PM to join [Inclement Weather] The Nightmare Never Ends (Kovac)

[Lavira]

For the moments that the kiss lasted, the younger woman revelled in it. She didn't need to be fiesty and hot-headed to be passionate; her passion came from tenderness, a maternal instinct that made her successful as a nesting attendant. It was the quiet intuition that enabled her to see the hatchlings needs, see where the mothers might be needing help, why Tulaj in all his weird and slightly crazy ways stayed with Vira, unneeding of a mew.

And then, the kiss was over, the lingering taste of the mixed blood treasured as she lowered her gaze and her hand from his face, lower lip lightly bitten as if this would draw the flavor out longer. Her hands were swiftly claimed, though, as his left her upper arms and enfolded them, Vira raising her eyes to meet his once more. When he brushed that rogue strand back behind her ear once more, fire rose to color her cheeks, Vira peering up at him with head tilted down. Real? That was an unusual way of describing her; were others around the city not real? Or was it that he meant those within Wind Reach simply covered up their real piece of mind with attitude, spunk, and often times recklessness.

Vira took note of the name, Chemar, and reminded herself to take time to visit there after work sometime. It might help her sleep a little better, who knows. "I will certainly make the effort to go there. Thank you for the recommendation." She replied afterwards, her head turning at the sound of wings behind her.

Tulaj had returned, a small snake in his beak, watching the pair from the railing he had landed on. The raptor lowered his head to grab the snake with one taloned foot and then screech at them, to which Vira laughed a little. The timing of his arrival coincided with Kovac's asking if they should return to the club or if he should walk her home.

"I do not want to go back in there." This was spoken firmly. "I don't think I can handle it right now; maybe in the future, but...no, not right now." She did not reply to being taken home however, her eye lowering to the hand which still held her, then to the obnoxious bird watching them over the meal he was now picking methodically apart.

Would it be inappropriate of me to ask him? She thought, her gaze on Tulaj, as if the harrier could actually hear her thoughts.

He's an Avora, afterall...but then, so was Garren. But Kovac is different, or he seems to be. He's not acting like such a- a-...a scoundrel like Garren was, like some rut-crazed bull chasing a piece of tail. He said I was attractive; he couldn't mean in that sense. The worst that happens is rejection, though. He's a good friend either way, maybe he won't think ill of me if I ask and he still says no.

Okay, I'll ask him. But I won't look. Here goes!

She took a breath and rushed through the question at the same moment Tulaj decided to "speak" his own mind with a noisy series of screeches. "Youcanwalkmehomebutonlyifyoustaytonight." Stupid bird...

Glaring at the harrier when the mutt asked her to repeat what she'd said, her cheeks burning with embarassment now. "I, er, I said you can take me home, but only if...if you would...er...if you would stay. Tonight. Maybe. You don't have to, I mean, you can if you want. I'd like it if you would, but you don't have to- Tulaj, just shut up already!"

The raptor had been "chattering" throughout her repetition, getting methodically louder the further she went on. It was almost as though the bird was more her caretaker than she his. Vira's head swung back to him, unable to hide the red roses in her cheeks as she tried to quickly amend what had been said. "You probably wouldn't want to, my chamber's kind of messy anyways and it always smells of him and I haven't washed the walls in a while or the sheets and-" The list went on, as if she were trying to dissuade him this time, instead of persuade him.

[Kovac]

Kovac understood Lavira's reluctance to return to the Weather, the climate of their interaction seemed to have progressed passed the superficial indulgence of the club. Lavira had opened up to the Avora, like a book, or a flower, allowing glimpses into the very real repercussions of her traumatic experience and the motivations of her actions. Surprises too, the younger woman had sprung on Kovac with the sweet kiss, the sensation of which still lingered on his lips.

Her raptor had returned with a serpent, and Kovac wondered if there was some divine foreshadowing in the timely arrival of Tulaj with the snake clutched in its hooked beak. The Avora remained aware of the bird, for the creature had a reputation for orneriness, which Kovac had experienced first hand. Returning his gaze to Lavira, Kovac could see the girl wrestle with something. Her eyes darted to the white harrier, as if seeking some counsel. Finally, her emerald eye turned again to Kovac, and after a deep breath, he Chiet spewed forth a run-on sentence as rapidly as a falcon could dive. The hunter's comprehension of Lavira's statement was further hindered by Tulaj's sudden screech.

Kovac laughed, his face twisted quizzically. "Um, what did you say?" Tulaj would not relent in his intent to harangue Lavira, his shrill cries continuing as the woman tried to space her words between the harrier's intrusive shrieks. Focusing on Lavira's moving mouth, Kovac caught what she was trying to say. The Chiet had flushed crimson and turned on her bird, sparking a smile that adorned Kovac's olive features.

It had become almost comical, the more Lavira tried to explain herself, back pedal, and provide a number of excuses why the Avora would not want to accompany her home, the louder Tulaj would screech. Finally, as rambling words spilled from Lavira's nervous mouth, Kovac simply pressed his finger against her lips.

"Shhhh..." He intoned softly. Kovac had found the entire incident amusing and sweet, the nesting attendant all the more endearing to the sardonic mongrel for it. "Yes. Yes I will walk you home. And if you want, I will stay." The calloused finger slipped away, replaced by a light kiss, no more than a subtle brushing of his lips against hers. Kovac himself did not know what would transpire, an unusual case since he usually knew exactly what he would intend in this situation. But Lavira was just as he had told her... unlike Aidara, or even Euthisa. He felt as protective of the young Chiet as he was attracted to her. At the moment, all Kovac knew was that he did want to walk Lavira home, and that he was not ready to part company with her yet.

"Show me this mess of a place you call home. I very much want to see it." He gave the hand he still held a light squeeze, his smile flashing wider.

x

[Lavira]

I think I could die happy if he kissed me like that again. The younger woman thought, watching him recede following the barely peck upon her lips. It was such a simple and endearing motion that Vira wasn't entirely sure what it could mean.

However, it all became apparent as he accepted her request, delight blossoming over her features and a smile trying not to spread like plague too far from the confines of her mouth. "Oh! Alright, this way then!" She said, a little more enthuasiastically than she intended to sound, turning to Tulaj and giving him a sharp descending whistle. It was a 'home' command that told the bird to wait for her at Darniva so she could let him in when they got there.

Trying vainly to contain the skip in her step, Vira led the Avora from the little balcony and back onto the main avenue leading up into the mountain-city proper. She spoke casually of the two hatchlings that were born the previous season, and of the heat-wave earlier that summer; she told him about this strange weasel she'd come across in one of the meadows beside Sanikas Road some weeks ago and how it had tried to steal a rabbit from Tulaj when she and the bird had been doing some training; she even told him about a vulture kelvic she'd met a few years back down by the Bay. It was casual banter to kill the time as they approached the commons.

Upon reaching the apartments, Vira wove through the main corridor to her own modest chamber, where Tulaj was dutifully waiting on a perch she'd mounted sometime after she'd first gotten him. He still had the snake in his grip and had both wings lowered in relaxation. "Heya boy." She cooed at the harrier, approaching the door and reaching out to give his head a stroke. The woman would turn to Kovac then to add, "Well. Here we are. I'm not...I'm not used to company so it's not the most fancy thing you've probably seen. I hope you understand." She rubbed the back of her neck and then reached for the doors handle (the teenager not having found a reason to keep it locked yet), turned it, and slipped inside. Tulaj flew in over her head, circled once and landed back on the perch hanging above the door.

"Welcome to my home." She finished, leaning on the door jamb just inside, one hand secreting beneath the material of her outfit to massage her marred side. The room was a lot smaller than Kovac was probably used to, but bigger than anything a Dek would find. It fit the needs of a working woman; a bed, a small desk and chair; a wash basin; a few shelves carved into the stone. Nothing fancy at all. The bed itself looked modestly comfortable, though, but was only a twin, just big enough for the Chiet standing to the side of the doorway. It had a very homey look and smell; the only thing that really stood out was that for all of the mess she'd claimed it to have, there was virtually none. The dishes were washed and stored, Tulaj's perch was clean, the sheets were folded neat and tight, the small rug beside it looked like it was beaten every day. It was definitely the home of a woman accustomed to cleanliness and order. "It's not much but it's livable."

Clearing her throat, Vira left the doorway, shutting the door once he was inside, and headed to the basin. She kept water on hand in a pewter pitcher and poured herself a glass, sipping long from it. The pull of the alcohol was still there, providing a gentle dampen to her otherwise conscious actions. She was aware, coherent.

Leaning against the table the pitcher had been on, Vira offered the glass towards him. "Would you like some? It's fresh, I promise. I clean the pitcher every day so that yon wretch has something to drink that isn't months old." So far so good.

[Kovac]

Lavira's demeanor had changed, though Kovac was too dull or simply unaware to attribute much of it to himself. The girl had seemed delighted that he agreed to accompany her home, her giddy excitement as close to the behavior of a teenager as Kovac had seen. It was endearing, and a bit of a relief, to see the troubled young woman distracted from her torment. This is what Kovac had come to hope for, to see Lavira enjoy herself.

Leading him to the Commons, the Vira Kovac knew returned as she shared some simple stories of recent encounters, conversation that filled the time and averted any awkward silence. Kovac listened with a smile, concealing his own flutter of anticipation. This situation had a twist, the girl, unique among his acquaintances. His intentions, and his actions, would level more consequence on the young woman, weighing more on Kovac's newfound accountability towards his Chiet friend. Conscious too, Kovac was, of the tendency of the younger women to crush on older men. Lavira was an adult woman, certainly, and one of maturity in his mind. But his friend was also vulnerable, and to take advantage of someone he found himself caring for was unacceptable. Adding to the conundrum was his own mixed emotions, possessing an attraction to the young woman, and an inclination to protect her, even from himself.

As they arrived at her door, the harrier awaiting with its serpent prize, Kovac admonished himself. Don't overthink this...thinking is not your strength. Timidly, Lavira opened the door and invited the Avora in. Kovac stepped into the room, taking a quick look around. It was smaller than his own room, obviously, for he was of a higher caste. But the furnishings were just as spartan, if not kept a bit more neatly.

The Chiet continued to offer apologies for her living quarters, of which Kovac quieted with a smile. "The Commons do not allow for much in the way of luxury or excess. My room is not much different, perhaps a bit less orderly than yours." The Avoras could afford more accessories in their quarters, glass art or more furniture, but Kovac never expended pinions on such. No room in the Commons could match the aeries of the Endal's of which Kovac had lived for a short time. His room was a place to sleep and store his belongings. He did little entertaining there.

The offer of water was a welcome one, though Kovac would have drank from whatever she offered, it was kind that Lavira ensured him of the cleanliness of the water she provided. Kovac took the cup and enjoyed a long drink. Only after draining the glass did he look up at Lavira and remembering his manners. "Thank you."

There was only so much small talk that could revolve around the small, sparse room, before it became a painfully obvious diversion. Kovac could have wrestled over the dilemma of the room, whether to remain standing, which would denote discomfort, to sit it the chair, an obvious avoidance of the bed, or to sit on the small bed itself, a action that typically held a certain inference for Kovac when in the company of a woman. But such analysis was not his way, and Kovac simply did what seemed natural and most comfortable, and moved to sit on the bed. With a pat on the space next to him, Kovac looked up at the Chiet.

"Come here and sit, tell me about why you love your work." From the few conversations they had enjoyed, Kovac knew Lavira had an affinity for avians, and the eaglets she helped care for.

x

[Lavira]

OOCMeant to save this since I wasn't finished with it when I posted by accident; there's an addendum at the end

There was a flash of uncertainty that filled her single eye for a moment as she watched the man approach and then sit upon the bed, patting the spot beside him invitingly. Was this what she'd truly intended? He was kind and had been understanding so far...and oh so charming. It was truly disarming.

And he's an Avora; he probably gets some on a nightly basis if not more frequenly. Did you really invite him back to just talk, Vira? You're not that drunk....

....but he could be a blessed distraction. You know the dreams will come again when you close your eyes; maybe we'll be able to keep me awake long enough that I just collapse in exhaustion and the dreams are incapable of coming because of that. I don't think I could sleep anyways. He's too handsome to look at. Garren? Petch him, the petching deklicking piece of shyke.

Confused by her unpredictable thoughts and the gesture, Vira had her hands raising to undo the ties which kept her Vinati closed miliseconds before he began to speak. They were quickly dropped and the teen went and sat too quickly and too hard upon the bed, making the pillow pop up in response before settling back upon the bed.

Oh gods, look at what a fool you almost made yourself; did you really want that from him? He wouldn't take you anyways, you know that. Look at yourself in the miror, girly. He'd only be into the flawless form and face, not this grisly girl beside him

Clearing her throat, Vira finally responded, one hand brushing the hair out of her seeing eye in the process. "Why I love my work? That's easy, Kovac. I'm a bird lover. Now, before you go jumping, thinking 'Geez, another bird-girl, blah blah blah', listen for a moment. It's not simply being around the birds or even the Wind Eagles. There's something mystifying about them, a kind of enchantment and magic in the way they move and think and act. There's a freedom that exists within them, something we as ground-walkers can never really have."

She chirped to Tulaj where he sat his perch over the door, her hand extending to him so he could land on her adorned wrist (just another sign that her thought processes were somewhat muddied; she really should have worn a sontav to handle him, but this would have to do). The harrier released his meal unceremoniously onto the ground and stretched his wings, flying to her to land upon the offered wrist. There was a brief flinch when he pinched her but the bird for once took pains not to hurt his attendant.

"Birds are special, Kovac. They see the world in a way few creatures are privileged to. Where we Inartans are forever looking up, they are looking down. It is like they are gods themselves, soaring over us, watching over us, with Zulrav's breath to guide them. That they choose to come here, to Wind Reach...we are very lucky to be so favored. My first bird was a blue bird. My mother and father gave it to me when I very youn. She was already fully trained, of course, but the little bird listened. I was so proud that she listened to me!"

Vira gently stroked the albino birds breast with her index finger, the raptor taking the affection in stride and occasionally leaning down to gently pick at a knuckle as she pet him. When she died, I was gifted with a young raven to train and care for by one of my instructors during my Yasi years. He was a wily thing, clever and far too intelligent. I'd even managed to teach him a few phrases of Nari and a word or two in Common before he died; where the blue bird was old, Rikrak as he was known was still young. But he was caught by a bobcat when I was on Bendi with a hunter. You would have liked him, heh. He was very sociable, unlike this onery wretch." Vira grabbed Tulaj's beak between her fingers and gave his head a gentle shake of discouragement. "And then, a few months before the accident, I found Tulaj. I still can't figure out what happened to him; he didn't break his wings, his legs were in perfect condition, his beak was fine, and not a feather on him was out of place. The worst he had was some malnutrition and that was quickly amended when I started giving up my dinners to him. Tulaj was my pride and joy and it was because of my care for him that one of the master falconers approached me with an offer of apprenticeship to them. I'd finally get to work with and care for the birds I loved and who loved me back."

She trailed off, speaking briefly about the accident that led to her interaction with the Valintar Kaden, which in turn resulted in her placement as a nesting attendant.

"That job is normally reserved for Dek because it doesn't require much more than to scrape shyke and bring food from the stores in. But Valintar Kadin must have seen something in me that day because he assigned the position anyways, but gave me a little more. He knew I'd had some promise with the bow, but the loss of my eye would make it harder for me to keep up with other hunters. So, he took my love of the birds and let me work with the mothers and their hatchlings, something the Dek are not permitted. They're not even allowed in when the mothers are in the nests. But, as a Chiet I could be once I earned the mothers trusts. I was able to come in and interact with the young birds. He already knew I wanted to be Endal, but not for the glory. I love the birds, not the title, and it was something that made me different from other Yasi he'd placed who'd not been bonded or apprenticed. Looking back now-"

Vira raised her eyes to meet his then, bringing the harrier in close to gently kiss the top of his head. Tulaj took accepted it with nothing more than a low chirp and tightening of his grip on her arm (only enough to pinch affectionately, not draw blood). "-I wondered if Master Kadin did not put me there in hopes that maybe one of the birds would see who I really am. The money is nice, the position respectful, the need high...but I do it for the birds. I put my all into their care. I...er, I often forsake my own needs to ensure the eaglets and mums and even Tulaj have all that they need. I guess that's why some of my peers thought me too sensitive. Maybe I am, but I don't mind. If they are happy, then so am I."

Vira released a long, slow breath as the monologue finished. The smile on her face suggested a level of bliss that the young woman enjoyed when in the company of birds. Even with the fall a three weeks previously, she held no grudge against the bird which had caused it. It had been an accident. Whistling another command to the raptor, Tulaj left her arm (fine points of his claws impressioned upon her forearm and only one of the indents actually bleeding, though it was barely a pinprick). "I love the birds, Kovac. I've long wished to be like them...to be able to fly with them....So what about you? What is your passion?"[/b] She choose to call it that as opposed to "loving his work". Knowing he was often called a mutt or mongrel, it was more polite to view and call him the Inartan he partly was. "Besides taking damaged goods out on dates, I mean, heh."

[Kovac]

Kovac had sensed Lavira's inexperience, her hesitation when he moved to the bed and invited her to join him. He realized how it must have appeared to the girl, the awkwardness that hung in the warm air of the room palpable. She would have complied, had the Avora's intention been more carnal, for he saw her slight hands move to the ties of her vinati. The fact endeared Lavira even more to the typically self-centered mongrel, and solidified his resolve to handle this troubled girl with extra care.

Kovac knew the Chiet enough to know she loved birds. Finding something to discuss that she was passionate about would quell her nerves and allow Lavira to become comfortable with being closer to him. The Avora's hunch was correct, and the young woman launched into a detailed, impassionated sharing of her love-affair with avian kind. Part way through she summoned Tulaj, Kovac only flinching slightly as the raptor lighted on her bare arm. Again, Kovac kept a wary eye on the mischievous bird as Lavira doted on him and continued her story.

Kovac understood now more about his friend, her inspirations and aspirations. He had known from the time they met at the range that she was a woman who strove for higher purpose, her eyes set on greater goals. The Avora found himself envious of her vision, for he lacked such motivation, a majority of his adult life spent nurturing grudges, reveling in self-loathing and seeking immediate gratification or distraction from real and imagined hurt. Only in the past year had he begun to change, the impact of the Djed Storm and the help of people he finally let in helping him turn from his destructive egocentrism. Lavira, without realizing it, contributed to Kovac's humanization, giving him opportunity to care for the well being of someone besides himself.

As if she had heard his thoughts, Lavira excused the harrier and turned to inquire of Kovac's passions. She caught him off guard, expecting to continue the conversation as Lavira as the focus. He laughed lightly, nervously, averting his gaze from the single vibrant eye. Kovac took a moment to try to discern his true passions from his vices and habits. What, deep down, did he really care about. "My music." He blurted out. "I play for myself, and I write some too. It has been with me when no one else has, it connects me with the part of me that I don't really know, my mother's side. I can get lost in it, forget things, or dwell on them more intently. It has always been a way for me to vent my feelings. I ..." Kovac paused, realizing he was about to reveal personal flaws, then, with a glance into Lavira's face, he continued, "I am not very good at expressing what I really feel, or maybe its that I don't want to." That, of course, was it. It was easier to be snarky, shallow, and surly than to deal with emotions with another person. Petch. That was more than he wanted to say. This was about helping Lavira, not therapy for himself. He quickly moved on."And I like to shoot. I have control over it, I am good at it and it has earned me some respect."

Kovac nodded slightly, then took her hand in his. Emerald eyes again fastened on her face. The more he learned about the Chiet he once overlooked so easily, the more fond of her he grew. "And I don't take damaged goods out on dates." His smile grew warm. "You are...modified, different, maybe even enhanced, but not damaged. Vira, your worth is not made less by this," his hand reached to brush a finger over the edge of the scar that crossed her eye, "or by any event. I don't want to hear you talk like that about yourself."

The Avora leaned in to press a light kiss to her lips. He leaned back on the bed, gently coaxing Lavira to recline with him, his arm slipping around her shoulders. "I don't want you to be afraid. Not of me. I want to be a friend, someone you can confide in, one who expects nothing more from you than what you want to give." The words sounded strange coming from his mouth, yet, the young woman had engendered a compassion from the half-breed that surprised himself most of all. She was an underdog, as the mutt of a man was once.

x

[Lavira]

So not only was he a hunter, but he was a musician too. The woman shifted so she could tuck a leg under her, turning on the bed to better face him and placing both hands in her lap, hands politely folded over each other as she listened intently to the insight of himself that he gave.

She was fascinated by this aspect of the slant-eyed man as more than just a teacher and woo'er of young women. The thought that he not only played but wrote was endearing and Vira made a note to ask him to play for her sometime. Offhand during his monologue, she input, "I've always wanted to sing, myself. I never invested the time into it, though; there was always something that needed more attention. I'd like it if I could hear you play sometime, Kovac. Maybe I can find the inspiration in return for the plucking of strings and notes that you may produce. I mean, if you can stand to hear such an amateur shout some off-key words, heh."

When he explained his challenge in expressing himself verbally, she just smiled, nodding in understanding. Inartans were impetuous by nature. They did not often stop to consider the consequences of their actions or words; it meant a lot of youth (and sometimes older individuals) died before they got very far in this society. "That's alright; expression comes with courage. If you stop thinking about it, sometimes what needs to come out...well...comes out." She grinned, a natural thing that relit that face once more, blossoming like the orchids on the cliffs in spring. "You were the one who told me I should stop thinking and do, afterall; why not do the same? If you're constantly keeping it in, a breaking point will be reached and then disaster will come. We live in a volcano, Kovac; if the steam builds too long, something will blow." She used Skyinarta as an example of this, letting him continue on about his hunting then.

"I agree, you're very good with that bow of yours. It's no wonder you were one of our mentors during Bendi. I'm sorry I couldn't remember you last season."

When he took her hand in his, her gaze lowered to it curiously for a moment then rose to meet his eyes. It lasted only a fraction, though, as he mentioned (and then touched) the three year old marking. The muscles in the dead eye contracted as her seeing eye lowered and her head turned slightly to hide the wound behind her hair, listening to the comforts he spoke. That was what others saw, she often told herself; a handicap that would only be good to work. Where was the value in that? Where was the sense of worth in this city where caste meant everything, where who you were was determined solely by what you did. People did not see the deformed because they chose to ignore them. Perhaps it was delusion that kept her from seeing beyond that, that she wasn't some invisible figure scrubbing shyke, dusting chimneys, feeding the birds equating to a Dek but given a higher title out of sympathy (she used to tell herself).

But he was encouraging and the woman glanced again his way, peeking through her hair to spy his lean-in. She had enough time to turn back to him once more as their lips connected. Vira shut her eyes then and floated in the brief connection, a gossamer membrane of energy that divided them and kept the Chiet locked in reality instead of collapsing in delight that he would be the aggressor that time instead of her. And then, like the first, it was over. Or was it?

He was inviting her to lie with him. It was a strange gesture in its simple suggestion, but Vira found no offense in him doing it. Her mind flitted to Garren as it often had and she shifted uneasily on the bed. Was Kovac like him? She knew little about his romantic life other than his caste and the well-rounded knowledge of such citizens. They, like the Endal, were prone to taking advantage of lower members of Wind Reach's caste system, picking the beautiful but stupid Dek to lie with or a Chiet, not unlike herself, that could satisfy such a need. Garren had abused that, and left the emotional scar in his wake upon the woman. But Kovac listened to her. His invitation was one as much of affection as it was of friendship; and Vira followed the invitation.

Waiting long enough to undo the thong that held the Bay-eagle feather and glass beads in her hair, she set the heirloom aside and scooted closer. There was an awkward moment where she was straddling him, the teens cheeks hot as she swiftly worked past this and found a comfortable position on his chest, one hand under her chin and the other resting near his head. This one would stroke through his dark hair, leaving grooves where her digits passed before the strands fell back into their natural position. Before getting comfortable, Vira had pushed her hair back and over one shoulder so that it spilled down one side. And now, at last settled, she sighed. The first hints of exhaustion from the evening flitted through her mind but she forced these away in favor of simply watching him.

With stillness falling in the room, Vira broke the silence in order to ask, "What was your mother like? Was she responsible for your strange features? The, uhm-" she looked for a word that was better than mutt or mongrel. "-blend of foreigner and Inartan? Your hair is so much more dark than any others and your eyes..."

[Kovac]

There was an awkward moment as Lavira settled prone against Kovac on the small bed. But in little time the girl was nestled against him comfortably, naturally fitting together. The Avora's strong arm encircled her protectively. He felt the soothing movement of her slight fingers through his hair. It made his smile that Lavira felt close enough to him to display such affection. His own hand traced light fingers down her shoulder and arm. The hunter's eyes searched the dimly illuminated stone ceiling as the girl posed her question.

"I don't know what my mother was like. She died minutes after I was born. But she was a Vantha from Avanthal. I get my skin and hair color from her. Any talent in music I may have would have come from her too. The lute I play was hers." The arm around her moved to stroke Lavira's crimson mane. "I would love to play for you. And I would like to hear you sing, it could be just between you and me."

Kovac sighed a sigh of contentment. It had been a tiring evening, and certainly more so for the emotionally tumultuous Lavira. He was happy to hold her, provide some comfort to his young friend. She felt good against him, slight and warm, her tender fingers plying his hair. She provided comfort to him as well. There seemed to be a waning of expectation, no pressure or awkwardness as to where the evening would progress. Both Avora and Chiet seemed more than satisfied to simply rest in one another's arms. Not that Kovac did not feel attraction to Lavira, even more after tonight than before, but it was caste in something more than just seeking immediate gratification of more carnal needs. If he didn't know better, Kovac would have said that an emotional need was met just by sharing the moment with the woman that he, just like most others, had underestimated.

"My father laid blame on me for her death, so we were not really close. I suppose that is where the hardness started." He fell silent for a moment, still unsure of why he felt so willing to talk to the falconer.

x

[Lavira]

Hearing of his mothers passing quieted the Chiet as she watched him, comforted by the easy caress of his hand over her rusty hair. She felt the urge to sleep more strongly now, the constant pain in her side more of a dull throb in the back of her mind as her consciousness found something better to center itself on: him. She found herself considering how the evening had began what felt so many bells ago.

The terror of having to go into that dark chamber with so many around. She had been completely mortified! And then to talk about it with him, Vira had begun unsure, uneasy, and altogether unsettled. The Chiet had been sure he would stand her up as soon as he saw her, and if not that then simply walk away and leave her horrified and frozen on the dance floor when she'd locked up like that. But he hadn't. He'd pursued her even when she fled, blaming him for something he could not have understood then. Was it the alcohol or did Vira truly feel enchanted by him? And not the kind of youthful arousal of being with an older man whose suave tongue and witty charisma discouraged sour sentiments fairly quickly. No, it was...different.

Letting her legs spread enough that her feet could touch the bed, she pushed closer to his head, features tilted to one side in that typical way to keep him completely in sight. The arm that had rested over his chest and supported her chin had moved to rest on the other side of his head now, both hands moving through the almost midnight strands. He mentioned his father now and how he felt the man blamed Kovac for his mothers death and sympathy struck her. For all that she wanted to kiss him, make that simple connection again and sink into the bliss of the moment, she couldn't. The moment had sombered and Vira chose, instead, to lay a kiss upon his forehead.

She scooted back into the comfortable spot she'd found again, her cheek resting over his sternum this time and her ear pressed over his heart. There was a smile on her face this time, one of contentment as she spoke. "I wish I could recall my parents faces. I remember how they sound, but their image faded from me completely when I was twelve. There are times when I miss them so deeply it hurts. That's pretty strange, I know, especially for them both being just Chiet. I remember that much. I've wondered if my talent with the birds doesn't come from my mom. She used to have this Thunder Bay Eagle. Oh he was gorgeous, Kovac; white head and blue eyes, standard yellow beak...I've never seen blue eyes in a bird of prey, but he was beautiful. He was the first bird I touched."

Vira recounted with slowing pace the memory. She'd been five at the time. Her parents had already gifted her with a little blue bird native to the area. It was old and fully trained and was easy for the child to take care of. After her Kindergarten classes and they came to pick her up, they'd taken her up to the aeries where Doskin, mothers eagle was. The enormous bird had only a perch to rest on, but was able to leave the chamber any time he wished. Not unlike the Wind Eagles, Thunder Bay eagles simply could not be contained. It was cruel. Her parents had brought her up to help feed him, like usual; but things turned out differently. As his dinner (a small deer) was delivered, Doskin hopped from his perch with barely a stretch of his wings and walked in that bird-like fashion towards the kill. He looked past his meal and at the child (who could have just as easily been carried away by the eagle had he so chose). Doskin hopped over the kill and-

"...mmm....he leaned his head closemmm....." Her eyes had closed midway through the recollection. "....touched his screst...mmmssoft...." And then, she was out. Her hands had long since ceased their affectionate stroke through his hair and her breathing had grown deep and even. His date had fallen asleep.

[Kovac]

Lavira had allowed him to see her vulnerability, and that had taken the usually hedonistic Avora off guard. To his own surprise, the girl's weakness had brought out a strength in Kovac, the compassion that had only begun to be revealed since the crisis of the Djed Storm a year earlier. The young Chiet had unwittingly disarmed him, revealing a softer side that few had witnessed from the snarky mongrel. The ensnarement was only deepened as the teen pressed against him, her fingers lazily combing through his hair. As Lavira shared more of herself, memories of her past, Kovac's hand gently played with her hair. Why did it feel so comforting to hold her?

Looking down at her head resting on his chest, Kovac watched it rise and fall subtly with each breath he took. A flutter of arousal had threatened at his core, the man may have been touched by Lavira's sweetness, but he was still a man, with a woman draped across him. But to take advantage of the troubled girl was below the Avora, and he was content to simply cuddle her. To do anything more would taint the connection they had made, a dynamic Kovac could not fully explain, but it felt...fulfilling, and he wished to see where it went.

Lavira's words faded to mumbled syllables before falling to silence, only the sound of her deep breathing audible then. Her fingers became lax and slipped from his head. She had fallen asleep. Kovac's gentle caresses did not cease, his fingers tracing the lean muscles of her arm. The pads of his digits found the thick scar along her side, a monument to a deep wound. The Avora had seen the girl's hand drift to that scar a time or two, a flash of pain glimpsed in her features indicating the injury had never healed completely. Life in Wind Reach was hard, as the scarred body of the young woman attested. Someone once told Kovac that Wind Reach pressed everyone, like a press crushed grapes. What matters is whether that pressing produced a refined wine, or a sour drink. Kovac admitted he had let the fruit of his pressing become sour grapes, and only now was he attempting to turn that around.

His hand reached again to pet the girl's soft hair. Lavira's pressing would reveal a fine wine, Kovac knew already. Something in the hardened heart of the Avora softened, and he committed himself to help the Chiet become whatever she was destined to be, even if that meant becoming an Endal.

x