[Travelers Row] Grapes and Midnight Conversations (Fraha)

[Ethan]

Watching over Fraha as she talked her way out of the Knights suspicion he had to admit she was pretty good at convincing someone when needed. A lot of people choked when the moment came but not Fraha. She was younger than him in human years and mindset but she was very sharp. He liked that about her, among other things. Ethan was perched atop the Rearing Stallion with a clear view of Fraha as she walked up to Traveler's Row. He waited patiently as she entered. Wondered if anyone would bug her when she got in. It was late but she paid for her own housing. Either way around five minutes later a window opened up with a familiar and very beautiful face popping out. Fraha's skin reflected the moon in such a way it made Ethan's heart flutter in his chest. He gazed at her for a moment more before launching off the roof of the tavern with large wings. The cool night air felt amazing in between his feathers. The wind seeped in and cooled his body with a chilling effect. Unfortunately the distance was minimal between the two buildings and he was there in a few strong strokes of his wings. Silent for a bird his size, Ethan gently glided to the window seal and latched on with a faint click of his talons. His new friend was looking comfortable and eating grapes. She radiated beauty in the smallest actions. Ethan tried not to think about her in that way. Only having met her tonight, but already she knew his secret and he was growing fond of her company. Ethan gave a soft set of chirps and clicks in greeting and fluttered from the window to the floor of the small apartment. Similar build to his own room but it was littered with her belongings. Strangely he felt comfortable in her room. He changed with a large flash of light. His body morphed and altered until he stood naked before her.. “You were very convincing with that Knight. You almost had me fooled.” Ethan laughed “I'm glad you decided to see me again, I know it must be weird to have me over already.” Ethan smiled coyly and looked at his bare skin. Searching for anything to cover up with. “Do you have any extra clothes I can use. Or that cloak?” Kelvic or not, naked was naked and he didn't want to make her uncomfortable. Ethan gave the place a once over and smiled. His hands trying to cover himself up. “You have a very nice room.” His eyes grew playful and he gave a slight smirk. “Are those grapes?... You know escorting you home was no small task, especially carrying you for the most part. A grape would be nice,” Ethan's smile was heart warming as he asked for food. Playfully demanding payment for his hard work.

[Fraha]

A few steps after the kinght turned the corner, Fraha magically regained balance. Smirking softly she headed towards the inn and after a few steps the thought of being watched pressed on her from upon. She looked up to the skies, sure to see Ethan, but her eyesight failed her. She walked looking up until she tripped in a hole. A short gasp followed by a quick leap and intense acting as if nothing happened drew her attention to the road. She really hoped that ethan didn't see that and after a slight blush and a few steps she reached the inn. Opening the door Fraha walked in calmly and silently. The place was dark, and nobody was there, and the light were off too. She then, safe from Ethan's sight ran quickly upstairs, and hopped in the bathroom, she had to go there since an hour but didn't tell or made it visible in any way. It took her some seconds after which she quickly jumped out and went to her room. Crap! as she saw a total mess in her room, clothes everywhere, not much of them but still everywhere, her toothbrush on the bed which was all messed up. why why why?? cursed Fraha while desperately took up all the clothes and threw them under the bed. She took the sheets and disposed them on the bed as besta as she could, cleaned the table from crumbs, placed the shoulderbag on a nail on the wall, took out a bowl, unwrapped bread cheese and ham and placed all on the table, took the grapes out and placed them in the bowl. Looking around everything seemed ok now so she gave another kick to the panties and socks under the bed and unwrapped the Wakisashi holder, placing it on the closet. She then opened then the window and as she sat back an eagle came in, making her still amaze and smile. After Ethan shifted Fraha greeted him. I have my methods, hehe, well we couldn't leave our meeting with a gap couldn't we? Hey, i know you are hungry, so i had some little od a dinner here she had spelled it wrong, maybe out of nervousness? maybe cause she was tyred. She didn't know and didn't care, she could relax with Ethan.

[Ethan]

“I have my methods, hehe, well we couldn't leave our meeting with a gap couldn't we? Hey, i know you are hungry, so i had some little od a dinner here” Ethan smiled when she stuttered but simply went on. It was an attractive quality how comfortable she was with him. Taking his jokes in good strides gave her more points in his favor as well. Ethan looked at her for a moment, smiling. ”You are a very beautiful women... And your thoughtful enough to feed me.” He smiled and laughed lightly, walking over to the delicious and gazing at the selections. “You know despite how I may look as a bird. I actually only eat the bones picked clean from other predators. Although... “ He picked up a thick slice of ham and greedily bit into it. ”As a man, I'm surprisingly carnivorous.” He devoured the rest of the piece he held in a few large bites. The salty delicious juices running down his throat. It was satisfying to say the least and he was grateful for it. ”You are a very good host. Thank you for the meat, but!” Ethan moved past Fraha and pulled up two chairs for them to sit. “We need to sit down, enjoy some food and get to know each other.” Ethan started to divide the food between two wooden plates and handed one to Fraha. ”Sit M'lady.” When Fraha took the plate he uncorked a flagon on the table and smelt the contents. A sharp crisp smell of fermented grapes reached his nose. The room as dark with only the moon light pouring in. So Ethan slipped a quick drink when he could see she wasn't looking. Tart and very refreshing, went down smooth and had a good warmth to keep you company on a cool night like this. Fraha even had good tastes in wine and it would do perfectly. He pour two wooden cups full of the alcohol and served one to Fraha as he sat down himself. ”A good drink to ease the tongue? After all you know my secret so we are already close friends. I want to know everything about you as you will about me.” Ethan smiled and took a good drink from his cup and started to cut off a chunk of cheese with a nearby knife. ”How about you start with your journey to Syliras in greater detail... You said you saw a GlasssBeak? Is that some sort of predator?”

[Fraha]

Ethan's sudden words were so unexpected that Fraha bit her own tongue while chewing the peace of bread she took. It hurted as hell but Fraha's pride couldn't afford to make it visible. She just turned away pretending to be looking for something at the bed while dealing with the pain. Quickly turning back she gave a polite smile "Why thank you and, don't mention it, it was thoughtfull from you to save my life" added she ironically. Ethan seemed hungry and his manners were revealing it pretty well. Fraha listened carefully to his next words but didn't understand why Ethan had to eat bones from others, he was an eagle with a human brain! "But why y.." Ethan kept talking and moved to take a pair of seats. "wait, one is broken, i have a better idea" Fraha grabbed the table, which was small and round, held by one thick leg and a pedistall on it's bottom. She then pulled it towards her and dragged it till the edge of the bed. "I hate those chairs, I felt from one of those, two times". Her voice was frustrated yet ironic while she dropped herself on the bed leaning the head against the window board. She closed her eyes for just a second to relax. Suddenly a pop of a stopper made her look at Ethan which was carrying a bottle of vine "Where, where did you get that?" asked she surprised and a bit worried. The vine wasn't new to her but she wasn't a drinking one, in fact she still had to understand it's true taste to enjoy it. She remained still looking at the table. It was a nice view, an unexpected one...or perhaps a suspicios one? Without talking, she analyzed the situation: She was lying on her bed, in front of a naked man that saved her life at late night or perhaps early morning. Plus they were about to drink vine attended by appetizers. The situation indeed was similar to those couples that she saw from time to time dine together. Fraha was lucky the darkness covered her blushing, this situation was...romanitic? No, this night probably was the craziest of her life, and she was sitting in front of a man that flew in her window. Looking at Ethan a dump grin slowly compared on Fraha's lips, then a giggle followed by a sudden laugh spread thru the room and echoed outside. "Do you realize, what happened in these hours? ahah" a happy laughter couldn't but to get stronger causing Fraha to place hands on her belly. IT was a long since she didn't have such a laugh

[Ethan]

Ethan couldn't help but give a strange look when Fraha busted into giggles and laughter. The loud sounds of joy made Ethan cringe as he thought of the other tenants. "Do you realize, what happened in these hours? Ahah" She said it with an adorable mirthful laugh that made Ethan smile if not worry about her need for sleep. People did often get a little odd without sleep. Especially with the long trek they made today... ”Yes things have been rather odd for the both of us. I never used to tell a soul about myself and was good at concealing it. Now it seems everyone in Syliras knows about my feathered form.” Ethan gave a grim smile and continued. ”Although you are a very special. Ahhh!” Ethan felt the pathetic chair he was sitting in crack and his weight shifted slightly. Graceful even when surprised. Without spilling his drink. Ethan bounced up quickly, and slid the chair to the side of the table with his foot and looked at Fraha with an embarrassed look. ”You weren't kidding were you?” He took another drink from his cup and sat on the bed next to her, still red with embarrassment. ”Well besides bad furniture. You are a very special young woman to know this about me. I hope you know that?” Ethan nudged her gently on the arm and gave her a kind smile. He remembered her earlier questions and his smile grew a little wicked. The wine was on the table to begin with but he wouldn't mention that. ”Now since you are so unwilling to let me know about your trip! I will indulge you with things about myself. Things that would entertain you of course.” Looking up at the ceiling for a second to think. He realized just how tired he was. The moonlight, soft summer night and good company were the main culprits. ”Ah I know! Bones... You asked why I eat them right? Well the reason is simple. All Kelvics or at least the ones I have met. Are only intelligent beasts with a human side. Not the other way around. I eat bones because it is what my natural body eats. Just like how you do not eat grass. It would be unnatural.” When he was finished giving a little answer about himself he took another sip and leaned forward to grab a piece of bread. ”Now you tell me a little about yourself. Possibly your womanly anatomy and how it works?” Their was no mistaking Ethan's wicked but playful smile. ”Of course it would be strictly for more information about Humans. Being a lowly Kelvic its in my best interest to figure human women out. Or, you can tell me about your trip. Its up to you” It was an interesting ultimatum he gave her and was certain whatever she chose would be interesting to say the least.

[Fraha]

Ethan's fall didn't do else that feed Fraha's laughter, forcing her to cover the mouth unless she wanted to wake up the entire inn. I never joke! added she with sudden seriousness, switching quickly to laughter again. It was wierd to act like that, Fraha blushed too when she saw Ethan standing up with his...body pending. As he sat next to her she turned away looking straight in front of her. He was so careless about being naked, not even caring to cover anything. She was aware now that it was natural to him but still, it wasn't normal to her. However it seemed a good feeling. Looking straight at the food, hungry as hell Fraha wanted to jump over it and divore it, but somehow Ethan's presence was telling her to act cool. She calmly leaned forward till she reached the cheese. She had to cut a slice and the required her to lean even more forward. He lgs were in front of her but it wasn't a problem, Fraha was very flexible and didn't even mind it. While listening to Ethan's words she raised an eyebrow, surprised by such words and a little confused. Are you blackmailing me? said she before biting the cheese. She understood a bit more of Kelvics nature but ignored that topic because his question about women anathomy was capturing. Did he really ignored that? It most certainly had to be a trick to lure her in something. Fraha immagined for a second the possible things that could happen if she got naked too, but not being quite sure of what had to be done then she interrupted these wierd fantasies. You want to see me naked don't you? said she punching him jokily on the shoulder. i'm sorry but i can't, actually, to be fair Fraha concentrated, summoning what she called the "subterfuge mode". Her eyes began to adapt to the words she was about to say. They lowed down and her face muted in a somewhat meditation face. To be fair, i am already naked, these are not clothes, but only extensions of my skin.. She covered her face with one hand hiding it from Ethan. Her mind was pondering if this isn't too stupid to tell and at the same time hoping that Ethan would fall for that. I am different too in some way. What the heck am I saying? thought she. Well this was already started so she couldn't turn back, but feeling a bit bad about the childlish made her face look more sorry. Now that the bird is out of the cage, what do you want me to tell you? My trip or my body? said she shily.

[Ethan]

“You want to see me naked don't you?” Ethan's smile faltered but only for a second. It was a feeling between deep want and fear of crossing a line. When she punched him jokingly on the arm he could relax. She was being coy with him. As he was with her. Fraha's next sentence was interesting and the one after that even more so. She couldn't get naked? Although he didn't truly ask for that. He would be happy to see her bare, but Can't get naked? How was she totally unable to get naked. Perhaps it was a moral issue she held very close. Human's had a strange view on nudity. Like it was something very special that needed to be hidden at all cost. ”To be fair, i am already naked, these are not clothes, but only extensions of my skin.” When she said that Ethan froze. He didn't know what to even say. How could this be? That he had been around her, even sensed her Aura and never knew she could manipulate Djed? Hadrian had a very strong and distinct Aura that was for sure but nothing about it showed he was a Hydromancer. Ethan may have not noticed it at all. But he had sensed magic before... It gave off a certain strange feeling. When he sensed her before, he felt nothing odd.... Wait, Fraha gave away her cloak didn't she? If It was a piece of her? How could that even work! Ethan's mind was racing to figure out this predicament. His expression kept a friendly demeanor though. Keeping his emotions at bay was a need for him. In most of the things he did.. ”Now that the bird is out of the cage, what do you want me to tell you? My trip or my body?” Her body would be interesting to hear about that's for sure. How something could happen like this? What form of magic was it? Although, Ethan was a tad suspicious. He didn't credit himself as a good Aurist yet. He was alright at using the art so far for remedial things, but he wasn't well informed yet. This is something he could not have missed though. Hadrian had been teaching him better than to miss a large amount of magic. ”Are you serious!?” Ethan acted like he was shocked. Although he was actually a bit surprised by all of this. For the life of him he couldn't understand it, but he would find out. ”So how does it work!?” Ethan curiously placed a hand on her shoulder and started feeling the fabric as he concentrated. Quickly putting a tiny amount of Djed into his senses. Ethan concentrated the power into his hand. Focusing a small area instead of getting a feel of her whole Aura. It was the best way to save his strength. Plus the physical contact made it all the easier. He concentrated only on the skin and cloth. Feeling the difference in Aura between the two. Ethan's surprise smile turned a little coy. As he looked at Fraha. ”So are you a new race or something? Tell me all about yourself and where you come from? Is this magic? Explain everything and how it works!” His tone was friendly, surprised and excited. With just a hint of an “I got you” in his voice. The major difference between any living thing and an intimate object like clothes. Is that one has and Aura and the other is deplete of one. Almost a black zone on the senses. With the little bit of Aura coming into his hand. He was able to tell that the cloth itself didn't posses the same color and feel of her Aura. If the clothes were an extension then they would carry her Aura! Still... He wasn't a hundred percent sure. He was a race that could change into a bird, but Hadrian told him his wings were visible in his Aura as a man. Still... He wasn't proficient enough and would hear her out.

[Fraha]

A bit surprised, Fraha stopped her motion to watch at Ethan while he spoke. Was he seriously asking those questions? She thought for a second, suspicios about him, staying on the joke or being gullible as a child. err... said she looking at the bottle No, we're not a new race, Benshiras exist since everyone else, but theese, i don't know how to explain. It's part of my body but it's not at the same time. Laughter was about to explode and betray her act. Was she really doing this? She thought that she probably was exagerating this could lead her to Enrage Ethan, and that's not what she wanted. She kept talking about Benshiras, describing their culture exactly the way it was, not mentioning the clothes part while she took the vine and left the gravity slide the red fluid in the glass, on the board. When the glass was half full she stopped giving a spin to the bottle as she raised it to not spill a drop on the bottle or table. She saw that move at the stallion some days before. The drop went on the table though making her stop her speech. She stared irritated at that drop and shortly yet quickly took her glass and gave Ethan his. So be it suddenly said she I shouldn't drink but, such an occasion makes it seem legit, doesn't it? said she smirking while raising the glass waiting for Ethan to hit it.

[Ethan]

”No, we're not a new race, Benshiras exist since everyone else, but these, i don't know how to explain. It's part of my body but it's not at the same time.” Ethan saw the faintest crack in her face. A smirk of sorts or the suppression of one. Ethan almost wanted to smile himself as she continued with a never say die attitude. He sat next to her and it took all his strength not to bust up himself. She was obviously lying. He could tell by her Aura earlier and her face now. Although it was rude to lie to someone, she was rather young and it couldn't be held against her much. Although he was interested to hear her talking about her people. She didn't seem to have that same 'holding back a laugh' look she had before. She could be telling the truth about her people of course. It was very logical since she was able to be serious with this topic and didn't seem to mention her shape shifting clothes anymore. He thought momentarily about letting it pass and letting her save face. It would be a nice gesture but then again he could catch her in a lie, but in a gentle way. Make them laugh at the situation and perhaps even bond them a little with a funny situation. He paused his thoughts to listen about her family and culture. It was quiet fascinating that she came from the desert. Ethan always thought a desert would be a much more comfortable place for him to live. Large vast areas for animals to die and rot in. Warm updrafts were always nice as well. The desert sand would give much better color to his feathers than the dirt around the forest. Perhaps if Hadrian permitted his leave. He could take a trip down there. Although with talks about leaving to Rovak it was unlikely. ” shouldn't drink but, such an occasion makes it seem legit, doesn't it?” Ethan smiled wide at his young friend. Thinking back if he ever heard a Syliras law against how old a person can drink? He always assumed it was just rule of thumb, anyone that can handle the drink. Ethan took the cup from her. Raised his glass, and took a good mouthful of the wine. Feeling the slow burn go down his throat and settle into his stomach and much lower... He looked at his friend for a second, as the moonlight brushed against her soft face and dark black hair. She was so beautiful, too beautiful for silly lies like this. Someone had to educate her after all. He drained the cup and held it out to her with a “please” and a “thank you” when she poured the wine into his cup. ”A young traveler from the most southern desert in Mizihar huh? That is quite a feat for such a beautiful woman all by her self.” He took another drink from his cup and smiled. ”Yet no one ever taught you how to lie properly?” Ethan laughed deeply as he took another drink. ”First thing you must know is your target. If you go throwing lies at the wrong people, you already failed. Know what they know so you can truly trick them.” He held out his free hand and wiggled his fingers at her. ”I am being trained by a Master Aurist. To detect and see a persons soul. Especially threw touch. Therefore when you tell me your clothes are a simple extension of your skin. I can touch your clothes and sense the Aura. And see if they are similar or not.. Inanimate objects such as clothes carry no Aura whatsoever. So it was easy to tell your clothes are not an extension of your skin.” He gave Fraha a coy teasing look. His eyes hardly appearing above the rim of his cup as he drank. ”So... you picked the wrong target to lie about magic. It's a common mistake.. Plus I know that the amount of Djed needed to morph into clothes would take some skill and energy. Also any magic would definitely show up on your Aura... And if I wanted to see you naked. I would only have to concentrate long enough on your Aura. To reveal your...Curves.” Ethan added that last part with a laugh. Although it was a tiny fib. He could if he wanted to, but it would take way too much concentration to see her whole body so defined, and he was very drained as is. ”Of course as a gentleman. I would never dream of such a thing. Although I have no problem taking them off of you to get a better look. but only if you begged to.” Ethan grinned as he looked at her with a more than wicked look. ”I think you should leave the lying to other people who have less to loose.... I find it rather cute you would want to lie to me in the first place. But I forgive your, after all your much to sweet to mean any harm by it.”

[Fraha]

Listening to Ethan's words made Fraha laugh as she could feel that coming, but he's next words made Fraha freeze. Magic? Aurist? For an instant she was believing him, then she thought that he might be taking advantage of having her liyng to him to switch the situation. This would be possible and most likely the most correct opinion. magic? like real magic? and i should be the bad one at lying? Fraha laughed for a moment, but seeing his face and listening his words that continued, she stopped. He seemed so serious about that and besides, Fraha had already withnessed a man shifting in a bird. Are you really serious? said she bringing one of her hands to the mouth. She was looking in his eyes straight in search of truth or joke. Can you proove it? Can you prove your statements? If you say something like that i demand you to pro.. Fraha shut up, raelizing that if he had to proove that then probably he would ask her the same. Her mind was confused, what the hell was happening, why all now suddenly? Ethan mentioned that he could see her naked but Fraha didn't react to that, aknoweledging that if he wanted he would have done that ot he was doing it now. Of course there was no reason to not trust him, and actually, nothing to be shamed of but still, Fraha felt uncomfortable with that. Meanwhile in all those thoughts, Fraha carelessly found herself with an empty glass. Without even a second thought she grabbed the bottle again and poured some of it, this time filling it more. I was just fooling around, it happens to me when i'm confused, or try to skip an argument.. Said she sipping the vine deeply. But you, you seem serious about it...are you? What was left to do? she had to know the answer now, her curiousity was only refrained by shame of telling silly things that seemed lies. At any rate though Fraha was now pretty sure that she would end up in something, new to her now. She didn't like it...or did she? Listening to what Ethan was asnwering she meditated on what could happen. Suddenly she interrupted Ethan with a loud So be it!. She was Fraha, the girl that never stopped, and surely now she wouldn't be paranoic about something as her body. The only option was to take the lead of the situation and there was only one way to do so. She was feeling tricked, dragged into some kind of subterfuge well played, Ethan put her in that situation, probably without even wanting it but most likely intentionally, but the most fascinating thing was that he wasn't guilty of anything, he didn't do anything bad. i'm prooving you, you're prooving me ok? said she confident. She ended quickly the glass letting the vine give her the ease and put the glass away. She leaned forward and in a few seconds she untied the sandals, which slipped off afterwards, pushed by the feet. She went back how she was sitting before and her fingers slowly untied the knot on the center of her trousers. She felt a little anxious, a voice in her was shouting "you can still stop" but she had to ignore it, she felt it was the right thing to do and perhaps...she wanted it? she brought her thumbs on the trouser edges and slightly pulled them down revealing dark blue silked slips. Shall I go on? asked she quietly. There was hesitation in her voice as much as in her eyes unable to be covered completely in the shadows such as her blush. She could feel the heat on her face, and even on the ears, on the neck and...wait she was feeling heat everywhere...was it the vine?