Closed Dark Meeting [Boedan]

[Calisto]

calisto thirtieth day of the fivehundred and fifteenth year av It was a full moon. Between the shifting leaves and silver shadows, she crept, fangs dripping venom, every sense in her body functioning at it's highest potential. She was silent, fast, and deadly. A deer, and a rabbit had already fallen prey to her hunger, but she was not satisfied. She broke into a run, seeming to slide between trees and around bushes, occasionally running on all fours like a lizard, then standing again, but always in her Dhani form. She liked this form best for night hunting, it made her feel more powerful. Just beyond a small hillock of land, she caught sight of another deer; it bent it's head and nibbled some clover on the ground, utterly unaware. As Calisto neared, she crept more softly, silently and with thrill. She stood not five feet from the beast, then three feet. She could reach out and touch it. She sprang instead, leaping upon its back, and sinking her fangs in the side of the neck. The deer stumbled forward, twisted around and fell, shrieking. Most people didn't know that deer could shriek. The venom in Calisto's fangs gave on of the most horrendous and painful experiences a creature could endure. Well, couldn't endure. The deer was writhing, and soon dead. Even while it lay dead, it still twitched as the venom continued to attack the organs. After her third course, Calisto considered going back home. However, she caught a scent on the wind and changed her mind. It was a strange scent, similar to a deer in some ways, but sweeter, like a human. Not a human though. It drifted towards her on a chill wind that caused her to shiver, and she sniffed curiously. It wasn't too long before she discovered the location of the scent. It was a small encampment of sorts. It seemed to be a cross between a cottage and a tent, but she didn't take too long to observe, for she was entranced by the smell. Her mouth watered, and her instincts cried for her to eat, eat, eat. She crept closer, and paused a moment to shift into her snake form. Closer, her senses overwhelmed, she saw the sleeping form. He was a tall, narrow but muscular man with dark hair. On his side, she could just barely make out the features of his face as she neared. His neck was bare and his head angled upward, offering the perfect spot for her fangs to pierce the skin. She was leaning over him, hissing slightly, swaying in the breeze, when a thought entered her mind. Who was he? She pulled back a little, confused at the thought. It was as if Caiyha had whispered into her mind, sending her peaceful attitude to interupt Calisto's hunt. The man stirred, and Calisto changed her mind completely. She would let him live. He shifted, made some sound, and she was suddenly struck by panic. He would be awake, and here she was, a snake, about to bite. She shifted to her human form before logic had settled in and searched about for some clothing to put on. Nearbye, the man had tossed his shirt before he slept, and she threw it over her head, turned, and met his now opening eyes.

[Beodan Clathony]

Beodan was laying on his bed, sheets twisted around his body with a leg peeking out and the top half of his chest left uncovered. The cool summer air was still too hot if he had it all right on top of him, so it naturally decayed into this state as he slept, one shift at a time. He had been dreaming about something, though it had slipped from his mind like most did. Now he slept peacefully, not a thought going into his brown haired head. His hair was slightly more disheveled than usual, going every which way as it pressed into the pillow.

A breeze washed over Dan and he rolled over a little and nestled into the covers, his subconscious troubled by the change of environment. It had been so warm, and this cool air had stolen a little heat away from him. The small gust of wind and brought the scent of dried herbs to his nostrils, sending him further towards wakefulness. He let out a soft groan, it felt like the middle of the night still, or at least very early morning. He picked his head up and opened his groggy eyes. There was a scaled thing, with a tail, growing legs, standing, or whatever it was doing, in the middle of his tent. He put his head back down on the pillow and shut his eyes again, rubbing the heels of his hands against the closed lid to clear the waking dream from his eyes.

The Horse Kelvic unveiled his chocolate eyes once more, this time much more satisfied with what he saw. A petite girl standing in front of him, wearing a loose shirt that clung hung down like a very short skirt. She had bluish eyes in the dim tent, and full lips pulled gently into a smirk that seemed like it belonged there. He blinked. His thoughts clicked into gear. Why was their a girl in his tent? “Uh..” Dan started, clearing his throat to help his rusty vocal cords, then asked tentatively, “Hello there?”

The Strange Girl looked human enough, and did not seem to be hiding any weapons. In fact all she was equipped with was the shirt. His shirt. He had not been using it, so he supposed it was better on her than him. He pushed the covers to the left to bunch at the side of the tent. He got to his feet in front of her, no thought to modesty. Was she lost, or hurt? His brow furrowed in concern, and he asked softly, “Are you okay?”

[Calisto]

calisto Calisto opened her mouth, then shut it again. How am I supposed to speak to this man? Did he see my snake form? How do I explain me while keeping my secret? The stranger pushed aside his sheets and stood in front of her. He wasn't broad or huge, just toned and athletic looking "Are you okay?" He seemed genuinely concerned. Calisto left the silence in the air for a moment longer, staring at his face, until she settled on to what she would say. "Hello, I am fine. Sorry for intruding on you like this. I'm afraid you startled me when you began to wake, that is why I am wearing your shirt." She tried to say it as nonchalantly as she could, so maybe he would not question her lack of clothes, or put two and two together and decide she wasn't human. There were two questions lingering in her head. Firstly, was this boy human? His soft, sweet scent still swirled in her mind, through her nose, and taunted her, though she brushed it aside. Secondly, did he know she was a snake? Most often the people in civilized areas did not approve of Dhani. For good reason, too, for the Dhani were a merciless and dangerous race of blood thirsty, venomous snakes. If he knew she was a Dhani, might he not contact the knights of Syliras under accusation of attempted murder? She hadn't actually committed the murder, but still he might. She would have to watch him like a hawk, to ensure her own safety. Now that she looked at him properly, as properly as she could in the dim moonlight, he seemed sweet, and there was a somehow young feel about him despite the fact that he looked to be something like twenty. He seemed nice. Caring. He had spoken so softly. There was a small part of her mind that whispered, has anyone ever spoken that kindly to you? But no, it didn't matter. Whether or not he was human, he could not be trusted. He wouldn't like the fact that she had almost killed and eaten him. SHE didn't like the fact that she had almost killed and eaten him, so what reason would he, a stranger in the night, have for letting it go? "I'm Calisto." Before she could stop herself, she added, "Did you see anything strange about me?"

[Beodan Clathony]

“Hello, I am fine,” the strange girl answered. Beodan released a breath, the tension leaving his brow. He was glad she was not hurt. He smiled quickly to acknowledge her state of being. “Sorry for intruding on you like this. I’m afraid you startled me when you began to wake, that is why I am wearing your shit.” Ah, so that was it. “I’m sorry miss, frankly you gave me a bit of a fright as well,” he apologized in good humor, letting her off the hook in regards to any awkwardness she might be feeling. Though why she was startled into putting on his shirt he had no clue. Most people just jumped and yelled, he mused with an inward smirk.

She was quiet, so the Horse Kelvic brushed past her and lit the lamp on his desk, setting a kettle of water on top. The tent was cast in its warm, flickering light. “Would you like some tea? I make the best! You must be cold. Please, sit on the couch,” he offered with a pair of gestures and an easy smile. He really did not mind her coming unannounced, though how she had found the place at night without knowing about it beforehand was shocking. Even the path he used was not really a path, just long chain of slightly thinned brush that you could pass through. He rarely got company, and was glad to have it now. She seemed nice enough anyway, not too tall with a petite figure.

“I’m Calisto,” Calisto spoke, breaking the comfortable silence that had fallen over the pair. “Beodan, nice to meet you,” he replied in human custom, his back to her as he picked choice herbs for their tea from where they sat in jars or hung above. Calisto, that was not a very common name, he did not think. Then again, Beodan was not either, so it meant nothing. “Did you see anything strange about me?”

Dan froze and faced her. Anything strange? Could that hallucination actually have happened? The thought scared him and an involuntary snort escaped him. He tried not to freak out, she looked perfectly alright now, and if she had wanted to hurt him she would have done it. “Well, kind of? I thought you were growing legs right when I woke up, but you have them now… so.. uh that is pretty strange I guess,” he rambled nervously.

[Calisto]

calisto Now that he mentioned it, she WAS cold. Very cold. A cup of tea sounded blissful. Boedan seemed cheerful at her company, so she smiled and agreed to the drink. However, when she asked her final question, he startled visibly. Did he snort? It sounded like he had snorted... Which was a strange way to respond to a question. "Well, kind of? I thought you were growing legs right when I woke up, but you have them now... so... uh that is pretty strange I guess." His response caused her to sit heavily on the couch, feeling resigned. He may not have seen her transformation fully, but he was now a threat. What were her options? As she thought, he handed her a cup of tea. The scent made her think of dreams, and moonlight and waking up from a deep sleep on a cool morning with nothing to do but snuggle deeper into blankets. It was a nice smell. She sat for several moments sniffing it and cradling the warm cup in her hands, feeling it seep into her bones and reawaken her muscles. "How did you find my tent?" Boedan asked, wanting perhaps to talk of something other than the strange sight he might have seen. It was a valid question; the underbrush was thick around the place, and she hadn't seen a path. "I followed the scent." She answered without thinking, but then added, "I have an acute nose. I was nearbye and I thought I smelled the remnants of a fire. She hoped to Caiyha that there was a fire pit outside, but she was tired of trying to hide who she was. Maybe it didn't matter, he already had his suspicions she was certain. Her confidence grew in is kind presence, while drinking the lovely tea. She felt bad for almost killing the nice boy who smelled good. Looking up into his chocolaty brown eyes, she made a decision. "I'm sorry for almost eating you."

[Beodan Clathony]

Beodan handed her a cup of tea, the ceramic cup warm to the touch. There were many herbs contributing to the flavor, but perhaps the most notable was peppermint which he cultivated in a pot outside. She was already sitting on a couch. It was really too big for just him to sit on, and it felt more homely with another person. He sat on the other end of the couch, leaning against the arm, his feet crossed in front of him. His took a sip of the steaming liquid, trying to pinpoint each herb he had used individually. Very subtle differences, and hard to notice. He had added a little honey to her glass, thinking that she might appreciate the sweetness more than the herbs. A few Connal leaves should keep both parties calm enough, just in case she was intending to harm him somehow.

Calisto had not responded to his earlier remark, so he asked a question of his own, “How did you find my tent?” He hoped she had found it randomly, and had not been told by someone or followed him. “I followed the scent,” she responded quickly. The scent? What scent? He sniffed his shoulder. He smelt fine! True, had a better nose as a horse, but this one was none too shabby! “I have an acute nose. I was nearby and I thought I smelled the remnants of a fire.” He nodded, that made sense. Well, he had not lit one for quite a while, but it was probably possible to pick out a little ash from trees. On second thought, it was unlikely that she was telling the truth. But, it was her business, he would not pry. He would help her get to where she needed to go when it was time for her to leave, though he hoped she did not have any appointments. She would get hopelessly lost quick if she did not have anything to navigate with, and she was naked.

He watched her passively as she sipped at her cup, looking into the golden tinted liquid. He met her gaze when she looked up at him. She suddenly blurted, “I am sorry for almost eating you.” He blinked. What were you supposed to say to something like that? He blinked again, and took a tentative mouthful of tea, and swallowed quickly. “Er, it’s quite alright?” Dan said, not very sure if his response was a correct one. He decided it was better to play it off with humor, “I am sure I taste delicious, but, I thank you for resisting the temptation!” He gave her a sly wink. He desired some clarification though. “So. What exactly are you? And who are you? Tell me your story,” he prompted, wanting to know what he had gotten himself into by inviting the strange girl into his home.

[Calisto]

calisto Why isn't he angry? This strange boy was reacting entirely different from what she had expected. He even winked, and added, "I am sure I taste delicious, but, I thank you for resisting the temptation!" Calisto gaped, then laughed. "Yes. You probably would taste delicious. I lied before, I didn't find this place by the smell of fire, I was following YOUR scent. It's really nice." She felt something like a blush creep onto her face. "So," He said conversationally, "What exactly are you? And who are you? Tell me your story." "I'm...well, I'm a Dhani. A snake. Viper, to be exact. Asiyadacalisto is my full name, but I left that behind when I left my nest not that long ago. I'm still young, barely an adult, but I like living life apart from them. That's all there is to me, really. I hunt a lot at night to fill my bottomless tummy, and to stop myself from killing all the tasty humans that live here." She finished her string of sentences, and swallowed the rest of her tea. The bottom of the cup glimmered, and she stared at it a little sadly. "Can I have some more? Boedan, wasn't it?" "Sure." His response wasn't as quick as his legs, and he soon had refilled her cup. "Are you human?" Calisto had almost concluded that he wasn't, partially from his scent, partially from his attitude towards her. He was different. "Tell me about yourself now, since I have told you about me. And also tell me what you do with yourself all alone out here... It seems nice, and solitary. I like it. Even though I appreciate how cave-like Stormhold Citadel is, I still feel like there are too many people and it's hard to escape."

[Beodan Clathony]

A nest of snakes, that sounded scary. Beodan would not want a summer home there, if they even had typical homes. So that was how Calisto was able to follow his scent, she was a natural predator! He had dangerous friends, and as long as she did not attempt to eat him, he would keep an open mind. That was another thing. He frowned upon violence, and would have thought a good deal less of her if she ate humanoids. A few deer was within his moral compass. “So, you hunt with poison like normal snakes?” he asked, vaguely curious and to make conversation. She was not too different from a Kelvic, but it seemed she had less graceful transitions. Three separate forms instead of two halves of one whole.

“Can I have some more? Beodan, wasn’t it?” she inquired, her eyes staring forlornly at her empty glass. He smiled, taking her request as a compliment. He took exchanged his nearly full cup for hers. “Here, take mine, I will put on more water,” he offered. The kettle took a long time to heat up over the lamp flame, and he did not want to make her wait that long. He could enjoy his tea whenever he wished, missing it for so many chimes was not a problem. He leaned against the sturdy desk, looking at her. “Are you human?” A fair question came from the girl and he raised an eyebrow. He pulled on a cheek, revealing his flat back teeth, as if to say ‘human enough?’ He smirked at her, “Yes, for about half the time. I’m a Kelvic, a horse.” Around half way through his speech, his face turned into a slightly concerne neutral expression. Was she a bigot like so many other greater humanoids?

“Not much to tell really, I’m six years old and have never been too far outside Syliras, certainly no other cities as far as I can remember,” he began. He was reluctant to open up to more emotional events in his life, he barely knew her and she could easily hurt him. “As for what I do around her, as you can see,” he gestured to the many hanging plants, and various sized jars filled with more processed greenery, “I work a lot with plants. I’m an herbalist! Like a healer, but more suited to my natural talents. I like the quiet around here. People only come by if I invite them, well usually.” He smiled benignly, “But it is honestly kind of lonely after a time alone.” He winced as a icy tendrils tickled his innards, promising pain if he kept thinking about his isolation. The call to bond was, as always, strong.

[Calisto]

calisto "A horse! That explains your scent." Calisto sat forward a little, eagerly listening. "It's interesting to me that you work to heal, and my physiology is built to hurt." She paused for a moment, somewhat ill at ease, and continued, "Sometimes I wish I wasn't driven by my snake instincts. But I guess this is just how it has to be." "But it is honestly kind of lonely after a time alone," he finished his summary of himself. "Lonely?" She asked, "I guess I never have thought about what lonely is. I wonder if I feel lonely. I don't usually put names to the feelings that I feel. They shift and change, some of them, as quick as the wind, and others have always been." Boedan seemed sad. She wasn't sure why, but she felt concern for him nonetheless. He was a decent fellow and didn't deserve to be sad. After a moment she suddenly recalled something he said. "Wait," she let the look of shock cover her face, "You didn't say six did you? You said sixty right? Only six years old? But thats... I..." She gaped openly and had to take a few breaths to process the fact. "I'm one hundred and four." She gave him a look, and added, "How long will you live then? You seem at my maturity... I am destined to live two hundred more years, what is on your horizon? I can't imagine living like that...Everything would be so short, so quick, like a breath. How do you have any hope of success, or adventure or love?" At that thought, she drifted in to melancholy. This boy seemed full of hope and success and adventure in his short six years, and what had she done in her one hundred and four? She had done hardly anything... maybe it wasn't about how long a creature lived, it was more about choices and circumstances. She had barely grown up and had assumed she would be alone until the day she died, but she had TWO HUNDRED years to fill with people. This boy only had, perhaps, twenty five, if he was around her maturity? She watched him with a new perspective, and suddenly realized she wanted more than to watch him for her own selfish protection, she wanted to watch him, be around him, to learn more of who he was.

[Beodan Clathony]

Beodan nodded at her musing on how they had opposite purposes, intrigued by the idea that they were so similar, and yet so different. Calisto continued, “Sometimes I wish I wasn’t driven by my snake instincts. But I guess this is just how it has to be.” Her gave her a sad smile, “Not much we can do about that, eh? We can try to suppress our nature but it will always come out on top in the end.” The kettle had steam rising from the spout, and he quickly moved over to pour it into his, previously her, cup. There would be enough for her to have a third cup, if she so desired it. He would have to change the herb cocktail a little bit though, some of the herbs were only beneficial in small doses.

She seemed more curious than sympathetic to his admission to being lonely here in the woods. He had not been looking for sympathy, but curiosity was certainly not anticipated. Dhani had different ways of feeling? Or at least they did not experience them the same as humans. He could not imagine not feeling things like anger, love, envy, and dispair. It seemed like a cold existence, though some emotion was better than none. He tried to explain the concept to her, a hand rubbing his chin, “It is the feeling you get when you are alone, but not because you are alone. I like being alone sometimes, it is comforting and peaceful. It’s more of a lack of someone to express yourself too. No one to talk to about your hopes and dreams, little problems. No way to express what is important to you! That is what loneliness is.” He had begun gesturing in the middle of his explanation.

Beodan smiled at her slack jawed expression, seemingly awed by his short life. “I’m one hundred and four,” Calisto compared. His brow raised in surprise, that was ancient! She had seen almost a century more than he had. And she looked a little younger than him if anything. It seemed like his life had been filled with events and happenings, to live so much longer in such a wonderful world… He could not imagine. She had insulted him, but he brushed it off, “Yes... You could watch me rise and fall and still have time to do it again many times over. I’m not sure if I would want to live that long, but I have what I have.”