[Port of Avanthal] Into the Great White North

[Tiki]

The petting felt nice, even if his head didn’t itch, the gesture was always appreciated. He let his head tip toward it the moment before Hadrian went to fetch Aurrealis. His silly grin returned to him before he went down on all fours and became a walking shadow again. He was letting out a low growl, what sounded like a growl; it was truly the deepened tone of his purr. Big cats: naturally deceptive. He looked between Hadrian and the shadows as Aurrealis revealed himself, purring still. It was a relief to see the murderous bandit was truly a Vantha boy. The light that shined upon the company made this much clearer. He started toward Aurrealis while he spoke with Hadrian. He didn’t mean to upset Aurrealis or to foil the little Vantha’s plans, but Tiki had his own wants too, which included security. The boy didn’t have much business hiding on the ship. His grief had gotten the best of him though. After introductions, and it seemed everyone was now at least acquainted with one another, Tiki sought out Aurrealis’s confirmation of forgiveness. He started to wonder the same thing Aurrealis did as well in his approach. He figured it was a place, but Mura might be a person. It was a pretty name. Tiki nudged his head against the boy’s arm, and then tried to scoop his own head under Aurrealis’s hand. His fur was soft. Avanthal and the surrounding woods were littered with snow. There were no leaves, twigs, bugs, or dirt on the snow plated surface to get matted in his fur. Aurrealis would need to scratch deeper into his fur to find the scars and scabs. By Aurrealis’s side, still trying to coax the Vantha to pet him, he gave a look to Hadrian. He’d appreciate an answer to that question as well as Aurrealis.

[Hadrian]

Hadrian sighed, wondering if this was what he had been like as a child. But perhaps they were kindred spirits and Hadrian just had several years on the boy. He was no longer worried about reprisals from Whitevine Hold, but he was not sure he was strong enough to be responsible for another person. The others would help, of course, but then... did Aurrealis even want that? "Mura is the island from which come the Konti seers. Our ship will stop there and we will find passage beyond once we arrive. I plan to sail for Zeltiva with the fewest delays, but shipping freight is more lucrative than passengers, so I remain at the whims of the sea captains. "Would you like to share your plans? You may travel with us if you like. We have berths with beds and hammocks, or you can remain in the hold. I will not tell the captain of your presence if you wish to remain a stowaway.

[Aurrealis]

As the cat walked Aurrealis's way, it's head scooped down under the boys hand then brought it up. Aurrealis relaxed it, after a weary pause, as it slid fluidly across the top of Tiki's head with coherent complexion. He looked down and scratched him gently, a notch behind Tiki's ears with his fingers. It was a light touch, Aurrealis's hand grazed his ears and itched at the forehead. The boy had nurtured animals before, but he was cautious of how this animal might react to the petting; though at which it seemed the cat enjoyed it whole-heartedly. After Hadrian had explained what Mura was, for Aurrealis was no geographic data-base, he smiled and nodded softly with pleasant surprise. If it was an island full of seers, there could be abundant amounts of insuperable teachings of science and philosophical viewpoints, where in Avanthal, there was a dearth in diversity and external collaboration. What a wondrous place! A place of inspiration and science! A place of learners and thinkers; unvanquished seekers much like himself. He would look, more refined, into the life and Konti culture later. "I would love to stay aboard if that's what you mean." He said simply, a smile across his face. After a moment's thought and mental debate, he states, "I don't care for any captain. But, it would be wise to just let them know if they must know; it would make things easier for me and you later, surely." Aurrealis continues to scratch Tiki's head softly, stroking it with his fingertips. He says after a pause softly, "A bed would be nice, actually..." His head droops down as he looks at his feet. His voices trails off.

[Tiki]

Tiki’s purr quickly became part of the droning ambience of the ship’s creaking hull. It signaled warmth, comfort, and pleasure to Tiki and anyone else who knew a thing or two about cats! Tiki was glad Aurrealis was a friendly stranger. Those were the best kind, usually. Tiki’s form brushed against Aurrealis more, pressing up on his toes to rub his head into the boy’s small fingers. If he wanted, Aurrealis’s hand could be gone in a quick bite; it was that small in comparison. One advantage to being a kelvic: physically speaking, they grow up fast. Tiki was fond of the Vantha youth already though. Such an event as nibbling fingers would never happen unless they were playing, and even then he’d be so ever careful as to not hurt him. So Tiki’s mind began to trail off now that he might have a play mate. He had almost missed the fact that they were sailing east towards Zeltiva, further from Windreach. Part of him didn’t mind that of course, after the storm and all. Maybe he could even visit home, or something. It was counterproductive to his original purpose in even leaving Sylira, but he hoped Zeltiva had as much “cultural enrichment” to offer. For instance, maybe his fear of the open seas will be broken by the time of their arrival, or he can learn something at the college. The options were limitless, but he wouldn’t find out until then. Tiki gave Aurrealis another look. He seemed young enough, meaning he was small and light enough to lift. The idea was one that amused him more than degraded him. He wanted to lift Aurrealis on his back and take him to the upper deck already. Then they could play or something, if he’d like that. Maybe another time… The Vani mutterings confused him, save for ‘bed’. He didn’t understand how Hadrian or Aurrealis would sleep on a rocking ship on the open ocean. All the rocking and swaying… Tiki closed his eyes and tried to lose himself in the gentle handlings of the boy again. Tiki’s big-cat hide flopped on the floor and rolled back and forth on his back by Aurrealis’s feet. Hadrian knew that look well enough, surely. No funny magic business this time! Tiki was just being Tiki, minding his own business, pleading for a belly rub, and living a good kelvic life. Of all his thoughts of running away into nature, he never considered what it’d be like to be aware from company like this.

[Hadrian]

"I'll take care of the captain," Hadrian promised. After all, if the captain was too upset by a stowaway becoming legitimate, there was always hypnosis. He too caught the word bed and not a lot else from the Vani mutter. "We've two berths. Kendall seems to want to hibernate in his own, so Tiki and Ethan have been sleeping in mine. There's a bed and a hammock. You can have the bed if you like, though Tiki might curl up beside you. Ethan has a perch." The lammergeier liked to be in his native form more than his human form, especially when sleeping, so the arrangement should work out for all involved. "We stop in Mura, and then I'll see about arranging a berth to Zeltiva, though we might have to make smaller hops between cities. You are welcome to join us all the way through." He didn't like the idea of Aurrealis running off on his own, but it was not his son, and all he could do was watch out for him and hope the lad stuck around, knowing that he would have fewer problems with an adult "in charge" of him.

[Aurrealis]

After a moment's silent, all that could be heard was the low hum coming from the vocal chords of the cat and the whisper of the ship and the swaying of the sea. Aurrealis seemed to be then aware of the rocking, making it more noticeable all at once. Every since his boarding, it's been a silent agreement with the ship - the water in an interlocking relationship with the boat. But, it went unnoticed, sadly. Only until now, in realization, it bounced with buoyancy through the ocean. Tiki continued to nudge his head under the boy's hand, only inducing another, repeated stroking pattern atop the cat's cranium. Moments later, it suddenly dropped to the ground without warning, and rolled on his back. It was alarming at first, but Aurrealis soon realized his intentions, and bent over nearly immediately and scratched the lighter-shaded belly profusely. He knew he had a light touch, so Aurrealis took a little extra put-forth effort to fulfill the feline with glee. Too bad though, because of course, Aurrealis wasn't elated. He found no joy, as he as well aware he wouldn't be. It's been continuous now, the same, unchanging eye colour. He doesn't care much for it anymore, as long as he knows the relieving sensation he gives for Tiki as he rubs the cat's stomach. At the first of Hadrian's words, Aurrealis looks up, continuing to satisfy the cat, and nods, acknowledging the fact that he could use a bed, but says nothing. He wouldn't want to push his luck, or annoy Hadrian in anyway - this boat was his lifeline and his gateway for the next however long it takes. He could sleep on the floor, but his aching back screamed otherwise. Aurrealis ignored it's silent pleas, a bed would be splendid, but it was up to Hadrian's tolerance of the boy. Heavens know how Hadrian might be feeling about Aurrealis at this moment, and being cautious about luxury that wasn't meant for him seems wise for the time being. Nodding again to Hadrian, Aurrealis starts, "Then...I guess we'll see what happens when we get there." Still crouching, he stops his hand. "And Hadrian...sorry about this...about coming, and hiding, and not saying anything..." Aurrealis meant it entirely as he looked up. A pained expression of apology was written on his face, but nothing was seen in his eyes. "I absolutely promise to be on my best behaviour. I won't get in no bodies way. You won't have to worry about me." Standing suddenly, he straightens at attention towards Hadrian, smiling wide. He gives a quick nod and looks back down at Tiki, wondering clandestinely what the rest of the ship looked like.

[Tiki]

Tiki’s purr truly echoed against the hardwood compartment. In his head it was like booming thunder, like in dreams, his dreams especially. His eyes narrowed looking up to Aurrealis as the Vantha satisfied him. Tiki was ignorant to the eye color of the Vantha population, and the ever shifting shades like the aurora. The greetings he received were consistent, eyes unchanging. It was probably for the best that way, at least he didn’t seem to get on anyone’s nerves. Tiki’s lids fought back total relaxation and exhaustion. Oh gods, if Aurrealis would do this at night, he’d fall asleep each night a happy kitty each and every night. It probably wouldn’t happen of course. The blinking kelvic tried to refocus on the conversation. The black line slits rolled back, head and all, to look at Hadrian and listen. He opened his eyes and the putting became quieter as he listened. Relaxation broken, Hadrian was speaking, and it concerned sleep too. He flashed his lids and opened them wide to look to the other two. He would force himself awake a while more. He’d find the means to cat nap later. Very true to his nature, Tiki rolled over and went about his own business. It was funny, really, when cats seem to be oh-so comfortable then just get up a leave! Aurrealis didn’t do anything wrong, thankfully, Tiki merely had his own input. The light of his shift blended in with the sunlight than came to through to the lower deck. He sat himself down on the worn, smoothed steps – softened perhaps from years of salt and water washing over them – and listened to Aurrealis finish. He waited patiently, but was sure to interject immediately afterward. He didn’t want to interrupt either of them if they were to speak. Quick winded, Tiki spoke out, “If you want, I can stay in the hammock. They have them at Spires. I’ve slept in them.” If you want? So he was asking permission now? He was a guest though, so it was appropriate, he assumed. Tiki was fond of the snugness hammocks offered though. The rocking could be a problem, but so long as he’s still it worked. The netting would conform to the curvature of his body and then he could just curl up. It was probably better for his sea sickness too, though he wouldn’t realize it on his own. As the ship would rock on the churning waves, the flat bed would rock too. In the hammock, he’d truly sway with the sea and be at equilibrium. Perhaps that illusion of stillness would let him sleep soundly. Dirt, sweet, sweet dirt of the mainland, oh gods how he missed it! Tiki hadn’t considered what position he was putting Hadrian or Aurrealis in. He was merely offering his own services, well…sort of. The light bags under his eyes cast slight shadows. Whatever their decision, Tiki was ready to head back for a nap. He had never been so stressed as he had been this year. Funny, the year had just started anew and already the world was falling apart. The kelvic decided he’d let them sort out this chaos; he had had his fill as of late.

[Hadrian]

"It's all right, Aurrealis. You're doing what you have to do. Now if you let me know what that is, I can help." He turned toward the stairs, ready to walk back to the berth with them. Of all of them, he needed his rest the most, a bit fragile after the giant expenditures of his soul to protect them from the storm and then to help with the recovery, such as it was. "I'll tell the captain you're my brother. The storm made me look more Vani. It might even work. Just remember our family name is Aelius. They'll ask fewer questions that way. And Tiki... well, we'll figure something out."

[Macabre]

Thread Award

Hadrian
XP: Leadership +3
Lore: Dealing with Stowaways

Tiki
XP: Investigation +1
Lore: Mura [Partial], Children are Friends

Notes: Aurrealis, I graded you too, but it will not be posted until you have fixed your character sheet as per Shepherd’s request. On the stolen goods and gnosis: please do not use these things in future writing until they have been approved, especially the gnosis mark. You mentioned it in this thread without a storyteller secrets link in your profile, so I know it isn’t official, and cannot know whether or not your request has been approved or declined.

Tiki, be careful with shifting back and forth so much—it tends to take a lot out of a kelvic, the most common symptom being hunger—yet you portray it as if multiple shifts within minutes is nothing to him. Just food for thought!

Please do not hesitate to PM me with any questions about the grade.