Completed The Serpent and the Shield.

[Markus Andres]

OOCSorry for the huge delay.

Markus was a bit put down by his response. It seemed too much that it was pragmatism and not idealism that fueled his desire to join the knights. That was a shame. But he could understand. He was not raised in the city of Syliras. He was not like Markus, who had changed from a lawless runt to what he was that day. But this man had more to work with. A solid foundation. "You are right. Fighting without purpose, is meaningless. Joining the knights will give your second nature a purposeful meaning. I can assure you that." Markus said with an easy smile and somewhat idealistic voice. "But things won't be easy. You have strength, but you can't wield that strength well, it might as well be wasted." Markus paused a little before he let out a small chuckle. "Here I am, already lecturing you. I apologize, it comes as second nature at times." He shrugged apologetically. "In any case, you will have to sort out your issue with horses before you can become a knight." Markus was frank. No reason to sugar coat a solid fact.

[Savitaire]

Savitaire didn’t say anything, he was a capable fighter on his own, but becoming a knight would show him there was more than what he knew. Horses on the other hand, he looked to the man’s beast and sighed “It would be one thing if I could talk to the animals and come to a compromise, but they fear me and while I know they enjoy apples it takes more than that to get any progress. I don’t really see them as food, but they think I do and in their minds that is all that matters. Prey creatures are much more interested in their survival to compromise with one they think is out to get them. I’m sure I’ll find the right beast in time, I have patience in abundance and the wait won’t bother me.”

If he was hungry enough even a horse was not safe, he didn’t have bred in to him the attachment humans had for animals. Cats, dogs, horses, they all could be food and he wasn’t picky when he had to fill his stomach. However there was plenty of food to be found in the forest, what need had he to deprive someone of a possible pet? Maybe that was also something he’d need to learn, to see the creatures as more than what he sees them now.

[Markus Andres]

Markus looked horrified when Savitaire spoke of the horse as prey and not as food. What in the divine world had spurred him to even say utter those words. Why had the thought appeared in his mind to begin with. Markus looked to Alluia with affection and nothing could be more foreign to him than eating her Even the concept was disturbing. It would be up there with cannibalism. Eat something that you relied upon, something you loved so deeply. The thought disgusted him greatly. Markus' eyes fell upon Savitaire again. Looking at the man in a new light. "Where did you say you were from?" Markus' tone would perhaps warn the man that Markus was not entirely in the same pleasant mood as before. Some remarks, he could look past, this was not one of them. He really wished he could. "It is a matter of trust, really. Trust and patience. Getting to know the nature and personality of the horse you are riding, helps a great deal. But why would they regard you and I differently? We are both hum-" It was as if several pieces came together at once and he had a revelation of sorts. "you are human, aren't you?" Markus mind worked overtime for a moment. It could explain the strength he had shown out there, if he was not human. Markus immediately thought of Nidassaya and her giant snow leopard form. Savitaire was probably a kelvic of some sorts. A predator Kelvic from the sound of it. Could explain the uneasy vibe Markus had been getting from Alluia ever since he came close to this man.

[Savitaire]

Markus would see Savitaire’s cheerful humor dim slightly as he answered the second question. “No…I am not human.” He dodged the question asked in regards to where he was from. “I also didn’t have pets so my outlook on such creatures pretty much goes to if it is predator or prey and if its going to be a nuisance. I apologize if I offended you.”

He was indeed sorry, his gaze traveling once again to the animal the Knight was dragging behind him. He wondered what it would be like to draw affection from such a creature, though he’d just be happy with tolerance. About the only creatures that didn’t get bothered by him were snakes, but then it would makes sense since he was their kin somewhat. He didn’t have close ties with many people, he left the only person back home and only through circumstances out of his control. He did regret it of course, but such was the way of things, fate had other plans for him. “I have ample patience, not sure about the trust… Never had to put myself in a position to rely on a beast for my survival, not many things get to run when I get a firm grip on them.”

Human form or in his other forms he didn’t let his prey escape, all he needed was a firm grip and he either squeeze it to death or break its neck. The idea of relying on a simple beast was a curious thing to him, but then humans were adept at adapting. They also were good at enslaving others to do what they either could not or were too lazy to do on their own, providing they didn’t plan on selling it for profit. Not all humans were like that, but some were and that was why he disliked animal hunters and especially slavers. Were it not for a group of humans who had caught him as a potential exotic pet for someone he’d not be where he was. He had also fed well that day.

[Markus Andres]

Despite him having guessed Savitaire wasn't human, Markus was still surprised when he flat out told him. Markus curiosity screamed out in agony as Savitaire did not reveal more than that. But Markus was certain that he was a Kelvic or a sub-human race. Whatever that was. Like those Vanthas he had seen. With the fancy eyes. But he had not heard of any human races with superior strength than ordinary humans. He shrugged, it was a thought he would have to tumble with later. His last ominous remark regarding nothing getting to run just bolstered his theory that this was a predator Kelvic of sorts. Those always had trouble adapting to humanity, he recalled Nidassasya having equal trouble with the bustling metropolis called Syliras. "Think nothing of it." Markus said with a honest smile on his lips before his face grew serious. "It was not as much you, who offended me. It was the idea. The notion. I find it repulsive. I would very much like it if you would not refer to horses as... prey." Markus requested, before he continued in a less requesting tone and more curious. "Well, at some degree, it is the same as trusting the next man in the wing to cover your back during combat and that he will do his or her duty. It will come naturally at some point." Markus chuckled a little before he continued. "trust me on this."

[Savitaire]

The man wouldn’t change his thoughts, but he’d respect his wish of not hearing it out loud. He hadn’t ever relied on anyone the way the Knight had, especially a beast, but he knew he’d have to try. Savitaire had no trouble at all with the city, not the press of people and certainly not what came from having tons of people in one place. However it would be clear after seeing him surrounded by a crowd that there was something ‘different’ about him, a fluid grace and confidence that one might only see in someone born a predator. He didn’t carry himself with any wariness, his body language said simply that he could take care of himself. Certain types of people who were used to finding easy marks took one look at him and looked elsewhere, only those truly desperate might think to test him. One might wonder what would change once he got formal training, for his natural strength would only grow then. His grey eyes studied the things around him with curiosity, the big city fascinated him each time he saw it. “Sometimes it amazes me how people can cram together like ants, but then the creations they make just to do so are always that much more interesting. I won’t have any problems living here, its not going to be hard to just walk to a building to get a meal.”

It was one thing to go out and find prey, but another to eat the things that others make. The flavors always taste so much better, that was another thing he liked about areas with plenty of people, plenty of new food. Savitaire could tell the man had come up with his own idea of what he was and that suited him just fine. Perhaps he might find out differently later on, but for now he’d let it rest. “So what things are there to do around here? I’ve tried a few things at the tavern here, but eating isn’t all there is I’m sure.”

[Markus Andres]

"Wouldn't say ants, but I understand what you mean." Markus responded. "I come from a much smaller city than Syliras, so I felt very cramped when I first arrived here. But now I am used to it and don't think much about it anymore. I would advice you to spend time outside the city as much as possible. It eases the transition. Did for me, at least." Markus advised with a shrug. Pleased that the subject had changed from horse eating to something that wasn't as tasteless. Markus pondered a little what there was to do of fun things in Syliras. Markus realized he had to think about that a little too long, as his immediate thought had been the training area. "Oh no, there are plenty of things you can do. The most obvious place there is, is the spinning coin, as the name suggests, it is a gambling place. Or was. Not sure if it has been rebuilt since the storm. I don't frequent the place often. But if gambling is not your thing there is the Soothing Waters inside the city where you can get a hot bath and massage for a minor fee, or, if you want to save money and get some fresh air, there are the hot springs not far outside the city." Markus said. Thinking of some of the places he knew existed. "But for me, I mainly train or work out. It is what makes me relax. Or I ride. But those are not available to you. Only knights and squires get to spar inside the city. Unless you spar with a knight." Markus turned silent for a brief moment before he snapped his fingers. A sound his horse raised its head at and looked at him annoyed. "There is also the Temple of all gods, although not something I would consider a place to have fun. It is definitely a place you ought to visit. Do you worhship any particular gods?" Markus explained and asked. His curiosity never seemed to be sated.

[Savitaire]

Savitaire shrugged “Not much of a gambler, it’s a bad habit to pick up not to mention risky. As for gods…never met one nor have I really bothered to put stock in to those that speak their virtues. I don’t need a god to tell me how to be an honest man, my heart and common sense do well enough. I suppose if I ever met one I’d offer to buy him or her a drink and a meal. I do share parts of my kill to the goddess of nature, but that’s just out of good manners. One shouldn’t hunt in her domain without giving her something for landing a kill in her territory.”

He usually took the heart from the beast he killed and set it at the roots of a tree. He was pretty sure it was soon taken by some other beast for their dinner, but who knew save her what really happened to it? “So, you train huh… Sounds like you need a good excuse to relax once in a while, working too hard will do you no good.”

[Markus Andres]

Markus chuckled when he mentioned Markus needed something to help him relax. Perhaps something he heard a lot from people when they heard how much time he actually spent on honing and refining his skills with the sword and shield. The fact was, he enjoyed it so much that he didn't need anything else to help him relax. But he still rode and spent time in the wilderness or hanging out with other knights. "Only if I find my training tiring or bothersome would I require something to distract me from it. But why do you think I was out riding today?" He let that rhetorical question answer Savi's question. "Besides, if you, and I sincerely hope you do, join the knights, you will find that training until you're ready to become a knight will be consuming a lot of your day. So no worries about finding something to do here in the city besides eating." Markus explained. "But you should still visit the temple of all gods. Even if you do not actively worship any of the gods or goddesses. It is still a magnificent building to behold. I can meet you there." Markus said, as he stopped walking and it was clear why. The two had made it to the stables. "Or you can wait for me here. I have to tend to Alluia." He looked to the powerful warhorse. "Something you usually do after you have ridden a horse. Makes sure they're well-cared for." Markus explained to Savitaire. Might as well give him a couple of tips before he became a squire. If they accepted him, but he didn't doubt they would.

[Savitaire]

He planned on following only so far lest the animals go crazy. “I’ll not lie and say that doesn’t sound dull a little, I do get that I’ll need to train, but doing so every waking moment between meals? I don’t think I have the force of will to deny myself a nap in the sun after working so hard. I can focus, don’t get me wrong, but there is too much to see and do here to just…beat at things till I’m falling off my feet. Though from what I hear I’ll need a teacher, that’s going to be an interesting experience… Its been…a very long time since I was taught by another’s hand, makes me realize how much time has passed since I was young.”

It might lead to questions, but then it was possible that the man might write him off as some half-breed or something, but he’d lived almost two human lifespans. It made him realize just how young the man next to him was and how much longer he himself might live well after Markus died. It was a sobering thought that almost leeched the cheer from him, almost. “Seems to me you and I will spend more time together, me to get you to relax and you to teach a new level of focus! A battle of wills it will be I think, I do like to have fun…”