We Dream In Color But Live In Black And White (Liminal)

[Hatot]

Hatot reached into the basket, grabbing a sweet roll for himself when it had finally been passed back to him. Slowly breaking a piece off of it, he sat in silence, his gaze falling to Kavala once again as smiled softly to her, returning that warmth that shined in her. She began to speak of things that she was thankful for before her voice once again turned to song, keeping perfect harmony with the ocean waves behind them. A slow drink of his wine was taken as Kavala’s song ended and she began to talk once again. The plans she had where much more grand than the simple ship she spoke of purchasing the prior season. It got him to thinking what his own desires might have been. For the most of his life he was only consumed with ways of finding his balance and getting through with his Rite of Passage. Hatot’s gaze then fell to Flick as she began moving along, still in her animal form. When the bright flash of light cascaded across his eyes in reflecting, Hatot suddenly found his gaze quickly moving back to Kavala, trying to avoid seeing the young Kelvic naked in her human form. Even if it didn’t shame her, Hatot knew there was a respect you extended to all women, no matter their race, and he would extend such to Flick as well, being sure not to gawk at her naked form. When she sat next to Kavala once more, a silent sigh escaped Hatot’s lips as he began tearing at the sweet roll again. He listened then to Flicks own thanks, and the dreams which she had, giving a subtle nod to the words she spoke. She too had dreams, and she was younger than Hatot even by years. Finally, Hatot chewed down the last of his sweet roll, looking over those gathered as he remained silent for a long moment. Finally, the golden hues of his eyes looked to the fire. “I’ve not had the luxury of many friends. Most have found my other half, especially before he became a little more manageable, difficult to deal with. For that I am very thankful. I’m thankful also for my teacher, who guided me as much as my father. My students, who have taught me as much as I’ve taught them, and decided to keep me as their teacher, where others wouldn’t have made it past the first day without requesting someone else. I am thankful for Flick, in giving Kavala a passion that would stand her in front of the Council themselves and for revealing to me that courage can come in even the smallest of packages, no mater what trials are faced.” Hatot said before looking to Kavala once again. “I am most thankful, for Kavala, whom without I would still be struggling with Radris to this day. Her advice and care has shown me that I am not just an Akalak who is eventual fate will be to have his face tattooed.” “I can’t say that I have any dreams of my own though.” Hatot then said, holding his cup of wine gingerly in front his face. As he let another moment of silent contemplation pass. “My plans have always been more focused on things that have been leading up to my Rite of Passage, with never a thought lingering as to what would come next. I suppose a part of me was always concerned with not being able to complete it, and saw no need to. I can’t say that I wish to go out and seek what it is out there in this world, but after my Rite, I would suppose things could be contemplated further. Right now, my road and destination are open. I will simply be open to what is needed.”

[Taithrosa Eldytia]

Reached over and taking a roll as well he listened as the others spoke of their dreams. His toes contiuned to dig into the sand enjoying the feel of the little crystals on his skin. His eyes looked out over the water watching his eye intent on the water moving as his ear took in the sounds of everyone elses voices. He was glade for his friend, that she had found someone. It appeared they were still trying to figure everything out, but he understood were she was coming from that she wanted to help the city, and he thought it would be nice if she could find someone she loved as well, but he didn't say anything. His silver eyes turned to the fox Kelvic. It was still a strange race that he knew little about. He didn't mind being left out as the only one he knew here was kavala, but he was glade to hear that she had been helped out of dire situation. He personally didn't understand the desire for exploration, but he had known enought people to understand it being there. He personally prefered helping others, but from what he gathered of her story she hadn't recieved much help other then Kavala. He then turned his attention towards Hatot and listened as he spoke of the strength Kavala had given him. He smiled seeing that Kavala was a healer of lost souls, maybe her shyness was what helped her to see into the others hearts and offer the helping had they needed. As Hatot finished Taith smiled as he was sure it was his turn. He sat up and his voice came out clear. He had a beautiful tenor voice. It was a bad translation of a hymn he remembered fro his time in Leth's realm. The melody thought he was able to replicate better then the words. It was soothing and gentle like a lullaby. Master of Night, Wild Child. Change by the Mistress gental hand, Your grace forever touch those upon both land and sky Your light does comfort those who are lost. Master of Night, Wild Child. Your hand has sheltered many both wild and civil, Your hand has shunned many both wild and civil, You are change, ever changing. Master of Night, Wild Child. We they choosen do sing they praise, Teach and Guide us, never failing Watch us of Father divine. He stopped his eyes full of sorry as his soothing voiced filled the air around them. His voice wavered at the end and he desided to finish that verse. There was more but it was to close to home. He turned to look at Kavala. "I to must thank you." His accent thick at this moment, as his voice was full of emmotion. "You have helped me to set aside my sorrows and longings. To see that this life is a new chance to dream and improve the world. There is so much that needs to be done, and while I thought my tasks had been finished, you have shown me that there is so much more then just myself. Both you and your friends at the sanctuary. All others I have meet and spoken to have just told me to focus on getting back, but I know now that I will be back, but that I must live so that I am worthy of returning to my father." He said with a sad smile on his lips.

[Kavala]

"I don't believe life is empty and something to just be traversed. I think instead we all come here for a reason. But I do think that reason is up to us to decide." She said softly, her words thoughtful. "We all know each other for a reason too. A very important one. I'm not sure what that is yet, and I have a feeling time will reveal it... but there's also a sense of it not being quite right yet. Perhaps our group is not yet complete, or our purpose hasn't quite manifested. I know Taith is going to travel. Perhaps I should have asked you to take Flick with you, since I didn't know she has a little Wanderlust in her. But with things involving the Council, she needs to stay here a while." Kavala said, glancing at Flick and looking thoughtful. There was no way she was going to let the little Fennec set out on her own in the big world. It would tear her apart. The trials she'd faced here in Riverfall were nothing compared to what the whole of the world had to offer her. Everyone here knew that, except perhaps for the kelvic. But if she could find someone safe for the Fennec to travel with for a while, she'd certainly see to it that she could go....

There it was... that tug... that tentative bond. When she thought about Flick leaving it almost hurt her physically. The feeling made her crazy, and she closed her eyes a moment and reached out to gently touch the fox. Kavala worried about Flick - not because she wasn't resourceful because the fennec was - but because she was so young. That youth was changing every day as the girl grew. But Kavala knew that Flick needed more in life - far more than one simple damaged healer.

But bonds were already forming...

She opened her eyes, let the sadness clear away, and listened as Hatot began to speak. Kavala smiled at him as he spoke, but the smile drifted away as he said he had never thought past his Rite. She knew the Akalak died during their trials. It happened infrequently enough that it wasn't considered common - but it still happened. His culture considered him a boy still. Kavala knew he was anything but one - especially in his mind. There was not a richer more integral man - one with a sense of honor and a rigid personal set of values. Hatot's inner flame of dedication drew her to him in moth-like helplessness. Even Radris' behavior earned her affections for he was what he was... and made no lie about it. Had she been free to chose, she'd never have left Hatot's side. But it wasn't just her decision, and her body wasn't really her own and would not be for years. So all she could have... truthfully.... was their casual uncommitted dedication to each other. It was enough for her... for the time being... though she feared it wouldn't last. Kavala worried it was one that would be threatened the instant someone claimed rights on her Nakivak status - a status Hatot had no right too because of his age.

Life, again and again, provided uncertainty. Kavala wanted to change that. She wanted to make a difference in peoples lives. And she wanted to give back in a way that would hand her status of freedom back to her on a silver platter. She only had to figure out how.

Taith's song was beautiful. She smiled throughout it. It was sad, in a way, but it suited the mood of the beach. And in a way, his words thereafter almost felt like a summoning of sorts or perhaps a call to arms...

Kavala nodded, agreeing.

"You say there is so much that needs to be done. Can each of you tell me what you think those needs are? At least one or two of them?" She asked slowly, thoughtfully.

[Hatot]

Hatot looked around for a short moment, observing the others as they fell silent after Kavala’s question about what needs to be done. He soon laid back, his hands lacing behind his head as his eyes gazed up to the stars. “There would be many things that need be done, I would assume.” Hatot said, his voice trailing slightly as he caught a slight streak of light tracing over the sky. A shooting star as they said, though Hatot made no wishes, hearing once of a lands wide fairy tale involving such. He knew that wishes and requests were just prayers offered to the gods, and he made neither to any of them. In the end, he wanted to achieve things on his own ability and power. “The most immediate thing I would have to say, would be to find balance with Radris. We differ like night and day, each of us struggling against the personality of the other. Such hinders progress for the both of us, but if we were to find a balance, I feel leaps and bounds could be made.”

Hatot’s legs then slowly crossed over each other as his head turned slightly, looking to the group before he finally rolled to his side. “Every great thing, however, starts with just a desire and idea.” Hatot said before his gaze settled on Kavala. “I feel Kavala has both in abundance.”

[Flick]

Flick looked at Hatot as he spoke, smelling the faint undercurrent of the other that lived inside him. Radis wasn't cruel or monster-like, not the same as her owners son had been. But he wasn't completely good either. Flick certainly felt more comfortable knowing that Hatot actually had control over his other half, that it wasn't just a thing that appeared without restraint.

Looking at Taith, she smiled. He sang nice songs too. All this musical talent made Flick want to sing a song of her own...but a pretty voice she did not have. Still, the words inspired her. Turning her glittering eyes back on the ocean, the fox thought for a moment.

"I'm not sure what I need to do. I guess...if I want to get out and see the world, I need to take action. There are so many things out there..." Narrowing her eyes, she shrugged.

"Maybe I need to learn how to defend myself?" It was a question, not a statement, and her face turned to Kavala as she said it. Sure, she could run away like no one else, but sometimes one needed to stay and fight.

[Liminal]

"Can I join you?" No one would have heard or seen anyone approaching, but someone was there anyway. To be specific, there was a human girl in her late teens standing at the edge of the circle. She wore a black tunic and black shorts, and her feet were bare. Perhaps her most noticeable feature was her hair, which she wore at shoulder length, and which was a bright, almost confrontational metallic pink. In one hand, she held a musical instrument; it vaguely resembled a guitar, but the body was an irregular jagged shape rather than a simple curve, and it had eight strings over the fretboard, plus an extra drone string. It was entirely black, and glinted in the firelight. It seemed as if her question had been somewhat rhetorical, because she sat down anyway, carefully placing the instrument at her side. She rubbed her palms together and warmed them briefly at the fire before she spoke again. "Erm...I should, I guess, introduce myself. I know you -- Kavala, Hatot, Flick, Taithrosa. I'm Trelissa." Her fingers drummed nervously on her knee. "Not, I...erm...don't think that'll mean anything to you necessarily. But it's something to call me, you know?" There was an awkward pause, and then she spoke again, a little more confidently. "But I heard you talking about dreams. I've got some dreams too. You could say, I guess, that I deal in dreams. I know we've...that we've just met and all, but I'm curious about yours. Your dreams, I mean. About what you want to know and be." One hand caressed the neck of her instrument. "The person I work for suggested I come and ask you about them. As a...a gauge of interest? Something like that. It's all hard to explain. But I want to know where you want to go, and who you want to take you there. I've...I've been a lot of places, as it happens. There are more places to go than I think most people can imagine." It was perhaps not the most enlightening speech, but it seemed to be the only one she had prepared. She smoothed her hair quickly, and then looked from one member of the group to another, keenly watching their responses, both verbal and non-verbal.

[Taithrosa Eldytia]

Taithrosa thought for a moment about two things. He looked towards the group his silver eyes filled with a strange wisdom. As he thought the seemed to grow with a almost infinite deepth. Just a reflection of the immortal soul that dwelt within each of them. He looked over them his eyes strange in the Akalak. "I believe that I need to understand the world of Mizahar as it currently stands better." He said thoughtfully. "One needs to know what is around them if they hope to achieve their dreams. The other would be to work towards a greater understanding of the healing arts." He stopped as they were joined by yet another person. This one didn't seem to have been invited by the way she just arrived. The silver eyes looked over the woman and he tilted his head wondering about her appearances and her instrument. It was a strange thing that was for sure and they way she just walked in and joined them. Taithrosa looked at the others with a raised eyebrow and amused intrested expression on his face. "I have many dreams. Those that I most cheries are these. To help heal the world, the make my time upon Mizahar usefull. To find more like me and see if we can find away to heal each other against the sorrow that we face. Also I wish to help the Akalaks. I have many more dreams but those are the ones that all the others lead to." His looked over the woman as the sun contiuned its decent. He might look like an Akalak in the light of Syna, but soon Leth's light would show his immortal form.

[Kavala]

Kavala wondered who the woman was. Truthfully she could be anyone at all - even some crazy. Kavala scooted over a little to make room for her. But that the fact that the stranger knew their names was suspicious to Kavala - as if she'd done her homework. Trelissa could have asked their identities, but the fact that she seemed to know which was which would be hard to puzzle out if someone just gave Trelissa a list of who worked at Sanctuary and a description. After all, Kavala could have easily been Akela... the two women looked that much alike, though she didn't have a sword. Tilting her head, when Trelissa was done with the introductions and asked her question, Kavala took a moment to study the woman. She noted her age, the bright pink hair, and the strange instrument. She didn't mind company - meeting new people always interested her - but she liked to know a little more about them.

"Wait... just wait a minute." Kavala said softly, then reached out to take Trelissa's hand if she would in fact shake it. "My name is Kavala. I don't know how you know my name, but I believe in proper introductions. I am a healer of animals and kelvics up at Sanctuary. These people are all each others friends here. We'd like to welcome you to join us, but we'd also like to know a little more about you. I know Taith is trusting, but somehow it just seems wrong to walk into a group and question them without first ... well... at least saying hello and relaxing a bit. Will you join us for a snack and some wine... and tell us a little bit about yourself? I'll answer your question, no worries, and not mind doing so at all... but I'd like to know about YOU not so much the person you work for until that becomes more important." The Konti said firmly, smiling softly.

"My dreams are about helping people as well. But people need all sorts of help, and some of that help isn't so straightforward. I am the person I am. I want to be me, but stronger and more capable than I am now. I'm actively working on it, and I am stretching towards that goal. But I really don't believe you can help people until you can protect people and understand people. So, in terms of what I want... I want a means to understand people who are a complete mystery to me... and I want the ability to help them in ways that exceed healing just their bodies. I want to help heal their minds. Both those things aren't easy, but I'm patiently working towards them. It is important enough to never relax that goal and always work towards it." Kavala said, not minding at all giving Trelissa the answer to the question she requested. But she wanted to know more of Trelissa too.

"And what about you? Will you answer your own question too for us?" The Konti asked... curious.

[Hatot]

Hatot’s gaze remained focused around the camp, a light smile on his lips as he listened to other sharing their thoughts and dreams. His attention was then shifted, as Trelissa appeared, apparently out of no where, and joined the little circle. His eyes narrowed as she slowly sat herself next to Kavala, laying her instrument down. It wasn’t so much that she had suddenly appeared, but that she knew all of their names, without asking for introductions. Hatot’s body shifted around, as he came to a kneel in front of the fire now, his toes curving back slightly to anchor into the sand, rather than laying on his side.

A silent nod was given as Kavala made verbal Hatot’s own suspicions. The fact that an employer of sorts sent this woman to them, out of interest, caught Hatot’s mind more the woman was at the moment. It was like a player behind a game board, moving pieces in a strategic way. If one focused on those game pieces too much, they would lose sight of the player guiding them. Knowing the player, however, allowed one to possibly predict the movements.

For the moment, he just remained silent, allowing Kavala’s more diplomatic way to take charge. In the end, it was an issue of trust. At this point, Hatot felt some had to be given on Trelissa’s part before she could receive some from him.

[Liminal]

A vaguely pained expression came across Trelissa's face. "I'm sorry...this is my first time doing this. I'm very new, and I think I'm doing it all wrong." She did not retreat from Kavala's touch, but neither did she return it. "Erm...let me start over. I'm not...not really supposed to start with specifics, but my nonspecifics weren't any better. So anyway. I'm here on behalf of someone, but that someone is...erm...a deity." She pushed one sleeve up, revealing a trio of marks looped around her shoulder. They were sinuous, though they didn't seem to represent any physical thing, and their colors seemed to change in the firelight. She held it there long enough for everyone to see before dropping her sleeve again. "I'm thinking you'll, you know, be able to figure out why I...don't usually start with this. But I'm...erm...I guess you could call me a priestess, if you wanted to. Of Nysel." This was a statement that could provoke any number of reactions, and the look on the girl's face indicated that she was more than a little aware of this. She pushed her bangs away nervously. "Anyway, I don't know how to put this exactly. But Nysel's noticed you, all of you, and taken an...interest? curiosity? in you. So he asked me if I'd show up and kind of, you know, see which direction you all were going, if that makes sense. I...erm...didn't make a good go of it there, but like I said, it's my first time." More quietly, she added, "The third mark is new." A small shrug. "Anyway...as you might imagine, learning people's names is fairly easy for me," she said weakly. "So...erm...can we start the discussion again, maybe a bit more...erm...clearly?" She gave a hopeful look at the quartet of people sitting around the fire.