Completed [Kelp Bar] Day after the Ball

[Weylin Quickshot]

He was warm, gentle, and - to Weylin at least - reassuring. She stopped her trembling fist, and calmed her mind. She did not cry, or more over found no need to, she did not speak for all that was needed was already said, and so the Drykas was silent wrapping herself in her own thoughts. Once, perhaps, she would of been bold, waving Valo off with a grin and a wink, her own confidence ruling over her. Instead memories dulled the confidence, the boldness that previously enveloped her having crumbled. Although perhaps it was a defeat to pour out emotions and memories that she previously hoped to keep silent, it was a welcoming one. Comfort was a thing she had missed, the words and actions of another had for the most part been silent on her ears since her sudden departure from home. And perhaps one to also speak freely too had also turned into a craving.
"I understand."
He did, she could tell that his words were not empty or simply spoken, and perhaps in that comfort was also found. Two minds that had wandered in an out of life with the thoughts of failure and regret would indeed last longer than the one who stood alone.

Weylin gave a small nod, but kept her head rested against him, letting her mind clear of thoughts and instead solely focused on Valo. She inhaled, then exhaled slowly sitting herself up. She gave a small smile, as if to say her troubles for now had passed, and met his eye. She knew, perhaps, it was a man she could indeed be honest with, and so in turn knew she could be honest back. She leaned and whispered in his ear "Thank you Valo for being a gentleman," before gently kissing his cheek and withdrawing. A sign of affection or thanks or perhaps both Weylin had yet to make up her mind, but left it to him to interpret it as he willed.

[Valo]

Funny how such a little gesture could so easily dissolve all troubles. She kissed him on the cheek, a little and innocent kiss, to which he gave her a gentle warm smile. However inside his soul he was grinning like a fool. Like the kind of fool who had perhaps never felt the true affection of a beautiful woman, who would trip over his own thoughts and peruse her relentlessly until alas she was his. He was a fool, but a good hearted one. This intimacy they established was profound indeed.

It was the way he lived his life. Troubles which perhaps would never truly disappear, were softened by the little pleasures in life, for it was too short to waste on unpleasant thoughts and worries.

"No need to thank me." he whispered, funding himself utmost speechless. It was only after a short moment of self-composition that a coherent sentence finally left his lips. "So tell me my dear, if I may be so bold to ask, what is your purpose in Zeltiva?" As far as this was an obvious conversation starter, he did indeed wonder. He wanted to know everything about this woman.

[Weylin Quickshot]

Weylin watched his expression change, and though there was an element of self control behind his smile she could see the same look her brothers' often gave when confronted by a woman they adored. It was a look she was familiar with, but to receive such from another provided amusement. She leaned back against the bar, but kept her hand resting next to his and her eyes watching him. She could not help but smile when she watched him struggle to form words, a moment of hesitation allowing the show of a nature that was perhaps reserved for more special occasions. But then he spoke again, barely, curiosity and desire to know more consuming him, leaving Weylin to answer.
And answered she did.

"You are a curious creature indeed Valo," she teased, her eyes falling upon him before turning away. She cleared her throat, and a thoughtful expression came upon her face before finally she answered "Escape, or that so says the original reason. To run away from the past, to understand what I had deemed lost, and then to earn it back. But now, now I am no longer sure. Perhaps self understanding, perhaps knowledge, or perhaps simply adventure and to feel alive. Or perhaps..." she glanced quickly at Valo before snapping her eyes away "Other reasons outside of my control."

[Valo]

He spent a moment pondering her words.

"Adventure, self-understanding, knowledge..." he spoke calmly now, with a pause in between each word. "These are all very good reasons. These are all things which Zeltiva can offer, though perhaps few know where to look for them. Though I'm sure you've already discovered that the case is so." There was another long pause in between his words. He looked into the distance as he spoke. It was clear that those were not the words of his intention, but perhaps an interlude into something more personal. "You see my dear; life is never in our control. Fate has funny ways of showing us that and it's only those who learn to make the most of what they have, that truly taste happiness."

Valo then turned to her, his dark green eyes locking with hers and he hoped she would not look away. There was something very soft in his features, like always when he spoke about topics which were perhaps not so easy to speak about. "What is it that you're wishing to earn back, if I may be so bold?" he said finally, a question he could not simply let slide past. It was bold of him indeed and perhaps he would not be surprised if she was to slap him and storm out. But it was part of Valo's nature, to ask the questions not so easily answered and then do all in his power to help heal those wounds which would otherwise be left to gangrene. Why did he do it? Because he knew that the pain in his own heart would never truly go away and so he would let no one else suffer, if he could do anything about it.

[Weylin Quickshot]

Weylin's eyes met Valo's, unwavering with a look of determination growing within them. She sat up straight, brushing a strand of her hair off her face, listening with intent to his words. His words were true, Zetliva did begin to bring her answers, but those answers were not enough. There had to be more, and if it involved parting with the city, then it would be a path she would have to take. But then upon his question, she simply shook her head before extending a finger to point.
"I am sure that you Valo, with all your intelligence and understanding, that you would be able to solve that mystery yourself," she tapped his forehead, gently and quick "After all, you are no fool to the world."
She smiled, but her look did not waver, for it was a challenge from her to him to see if he could bring the strings together and find his own answer. She would share more in time, but for the meanwhile she was curious on what Valo exactly thought. She herself knew the answer, for it had already driven her down a maddening path of destruction and isolation of the world. Honour and pride, something that this Drykas had placed upon themselves to maintain, and something that she felt had been lost.
"Unless of course you doubt that you will find an answer," not that she personally did.

[Valo]

"Nothing is ever truly answered." he chuckled for the manner with which she tapped his forehead, lifted his spirits somewhat. And despite his words being utmost philosophical, he felt young again. Living alone in this great city seemed to age him beyond his years. He exhaled with the ever-pleasant smile returning into his features. A thoughtful smile. He knew this path would lead him nowhere in the conversation. Shall she ever feel the need to share her secret, his door was open for her always. But it would be unfair to force something so personal out of her, just like he wouldn't wish her to force his own secret out of him.

"Say," he started suddenly, a cheeky twinkle in his eyes. "what do you do for fun my lady?" asked Valo, completely changing the root of the conversation. A joking tone hid behind his formal words, but not too well for her not to notice it. Suddenly he wished to leave the dreary old Kelp Bar, to go somewhere, do something exciting. But perhaps it was the alcohol which had not yet completely worn off.

[Weylin Quickshot]

Weylin knew exactly what Valo meant, she had heard her brothers' use the line enough times. She could see a look in his eye, a desire and want forming within in them. She had a feeling she knew what he meant, and so briefly hesitated with an answer, her eyes averting away as she looked for one. Although her lip curled, she could feel nerves growing inside mainly due to not having to deal with men in the ways of a woman. But it was perhaps the simplicities of his words that made her feel relaxed and calm, even if there was alcohol still within him. And so, Weylin threw nerves to one side.

"Oh, this and that," she turned in her seat so she faced him "but it entirely depends on what you mean by 'fun'," she leaned forward so she could whisper to him "Hunting down predators and the ridding of mighty stallions is always a excitable past time."
She withdrew, giving him a wink as she smiled.
"What about you then, my Lord?" a slight tone of sarcasm hung on her voice.
It was perhaps the fun that so much and so little could be meant by the words she said, for indeed hunting and riding was a past time she did enjoy; in terms of men however she still had yet to decide. Valo after all was the first man to show any form of real interest in her, and she was not about to object. Besides, she was having fun.

[Valo]

Her answer nearly set him into fits of laughter and it was only his admirable self control and a sting in his side, that prevented his from doing so. Instead he replied, a certain quality of an actor in his voice and gesturing of hands when he spoke."Well for all the times I've been on the back of a wind eagle, never have I successfully ridden a horse." he laughed, realising the ridicule of what he just admitted. "Perhaps you should teach me at some point." he added with a wink.

"What about you then, my Lord?" a slight tone of sarcasm was clearly present in her voice. Never had anyone called him 'lord' and perhaps he would grow quite fond of the term in their new, frivolous manner.

"What can I say, I'm an almighty boring person." he replied with a twinkle of laughter in his voice. "But when I'm not working, I find my self at the Orphanage quite a lot. The children there are absolutely charming."

[Weylin Quickshot]

"Perhaps, perhaps," she gave a smile "One day. It is... rather exhilarating. Maybe not so much for an eagle rider such as yourself, but still one day."
Weylin was pleased she managed to provide some form of entertainment for the man who in return provided some comfort when she needed it.
"I doubt you are that boring Valo," she rested her head in her hand and stared at him "I refuse to believe it."

The rest of the world no longer concerned her, the patrons who looked upon them did not matter, for at the moment it was simply her and Valo and that left her more than simply content. Even her tired mind was no longer a concern to her, sleep would have to wait with the more interesting issues at hand. The more she talked to him, the more she desired to know more. Something had worked between them, and it was that very something that drew her closer. But all good things took time, care and consideration.
"Besides, I felt you were far from boring last night," she winked "But alas, I suppose we could find a way to make you less 'boring' if you insist you are so."

[Valo]

It was true, relations and friendships between people took time and the most solid ones were built upon years of foundations. but one thing Valo has learned over the years is that, when the relationship was going to work, he would have this feeling in his chest. A peculiar feeling that this was right. That he ought not to fear the other. And this was what he felt now. He didn't fear Weylin, in fact he already felt the two had drawn close and he wanted to be closer still. He wanted to hold her when she was sad and kiss her forehead reassuringly and make her smile; and then when she smiled just like she did now, he wanted to take her hand and share some incredible adventure which would forever only belong to them. A romantic soul he was.

He reached for her hand and brought it to his lips in an act of sudden courage. Sometimes a man must be soft and sometimes he must be bold and it is an equilibrium between the two that renders this man interesting. Without letting go of her hand, he replied. "Perhaps we should leave this bar and find a way to make me utmost interesting to you Weylin."