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[Aran Windblown]

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ARan reached out and steadied Laithe, murmuring softly to the mare in Pavi, making sure she was calm before walking over to Kaiphur, careful not to run-- he didn't know how she would react if he approached her too fast. It occurred to Aran that he was treating Kaiphur like he would a young, inexperienced colt, and perhaps that was an accurate comparison.

"Kaiphur!" He knelt beside the redhead, vaguely noticing that the other one, Taylani, had apparently left just before Kaiphur had fallen. "Are you hurt?" He followed his instincts, running his hands swiftly and dispassionately over her body, making sure nothing was broken. Laithe hadn't been going very fast-- the Gildling had more run out from under Aran's slave than anything else-- but one could never be too careful.

"Are you all right?" he asked, his hands coming to rest on Kaiphur's shoulders. He tried to keep his voice and body language soft, open, but he was unused to soothing people. "Can you tell me what made you stiffen up like that?" He was careful to ensure that his question was just that, a question-- that Kaiphur was under no obligation to answer him if she did not wish to.

[Kaiphur]

Kaiphur allowed his eyes time to focus on the concerned face before him… He was strangely aware of how Aran’s hands were moving over him, careful yet urgent – checking for damage. Shaking his head to push the idea away, he gingerly pushed himself up into a sitting position. Where did Taylani go? “No, no… Not hurt badly. I think it might bruise though.” He was painfully aware of the other question… The reason he stiffened up was something he wasn’t too comfortable disclosing. But Aran was his master – his friend? The young boy looked outwards towards the mountains, conflicted. “Hmmn. It was nothing.” He sighed and held his head in his hands, trying to arrange his thoughts and suppress his emotions. “Ah, what is the use! I’ll be honest.” Gritting his teeth and shaking his head, he looked directly at Aran. “I just don’t need any accusations are judging or whatever. I’ve been able to keep my mind off things whilst I’ve been here. I’ve just had too much new information going in to give my old life much thought. You probably don’t want to hear all this… But it just gets stuffed in my head and then bursts out like… like that. Like I just freak out or zone out or freeze or something.” Laithe slowly walked towards the two men… Was it true that horses could sense feelings? She wasn’t a strider but she seemed perceptive of certain things. “Back home at Syliras, I used to spend so much time with the horses. They were really calming. I love these creatures so I enjoyed having my own horse to ride and care for here, now. Yet it brings back memories…” Kaiphur didn’t care to admit that the horse had reminded him of his master. Soft, gentle creatures… Soft, gentle touches. Why did he think of Aran in that way? He eyed the Drykas cautiously before continuing. “Anyway… The horse… things… it reminded me of a girl. A girl back home. She was the only person I ever loved, because she was the only person who loved me. It was at a big ugly building full of tutors where they locked you away for hours and just taught you. All girls there… I had to be that. My father sent me away so I could become his... perfect little girl. He couldn't deal with me.” He found himself closing his eyes and breathing deeply. These memories were uncomfortable… he had neglected them for so long and never come to terms with them. He had never spoken so frankly before. He had hardly spoken to Aran at all. "Tell me Aran. They've tried so hard to change me and make me into something I'm not. Do you seriously still believe that I'm... lying? About this?" He gestured at his body and glanced downwards as his eyes began to water.

[Aran Windblown]

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"I do not know what to think," he said slowly. "Drykas do not approve of people who claim to be a gender different from the one the gods chose for them at birth. But you seem to truly believe this." The Drykas straightened, catching the Gilding with one hand and offering the other to Kaiphur. "I still believe it would be best-and safest- for you to refrain from talking about this with anyone else in Endrykas."

Truthfully, Aran was still inclined to not believe Kaiphur's claim, but surely a slave merely trying to escape the purpose she had been purchased for would have gives up the rose after she realized it was hopeless? Aran was still determined to have at least one child on the way before the camp returned to their summer grounds. If Kaiphur would not bear that child, then Aran would have to sell her to at least get his mizas back unless he could convince his Ankal that Kaiphur was useful in other ways.

[Kaiphur]

Kaiphur nodded. He understood Aran’s point of view, even if he didn’t like it. “The people back in Syliras didn’t exactly approve of it either. But I do believe it… I know.” Kaiphur wished there was some way to prove what he felt in his gut, in his heart, in his head. Aran seemed like he may be more receptive to the idea now, but he still held many reservations. “I mean… It hurts when people insist that you’re wrong or crazy or just confused. I’m not confused. But at the same time I… I have to understand that this isn’t common. I need to be realistic. I’ve never heard of anyone else like me. I used to think maybe there were many that were just so good at hiding it, but now I’m not so sure.” He scratched his head. So cut off for so many years, he had no way of knowing whether there was any place that he could be truly accepted. He had to make the best of this. “You have been good to me Aran. You’ve been kinder than I could have hoped for… I might seem ungrateful, but it is hard knowing you aren’t truly free when freedom is the only thing you want. The thing you ran away for.” He sighed. Kaiphur transitioned into Pavi, to try and explain the situation better. “You believe your strider can have a special bond with you. I would never have realised how strong that was a few months ago, but I accept and embrace the idea now. I can’t see or have it myself, but the Drykas can. They can see beyond what… What a normal man might see when it comes to your strider. You know that Anyalvis is no mere horse to be owned and used, he is far more special. He is a major part of your life.” The concept of the Drykas having such a close bond with the animals gave Kaiphur a sense of comfort. It was an idea that wanted to identify with... There was something about the animals that made them different to any horses Kaiphur had encountered previously. “I wonder if you could see the truth somehow. I have no idea how. But do you understand what I’m trying to say? I know inside that I’m… not female. Just like you know the striders aren’t just simple creatures, they are everything to your people. You wouldn't want someone belittling the bond or the grace or importance of the animals - neither would I! Yet I don't enjoy having my situation... trivialised. Or not believed.” Kaiphur glanced downwards and focused on the marks on his wrists, slightly faded now but still very much there. He feared his words might offend Aran… did he really understand the complexities of the Drykas and strider bond? Maybe a Drykas wouldn't see it that way. “I’ll try to help you in any way I can. You do own me. But just understand, it might be hard for me.”

[Aran Windblown]

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Aran listened intently to his slave as she spoke-- he had a harder time making out what she was trying to say in Pavi; her speech and her gestures were stilted, rough-- and when she was finished, he took his time thinking carefully before he replied.

"I can see your point," he said finally in Common. "But as I have said before, it your situation is one that I have never heard of in Endrykas before. Should it become common knowledge, you will be..." Aran searched for the word he was looking for-- his Common was good, but sometimes it failed him. "It will not go well for you," he settled on finally. "Everyone will constantly be watching you, waiting for you to do something dangerous, for they will see you as a danger; that is, if you are not cast out.

"I understand that this is hard for you-- But things are not easy here in Cyphrus. You are not the only one with hardships thrust upon them."

[Kaiphur]

Kaiphur paused for a moment as he watched the winds displace the thick blades of grass across the horizon. He hadn’t seen Aran open up like this before. He’d never been so understanding… “I’m glad you are honest.” He spoke calmly and slowly in Pavi. “It won’t stop being hard until I can live as if it isn’t a problem, but those days are far away. I know I can be hurt if people find out… So I must be careful. In truth… I feel, uhm… I feel guilty that you could face repercussions if I am… discovered.” He knotted his eyebrows and looked at Aran frankly. “I just have to be careful. We both do.” Laithe whinnied in the distance and her glassy eyes watched the pair, as if ensuring that everything was alright. Her presence was soothing... “Endrykas is a good place. I thank you for treating me well. I could have ended up in a far worse position… And I’m sorry I’m not all you hoped for.” Kaiphur never thought he’d feel apologetic for disappointing someone who bought into slavery, but Aran’s quiet demeanour had a strange effect on him. He hadn’t stopped to consider that it probably wasn’t simple for his master, either. Although Kaiphur had his problems, it did not mean that nobody else had their own issues and worries and fears. It was easy to forget that sometimes... Being isolated had its drawbacks. “Hardships thrust upon you?” Kaiphur took a deep breath and heaved himself up, tentatively offering his hand out to Aran to pull him from his sitting position. “I’ve whined enough… I should listen to you talk for once. I don't judge.”

[Aran Windblown]

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Aran nodded at Kaiphur's thanks, and he accepted Kaiphur's hand; he had not even realized that he had sat down next to the slave. "All Drykas have been looking for ways to increase their numbers," he said finally, but he omitted why. "If I do not sire a child with you, then my father will begin pressing me to marry. He takes his duty, as he sees it, very seriously. My mother is much the same.

If the Ankal sees that you are not pregnant by summer, then he will sell you-- he has the right. I am far past the usual marrying age; most other Drykas men my age already have at least one child." He glanced over at Kaiphur, noting how his slave could be mistaken for male, if one did not know her gender. Kaiphur's situation was unique, and one Aran had never given thought to; he meant what he'd said, however. He did understand that this was hard, but Kaiphur's difficulties were minor compared to what the rest of the Drykas were going through, trying to recover from the sickness that had nearly decimated their numbers.

[Kaiphur]

It would be so easy to get so self-absorbed that you couldn’t see past other people’s problem. Well, perhaps self-absorbed was the wrong work. More like too deeply introverted, too concerned with your own issues. Aran was running out of time, and so was Kaiphur. “I haven’t been looking past myself lately. And for that, I’m sorry.” He sighed. “I truly can’t discuss this today anymore. It has been… a bit much.” The long talk had taken a lot out of him. He slowly walked towards Laithe, and stroked her neck. So strong yet delicate too. “I don’t know what to do. No one can help me.” He uttered quietly. Only the horse could hear, and she kept her eyes steady with his. Whether she understood was impossible to tell, but she stood there anyway. “No one has ever been able to help me.” He had to do things for himself and stop relying on other people – even though he was a slave he could still be true to himself. But if it hurt other people? Could he still do it? Taking hold of Liathe’s neck, he hoisted himself up onto her sturdy frame. It wasn’t graceful and it wasn’t perfect, but Kaiphur managed it by himself. He repeated the movements the Aran had told him, and the horse turned smoothly towards the Drykas man. “We can talk further soon. I don’t know what to do yet, but I don’t want anything bad to happen to you because of me. You’ve shown me kindness, and I need to give something back.” He called out towards his captor. He was different, but kind. He had troubles, but that only made him relatable. Most of all he was beginning to understand.

[Fantasy]

XP Award!

Name: Taylani

Notes: If you should return Taylani, please PM me and I will post your grades.

Name: Aran Windblown

XP Award:

• Socialization: +5
• Teaching: +5
• Observation: +3

Lore:

• Teaching: The Basics of the Yvas
• Teaching: Horses and emotions
• Teaching: Promient cues
• Kaiphur: Likeness of a colt
• Kaiphur: First love
• Kaiphur: One of a kind situation

Notes: I really enjoyed reading Aran teaching riding lessons. Very good descriptions and clear to understand even for a beginner. I look forward to future interactions between Aran and Kaiphur as well. They’ll have a lot to overcome. As always don’t be afraid to PM me with questions. And please don’t forget to edit your grading request.

Name: Kaiphur

XP Award:

• Socialization: +5
• Riding: +4
• Observation: +3

Lore:

• Taylani: No longer a captive
• Riding: Relaxation is key for proper movement of horse and rider
• Aran: Gentle despite his strength
• Freedom on horseback
• Drykas: The bond of horse and rider
• Aran: The reasons for needing a child

Notes: Kaiphur really is one of a kind. I can’t wait to see the journey that’s bound to come and the troubles they’ll have to overcome. If you have any questions please don’t be afraid to PM me.
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