Whispers of the Zephyrs (Ethan)

[Cheshire]

Date: 81st of Autumn, 511 AV Location: Base of Tanvalis Falls The bustle of people in the Frozen Falls market was strong and lively. People were running in and out of stores, bartering, and even a few Snowsongs were trying their luck of catching a few mizas by singing or playing their instruments in the fronts of shops. In the sea of dark hair there was a single head of blonde weaving through the masses. A woman, clearly not of Vantha decent, walked toward Tanvalis Falls. She was wrapped warmly in a fur coat but even her cozy hood could not contain her long flowing waves of blonde. As she walked, the zephyrs spoke to her, singing in her ears. "He is here! He is here! The man we have been watching has arrived!" To their breezy voices, she smiled, whispering back but quietly. He would not like it if the Vantha found her crazy and kicked her out of the city before she would finish her task. It was very important, one might say godly important. Heads turned as she walked. It was not everyday that Avanthal housed a daughter of Avalis. She was not tall. Only 5'6 in fact. Her skin, like all of Avalis' daughters was decorated with beautiful scales that seemed to hold the sheen of moonstone. Under the shadow of her furred hood, were a pair of eyes, blue as the sea. Any man in Avanthal would have wanted to take her as their own and some had even tried. They would tug on her sleeves with whispers of all of the wonderful things they could give her. "Be my bride and you will never go hungry again." They would croon after her, their eyes taking on multitudes of shades as they fumbled through emotions for the woman. "Take my as your husband and I will sing you the most beautiful of songs." None of the aurora-kin were given a second glance though. The woman was looking for a certain man. One who did not have Vantha blood running through his veins. "Sorry, I have plans with someone else." She was looking for a man not of the city. Not even of Taldera. He was a traveler and he had arrived just a few days earlier. The woman walked until she had reached the beautiful stone deck that looked over the falls at the edge of the marketplace. They were beautiful, there was no doubt about that. The blonde could not help but wonder what the falls looked like when they were allowed to roll freely, no longer touched by Morwen's icy temperatures. She thought on this, and multitudes of other things as she waited for the man to arrive. The zephyrs said he would come, she would just need to be patient.

[Ethan]

The large bird perched on top of the vender's tent. Blood orange and black plumage, dusted with snow. The only movement was its soft shallow breathes. Eyes were closed, deep in concentration. All the bustle of the market didn't matter. No more than the eager faces and looks the creature was attracting. A young Vantha boy tried to throw bread, another girl had seed in her hand. Hoping for a good story to tell their family that night. Little did they know. That bird was paying more attention then it seemed. In fact, Ethan had his sense's fixed on the children. Sopping up their Aura's. Learning everything he could by feeling the sensations of their emotions. He felt the bubbling of curiosity and the electrified crackling of giddiness. Dark green's and light pinks floated off them like mist. Ethan spent most of his time in the city, practicing his Auristics. The Vantha were a curious people. They lived life to the fullest and dedicated themselves fully to their Goddess Queen Morwen. Compared to the violent lust and hate of Ravok. Avanthal was a treat to study. It had become somewhat of an addiction. Using his Auristics to feel the happiness of the people that wandered too close. It had been a long time since he himself, felt comfortable and joyous. As the Vantha did. Not wanting to leave the children empty handed. Ethan flew down to a stack of crates by the Merchant's tent. And fed from their hands. The bread was left, but the seeds were delicious and he wondered if other birds did this sort of thing? Was this their diet? When the kernels disappeared. So did the children. They got their story and Ethan got a taste of their Aura's. In a strange way he hated to see them go. Looking for new subjects. He warbled and flapped to the top of the boxes. Once up, he stretched his wings out and shook his head. It had been early morning when he started and it was already noon. He needed a rest, else he over give. Fluffing out, the young bird tried using his eyes for a moment. Observing the talented Vantha playing for coin. The older men selling their carvings from whale bone, or antler. He had tried earlier to snatch some of the shavings, but the men would have none of it. He continued to lazily observe, until he saw an oddity that brought him out of his boredom. It was a blond woman... And probably the first Non Vantha he had seen all day. She was beautiful too and Konti! Fond memories of Sondra flooded his mind, and turned him a little red beneath the chest feathers. One more subject won't hurt... Gods be good she is breath taking. The Lammergeier didn't hesitate. She was wandering towards the falls and that was where he needed to be. Ethan took to the skies. Leaving behind tufts of orange downy. She was relaxing near the falls when he swooped in. Landing gracefully on the railing a couple feet away. Holding his wings half outstretched for balance. He scurried towards the woman. ”Never too tired for a Konti.” Ethan chuckled a little birdie chuckle to himself. If there ever was a terrible reason to love being a Kelvic. It was so he could make pretty amuse pretty women. Ethan being a foot away, cawed cutely towards her. Up close the woman was even more georgous. Something about the gem like scales gave the Konti a beautiful almost Goddess like appearance. ”If I was ever going to be a pet...”

[Cheshire]

The woman looked out over the frozen falls, humming quietly to herself and the zephyrs that whispered in her ears. "The man is coming Lady Ka'eli! We are guiding him to your side." Ka'eli smiled lightly. "Thank you my dears. You are a wonderful help." It was not too long before the Kelvic appeared at her side. "That's him! That's the one!" Ka'eli turned to look at the bird at her side. His caw was heard and understood. The Konti was not only looked upon kindly by the great Storm God but also by the tricky Eywaat. He aided her in understanding the creatures of Zulrav's realm. The ones who soared through his winds and swam through their breezes. "Hello to you too mister Lammergeier. You seem to be a bit out of your comfort zone, aren't you?" She had not expected to see the large birds this far north but according to the winds, this bird was different. They told her he was Kelvic. That he had ventured to Avanthal with two mages. She knew a lot about him from their breezy words. How could she not? She spoke to the wind and the wind carried Ethan. It was only logical they would spill his secrets. Zephyrs were such scandalous beings at times. They had no mouths to speak of but at the same time, they could not keep them shut. "The wind has told me about you Ethan. It has told me about your friends, the mages, your journey to Avanthal, even your life with Grim." She smiled lightly, holding a hand out to the bird in hopes he would let her stroke his plumage. "You are a very handsome bird Ethan. It makes me wonder what the man inside of you looks like." She smiled brighter, her ocean blue eyes looking into his. "Will you show me? I can understand you as a bird but it is easier for me if you are in your human form."

[Ethan]

The last thing he expected, was to see a beautiful Konti in Avanthal, but one that could understand him seemed impossible. She told him in a honey like voice, that she knew he had come here with two Mages. And she even knew about the times he had with Grimm... She held out her hand and he shied away. Calm, but alert. How could anyone know about him? Spying on them as they traveled was one thing, but knowing his old master? Forget the wind, he was thinking magic. She might be a Mage of some kind. He wished Hadrian and Kendall where around. Hadrian could tell if she was lying and Kendall could scorch the tramp if she was. What if she was a slaver? "You are a very handsome bird Ethan. It makes me wonder what the man inside of you looks like." Said the woman. Yes. I am sure you would like to know I'm a Kelvic.And sell me for a bag of Silvers. Her outstretched hand pissed him off. Petting was fine with loved ones and humans that had no clue. Ignorance made it charming, but one did not hug every person they met. Yet they try and pet a Kelvic? The insolence was outstanding. Ethan opened his Auristic senses and read her. Letting his surroundings fade to black. Leaving only the woman's soul. He had seen plenty of deceit in people. It was one of the easier things to read. Although, when the soul mist brushed against him. All he felt was calm and a little excitement. She felt... nice, actually. Something was oddly soothing about her presence. Her words vibrated her Aura and sent it crashing against him. warping the sound, but he could still hear her. He wasn't buying it though. Ethan backed up a little. He didn't feel right about this. She might feel nice, but he could be missing something. She knew too much for his comfort. It wasn't until he noticed an anomaly in her Aura. That he started to settle down. It was a Gnosis mark. And from what he saw of Kendall. Not anyone could acquire the favor of a god. You had to be the right kind of person. Of course, their were some gods he wanted nothing to do with, but her heart felt kind and pure, as far as he could tell. Ethan flew back a few feet and looked around. There were some people visiting the frozen falls and plenty in the market, but Kelvics where accepted here. As pets at least. He hopped down and changed in a flash of golden light. He was much taller as a man, higher than six feet. Broad and filled with condensed muscle, but it did little to shield him from the bitter cold winds. Still, he stood tall and did his best to keep from shivering, clenching his jaw instead. ”Who are you? How do you know about me, and what do you want? Spying isn't looked kindly upon M'lady. And I want a clearer answer than 'the wind.'” He was raised better than to act rude towards anyone. They could be a friend one day, lover or a target. There where to many variables to speak freely, but he kept his voice cold as well as polite.

[Cheshire]

"Ka'eli! You silly girl! You are going to scare him away." The Konti ran her fingers through her hair, pushing the whispering breeze away without seeming too odd. She didn't need it chattering away in her ear when she was talking to Ethan. She loved them of course. They were every Stormwarden's companion. The seemed to be a little too comfortable with her as of late though. The Konti was not a stuck up woman but she also was aware that she knew what she was doing. She did not need a wind commenting on every little detail of her exchange with the Kelvic, although she knew it would be back soon. Ka'eli knew she had bothered Ethan. She did not need the breeze to tell her that. The woman was different from other Konti (which explained why she was all the way up in Avanthal and not in the island home of the Konti, Mura) but she did have one thing that linked her to her Konti sisters, her gift. She had the gift of avian empathy. To feel what her feathered friends were feeling. This was not why she could understand Ethan's caws. That was a whole different sort of magic, although her gift had helped with obtaining it. "I am Ka'eli Whitefeather. Whitefeather is not my family name of course, but I relinquished that." The Konti had no business in Mura. Avalis and Rak'keli never took an interest in her and her Konti sisters always treated her a bit different for being what they called stormborn. "I am a worker of the one you seek." The one, being Zulrav. "I am willing to tell you a good deal but you seem as though you are going to freeze." She shrugged off her coat, letting it hang down over the crooks in her arms. "Take me to your clothing. The last thing I need is for you to get frostbite. We'll talk but you need to be warm first." She turned, pulling her blonde hair forward to show a beautiful swirling mark in between her shoulder blades. It was the mark of Zulrav, the mark Ethan was looking to earn. "I promise I am not a spy but you need to trust me. We need to trust each other if we are workers for the same cause." The Konti walked forward, away from the falls. If Ethan chose to follow and lead her to his clothing the two would talk. If he did not, that was his own choice. A foolish one? He'd have to take the chance in order to find out.

[Ethan]

Whitefeather? From what Sondra told him of her people. A family name was important. Whether it just inclined to status or actual trade. Like Vantha society and their many houses.. Either way, it was a clue to who she is. She also mentioned she gave up her family name... Meaning she was an outcast just like Sondra. She went on to explain she was working for someone of interest to Ethan. Someone he sought. Very strange, seeing as Ethan cared for little but the ones he traveled with... When she mentioned the cold, he felt like a fool for not noticing. Blush started to creep up his dusty bronze cheeks. With the excitement and fear of this strange encounter. He completely forgot about the cold. And that he was completely nude in front of the whole market. Going unnoticed wouldn't be an option now. Ever unflappable, Ethan didn't bother looking. Let them have their story and a peak. It was no problem to him, but the cold was. As hard as he tried. He couldn't help from shivering. And spoke over her as she started to take off her coat. ”Whatever 'one' you serve it still does...” His words faded away as her shoulder blades where revealed. Her skin held a beautiful milky tone. Common of her race. Radiant scales lined her back in gorgeous patterns catching the sunlight. Her bare neck and shoulders made his heart skip a beat and his bare flesh tingle with excitement, but that wasn't the reason he stopped. She had a mark of Zulrav... He had never seen one before, nor read of their artistry, but he knew somehow. Some inner instinct told him so. With that he dropped all suspicion. No man or woman with the mark of Zulrav would be suspect. He gazed into her eyes as she spoke. Reassuring him of her intentions. He didn't need any reassurance and spoke kindly. ”I see we are on the same side. No need to explain.” Looking at her for a moment. He gazed into her sea blue eyes and began to think.. think and lust. Ethan wasn't new to lust. It had taken over him many times, but it had never come on so quickly. But this woman was blessed by Zulrav. Her skin kissed by the winds he sailed on. Their would be no finer woman to carry his many sons. It was a primal urge, one only an animal could understand. The need to create, and with the strongest mate, the strongest woman. Every instinct told him to take her for himself. Before someone else did. Feeling the heat rise in his chest, he knew he didn't have long before he was erect. And unable to control himself. ”follow me” He said, his voice calm and his eyes glazed over. He could hardly think, as they walked across the bridge. With so much adrenaline pumping through his body. Everything played out in vague scenes, as if seeing it through anothers eye's. Ethan was reaching bellow the bridge to grab his bundle of clothes. A second later he was dressed and fumbling with his breeches. Thoughts were fleeting and it took a moment for him to gather himself again. Concentration was vital to the Kelvic. You didn't control your most basic instincts with a loose mind. No, your brain had to be as practiced as your wings. All he needed to do was focus on something other than this woman... Zulrav. she was an agent of Zulrav. If she was here for him, what did she want? He could feel the urges and heat receding from his body as thoughts and questions arose in greater numbers. ”I- I apologize. At times my mind wanders. We Kelvics are such simple creatures.” He feigned a smile for her benefit. But was intrigued at her response. And her views on his race. Even a off handed comment had a grain of truth in it.”I have many questions, but I think it would be best if you explained your story? Perhaps in your home or tavern? The chill has cut a little too deep for my liking.” He laughed and straightened his cloak. Not daring to look into her eyes too long. In fear of waking his arousal. It was a vicious little beast when it wanted to be. And he had no clue what her Konti gifts aloud her to see. If she knew his lust she might refuse his advances later on. And if those didn't work he could always rape her. Although, gentle as he may be, others might not see it kindly. Vantha were as bad as Humans with their ideals. Just prettier packaging.

[Cheshire]

The bird was getting it. It seemed as though her little show of skin had worked to her advantage. Smiling lightly, the Konti followed Ethan as he led her to his clothing. All the while she felt his emotion. His burning desire to fill his animal urges. This would make him easier to persuade but at the same time, a bit dangerous. He was an animal in human form. He was clearly more powerful than the average man. When the pair reached the bridge, Ka'eli was glad to see Ethan hid found his clothing. She cold feel how cold he was and it was starting to chill her as well. It was only so long before she started to feel everything he did. Konti gifts were always a double edged sword. They let one see or feel what others could not but it always came with a price. Ka'eli's was emotion rebound. The more she was around a bird, the more their emotions became her own. The bird was covering himself now though. She could already feel herself warming. Now she would let him know a bit about her. It was only fair and perhaps it would make him calm a bit. "Let's head to the Red Diamond. We can get a meal and exchange stories." The Konti held out her hand for the man to take if he so wished. He would help scare away the other men if his hand was in his. When the pair reached the tavern, Ka'eli chose a seat and ushered the kelvic to sit opposite of her. When the pair were settled the woman began. "I was born on Mura to a Konti mother and Svefra father. I never knew my father but my mother told me my blue eyes are because of him." There was a small show of pain at the words. She really did wish she knew her father but not everyone got what they wanted. "When I was born, I was not born like other Konti. All of the other Konti are either marked by Avalis or Rak'keli from birth but I was born with neither. Zulrav chose me instead." She slipped her fur coat from her shoulders to once again show the man her mark. The swirling gnosis seemed to take on a bit of shine from her scales. She pointed to the mark. "When my mother, Kanili Uliele saw my mark she was confused. She took me before Rak'keli and even V'nessi Ulvalin, the Konti Matriarch. Both said there was nothing wrong with me. I had been chosen by Zulrav, a wonderful gift. It did not stop the teasing from the other children though. They called my stormborn, a Konti who was destined to become wild like the wind. On Mura it is hard to keep secrets. Most of the isle knew of my mark shortly after I was born. It's our gifts. No secrets are safe from us." She chuckled slightly as she looked at Ethan. "Especially not yours. But I am getting off topic. I grew up like the other Konti. I took the same classes, learned the same things, but I was not the same. The wind spoke to me and soon, it was as though the birds did as well. I could feel what they felt. I could feel their joy when the winds that spoke to me blew. There was so much I did not understand but there was no one to explain it to me." Ka'eli took a moment of rest from her story to order some food and drink. "Order what you like Ethan, the food is on me. It is the least I can do for boring you with my life story." Once the drinks and food were served the Konti spoke up again. "Life continued like that for a while. The teasing became less frequent as people grew up and saw there was no reason to tease. At the age of twenty I received my call. I now understood why I was 'stormborn'. I was born to serve Zulrav and he was my call. When I met him, he marked me a second time and I began to journey all over the world to help with his needs. This journey took me to the Burning Lands of Ekytol where I stayed with the Tatsuwaat Chaktawe tribe. They took me in kindly, especially because of my gift with birds. It was here that I met Eywaat and after a while, was marked by him. I must tell you Ethan, it was one of the most beautiful gifts I have ever been given. All of the birds whose emotions I felt, I could now understand. I felt as though I had finally opened my eyes for the first time in my life." The Konti continued to talk for a bit more. She recounted her tales in Syliras, Wind Reach, and The Spires. She even told him about how she had been marked a third time by the Storm God. "And that brings us here." She smiled at the man across from her before taking a drink. "Your turn. Tell me a story."

[Ethan]

The Konti didn't miss a step in suggesting a tavern, and even held out her hand as they walked. Aren't I supposed to be this forward? She was probably just trying to be nice, but it didn't matter. A chance was a chance. They walked together to the Tavern hand in hand. He couldn't see how his day could get any better. When they reached the Red Diamond. Ka'eli wasted no time and as they sat down. She started to tell him a little more about herself... All the way back to her birth. Most civilized races did this. Bluntly talked about their lives to anyone that would petching listen. Like they had nothing to hide or be afraid of, like Kelvics did. Usually he would feign interest in the self absorbed rambling, but not with Ka'eli. He was enthralled by her stories. From the day she was conceived a Stormborn. To the moment she sat before him. And all the trials and adventures in between. But when she wanted a story in return. He couldn't seem to find his tongue. For the past couple hours he hardly said a word. ”heh... Well this usually doesn't happen.” He looked around embarrassed. Had he lost his wits? Or was he actually nervous to be on a date? Ethan stroked his goatee as he thought. ”Usually I'm the charmer in this situation. I applaud you for leaving me speechless.” He took a sip of the wine he didn't remember ordering. ”Well... I usually don't tell people about my life. But I have a soft spot for beauty. So I guess I can make an exception. Although my companions will be sore if they find out. So don't tell.” He smiled. Looking at her stunningly crisp blue eyes. Trying to find his tongue again. ”This Is a little awkward. You knowing how I feel... It is surprising your still around me. Most women would run away from a Kelvic's lust. We are known for tearing men's throats and ravaging young virgins.” He held eye contact. Before smiling. ”At least that's what they think in Ravok. Avanthal is a little nicer. But that's because they have them as pets. Slaves tend to revolt more.” He didn't want to go there. Most people didn't know how to deal with the conversation. But coming to Avanthal really put into perspective how fucked his people were. He quickly changed the subject, with a quick smile and sip of wine. ”Your safe with me, by the way. I may jape but I wouldn't harm you. Whisk you away to the mountains, yes. But you would be happy. Well taken care of, with bouncing baby Konti's all about you. Perhaps a Kelvic in the mix.” He paused and looked into his cup, before taking another measured sip. As the food, he also never remembered ordering arrived. ”I keep avoiding the topic, don't I? I'm very practiced at it. So much I tend to forget I'm deflecting.” He took a deep breath before speaking again. ”I was born somewhere. Only Zulrav would know. My parents where slaves no doubt. Forced to breed most likely. Thank the gods they where good looking at least. I never knew 'em. And my first memories where on a deck, I think?. With my master Captain Grimm.” He chuckled hollowly, nibbling his food. He could hardly taste it. His nerves where on edge. And talking about all this made him want to retch. ”Its an awful name I know. But it went well with the man...” He went on to tell her about his life with Grimm. And explained things he never told his make shift family. The beatings and 'lessons' he was given. Was well talked about with Hadrian and to a certain extent Kendall. And a lot more of it was known to Sondra. But the sexual abuse was always kept to himself. How he was forced into giving his master pleasure. And in a sick demented way... enjoyed it. ”A Kelvic bond isn't easily broken. And when your master is happy... Some how, so are you.” He explained how the training Grimm gave him. Shaped him into the well rounded man he was today, and eventually led to him leaving Grimm for good. He couldn't dare tell her how he left him. That, he kept a secret. And only one woman knew that. After that, he explained the finer things in life. Kavia and their little romance at Evantide Tower. Emilie Joungblood and her wild moods. The day he met Hadrian and discovered the art of magic. Kendall and his kind heart. When he discovered Eywaat and Zulrav. And the many small shrines in the mountains in their honor. When he came to Sondra, blush crept up his cheeks. He was quite infatuated. No matter who was around. ”Lust and love are two different things. Just as Kelvics are man and beast. So are their desires. One side... Wants to mate with the strongest woman. To create the best children. The other side wishes nothing but to make that person happy. Human men have their pink worms in mind. Kelvic's have their hatchlings to be concerned with.” By the time he was done. He had chuckled, snorted and gone cold with choked emotion. But he never dropped his visage. His mask was too great and sadly that would never change. ”Now that you know everything about me. The goods and the bads. Explain what is happening here. Because this dinner seems like a date. And if that is true, I grow hungry and food won't slate me. Only your womb will. I hate to be crude but you know too much about me to be subtle anymore.”

[Cheshire]

Ka'eli shrugged at the Kelvic's words. "Things are always subject to drastic change. I would think, you of all people would understand that." Her blue eyes seemed to dig into him as she spoke. "You rid on the winds that become storms. You travel with a man who was once a woman. He is the lover of someone who may have never thought he would fall for another man. You, mister lammergeier are the companion to change itself." Her lips turned up into a wry smile. "So much for the saying 'having the eyes of an eagle'. You don't see what is right under your beak." The words were nothing more than playful prodding, although the Konti did make an important point. Nothing in Ethan's life was stable. It never had been. His companions were ever-changing. His lovers came and went. He spoke as though consistency was a normal thing in his life but in truth, he had barely even known it. "Well… I'm not a virgin, so no worry there." The Konti spoke bluntly as she conversed with Ethan. "Do you really think I do not know lust? It is cute that you worry, but trust me, I've seen lustier." She could feel his lust and his embarrassment. She understood the discomfort but there was no reason to be ashamed. "Do you really think you are the first bird Kelvic I've met?" She pulled back her blonde locks to show her ear. At the top there seemed to be an earring-like clasp resembling the plumage of a bird. "This is the mark of Tatani. When I can understand your kind, even in their avian forms, don't you think they get the same thoughts as you?" She glanced from side to side, before slowly pulling up the hem of her blouse to show a scar across her side. It was long and smooth, as if it was from a blade. "Not everyone is kind, Ethan. You seem to be able to control your instincts, at least to a interpersonal degree. I've met some who would gladly try to drag me through the streets by my hair for a night in bed. I do not say this to be prideful. I say it because it is fact." Letting the hem down, Ka'eli smiled lightly at Ethan when he spoke of taking care of her. "It is a warming thought Ethan. Would you be able to deal with so many women? Sadly, I could never bear you a Kelvic child. The only way you would get anything other than a Konti from me is if you were an Akalak. I prefer you as you are though." As Ethan spoke more of his story, Ka'eli closed her eyes and listened. Not only to Ethan, but to the breezes about them. They knew where the bird was born. "Do you want to know where you were born? I can tell you." Her blue eyes were sincere in the words. She would not dare to joke now. Not about a man's lost past. "I don't have to tell, but if you want to know…" When Ethan was finished, Ka'eli spoke up. "You're story, albeit a bit sad at parts, is beautiful. No matter the storm, you brave it." The bird was strong willed. Many Kelvic would have withered away or fallen ill at the loss of such a bond. Those of his race needed someone to serve. The need to please a master was so tightly woven in their genetics. It was not just emotion that drove them to bond, it was a matter of life or death. A Kelvic without a master was deathly sick. It seemed as though Ethan was reforming though. He had found two companions and while it did not seem that he had bonded to either, he was finding acceptance and more importantly a place and purpose. "Love, loss, new found friends, and woe. It is the making of an epic tale, I'd say." The Konti smiled as she rested her chin on her hand. "I feel your love for them you know. When you speak of Hadrian and Kendall I feel so much happiness. More so than when you speak of the girls you laid with." This said a lot about the man. He was moving on from Grimm, even if it hurt. Ka'eli felt so much pain when he spoke of Grimm but it seemed to wash away when he spoke of his companions. Ka'eli reached out and took Ethan's hands in her own. "It makes me happy, Ethan. You are strong, He needs that." Blue eyes flicked to the window where the snow seemed to be pelting the building. "He is calling for you. That is why I am here." The Konti held the man's hands tighter. "We need to work together and at times, that is being someone who another can confide in." A scaled hand released Ethan's before coming to brush his cheek. All of his emotion seemed to ripple through her. It was hard not to give in to the lust. "You have been keeping it all to yourself for so long. You poor bird." A few tears threatened to fall from her eyes. The feelings Ethan had of Grimm, of losing him and never knowing so much. It all seemed to tear at her. Taking a breath in, she pulled back. The Konti would not let the tears fall. If Ethan was going to be strong, she had to as well. The wind roared outside the tavern and as it howled, the Konti smiled, looking out the window. With a small sniffle she looked to him. "You know, it is said that the Vani hear music when the arctic winds blow. Morwen's mark lets them hear the song of Storm and Snow. The song of Zulrav and Morwen." Looking back to Ethan she pulled her jacket back on. "Are you ready to meet Him?" Her blue eyes flicked to the window once more. "I think He is ready for you."

[Ethan]

"He is calling for you." It was a nice thought. Zulrav, the god of wind and storms. Needing anyone. Especially a shattered Kelvic like Ethan. How did the gods judge a man's worth? Would his actions be seen as evil or treacherous? The betrayal of his master and the thievery that riddled his life. It must depend on the god that does the judging. Ka'eli touched his hand as she spoke. Her skin was as soft and tender as he thought it would be. And despite her aquatic nature she was pleasantly warm. His own hands felt rough and cracked in comparison. When she caressed his cheek. His heart quickened and he closed his eyes. A sensation of pleasure and comfort grew in his chest. And he could feel the heat rising in his face. "Yes I have been holding in so much." He grinned. Letting her think about the meaning behind his words. When she pulled away. He feared his words struck a nerve. Ethan was a bit confused. She looked close to tears. Did he offend her? Or did his story touch that soft part in a womans heart. That need for romanticism he hated so much. The last thing he needed where fat tears over his terrible life. But instinct told him it was more than that. A genuine feeling of sympathy. "If he is ready, who am I to keep him waiting? I hope he needs wit as well as will, because I don't come without it." He laughed. Getting up, ready to follow the Konti wherever she went. "Knowing my mouth. I might get cursed." He wasn't as nervous as he would have been alone. He was appreciative of Ka'eli's company. And he knew that Zulrav wouldn't bother sending someone if he wasn't sure about Ethan. He clung on to that thought to keep from faltering. this was not the time to loose his mettle.