PM to join Strengthen the mind and the body will follow

[Adrien Dair]

65th Fall, 514 AV


It was an early morning for Adrien. Syna had just begun her climb into the sky. He would assume that the sky was a bright orange if he could see it. But he was underground in the training area of the Sanctuary, where he and Kavala had learned from the Akalak, Anir. A new passion burned inside the man. The need to strengthen his body, a new found passion in the art of unarmed combat. Though he did not feel the need to fight, he wanted to strengthen his body. To train it until it was in the best physical shape it could be in. He felt that if his body was strong then his mind would follow. The ability to defend those close to him would also benefit from his training. His shirt pulled off and folded neatly next to the shoes he wore. His pants tight around his waist but looser as they went to his ankles.

He took in a breath, closing his eyes as he relaxed his body. He stretched outwards twisting his hips. He cracked his neck and then rolled his shoulders. He continued his stretches till his body felt loose. He took in another deep breath through his nose then exhaled through his mouth. He slid his feet outwards, bending at the knees with his toes pointed forward. His arms bent at his side in a 90 degree angle. His fist clinched, turned upwards his thumbs pointing away from his body. He stood there with his eye closed. Trying to focus and clear his mind. He tried to picture a scene where his parents were in danger. But nothing came to mind. His parents were not the adventurous type. They never left their house and never experienced real danger.

He sighed, opening his eyes for a brief second. He took in another breath and looked towards the entrance. Closing his eyes again. He thought about the place that he was in. The chance he had been given by Kavala and the history that she had shared with him about the Kelvic siblings that lived in the Sanctuary. He breathed in again trying to clear his mind. He tried to isolate the two in his head. Them being together inside the Sanctuary. The smiling face of Cadra and the more serious face of Larik. He exhailed the breath and opened his eyes. The mans face now hidden behind a serious mask. He extended his right arm quickly, twisting it around as he threw a punch. Then with his left, alternating between the two as he began his practice.

"I promised I would keep them safe, and so I shall" he said to himself as he shifted to a different stance. Sliding his foot behind him he mocked the stance that he had made a few days before. His lesson with Kavala and the Akalak still in his head. He threw a straight jab with his right hand, then a hook with his left. Then shifted himself slightly as he brought his foot up in a kick. Striking at the air in front of him as he stepped and swung with his right hand then again with his left. He stopped standing in the stance again with his left foot behind his right. His breathing labored as sweat dripped down his forehead. Anger crossed his face as a memory arose from the lesson. "I am not a pet" he grumbled under his voice, striking out with his fist. A loud, echoing, battle cry left his lips as he stood there with his fist extended.

His breath heavy as he stood. A few drops of sweat dripped down his head. He stepped forward bringing his other foot up and out into the air with a kick. He rotated foot to try and bring the heel crashing down. It hit the mat with a thud. He stood straight and looked down. The twist felt alien, he could feel the strain of his muscles as the moved weirdly. He shook his head. He did not want to injure himself in a fight. But he knew that he would have to push himself to feel out how his body would react to movements. If he wanted to protect them he knew that he needed to condition his body to be ready to fight when it needed to.

He sighed and sat down. He rubbed the few drops of sweat on his head. The Kelvic looked around the room. Before back to his feet. "I need to be stronger, better and faster then I am now. I can not rely on changing to defend them. Sometimes I wont be able to change." he said to himself. "I wont be able to defend them and then what? I would not be able to come back here. I could not face her." He laid onto his back and stared at the ceiling. The word stronger echoed through his mind. "What does it mean to be stronger? Do I need to just strengthen my body? Will that be enough?" he questioned. There was no answer but it did not stop him. He crossed his arms over his chest and began pulling himself up with his abdomen reaching up to his knees and then laying back onto the mat. Work harder and be better for yourself and for them. The words echoed in his mind. He continued to do the sit ups. Raising and lowering himself using his abdomen and the muscles in his lower back to lift himself up. You can get stronger! You can be better! his mind continued to push him even as his breathing became labored and sweat dripped off of his forehead and down his chest.

Keep going! You can do this! He kept pushing himself until his abdomen grew sore. He laid on his back and breathed. The air stinging his lungs as he tried to rest. His hands resting on his forehead, one inside of the other. He stared at the ceiling. A smile wide on his face. It was not much but it was a start, for now he would rest then he would begin again focusing on a different part of the body. "I am going to be sore tomorrow" he said to himself.
.

[Adrien Dair]

65th Fall, 514 AV


Chimes seemed to pass as the man laid there. He could already feel the soreness that he knew would come tomorrow. He sat up crossing his legs under him and looked around. It was quiet today, no one had come by. He shrugged and pushed himself to his feet. He felt the need to go over the lesson from the other day again. So he took his stance. Raising up his fist to guard his face. He threw a straight right jab and then followed it up with a left hook. Stepping forward and bringing his knee up to strike his imaginary foes stomach. Then swinging back with his elbow. He took his time moving through each strike slowly to see how his body felt and reacted to it. He wanted to feel the strain, to see if he could pin point anything that needed more work as he moved.

The muscles moving as one, working together to strike with force. He continued to focus but nothing came. He could feel the awkwardness in some of the movements but he figured that it was more of a lack of proper training. He shook his head and walked toward his clothing. Throwing his shirt over one shoulder and grabbing his shoes, he began walking to the bathing area. He wanted to soak some of the pain away before it set in. But more importantly wanted the smell of sweat to be less prevalent on his body.

He made his way down the hallway to the bath before seeing the water before him. The water reflecting the light in the room off of it and onto the walls and ceiling. A smile on his face as he placed his shirt and shoes out of reach of any water that may splash out and soak them. He quickly went about removing his pants and underwear. He walked into the water, slowly sinking into it until it was up to his shoulders. A relaxing sigh left his lips as the water warmed his body. He took in a deep breath and let his body relax. A calming sensation slowly taking over his body as he went about cleaning himself.
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[Kavala]

She liked to run in the moonlight. Better yet, she liked to see the moon creep away as the dawn overtook the night and the sky gradually lightened. Running was an incredible way to get her strength back and since the birth of the twins that had nearly killed her, Kavala indulged in it daily. She would stretch quietly, dress according to the weather, then set out across the sand of the beach beneath the Sanctuary with one or two of the great Imperial Watchers in attendance. Sometimes, the whole pack came with her. That was rarer for the truth was the entire breed of dog was a bit on the lazy side. Sure, they were formidable guard dogs, but they were utterly without energy unless they were in really good shape. Ink and Indigo were. And that morning they ran with Kavala. She was happy to have the company.

The weather was still chilled in the mornings, but that didn’t stop her from going barefoot through the wet sand just above the surf. She ran in a compact form, her elbows swinging, her arms pulled tight to her side, and her lungs gently pulling in air and letting them out. This was a way for her to build endurance, placing one foot on the ground in front of another, pushing off, and repeating until it felt like she was flying across the hard sand. Kavala liked to think she was airborne, and only slapped her feet against the sand when it was absolutely necessary to keep up her momentum. The dogs, on the other hand, thought it was great fun, running ahead, trailing behind, chasing gulls and sniffing out any flotsam that looked interesting.

Kavala, on the other hand, felt like she was running away. There were issues she needed to deal with in her own mind. She had new folks under her roof that needed cared for and trained. And there was a very bold Rhino Kelvic that was making her nervous. She didn’t know why Adrien made her nervous. The man didn’t have a mean bone in his body. Sure, he could be aggressive when he was irritated and by and large his bulk made him intimidating, but it was more than that. She liked him, as a person, as a friend, and his companionship was invaluable to her. They were just beginning to work on the forge together, but already he was proving useful in a million ways. It drew her back to a time when she was walked her Chavi and the roles were reversed. She was a Kelvic and serving a wizard that was beyond amazing in her esteem. She remembered her obsession with him, her fascination, and the need to bond. Kavala knew Adrien was long past the time he needed to bond and the lack of a bondmate was burning in his blood. She’d made sure he spent time with everyone under her roof, giving him lots of options, but still his eyes followed her.

She knew it, tried to ignore it, and was proving less and less successful at it. He was strong, sensitive, and everything a woman would want in a Kelvic partner. But Kavala had foresworn men other than for casual relationships to scratch itches that were just normal for her age. Konti were beautiful, sensuous, and alluring for a reason. Kavala thought it was in their nature to find partners that were stronger to protect them and in return be irresistible to the males they paired up with. But Kavala wasn’t a fainting frail flower. She didn’t need protection. Companionship? Sure. Someone to talk to and share her thoughts with? Someone to love? She even truly wanted a steady lover and had sometimes jokingly asked herself if maybe voluntarily entering the Nakivak program again would get her someone she didn’t have to commit to and someone who was more than safe to play with.

But Adrien wasn’t someone she didn’t have to care about. And therein was the problem. She knew she cold potentially take him as a lover and that he most likely wouldn’t mind. But she would.. she’d grow attached, and then have to wonder how he could break her heart like every other male had that she’d let in.

No… Adrien was better off left to his own devices. Char or Eselle, or even the lovely nanny would be a fantastic choice for him. Not Kavala. She didn’t trust herself and she certainly didn’t trust him because he was acting on instinct. Was it his need to be a bondmate that lead him to her, settling instead of holding out for the perfect mate?

Gods, it was a lot to think about. So Kavala thought as she ran and worked up a good sweat, finally turning and letting her path take her back to The Sanctuary. She passed in through the Sea Cave, jogged up the ramp, through the commons, down the hall, and finally came to rest at the threshold of the bathing chamber.

She shook her arms, pulled off her thick cotton running tunic and walked more properly into the chamber. Kavala turned, faced one of the benches, and pulled off her tight tank top and then grabbed the waistband of her running pants and pulled them free. She neatly folded the soiled clothing, picked up a towel and a basket of soap and shampoo from the corner bracket, and turned to approach and step into the bath.

Adrien was already there, tucked into the bath, leaning against the edge, his body floating for her full inspection. His eyes were open, those clear grey green ones, and was watching her with what Kavala could only label surprised interest.

She stopped in her tracks, not embarrassed by her own stripped down form, but because the man had muscles upon muscles and that was wholly unexpected. He was built, though more compact, somewhat like an Akalak. His human form, she realized, must have been influenced by the society he grew up in. And it was… beautiful.

The Healer knew he was put together nicely just by interacting with him, but she hadn’t realized how nicely he was defined. She swallowed, plastered on a smile, and quietly asked. “Mind if I join you?”. As she waited for his reply, she reached up, pulled the leather thong from her hair that held it up in a pony’s tail, and let the white cascade free. The silk strands were wet with sweat and sea spray. She needed a bath, at that point, just as badly as he did.

[Adrien Dair]

65th


Adrien floated in the pool. Letting the water brush against his body and warm every inch of it. He dunked himself under the water. Slowly rising back up be brushed the water off of his face and let it run down his body. His mind had begun to wander as he enjoyed the feeling of water. He had the feeling that Kavala was pushing him towards others. Often leaving him with any other female in the Sanctuary. He had begun to wonder if there was something he had done. If he had some how picked at a nerve he did not know was there. They had begun their work on the forge. Begun their journey to perfecting magecrafting for the Sanctuary. He had enjoyed his time that he spent with her. Feeling more and more sure that it was what he needed and what he wanted. He knew she cared or at least he thought she did. But sometimes he wondered if that feeling was weakening.

An audible sigh left his lips as he submerged again. He rose up to see a form in front of him. His vision blurred because of the water running down his face. He wiped it clear and then looked. It was the curves of a woman and she was undressing. At first he could not tell who it was. He questioned if he should turn away out of respect. But decide against it since they would have to share the pool anyway. He watched as the show unfolded before him. Watching the tank top that clung tightly to her body slide off. Then watched the cloth around her waist be removed. Showing of her curves and the delicate soft skin of her body. His eyes danced up her leg. Looking at the muscle and soft looking skin that was before his eyes. The round shape of her arse caught his eyes for quite some time. He bit his lower lip before his eyes continued their journey. Up her bare back, where his eyes came to rest between her shoulder blades.

It was only when she turned around that Adrien knew who it was. Kavala now stood before him in all her beautiful, naked grace. He could not help but look at her chest. He looked up towards her face. Standing up causing more of himself to be shown. The water running down his chest. She stared at him for a moment, which he took as both a complement and interest before she spoke. "It would be my pleasure" he said. Watching her hair fall. He held in a satisfied sigh. The sight of her naked body had aroused his own and he made sure to keep that under water. He leaned back against the edge and waited for her to join him. To feel the sensation of the water parting for her body.

He closed his eyes and let himself sink up to his neck. Trying to calm his body down. Trying to keep it from aching for a touch from her. For her to lay her hand upon his chest and to feel the muscle that was carved out of it. But his mind went back to what it was wondering before. She seemed to show him no interest in that area, or she pushed it away. He could not really tell which but he wanted to know. Much like anyone who had feelings for another. He wanted to know if they were returned or it was pointless. He stood up again and cracked his neck.

Turning his attention back to Kavala, he smiled. "Enjoy what ever it was that you were doing?" he asked. Trying to distract himself from the curving paths that his mind was taking. From the wants to touch her, to the questions within he shook his head. Syna will guide me, I just have to have faith. But even with that he could not shake the thoughts. "I did not think anyone would be awake this early" he said. "Or at least not many people." He turned his body to face her. Standing tall so his chest was out of the water. The Konti's blue eyes made him shiver inside every time he looked at them. But when he did, he couldnt pull himself away. He felt that there was something hidden behind the icy walls her eyes put up and part of him wished to know what it was. But that could wait. He just wished to enjoy her company even if it was just for a short time. He sank into the water and waited for her reply. His eyes locked on hers as he floated in the pool.

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[Kavala]

The Konti descended into the water slowly, wincing slightly because she as so very cold and the water was heated from inside the facility through a complex process that was almost as unique as the way they recycled the wastes from the privy and sinks to use in the garden. She set the basket on the side of the pool opposite of where Adrien was as she did so and then took a seat across from him so they both had room to stretch out and bathe. “I www went running. I do so in the mornings with some of the dogs before the sun rises. Its cold out there today though. Fff far colder than I would have thought. Running kept me warm but as soon as I hit home here and stopped my sweat froze and now its… just cold.” She said with a shiver and rose up suddenly to move through the water. She waded to the far end of the pool and stepped up on the stone seat to place a knee on the edge and lean forward to the small alcove that sometimes held candles or wood because it also doubled as a fire. She picked up the flint and steel and struck a fire into the already gathered wood, thankful someone had restocked the place after the last fire had burned. The blaze took a moment of coaxing and Kavala’s breath on it before it caught and ignited, blazing up to add warmth to the already warm chamber.

With the firelight going, the dark interior flickered with patterns of the fire reflecting on the stone. The Konti warmed up and sighed in relief at the effect the water was having on her.

Kavala slipped back into the water and moved back opposite of Adrien so she could more comfortably speak with him. She didn’t immediately began to bathe because she wanted to warm up. They would talk… they always did… and she didn’t want her teeth chattering as she did so.

“You look like you were doing something as well. Did you go out onto the grass?” She said, wondering if he had taken a moment to roam as his Kelvic. So far, she hadn’t seen his other form. She hoped that wasn’t because he was afraid she’d reject it or that the other denizens of The Sanctuary would be afraid. Kavala wanted him to shift and shift often so that the horses wouldn’t be upset seeing him around and would be used to his enormous form and scent.

The Konti stretched out her legs, and reached down to rub at her upper thigh. “I’m out of shape. I’ve been steadily getting my strength back after something happened last year. When the twins were born, their pregnancy didn’t go well. It was a special type, very [b]rare, where I….” She shook her head, laughed a moment, and continued. “You don’t want to hear about that. Needless to say it almost killed me. I was nothing but skin and bones by the time they came and now I’m just getting back into fighting form. That run made me a great deal tired than the same run would have made me a year and a half ago.” [/b] The konti said, releasing her thigh and leaning back to place her elbows on the edge of the stone pool.

She relaxed for a few moments, not bothered by either of there lack of clothing, and watched her webbed toes expand and catch the water, gently paddled at it. She looked half fish with the water all around her and her scales gleaming. The Konti were versatile creatures, children of two worlds yet not fully belonging to either.

Kavala considered them fringewalkers.

“I’m sorry about how I’ve been lately, Adrien.” Kavala said abruptly, not knowing where to begin, but just knowing she needed to apologize. It was seemingly out of the blue, a total change in the casual conversation she’d been attempting. But the truth was Kavala was tired of it. There were things worth worrying about and things not worth worrying about. Tiptoeing around a Kelvic with a fierce desire to bond was not one of them.

“I wanted you to meet everyone. I wanted you to spend time with them. I‘ve been pushing you away because I wanted you to latch onto one of them and not me. They are better people, less complications, and would be so good to you and so thankful to have you.” She said suddenly, abruptly, like it was a weight on her chest.

The Konti paused then, reached behind her as if she’d just said nothing at all, and took a cloth out of the basket and a bottle of soap. She wet the cloth, dumped some of the powder into the cloth and rubbed it together until it foamed. Then keeping her eyes on him, she slipped the cloth behind her neck and began carefully washing the sweat from her neck, ears and gills.

She looked sad, almost resigned, and like it had half killed her to speak. It was as if her admission had made the perceived situation more real to her, forcing it into the now instead of into the potential ‘someday’ she was far more comfortable leaving it up too.

“You are a good man. You are an astonishing Kelvic. I know what it’s like to be where you are. I was once there, back a long long time ago when Marcus Kelvic’s team created Kelvics. I was a first generation shield pinto, and I wanted my creator something fierce. Not Marcus himself, though I remember knowing him, but Iryvin his second in command and best friend. It was all I could think about… that man, that obsession, that need. It was… hard on me. We did eventually bond. It was a close tight bond and I remember how it felt to have it and carry it. There was so much pride and love between us. I feel your need too, Adrien. I feel it. But I’m not the kind of person Irvyn was. He was so special, so unique, so desperately in need of my love. I’ve spent my whole life as Kavala trying not to need anyone else. This fortress… this business… even this forge we’re building together is all part of this. I don’t want what is between us.” Kavala said softly, but there was no conviction in her words.

There was instead a great deal of uncertainty and confusion intermixed with pain.

[Adrien Dair]

31st


Running? So early in the morning? Adrien had to ponder this. Wondering if it was a good idea maybe even trying it himself. He would have to run earlier then she had. Feeling the space between them, he did not want to feel her push him away any more then she said. "Ah. I have not been outside yet, I was in the training room. Beatin-" he began to say before stopping. "Training. Trying to get things down and clear my head of confusion." He shrugged, looking towards her before he looked away. He leaned against the wall again, before pushing the water back and forth with his hands. Creating little waves that splashed against him. He had looked away as she gotten out of the pool to light the fire. Feeling the sudden burst of heat against his skin. He continued to stare at the water, moving his hands back and then sticking a finger in the water and spinning it like he was stirring a drink. A little whirlpool formed then disappeared into the water again.

He just soaked up the water as the semi-awkward silence filled the room before he decided to speak. "I have not really changed since I have been here... You know to my other form. I dont know why. Been a little afraid I might spook the horses and break something or hurt one of them I guess." It was true for a man like Adrien who had not spent much time around horses and who had been afraid to change in the city around others. Part of him still held the instinct to run into the sea of grass. To just go out there where he could not hurt anyone. He looked up when she began to speak again. Chuckling slightly at her saying she was out of shape. He liked her shape, he thought she was absolutely stunning.

The chuckle ended quickly when she spoke of the pregnancy not going well. He was ready to listen. To hear all she had to say about it. He wanted to know. "That's not true. I would love to hear about anything you have to tell me." he said before look down at his feet. Slowly kicking in the water below him. Feeling the resistance, sort of like the kind he was getting from Kavala. A small sigh leaving his lips.

"Sorry? You have no reason to be" he said quickly after she had apologized. It was true, at least partly he did not think she needed to apologize. Everyone had their reasons and he was sure she had hers. "Latch on to them... I do not want to latch on to anyone. If its that big of a deal then I'll just keep fighting it. I don't want you to hate me. I don't want to hurt you. But to be honest I know they all are good people and I would be fine with them... Maybe. But I don't want them. They don't make me feel like you do. And complications are just problems to be fixed. Some don't even need to be fixed. Complications aren't always a bad thing... You can learn from them" he said with a strong voice. No louder then his normal but anyone could feel the feelings that were pushing out his words. He didn't turn to look at her. He just continued to look forward at the wall across the room and his clothes.

The silence between the two after that was eating at his soul. He turned his head to look at her. His face was blank as he looked at hers. She seemed sad now. Like what she had said was something she wish she didnt or didnt have to. He wasnt sure which but the feeling that was swelling up inside him made his stomach churn and tighten. He did not like the feeling and splashed water up into his face. Trying to ignore it in anyway possible.

It was then that she spoke. His eyes looked back up at her, his face turning with them. Two complements that he knew were just a shield before the storm. Then her story began. She was speaking about her past life. Something Adrien had heard from his parents but had never experienced himself. He knew nothing of his past lives or if he even had any. She spoke of bonding and the rhinos chest stung. Hearing of her bonding with someone even in a past life made him a bit jealous. He shrugged off the feeling. Sinking into the water. "I don't care what kind of man he was. I care about who you are. I care about you. I feel the need and the want to be by you. I could careless about this Irvyn or whatever his name was" he said. The anger in his voice astounding before he sank below the water only to emerge a tick later. "I... want to be near you. I want... I want to be that person you can rely on and count on to be there. I want to be your rock when you need it, I want to be your armor. I want to hold you and tell you that everything is okay. I want..." he shook his head and looked at the ceiling for a few ticks. Pulling himself together as her last words had hit him like a bastard sword to the heart.

"I do not believe what you said is true" he said. His mind at work churning and flipping her words around. Trying to find any truth behind them. "I think you are just scared. Maybe something in your past that just keeps you from wanting these feelings. But... I am not like other people. I do not run when I get scared. There is no point to running from anything. Sometimes you have to fight. I am willing to fight for you. I am willing to throw everything I have at these walls that you have built. I have never felt this strongly about anyone. You make me feel important... And don't go saying I am. Cause none of that matters, even if I am the feelings you give me beat anything anyone has ever said to me." He stopped. Breathing in hard as if he hadn't been the entire time he had been talking.

"I feel closer to you then I do to Syna and I've been praying to her for my whole life. My parents prayed to her and so do I. But its fine, if you truly mean that then fine. But I won't stop caring about you. I can't I know that there is suppose to be something strong between us. I won't run away from you." he said. "You can come to me. I don't know how much experience you have with rhinos. We tend to be hard headed. Not afraid of anything. I am not afraid of your past or secrets. What ever it is that has you pushing me away. I'll fight it and beat it. I want to protect you and this whole place because of you." He stood up in the water and walked over to her. Standing a few feet from her is she reached out then she could touch him. "The question is are you willing to try? You don't have to protect everyone all the time. Sometimes you have to let someone protect you."
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[Kavala]

Kavala listened to him. She gave him her undivided attention. It astonished her on so many levels that he stood up and approached and talked openly about what he was thinking and feeling and what his convictions were. Kelvics tended not too. They had an animalistic quality that caused them to usually flee when the situation got tough. Not Adrien. He was so much so a rhino in that moment because he turned and faced the threat and wanted to fight. And she wasn’t sure who his anger was directed at, if indeed it was anger. Conviction was so easily mistaken and intertwined in rage as well. The Konti didn’t want to open up her gift to him. She didn’t want to know if what he said was the truth or not.

But in the end, she couldn’t help herself.

She relaxed and concentrated and the Konti Gift that had been with her since Mura let his essence wash over her. She felt his raw emotion and relived in it moments in her own past she’d discovered walking her own Chavi. Adrien was standing here, fighting, because he knew what he wanted and to him it was worth it. It wasn’t about winning to him. She could feel that clearly. It was about what he fought for. And she let that wash over her as well.

No one had ever wanted her for more than what she could give them. Tasi’s father had left as soon as his status was elevated when she gave birth. Cugacon had nearly killed her because he hadn’t wanted her contract at all – his father had arranged it – but he’d wanted a means to be released from his duty and tattoo his face. Beating a Nakivak to death in the guise of sex was a sure fire way towards that path. Even Ralac and Ia’del’s father had never introduced her to their parents. He’d never asked her to be his wife. He’d taken her as a lover, used her, and discarded her when she’d gotten pregnant because he’d not wanted to the rank, the responsibility, and had not wanted to be a father. He’d just wanted to have fun. Ronan had thrown her away too. She was too human for him, something he could never abide by and be an Ankal or have children to perpetuate the Drykas whom he felt so keenly their demise.

Kavala had witnessed and felt the emotions of countless Kelvics. They’d come through her doors for healing, to birth children, to find a safe place to land and recover until they could get out on their own. But Adrien was different. There was no abuse in his past. There was no long line of child bondmates, no immaturity of the mind, no retardation of his growth because he’d been used or abused. He was solid, proud, and what Kavala knew Marcus Kelvic had been striving for when he’d created Kelvics.

Marcus had always held them back from bonding. He’d always taught them as if they were human, challenged them with complex problems, and treated them far better than modern people treated Adrien’s race.

The big rhino’s emotions washed over her. She felt his feelings acutely. There was no ulterior motive. There was no deception or game. There was no hesitation. There was only longing and admiration and a bone deep stubbornness that she knew came from his animal side. The Konti wanted to push him away, but there was absolutely nothing she could lash on to that would drive him back. She would not make up lies to make him listen to her skewed reason. Deep down she knew why she didn’t want this. At first she’d told herself that it was because it wasn’t real. But she couldn’t deny the reality staring her in the face. But there were layers to her, like there were to most people, and the next one was as black as pitch. She was tainted, unworthy, and so horribly unready for pure love the way Kelvics expressed their needs.

She knew she could tell him repeatedly he didn’t want it because she wasn’t what he deserved, but it would fall on deaf ears. He had made up his mind. His Kelvic form, his mimic merged with flesh, had latched onto her as uniquely compatible, and it wasn’t going to release Adrien until he got what he wanted.

Her last layer was deeper, even darker than the overriding night that covered her soul. Kavala didn’t love Adrien. She wanted love. But the whole truth was, and try as she might she couldn’t counter the argument with herself, that Adrien was someone she could easily love. Easily. And the only reason she didn’t now, she absolutely knew, was because she’d avoided him like the plague and kept a distance between him and herself to guard her very broken and very bruised heart.

But he loved her children. He played with them protectively. He treated Cadra and Larik with respect, giving them time folks usually didn’t give teens. He had honor and spirit and above that he had pride. He always tried to do the right thing, even if he didn’t have knowledge of what that was. She knew in a year or two he’d be formidable. With his animal form, no one would be able to touch him in combat if he could rein his temper and stubbornness and use them as weapons and not let them use him instead.

All these thoughts flowed through Kavala’s mind as she stared at Adrien. She felt cornered, wanting to run like she assumed he would have when she said she didn’t want the bond, and didn’t want him. Instead she dipped her hands in the water, pooled it in her palms, and splashed it up on her face. She then ran her wet hands through her still dry hair and shivered again, this time because there was too much emotion coursing through her body.

She waited, counting her breaths, trying not to react to what Adrien was saying too hastily. She needed to process it all, to give her mind time to adjust. But there was no real time to do so. He was before her. He was telling her exactly what he felt, honestly, wholeheartedly, without a lie among any of his words. It blindsided Kavala utterly, and if she’d been standing she’d have sank to her knees with the sheer weight of his honesty.

Instead she reached for his hand and whispered something softly. She pulled at it without any strength because she was still trying to understand what he’d said… no… that wasn’t the truth of it entirely. She was trying to understand how he could feel he way he felt without hesitation.

Her whispered words were too soft for him to hear. But if he allowed her to draw him down to sit beside her, with her, wrapped up in her, he’d understand as he drew closer.

“I know. I know you won’t give up. It’s not in your nature. It’s not in your people’s natures. Okay… I’ll… It’s okay…” Her voice was small, soft, like a child was speaking for a moment. But it was the woman that responded, wrapping her arms around his form in apology and lifting her hand up to stroke his wet hair out of his eyes so she could meet his grey green gaze.

She started to speak further, but words eluded her. Instead she leaned forward so her scaled forehead brushed his and then rested there as her arms came around his body. He felt it then, though it was not something later either could describe. Invisible ties snaked between them, linked up, and interwove them together making one from two. Kavala had the advantage of her Konti gift a moment ago, but the acceptance and painful acknowledgement on her part suddenly allowed the alien creature so deep within Adrien’s form to link and bond the two. The bond leveled the field between them because suddenly almost in a rush, Adrien could feel everything the Konti was feeling.

The pain was deep, core deep, and long standing. He could feel, almost like they were his own thoughts, her fears and absolute need to protect herself and everyone else from pain and hurt. What she’d just experienced radiated through the bond like a tidal wave and broke over him, lashing flotsam from her past high up on his shoreline and lodging it there where she could never hide it from him again.

The wave was painful, but it leveled out as the bonds formed and his own emotion back washed into hers, in many ways mulling the fear and pain because of his surety and confidence. He was as thick skinned mentally as his animal form was physically and Kavala clung to that for a moment, lost in whether she was he or he was she for a time. She’d never bonded, not as Kavala, and certainly hadn’t remembered her Kelvic life having a bond form so hard, firm, and solid in such an instant. The Konti was not alone anymore. There was someone else in her head, in her feelings, and she couldn’t run and certainly couldn’t hide anything inside her that surfaced from him.

She didn’t know what to do with that sensation. The healer didn’t even have to wonder what Adrien was feeling because his own emotions and his own embroilment in the situation was back washing through the link to her. And he felt her fear suddenly, her uncertainty, and the worry that all that she was would be rejected when he finally got to the core of who she was.

Healer, Dreamwalker, Mother, Fighter, Mage, even Assassin. There was a lot of blood on her hands and even more blood on her soul. She spoke again, low and soft because she was wrapped up in him. “I didn’t want this for you. Not me for you… someone better though, yes. I’m sorry. But it’s too late, isn’t it? Just please… please don’t regret this. I won’t… not now. Not in the end or rather… not now in the beginning.” She corrected and kept her forehead pressed against his.

[Adrien Dair]

65th

He stood there with his eyes on her. His sculpted body before her like a set of armor. He was proud and strong and he felt every bit of it. He refused to give up on her. She was to important to him. He could see her trying to make sense of it all. He took another step forward, the water that was disrupted from his body splashed onto hers. He wanted to reach out and take her wanted to have her feel everything he had to offer on the outside. "I will never give you up. Kavala. I just cant" he said. He felt her gift wash over him. The sensation was odd but he remembered it from the market. He knew that she could feel what he felt.

When she reached for him, he moved slowly. Taking her hand in his. He sat down in front of her. Letting her wrap around him, for her skin to brush against his. To fill him with sensations he had felt every time she touched him. Every time she talked to him. The feeling of love burning brightly in his heart. It shone like the light of Syna on a bright day. He let her talk. Listened to her words as she spoke. He arms moved to wrap around her. His warmth going onto her. The strength in her arms protecting her, wrapping her in a shield of flesh and muscle. But he remained quiet. Letting his feelings do the talking. He wanted her to feel safe. To be secure in his arms and body. To him they were already hers to run to when she needed it. He wanted to be her lover, protector and what ever else she needed him to be. The father to her children and the beast that guarded her treasure.

In that moment he could feel their connection. The bond between the two that had formed and a new sense of emotions bursting into him. He felt the pain and fears. The rejection, the pain from her past. He could feel everything. Every emotional pain and torture that she had felt in her past. He could feel the twisted nature of her past and be began to understand why she was so withdrawn when it came to connections. He could feel the sadness in her and it cause him to feel sad. But only for a moment his happiness and love would rush into her. To feel everything that he had felt since they met in the market. The pure wonder that a woman so beautiful would take a chance on a guy like him even after she knew what he was. The warmth he had felt just from her smile. His time with the twins, from cooking in the kitchen with Cadra to running around in the grass with Larik. She would feel his joy that the Sanctuary brought him. The feeling of being wanted and cared for by all the people there. Everything that was in the Kelvics heart was now in hers.

He stood tall and strong. Taking the lashing of the memories and feelings as they came. He felt her worry and fear of being rejected. The man wrapped his arms around her tighter. Pulling her as close to him as he could. Their foreheads still connected. "I wanted this for us. I want you and no one else. My heart does not move like it does for anyone else... There is no one better to me. You are my love and my heart. I will never regret this, nor anything you give me. I can not think of anything that would make me happier then being by your side for the rest of my life. If Syna has ever given me a gift it is this. It was our meeting in the market. That blessed day has been a light shining in my heart since then." he said. He lifted up his head and kissed her forehead before looking at her face. Mere inches separating the two. He unwrapped on of his arms and took her hand in his. The feeling of strength in it. He entwined their fingers and just held her. His chest brushing against hers as the water slid between them. "No hard times, fights, struggles or anything will ever take you away from me. I will be there to defend you like you defend me and everyone else here. I will protect your family as if it was my own." he paused and smile spreading on his face. "Because it is" he said after a few ticks. He pressed his forehead against hers. His arms slid down her back onto her legs. He pulled her up and onto his lap. He wanted to be as close to her as the two could be.

He sat there for awhile with her wrapped in his arms. Any move she made he would adjust to but he was not ready to let go of her. Not yet anyway. "I have never been so happy. Even through all the pain that I've felt I am not scared. My heart feels like its about to burst. He leaned with his back against the wall of the bath. He reached up and grabbed one of the hand towels from her basket and brought it into the water. He brought it above both of their heads and squeezed it. Letting the water trickle down on both of them and he laughed. "You know I've always wanted my first kiss to be in the rain" he said. A slight blush appeared on his cheeks. It was random and he knew it but the rhino was at a lose for words. After everything that just happened he was perfectly content just sitting there with her in his arms.

He was content to do that for the rest of his life. But he knew there would be work. He felt that his part in the Sanctuary was even bigger now. He would be building not only for himself but for his family and his love. Happy memories had filled the mans head again as he thought about everything that had happened to him. He chuckled again and looked down at Kavala in his arms. "I wonder what Cadra will say. She's always so happy. I wonder if this might make her freak out" he said. He pressed his forehead to hers again and smiled. Closing his eyes as he sat enjoying the warmth from her and the water.


.

[Kavala]

There was silence between them like the deafness that befell the world after an earthquake or a volcano exploded. Or perhaps it was more like the eye of a whirling storm as it passed over, giving those waiting it out a moment’s respite before the next wave came.

She stared down at their entwined hands and closed her eyes as he kissed her on the forehead. Adrien’s words washed over her and she forgot how young he was and how strange and distinct his race was from her own. She’d never bonded with a Kelvic in all her years healing them. And she’d often wondered why. And with him speaking softly, holding her tight, and planning a future she understood finally why. Was there some grander plan the Gods always laid out before them? Was Marcus’ great work guided by his Grandmother’s influence and thus gifting the races of Mizahar with something more, someone more, that had the power to effect them this much? The Konti finally straightened her spine, lifted her head, and boldly studied Adrien while he continued to hold her, reassure her, and guide her into the bond in a way that was unexpected. There were still tears in her eyes, ones she had no idea about. But it was less frightening with this strength wrapped around her. He was so unusual, and that uniqueness made him stand out from others she had known or even those in her own family.

Her hands not captured and linked with his was on his arm and she ran it from his shoulder to his wrist, stroking the corded muscle and sinew. She knew, first hand, that Kelvics were made to be the perfect slaves. They were bred to serve without question. They were born to want to serve without question. But she cold feel the link. She could sense his emotions strongly. His death grip on her was strong, like he’d picked and once decided he’d never let go. Somewhere in the last few moments he’d maneuvered her onto his lap and she’d not noticed. The Konti noticed now, with her legs wrapped around his hips and their stomachs pressed together. There was intimacy and then there was what he’d arranged between the two of them.

His free hand was splayed across the small of her back holding her firmly in place before he released her and moved the towel, filling it with water. He wrung it out over them and she laughed at the oddity of it. Kavala tipped her head back and let the water wet her still dry and sweaty hair. Then she arched her back and submerged her head in the water behind her, bringing her head back up to face him.

It was then she knew he wanted a kiss and was all but asking for one with his light hearted jest. He covered it with easy banter about Cadra, but she felt what he was truly saying through the bond. It was like a living thing between them, one she was wholly unused too and wasn’t prepared for. It scared her a little, truth be told, that she couldn’t tamp it down and hide things from him. Kavala was a keeper of secrets in the most ideal situations. And she had quite a few of them.

He’d know. He’d find out all of them the moment she thought of them. Even then she’d had to tamp down on the thought of the Cytali. Robed figures carrying out secret rites in the Sacred Circle filled her mind as she tried to not think about them. The avoidance worked just as well as her trying not to think about the hard length of him pressed against her core. Avoidance wasn’t Kavala’s forte. So as she shifted, trying to unlink their locked pelvis’, he got a clear vision of the robed ones through the link and a clearer feeling of her becoming aware of him as very male at the same time.

It wasn’t that she didn’t trust him. It wasn’t that she didn’t find him attractive. It was that everything was so new, so sudden, and Kavala herself wasn’t sure of where she stood or her feelings. She would have to tell him about the Cytali. They’d have to talk, if not now, soon. More than likely now.

The Konti squirmed again, uncomfortable momentarily by the intimacy, because her memories and past lives were so close. It was a huge disservice to Adrien, but she couldn’t help it. Thinking of the Cytali and how familiar it felt to have a Kelvic Bond, her mind drifted back to her bonding with Irvyn Zanrisi when she’d walked her own Chavi and then his. The science in his mind she hadn’t understood because she hadn’t a lifetime of study to understand it. But A’Kenas’ point of view had been clear. Everything Irvyn had done she’d been in favor of. The moment the bond had solidified, Irvyn had taken advantage, bedding the Kelvic thoroughly and then sending her back to the barns to await his next summons. She’d spent her whole life waiting to serve Irvyn and please him. Kavala didn’t want to be that bondmate, that cruel unwavering man that kept his creations at a distance because he knew they were servants, just animals.

Kelvics had survived long past that point. They’d earned respect and a better place in life.

She stared at Adrien and couldn’t help but understand his feelings. She’d been A’Kenas for a long time and served her master faithfully and thoroughly in any way he wanted her too. The Konti understood Adrien meant every word he said and that he’d lay his life out to protect her and her family. A selfish woman would have been pleased. He had everything. Adrien was strength, power, determination, and a servant’s attitude all manifested. He would protect, give her pleasure, and never be what the other people in her life had been. He would see to her every need. But was that life? Was that real? It felt real to him, bred into his kind for generation upon generation. Find a bondmate. Serve. Serve. Serve.

The Konti untangled her fingers from his and reached up to stroke his jaw, bringing her other hand up to join it until she had his face captured in her hands. “You’re mine.” She said suddenly, firmly, because in that moment she meant it and knew what it would do to him. Claiming him verbally outside the bond and radiating that affirmation down through it. His Kelvic nature needed those kinds of itches scratched. And truth be told there was a heady power in knowing that was true. He was hers. He’d picked, she’d accepted, and the bond had formed. She didn’t love him but she knew she would and soon. Then she slipped off his lap, linked her fingers in his once more, and tugged him to his feet in the bath.

They rose and she dragged him out of the pool. “Come with me. Now.” She said, her voice boding no argument, and her need for him to follow her strong through the link. She let the water sheet off them and didn’t care about it pooling on the stone as she half jogged half dragged him down the hall, into her quarters, then through a doorway that lead to a secret passage that took them down to the seacave.

She didn’t talk in the tunnel, but saved her breath until the burst out onto the rough rock and sand of the cave’s floor. “It’s clear and cold tonight, and there’s no rain. But this might do…” Kavala said, dragging him across the floor of the cave until she was standing just outside the stream that cascaded out of the wall and formed a waterfall that flowed down the stone wall to sheet in a pool that was shoulder deep on the Konti. It drained the bath system (though not the grey water from the bath itself) through a complex system of waterworks, running warm because of the heating system. The water served to warm the sea cave and keep the place from being too cold in the winter before it escaped to the sea. The Konti pushed him into the pool, following suit, and backing him up until the water cascaded over them both. The Goddess of Rivers, Streams, Rain, and Oasis’ watched over them in mosaic form as the Konti stood on her toes and pressed her form against the Kelvic. He was big, so big, and his body thrilled her. She nibbled at his lower lip, urging him to open his mouth to her so she could kiss him – his first kiss – in the rain like he wanted.

He might be hers, but she was going to strive to make herself worthy of that ownership. And that meant if he wanted something or needed something, she was going to see that he had it if it was in her power.

Kisses in the rain? That was something she could definitely do.

[Adrien Dair]

65th


He sat in the silence. Part enjoying it and part hating it. He knew there were words but he could not grab them. They were not forming in his mouth or on his lips. All he could do was sit and hold her as the emotions took their place. He could feel her dreams dancing along side his own. He felt the need to push her own ahead, to help her in anyway he could and the want to continue his own.

The feelings both conflicted and worked together. Some of their dreams were aligned. The magecrafting and strengthening the Sanctuary. Protecting the kids and everyone else. But his own dreams of playing his harp and learning everything he could. He wanted to better himself in all aspects. He watched as she rose her head. His thoughts in the back of his mind as he watched her eyes study him. He could feel everything she did. He untangled their hand just long enough to wipe the tears from her eyes. A small, comforting smile on his face as they sat there. He released a small sigh as he felt her touch on his arm. Feeling the muscle beneath it, it flexed and constricted as she touched him.


His eyes locked with hers when she rose her head. Staring deep into them as he remained quiet. He felt her fear again as he mentioned the kiss. Then more feelings and memories flowed into his mind. Robed figures carrying out secret rites in the Sacred Circle. He could feel her trying to avoid thinking about them. The her thoughts roamed to his and her body entangled there pressing together. He was about to speak but remained quiet for now. His eyes looked off to the side as he was trying to think of the words to say to her. When he finally settled his voice cut through the silence like a knife. "We can talk about it later if you want. I do not mind" he said. Everything was new to both of them, there was no point in bringing up something that could wait. He felt her squirm against him and the uncomfortable feeling she had. He could feel all of it. All the feelings her memories brought up. But he remained quiet, holding her in support but waiting. For something that he was not sure would happen.

It was only until she moved that his eyes followed hers. Their hands untangling and hers reaching up to his jaw. The stroking brought a sense of comfort and tiny bit of pleasure through his body. She held his face, captured between her two hands. His eyes locked on hers, no resistances or trying to get out of her grasp. Her words echoed through his ears, but he had nothing to say in return. She would feel the happiness and sense of fullness that those words brought. Her claiming made him happy even outside of their bonds. He felt the pressure or lack their off as she moved off of his body. Until his fingers were linked with his and she pulled him up to his feet. He followed behind her. No arguments from him as she spoke. He felt the need and followed it with no questions. Down the hall and through her quarters. To a passage that he didn't even know was there.

His eyes looked around the room before his eyes landed on her again. Feeling the sand and rock at his feet. "Might do?" he questioned as he looked at the steam cascading down the wall. He felt her hands pushing him into the pool. Backing him up as he felt the water flow around his body. He continued to go with her pushing until the water crashed over his body. The water rushing down his body. Some splashed onto hers, at least the parts that were still exposed. She was leaning on him. Pressing against him as she stood up and nibbled at his lower lip. His arms went around her waist, picking her up slightly as he pressed his lips against hers. His lips hungry on hers as he pushed his own body against hers. His arms holding her, making sure to keep her close to him. His mouth partly open as he felt the water on his skin and the sensations that filled his lip. A soft moan escaped him as they kissed.

After a chime he pulled back. His breath slightly labored as he looked at her. His eyes almost sparking. He bit his lower lip and sighed happily. His lips remained closed as he looked at her. Emotion filling his eyes before he spoke, part of him wanting to thank her and another part just wanting more. He may have been a little more attention starved then he had originally thought. But he didn't want to push to hard right now. He wanted to enjoy the moment. Everything else would come as time went on but for now he just wanted to enjoy the energy the two shared. "Kavala." Her name was sweet on his lips as he locked eyes with her. He leaned in kissing her again, his lips only staying on hers for a few ticks before moving and then pressing against them again. His smile warm and inviting. His hands slid down her waist. As he stat her down, allowing her to stand on her own to feet again. He couldn't take his eyes off of her. The beauty she was to him showed in his eyes and his feelings. Feelings of love, joy and excitement. His body reacted as it would. The male inside of his reaching out, wanting more of the bare woman in front of him. An animal like urge to take the woman for what she was. To enjoy the pleasure that it would give both of them. But he fought it, his heart remembering the feeling of the kiss they just shared as he stared into her eyes. All he could do was smile as he stood there.
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