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Antelokes sat in the midst of the shrine, quietly listening as he let Mattias’ words roll over him. The man was kind and earnest, qualities that he rarely saw in people who were accustomed to leadership positions—as the founder so clearly was. It almost made the young man nervous that he might be hiding something, and it certainly would have troubled him had it not been for the evidence to the contrary. This settlement itself was a testament to the disposition and competency of the people who had created it. The people here were happy, relaxed, and for the most part seemed fairly industrious as well—with the exception of the odd drunkard blacksmith. That spoke well for the character of Mathias and the rest of Syka’s founding cadre.
A melancholy cast fell over Antelokes’ face as Mathias spoke of families and friends. He managed a weak smile as he responded.
“Thank you. It has been… quite some time since I’ve had close friends. I look forward to correcting that error should fate allow me the chance,” he said. He couldn’t quash the worm of doubt that wriggled in his gut as he gave that answer. There had been precious few people in Antelokes’ life that he’d ever really counted on, and none of them were still at his side. Though then again, neither was he at theirs. The prospect of expanding his circle of trust to include more people than himself was terrifying. However, it was just as necessary. He was surviving by the skin of his teeth, and had luck turned out a little differently then there was a very good chance Antelokes wouldn’t have survived the past few years at all. He needed support, whatever form that took.
As Mathias continued Antelokes grew tense. Statues, guardians, magic, these were things he knew little about. He had seen a god before, yes, but he had never before felt so surrounded by the influence of the divine and mystical. There was an excitement to it, but that excitement was laced with danger. Surely the gods had their eyes on Syka, if they had seen fit to place guardians here. That was good, since it meant that this place was certainly worth the effort. However the presence of martial guardians here carried with it an implication that sent a chill down Antelokes’ spine. It meant the gods—this Kihala specifically—foresaw threats here that needed to be guarded against.
Antelokes maintained rapt attention as Mathias made his courtship analogy with Syka and Falyndar. Notes of genuine mirth made their way back into his eyes, and a chuckle tore itself from his lips.
“I will certainly try,” he said, then continued with a smile. “I can’t say I’ve had much luck with courtship in the past though, and certainly not two at once. I’ll just have to hope they aren’t bothered by a little persistence. I’ll learn the ways of this place Mathias, though it may take time.” This was one of the things that troubled him the most. The blacksmith was not accustomed to places this rugged, and he was certainly no hunter or explorer. He would have to adapt to the jungle, but there would be little foundation to build upon.
The young man nodded along while the discussion turned to employment and housing, but perked up at the mention of building a place of his own. By the time Mathias finished speaking Antelokes was lost in thought, eyes fixed somewhere in the middle distance. After several moments of heavy silence, Antelokes’ eyes snapped up to meet Mathias’ gaze again.
“Yes,” he said, voice soft. “A dedicated forge would be nice, as would a home. I believe I will take that offer, and I would also appreciate your judgement on a good location as you said. As for now I would be content to camp on the beach. That should be enough for me, as I have very little in the way of possessions.” Antelokes managed an apologetic, slightly sheepish smile. “Coin is one of those things I have very little of, so if I am to build a place here, I would need that loan. Trust though that I would pay it back with all possible haste.”
Antelokes held the founder’s eyes with his own before continuing to speak.
“Thank you, Mathias. I did not expect such a warm welcome for my arrival here. Truth be told I’m not sure what I expected, but I am grateful to you all the same. I’ll do my best to serve the community however I can, but I am indebted to you for your help.” Antelokes laughed, bright and clear. “Well, it seems I will be indebted financially quite soon, but I meant more than that. You’re offering me a place in this world, and that’s no small service. If you ever find that I am positioned to offer you some similar favor, just give the word and I’ll do what I can.”
A melancholy cast fell over Antelokes’ face as Mathias spoke of families and friends. He managed a weak smile as he responded.
“Thank you. It has been… quite some time since I’ve had close friends. I look forward to correcting that error should fate allow me the chance,” he said. He couldn’t quash the worm of doubt that wriggled in his gut as he gave that answer. There had been precious few people in Antelokes’ life that he’d ever really counted on, and none of them were still at his side. Though then again, neither was he at theirs. The prospect of expanding his circle of trust to include more people than himself was terrifying. However, it was just as necessary. He was surviving by the skin of his teeth, and had luck turned out a little differently then there was a very good chance Antelokes wouldn’t have survived the past few years at all. He needed support, whatever form that took.
As Mathias continued Antelokes grew tense. Statues, guardians, magic, these were things he knew little about. He had seen a god before, yes, but he had never before felt so surrounded by the influence of the divine and mystical. There was an excitement to it, but that excitement was laced with danger. Surely the gods had their eyes on Syka, if they had seen fit to place guardians here. That was good, since it meant that this place was certainly worth the effort. However the presence of martial guardians here carried with it an implication that sent a chill down Antelokes’ spine. It meant the gods—this Kihala specifically—foresaw threats here that needed to be guarded against.
Antelokes maintained rapt attention as Mathias made his courtship analogy with Syka and Falyndar. Notes of genuine mirth made their way back into his eyes, and a chuckle tore itself from his lips.
“I will certainly try,” he said, then continued with a smile. “I can’t say I’ve had much luck with courtship in the past though, and certainly not two at once. I’ll just have to hope they aren’t bothered by a little persistence. I’ll learn the ways of this place Mathias, though it may take time.” This was one of the things that troubled him the most. The blacksmith was not accustomed to places this rugged, and he was certainly no hunter or explorer. He would have to adapt to the jungle, but there would be little foundation to build upon.
The young man nodded along while the discussion turned to employment and housing, but perked up at the mention of building a place of his own. By the time Mathias finished speaking Antelokes was lost in thought, eyes fixed somewhere in the middle distance. After several moments of heavy silence, Antelokes’ eyes snapped up to meet Mathias’ gaze again.
“Yes,” he said, voice soft. “A dedicated forge would be nice, as would a home. I believe I will take that offer, and I would also appreciate your judgement on a good location as you said. As for now I would be content to camp on the beach. That should be enough for me, as I have very little in the way of possessions.” Antelokes managed an apologetic, slightly sheepish smile. “Coin is one of those things I have very little of, so if I am to build a place here, I would need that loan. Trust though that I would pay it back with all possible haste.”
Antelokes held the founder’s eyes with his own before continuing to speak.
“Thank you, Mathias. I did not expect such a warm welcome for my arrival here. Truth be told I’m not sure what I expected, but I am grateful to you all the same. I’ll do my best to serve the community however I can, but I am indebted to you for your help.” Antelokes laughed, bright and clear. “Well, it seems I will be indebted financially quite soon, but I meant more than that. You’re offering me a place in this world, and that’s no small service. If you ever find that I am positioned to offer you some similar favor, just give the word and I’ll do what I can.”
