Svasra waited for Dragul to speak what was on his mind. When he did, Svasra seemed startled, Frozen Tundra pausing as she unconsciously leaned back. " ... Confront the obvious ..." she mused, smiling.

Why didn't she want to leave? An easy enough question to answer. "I ... I have lived my entire life here. Um, surrounded by - by families, whom have not, left. In -" she frowned, struggling to find the correct words she needed, "many lives. Um, parents, to children, living here. I ... thinked, um thought, I would grow up here, marry, have children, and die here." Svasra chewed her lip for a moment, hands wringing her scarf. "It feels ... like I am going, going against what my parents tried to teach me. The um, longest distance, I thought I would be from them ... would be .... another Hold." Her smile turned wry for a moment as she added with a touch of humor, "Yet, here I am, thinking of going across Mizahar ..." Svasra turned her gaze to Dragul, wondering if leaving his home city was any easier. "To leave behind ... my family, my home, my culture ..." She sighed quietly, "Even my language. Yes, it ... it makes me um-" Svasra paused before finishing, "Hesitate. Worry."

Svasra fell silent as she swung herself down from Frozen Tundra, absently rubbing her sore behind. Unused to riding for long periods of time, Svasra definitely felt her back tighten as she walked around, placing her hands on the small of her back as she stretched. "Perhaps we should head back soon," Svasra said with a small wince, reaching down towards her toes to relieve some of the tension. "I am not sure how much longer I can ride for." Oh yes, she planned on riding across Mizahar, and she could barely go for more than a couple bells? Well, we all have to start somewhere, she noted grimly.

Placing her foot into the stirrup, Svasra grabbed hold of the pommel and the back of the saddle, carefully swinging herself back upwards, settling her other foot in the other stirrup, ensuring the heel of her riding boot caught against it. Her back twinged slightly, and her behind definitely protested, but Svasra grit her teeth, taking up the reins with a slight huff. "Was it easy, Dragul, for, ah, you to leave?" she asked, looking towards the well-built Akalak in not only inquiry, but also waiting for him to deem whether they should continue or turn back towards the Gates.

Note: "Svasra speaking Vani, Svasra speaking Common"

[Dragul]

The question, like all the other times asked, seemed to bring about an intense self-inflection by Svasra. Her entire posture, and the fixture of her eyes seemed to be contemplating so many things; past, present, and future. He recognized the look. He had seen it before, reflected back to him. She rambled off reasons for her hesitance, and the broken common didn't help her case, but he understood the gist of it. He knew most of the reasons, for they were common reasons that would plague anyone, or at least most people.

A home. A family. A life, and lifestyle. Prospects and dreams that were conjured up at a young age. So many things swirling around in one's head. All of them compounded upon one another to hinder a choice. A choice that admittedly would change everything. After a time she stopped, uncomfortable from the ride thus far which was an unfavorable sign if she wished to travel the world. Still all things take time. While she walked and stretched for a time he busied himself with matters that needed to be attended too. Without proper money where was he to go to if Svasra refused. Perhaps he could still head the way she had planned, and find work in Lhavit or Wind Reach. He could end up worse, but then again the trek through the wilds of Kalea would be unforgiving.

His focus was diverted when Svasra returned to the saddle and asked him a question. However, it was a question she had asked before. A question that made him contemplate some choices still, but shifted his resolve not at all. What had it been like leaving? He wondered yet again, rubbing a hand through his hair. It hadn't been easy. There had been some things which he admitted he still missed of his home, but the urge had been compelling. However, he did not have all the same things to leave behind that Svasra did. A family and friends.

He cleared his throat, and looked off into the distance. "No journey is easy lass. However, more often than not, it is the first step that terrifies one the most. All the things that come along the way are another matter, but nothing like taking...a leap of faith".

"It is hard to step outside the world we have grown in, and into another unfamiliar one. Books and stories will give you an idea of what its like, but the actual experience is another deal. However, I'll admit it was hard, and I struggled with it for a time, but when I left I felt free. I did look back with a longing for what i'd had, but I realized I that I had found something new. I could go as I pleased. I could see the world that I had heard so much about. I could see new people and places, and all the secrets that they held".

"All things said lass, it is the hardest thing I've yet done, but afterwards I felt invincible. The world may throw me what it will, but I will rise above the conflict, and see the horizon yet ahead".

"So yes lass it was hard, but I assure you the journey is worth it, and I have only yet begun. What awaits me, I am sure will astound me yet. The same goes for you".

He trotted ahead of her and stopped before her, the horizon behind him. he stretched out his arms, as if indicating towards the horizon itself. "The choices is yours".