The Serpent and The Kelvic

[Savitaire]

20th of Summer, 512AV
Early Afternoon

He was being followed, that was the first thing he thought as he stopped for a second making it look like he was looking at something so he could covertly look around. The man, for he caught a glimpse of him, ducked behind something as his head moved. He had a choice, let himself be herded or go someplace like a tavern to wait the person out. If he got herded he would probably have to deal with more than one person, but waiting the person out had drawbacks too. He was tempted to just leave the city and see how persistent the person was, but odds were he’d only have it happen again, it was rather irritating. Patience seemed better, he wouldn’t hide in a tavern, but wait the man out where he chose. He walked towards the market, there were lots of people, but also places to just sit. It wasn’t a long walk to the place, the activity of the area was quite welcome and soon enough he found a spot next to a horse drawn cart. The mare turned her head, ears flicking back, his intrusion within her space making her a little unnerved.

He moved close so he was near her shoulder speaking softly and soothingly “Sorry little one, just needing to borrow a bit of your space for a bit, seems someone is following me and I don’t quite know why.”

He didn’t expect the animal to understand him, but he mostly talked to her hoping she’d relax. Horses were prey animals, he gave off a predatory vibe, since he looked human it would merely confuse the animal. So, talking in a soothing manner would mark him as a non-threat and wouldn’t spook her, at least he hoped so. He’d seen many humans talking to their animals and while she wasn’t ‘his’ he at least tried to seem friendly. He ran a hand along her cheek putting his hand close to her nose so she’d get his scent, when she seemed relaxed he petted her using her as cover to keep an eye out. “Hope you see me as a friend now eh? A nice rub should settle things, bet you’re bored just standing there, at least I give you something interesting to sniff. Don’t know about horses or other critters much, mostly look like food to me, but fear not you won’t be dinner. Just wish this annoying human that’s lurking around like a shadow would just lose interest, really don’t want a fight.”

He chuckled softly, he honestly didn’t mind a possible fight, but not at the cost of getting the interest of the Knights. Henrik wouldn’t be too pleased and he was the man he was staying with, he didn’t want to cause trouble for his friend. “Too bad you can’t talk back little one, feel stupid talking to myself, but guess I’m just bored…”

The mares ears moved, her attention going someplace else, but he carefully kept his attention on her looking like he wasn’t paying attention at all. That’s when he felt it, his pants brushing his skin, he whirled around catching the arm of the would be thief and quickly dragging him behind the cart out of sight. He shoved him against the wall his grip on the man’s arm tightening, the pain making the man struggle and curse, his grip tightened further. “Bad move trying to steal from me thief…”

“S-shit! Yer gunna break mah arm!”

He grinned at the man, the stranger going pale, Savitaire would be more than willing to do more than break a limb and his grin said that. “I’m going to reach in your pocket, take whats in it and you are going to leave me alone. If you call the authorities after me I promise you I will kill you before I leave this city, understood…”

The thief nodded vigorously “Left pocket, money pouch, t-take it!”

He reached in to the opposite pocket taking great pleasure in seeing the dismay flit across the mans face. He felt something heavy and when he withdrew it he saw it was indeed another money pouch, but had more coin in it. “Never keep the good stuff within easy reach you fool, someone like me who can feel the lie in your pulse ain’t gunna fall for such an easy trick.”

The man had been too quick to name the pocket, so on a guess he figured trying the other would be more useful. So he lied and said he felt the man lying, it would only serve to keep others if this man said anything from coming after him. The man ran off as soon as he let go and Savitaire heaved a sigh of relief, things could have been a lot worse, but now he was hungry. Fighting usually did that, same with high tension, so he used some of the coin to buy six apples from a nearby stall. He gave one to the mare whispering his thanks before walking off and eating what he had bought. He didn’t count the coins in the purse, he really didn’t care, money didn’t really mean much to him since if he needed something he usually hunted for it. Clothing was pretty much the only thing that he’d use coin on, everything else he could get from nature herself. Still, he kept the coin and would add it to the money he had already and then use it as he needed it. He eventually took a seat at an empty table outside of a shop on the edge of the market enjoying the sweet crisp apples he had purchased.

[Septimus]

Earlier that day, Septimus had offered to help a man pull a cart when his horse was far too tired. He had to board the old gelding at the stables but she felt it was necessary to help a citizen and relieve the work from the horse for a bit. The elderly man saved her from the bit and removed it from the cart bridle after explaining the signals used. When she felt a pull on the right side of the halter, she was to steer right. When she felt a pull on the left side of the halter, she had to take left. When she felt the halter pull back against her nose she was to come to a steady halt or slow down. When the man clicked his tongue she was to begin walking slowly then once he did it again she was to pick up the pace and so on. The gear had made her body sweat but luckily for her, it was fairly new gear that had already been broken into. She had been ordered to stand out in front of the building and wait on the man to unload the sacks of grain, then after he was done he would take the cart tack off and give her her scarlet dress which he had held onto for her. He had a man that had picked up his gelding that was waiting for him as well. While waiting, a male had stood beside her. He had tanned skin as well black hair that reminded her of her midnight colored coat. He explained someone was following him which caused her to look back in the direction from which he came. She noticed no one suspicious but it was quite a large crowd and her vision was definitely not 20/20 so the lurker could be hiding anywhere. "Don't worry! Nothing's gonna happen! I'm sure this man will be out before hand! That way I can stop whomever it is!" She spoke in horse. A language only another equine would understand but to the ear of a human or other race it would just sound like a low and soft whinny accompanied by a few snickers. The scratch on the cheek was definitely calming but did not stop her attention lurking elsewhere. Something was weird about this being. Probably the fact that he referred to the human as a human? Did this mean he wasn't a human? Or that he considered himself something else? Or probably the fact that he considered other 'critters' as food but not herself? These questions buzzed around her head but quickly faded as soon as the man caught a theif's arm. "Not around me, you dont!" More of a loud whinny, she kicked at the gear with her right hind hoof to no avail. The cart was durable and meant to stay in one piece for quite a while and the almost new tack wasn't giving way anything soon. In annoyance, she snorted and pinned her ears back. She noticed almot no one was noticing what was going on. She was stuck in her tack. If she shifted, who knew what mutation or deformation could occur. Septimus had failed as her duty was to protect the citizens of Syliras. Not watch them get robbed in plain site then do nothing about it. She watched as the two disappeared from sight from what she heard the man had robbed the thief back? Sure the thief had it coming for him, but it simply wasn't right to take his money as well. Payback was enough to the point where he almost broke his arm. But taking his money was crossing the line. Who knew? He could've had a family he was trying to provide for and this was the only way he knew. But the crime was punishable and he should've been brought before the Syliras Officials. Now he was scurrying away. Did this mean she should've brought this individual before the council for stealing as well? The elderly man emerged from the building simply mumbling about an ungrateful person. "Alright, ma'am. I appreciate your help greatly! I'm sure my gelding did as well! Really saved me some time that would've taken forever with him. He motioned towards the brown gelding another man was holding for him about thirty yards away. The man was inspecting some fruit at a stall then waved over the elderly man. "I've gotta hurry ma'am so I'm trying as fast as I can!" Strap after strap, the tack soon fell off and all that was left was the bridle. There was no possible way the elderly man could reach her head from regular height so she lowered it to where he could easily reach. Once relieved from all tack, she shook her neck then stepped out of the bars of the cart. The elderly man had her dress in hand as she shifted. "Here you go ma'am!" Revealing a six foot tall woman with golden hair and blue horse eyes she kindly smiled at the man then put her dress on. "No problem, sir! The pleasures mine!" The elderly man stopped her from continuing then dropped three gold mizas in her hand as tip. "I can't accept this, sir!" By this time, he waved her off and was walking over to collect his horse. She huffed, putting her shoes on, then walked behind the cart ready to face the man who had handed her the apple. She looked behind it, her eyebrows drawing up up in confusion. Where did he go? Septimus looked around then shrugged her shoulders walking and blending in with the crowd trying to find the strange man. [/center]

[Savitaire]

[indentSavitaire eventually finished the light snack, it helped appease his stomach enough that while it wasn’t a full meal, he wasn’t hungry either. He stood up, his height often a full head taller than those around him, he could be easily spotted if someone was looking for him. He wasn’t aware that anyone would be interested in finding him and so he decided to leave the city to walk in the nearby forest. He’d have a bit of a walk of course, but it didn’t bother him, he’d enjoy it. He wondered why it was the man thought he would make a good mark. Was it because he was obviously new? He didn’t carry much money on him anyways, the majority of it was in his back and his bag was set in Henrik’s room. He had made sure at least one thief wasn’t going to be bothering him which was good. Part of him wondered if he should have tried to at least be a bit more gentle, but then dismissed it, those types of people don’t learn if they don’t get met with a force that frightens them. If he had done something different he’d probably be back to try again, though he worried now if he was going to get attacked in the dark by the man.

Humans had a knack for going after to kill the things that scare them, but hopefully he wouldn’t be in any danger. He wasn’t worried it would succeed, he was fairly confident he’d be able to handle the one man, he could probably handle two people, but more than that he would be in trouble. He wasn’t yet good at dealing with more than two people at once, something he wanted to change. Yet he didn’t think the man would come after him again, even to avenge his pride, it was just a feeling he had. Eventually he simply pushed what had happened out of his thoughts, if something else was going to come of it he would deal with it then. There was no use if worrying over something if one hadn’t felt anything they did could have been changed. If he was targeted again he would deal with the man, but this time he would not let the man go. No, he would kill him, it was as simple as that to him.
][/indent]

[Septimus]

The taste of apple lingered in Septimus' mouth from where she had accepted the treat. It was quite a sweet taste. A taste that she didn't mind if it lingered or left. Only now she was a bit thirsty. Maybe she could possibly find a stream or two nearby and have a nice drink from upriver. Septimus looked up just in time to see the man's solid black hair stand above the crowd with his tan complexion. An individual she'd studied. Her ankle length dress made it difficult to run but it was possible. Especially in her boots. The commotion coming from the other citizens barely made small soft talk understandable, but she was sure if she yelled it would get his attention. "Hey! You, sir! Halt!" She hadn't been sure if he'd heard or not but he walking for the gates. She was sure if the gate guards heard her yelling for him to stop then they would step in and he could get in serious trouble. The young Kelvic quickened her pace after the man, dodging other Sylirans, taking care not to knock any over, let alone abruptly brush against one. Like a dart she was outside of the gates, she dipped her head at the guards, then looked above the dwindling crowd for the man who was not so hard to spot. If she could quicken her pace, she could reach him before he entered the forest. If not, she'd probably be screwed. Quickening her pace to a brisk run, her breathing turned heavier as she grew hot on his trail. When she reached about thirty yards behind him, she realized he had entered the treeline. "Petch! You could've caught him, Septimus! And if you enter then you'd be outside of sight from the gates. From help if needed." Septimus huffed then entered the treeline, the man still in barely visible sight to the point he was a faint blur. Septimus began running this time, picking up her dress with one hand. She jumped over a fallen log then darted around some brush piles "Dang Septimus! You haven't ran like this in quite a while. You need more conditioning. Septimus slowed her speed then used her free right hand to make sure her broadsword was still there. If needed, she could cut like Xalet had showed her but she didn't have a shield. That would be something she'd have to face on her own. She was sure she could use the same maneuver and deal a decent amount of damage. Septimus reminded herself that this was only if needed and was a last resort. When she got to about 20 yards away she finally broke the silence if her footsteps hadn't done so already. "You, sir! Yes, you with the black hair! I think we need to talk!" Septimus halted her pace then hardened her face as her hand brushed slightly against her hilt. "I appreciate that apple! However, what I don't appreciate if you taking a thieves money in front of someone part of the Syliran Knights."

[Savitaire]

At first when he heard the shout he had paid little mind, so much noise as it was he had dismissed it since he assumed it was for someone else. However the more he walked the more he was certain that once again he was being followed. This time he was in no mood for games and decided he would face this new issue in an element he felt secure in, the forest. The sounds behind him proved him right, someone was after him, but now he was in his own domain and he had the advantage. He turned to face whatever was crashing through the underbrush, but when it resolved its self in to the form of a young woman in a red dress one eye brow lifted with undisguised surprised, females normally didn’t chase after him. “I’m afraid I don’t quite understand, I never gave you an apple…”

When her hand moved towards her weapon his gaze hardened and he prepared for possible violence. He didn’t recall ever spotting someone in a red dress watching, he’d have noted such a color nearby. “The thief was lucky all I did was relieve him of a few coins, I don’t take kindly to those that touch me without my consent. I chose to defend myself and there is nothing wrong with what I did, it would have been worse if I had killed or maimed him no? I believe the punishment fit the crime he tried to commit, I didn’t want to waste his life when he hadn’t done anything more than try to take something that belonged to me.” He reached in to his pocket and tossed the money pouch at her feet “That should make up for what I took. I won’t apologize for my actions as I don’t like to lie either. Now…are you going to draw that weapon or can we come to more friendly terms? I really don’t want to fight you over something so silly…”

The look in his eyes said clearly what he had told her, he didn’t want a fight. He was also obviously a man who had not encountered many Kelvic for anyone else would have figured it out. “Besides…its not every day someone goes through all the trouble of catching up to me, you must be tired. If we go in to the shade you’ll be able to rest, I know a creek not too far from here and I am quite thirsty. I’ll understand if you do not want to share my company lady Knight, but…it is my hope you’ll indulge me. I don’t have many friends in this city and you are the second Knight that I have had the honor of company with. I don’t suppose you know Henrik at all?”

It wasn’t to brag that he asked her if she knew his friend, he was generally curious if they knew someone in common. It would give them a common ground to start with and hopefully set aside what caused their meeting in the first place. “My name is Savitaire lady Knight and it is a pleasure to have met you, regardless of the whys of our meeting.”

[Septimus]

Septimus swallowed hard at his remarks. This definitely wasn't in her nature and Knighthood surely had hardened her. She gently bent down and picked up the pouch of coins then sighed "You did give me an apple. I was tied up to a cart helping out an elderly citizen. All I'm saying is the situation could've been handled in a better way. I respect your choice. Hopefully, he'll stay out of people's pockets for now on. But the way it's going, I doubt it." Septimus didn't feel like fighting and if what he spoke was true than this confrontation should be a peaceful one. She brushed a stray piece of golden hair from her face as she approached him cautiously with the pouch of coins the held them out to him in the palm of her hand "Take it. I'm sure you might need it more than I." Listening to him speak, the horse Kelvic thought on this one "I'd love to head towards a creek. I'm dying of thirst right now. I'll explain as we walk. Just lead the way." Going back to his question she grinned "There are many in the Knighthood and many whom I have yet to meet. Henrik being one of those as well." Septimus wasn't ashamed of what she was and if she was to die in combat as horse she would like at least several to know whom she really was if word got out. Even if it was a stranger. "You see, I am no human. I am a horse Kelvic. A War Horse in training for the Knights, you see. Until the time when the horn is sounded for whatever combat or riding reason that be, I will be patrolling." "I'm sure we can push this behind us. By the way, the name's Lady Septimus. But please, call me Septimus." Septimus brushed a bit of dirt off her dress then sighed "So enough about me, what about you? You didn't refer to yourself as human and said I wouldn't be prey. What's that supposed to mean, sir?" She figured she'd given information, why couldn't he? Her parents had been kidnapped by slavers, she had been forced to raise herself, she doubted much of anything scared her now. Especially another being. She didn't suspect human nor Kelvic or he would've gotten the hint on his own. The hilt of the sword glistened in what sunlight the canopy allowed in, causing the metal to look even more beautiful than what it really was. Thoughts of her parents flooded her mind, all the while listening for Savitaire. She was curious despite her parents telling her 'Curiosity killed the cat.' Septimus wondered when the creek would be coming up as they walked with Savitaire being her guide though the foreign place. The faint sound of running water soon filled her ears. Septimus ran her sandpaper tongue over the roof of her mouth which felt rough. The sweet taste of apple was long and gone from her mouth which at this time she was now wishing it was back. Septimus wondered why she was trusting this strange man but something about him was different. Unique in a way. Her horse form was way too trusting of strangers. Especially when they talked in a soft tone.

[Savitaire]

Savitaire didn’t say anything as they walked, mostly because he didn’t quite know what to say. He had thought only humans he’d have to worry about, but now it seemed he would simply have to be careful regardless, something he should have been doing from the start. When they reached the creek he knelt down and scooped up some of the water taking his time drinking to mostly gather his thoughts. When he was done he sighed “Is it not natural for a creature to feel nervous near a predator? That’s what I am technically, normal animals usually get a bit uncomfortable around me as if even in a human guise even this skin cannot fully conceal what I am. I merely didn’t want you raising a fuss and drawing attention to me so I tried to establish myself as a friend.” He reached in to his pocket taking out the coin pouch looking down at it “Humans baffle me sometimes. What was the point to what happened? For mere coin?” He shook his head “I suppose I have no choice to tell you, one might lie, but I won’t. I am Dhani and I had meant what I said, you’ll come to no harm from me unless you try to harm me.”

The creek was far enough away that were things to get violent she would not be heard. He was pretty sure she’d realize that if she considered the situation, she’d also realize he had done it intentionally as a measure of protection towards himself. He watched her closely for any kind of threat, his survival was important and he would not risk getting killed. She’d see it in his eyes, if she decided she would put his life at risk she would die, he wouldn’t hesitate. It was that same cold resolve that anyone faced with would become scared to their very bones from. It was a look that few humans had for it took a type of deep confidence and surety of self that most just did not have. He was a predator, something used to killing to feed himself and to in turn defend himself. While he didn’t enjoy wasting lives, he would not let that stop him if he truly felt threatened. His body was still, reminiscent of the patient control of his serpentine forms when staying still for hours might mean the difference of a successful kill.

If she knew anything about his kind she’d know that even in his human form he was still dangerous. She might not know what species of Dhani he was, but regardless of the form his hind were formidable.

[Septimus]

"Yes I suppose it is normal, but I have experienced many things to which I am not scared as I used to be. That doesn't mean it has faded though. And once again, being apart of the knights has hardened me. This doesn't mean I wasn't skiddish around you still. It's still my duty to be nice to the citizens which is why I don't go starting rampages at something such as a loud bang like a normal horse would. You think I don't know what the possibilities of being a war horse are? Facing the facts has made me become aware that I need to be more alert and less crazy to survive out there. Other horses don't know what could possibly happen. This has rubbed off on me and has changed me deeply." Septimus took a deep breath "A Dhani now, eh?" She remembered her father's business partner who was a Dhani who mysteriously disappeared. "So if I'm correct, you can shapeshift into a serpent." She looked at him with a grin "Guess we have more in common than I thought." Septimus cupped her hands tightly to hold the water then slowly drank the refreshing liquid. She did this two more times "And as for the harm part, I hope you sincerely mean what you say." The feeling was mutual for her as well. She was sure she could outrun and probably even over power the man as long as he was in this form. But even then it could be dangerous. Realizing the situation she soon grew wary of the being beside her. She could sense the tension he felt. His body language told it all. "I don't get why your acting like I'm going to kill you. You obviously have the predatory advantage here. Only a fool would make a false move like that. You have clearly mistaken me to be a lot more kindred to my clueless brethren." She stood up then crossed her arms "In case you haven't noticed, I am far from similar to them knowledge wise." Why he would think such a possibility, she had yet to figure out. He was quite strange in a way. Septimus considered him a bit paranoid in her mind. Was that the word? She figured she had a lesson that needed to be taught. That some people could be trusted. Especially a knight. Or a war horse. Whatever people considered her! She didn't care one way or the other. "You seem a bit paranoid with trust issues. I'm not going to ask, but I can tell you, if anyone should be paranoid and have trust issues, it's me. You have absolutely nothing to fear for as long as you consider me an ally and vice versa. Now why don't you just relax a bit, hm?" Septimus had never met such a cautious being such as this one. Ever. If one who had been trusted with the power to protect and help the city, they should be trusted period unless enemies. Septimus had never met a dishonest knight and she hoped to never meet one.

[Savitaire]

He sighed “I cannot help being on edge… Till I find a secure position within this city I cannot settle. I decided that once I thought over it enough, I will try to become a Knight myself. This of course will mean putting myself in greater risk to hopefully serve this city. I am best suited for combat you see, it seemed the best choice considering my capabilities.”

He didn’t go in to greater detail since she seemed to know at least something about his race. He figured that once he applied he would have to reveal what he was and face whatever would come of doing so. It wasn’t easy of a choice, if he went in and they thought him a threat, he would die. No compromise, no chance of escape, he’d fight, but he would not come out alive. He had to decide for himself if he was willing to make that sacrifice and he had to decide that soon. “I was also raised up thinking that save for my own kind everyone else would seek my death for merely existing, it is not easy revealing what I am. On top of it any possibility of aggression sparks my instincts, so I must reign them in lest I make a mistake. It is not easy as I am first and foremost a predator, I must always grasp for control of myself else what will happen will be the end of me. I won’t get a second chance if I lose control.”

He was under a lot of stress in an effort to keep others from getting harmed, yet he did that knowing what he could do and the outcome if he did it. Yet he was also guarded about himself, he gave enough information to get his point across, but not enough to learn more personal details. There were other races that were far more feral than his, yet that didn’t say that his own race was not dangerous. He was literally fighting part of his nature to keep himself under control. He had a strong will, but his instincts still showed themselves like they did with the thief, yet it could have been much worse. He stood up walking in to the shade sitting down and leaning his back against a tree. He tried to do as she suggested and relax, he wasn’t in any danger anymore.

[Septimus]

Septimus nodded as he explained his condition then gently sat down beside the creek, letting Priskil's rays hit her. He wants to be a Knight. Wow. She simply shrugged her shoulders then grinned Oh goodness. The horse shrugged her shoulders, the threat telling her to run and hide yet her human counterpart telling her to not be a coward when it itself had the urge to do the same. Fighting the urge she looked at the water, dipping her hand in and playing around with the small pebbles "Well, I can't be one to judge." Septimus then touched the cool grass which made her stomach growl. What better way to settle hunger by eating? She picked some dandelion greens then dipped them in the creek's cool running water to make them more refreshing then bit a portion of the greens off then began to chew. The bitter taste greeted her taste buds to satisfaction "Best picked young. It's when they taste like spinach." She looked back up to see him sitting against the tree. She grinned then took another bite of dandelion leaves. After this your gonna have to graze. And quite a bit. Taking another bite the leaves were practically gone. She picked another few leaves off another dandelion plant then did the same. The water rolled off the leaves, carrying away any loose dirt. Septimus enjoyed the last part of the first plant then began on her second. The forest was quiet besides the occasional bird and squirrel that wanted to sing a short song or go foraging for food. While making these observations, she realized the leaves were already halfway gone. "It'll take a lot of sweat and you'll be started off a squire first before you become a knight. But it all pays off in the end. Especially once you realize that you've helped Syliras out. And if you think your stressed out now trying to control it, just wait. Once you start trying to handle thieves and the like, you'll be a lot more stressed trying to contain yourself. Especially once they don't want to abet at all." She figured she could give him some tips, but she was new to this as well so she couldn't offer much.