Closed [Stories in The Snow] We Meet Again

[Svasra]

Dragul seemed pensive as he silently thought over her question, as though trying to search himself for the answers. "I suppose that I have realized the joylessness of solitude, no matter how much one may think they want it." The words rung oddly wise, and Svasra nodded solemnly, unable to disagree with such. Solitude was never a path of her choosing, though she planned on that path currently. Would she really simple have to turn back and return when the silence of her own mouth played with her mind? "I have realized the kind of paranoia one can come to know in prolonged solitude," he added, and Svasra wondered what kind of paranoia that could be. Before she could inquire though, Dragul commented on her notion of his mystery, appearing delighted.

"I had to show her how far I'd go." Svasra rocked back a step with the words, the movement of his hand to his back going unnoticed. Her? Who was such mysterious woman that Dragul felt the need to cross countless miles to prove himself? Was that what he was only after? Proving himself to some foreign female Svasra could only dream of knowing? Her expression dimmed somewhat, as she had no wish to travel with a love-sick companion that would only twang her own sullen heartstrings.
"I am ... sure you have proved more ... enough by coming here, I cannot see why that would not prove your ... loyalty," Svasra interjected before they parted ways, her tone a shade more cutting than she intended. She had to admit, she thought Dragul would be a friend, someone to share secrets with around the fire, but was he only thinking of a female he longed to see? Only protecting little meek Svasra in hopes of saving her countless times and running back to his love and boast his chastity, his bravery, his strength? Was Svasra only a step towards another woman's heart? No female, if they had any dignity at all, would like such thoughts swimming about their heads. Her eyes hardened as she turned away, posture more stiff when she searched the books.

When Svasra had been looking at the books she relaxed herself, deeming it was not her business if Dragul happened to be interested in some female. Perhaps that was his only drive to so blatantly offer her protection, and would no doubt answer the questions of his behavior she had. Alright, so what, as long as he doesn't talk about her all the time, it's nothing. Svasra didn't think she could deal with the chatter of another's beauty, radiance, intelligence, in a constant degree. She was by no means vain, and would happy compliment should she share the opinion but who would wish to travel for day - season maybe? - with a young male who's thoughts pivoted on a girl Svasra had never met? Maybe she was selfish, but she knew it was drive her insane. Her eyes flashed colors as she blinked. There was now even more reason to get to know Dragul closely, and see just how much he wished to press the love of this woman onto his potential travel-mate.

The Vantha didn't think much of the repercussions that could have come from sneaking up on a fully grown Akalak who was no doubt fitted with some type of weaponry. Only when she felt the tension go out of his arm in time with her perked voice did she think on the paranoia he mentioned earlier. Dragul was quick to smile though, offering the books he had found.

Gathering at the table, Svasra rolled up Mizahar's map as Dragul stretched out the one of the Spires. She looked at it critically, recalling the names of some of their landmarks within stories she knew of the people. "What interest have you with Death's city?" came Dragul's thrumming speech, turning Svasra's attention to the large man. She didn't respond for a moment, though the answer was easy. She didn't think of replying to the question, only studying the Akalak with a obviously critical eye.
"What interest have you ... in traveling with a female, only to prove your loyalty ... to another?" was the only thing she offered to him, her face passive, and hands tightening around the book she held. "It is a hard thing to ask a girl," she continued before allowing Dragul to respond, "To leave with a man who ... may only want to talk of some love she ... herself cannot picture." Svasra's gaze pinned the ice blue eyes of the tall man. Though she had to tilt her head slightly to look up to him, the straight of her back and ever-so-slight narrow of her bright orbs made sure she was not inferior.

Note: "Svasra speaking Vani, Svasra speaking Common."

[Dragul]

There was a strange tension that bloomed betwixt them, as they stood there before the table with their research upon it. He had sense something of the tension before Svasra had departed to gather the Ethaefal book. However at that time he couldn't pinpoint the precise cause for the tension. He took a mental note of all that he had said, but couldn't discern what it was that sparked the tension.

She did not answer his question, and instead deflected by making a rather bold statement, that he did not fully understand. What female? Then it donned on him, she had misunderstood his remark regarding Akajia, but then again he didn't blame her. He had been vague when he gave that statement, and he could understand how she had come to her false conclusions. He wondered how long she had been dwelling on those thoughts. However by far the thing that made him wonder the most was, why did it bother her so much. Surely he could understand the possible annoyance it could make in a traveling partner, but still there was something more that Svasra wasn't admitting to.

He held her gaze as she locked with his. There was a critical analysis to that gaze of hers, and a strength. She was indeed quite strong. He smiled as she tried to remain serious. He laughed.

"So that is what you think. While i give you credit for wonderful detective work, i must inform you that you are a bit of mark, and I will show you why."

He began to take of his night leather, and then the fur jerkin. Svasra seemed surprised by the whole scene, but he held a placid look on his face. The Lakans were now obvious at the small of his back. He walked over to Svasra, his muscles like taught chords of rope, lean yet strong. When he arrived before her, he looked down and then crouched so that he was eye level with her. He held that gaze for a moment, his icy blue eyes boring into hers like a winter storm, probing at the sides of a house for the opening with which to slip through. Then he turned around so that his back was to her.

"Betwixt my shoulder-blades what do you see? And if you don't know what it is, then i shall tell you, and all will be made clear. However this you must tell no one, on this you must swear." There was a tone of seriousness when he mentioned that she must keep this a secret. It was absolute, without argument or retort.

The sheaths which held his Lakans peaked out through the small of his back, where they were tucked into his pants.

Note:Dragul speaking in common

[Svasra]

Dragul laughed. Simply looked into her eyes and laughed that rumbling chuckle of his that was new to her ears. Though pleasant to hear, Svasra frowned slightly, not seeing this as a laughing subject. What caused such bubbling happiness that she was suddenly blind to? "So that is what you think. While I give you credit for wonderful detective work, I must inform you that you are a bit off mark, and I will show you why," he finally said, his tone confident and self-assured. Svasra raised her brows slightly, and nodded, her aura patiently waiting for an explanation.

What did he plan on doing? What could he show? Svasra watched as Dragul methodically removed his upper clothing, and stepped back slightly. Surprise littered her expression as he abruptly undressed in the easy manner of a Kelvic - which she was absolutely positive he was not. He walked closer to close the space between them, forcing Svasra to look up to meet his gaze. Hers was even and calm, having gotten over her initial surprise, now just waiting for him to elaborate. After crouching to her height, a gesture Svasra appreciated, the Akalak turned to show her his back.

"Betwixt my shoulder-blades what do you see? And if you don't know what it is, then I shall tell you, and all will be made clear. However this you must tell no one, on this you must swear," he said to her. Svasra looked at his broad back, between shoulder blades stacked with muscle. There, nestled comfortably against his cobalt skin lay a black triangle. Svasra's mouth opened slightly in surprise. Most would think it a tattoo, but one marked by a goddess herself knew that was not the case. There was always something more than a simple shape, and something divinely alluring about gnosis marks. She could not tell whom it belonged to, or what it gave to him, but by her guesses it was a goddess. A goddess he wished to prove his loyalty to. Her finger reached out to trace its pattern between his shoulder blades, awed into a silence until she had finished, touch as light as snow.

Her coffee-colored finger paused as Svasra glanced down to the weapon sheaths that poked out of his pant-line. So that is where he hides them. Svasra blinked and touched one of the handles gingerly, wondering what blade lay beneath his hem. She supposed they were located in an easy place to reach, and to cover with the cloak he wore. By quick deduction, Svasra assumed the blades small - as to not hinder when he sat down, nor catch to prevent a quick draw should he himself seated and in danger.

"I think I owe you an apology," Svasra finally said, her tone demure. "I jumped to ... ends, and did think not ... I could ... Cope? Um, cope ... to hear of love the entire time if we decided to indeed join our paths." She sighed and her hand dropped from Dragul's back as she walked to where their eyes could meet. "You do not need ... to explain, if you do not ... wish to." She paused, and hesitated. "Do not tell me," she suddenly said, "Not yet."

Svasra blinked her ever-changing eyes, and asked for exclusion not out of spite. She wished to keep his secret a secret, but she could not promise such. Not yet. Svasra was born into a proud family, one that didn't believe in secrets, deceit, or lying. Honesty was their only policy, and one harshly enforced. Svasra didn't even understand the concepts of secrets until shame forced her to go against her teachings and rudely taught her some things need to kept to oneself. Even so, Svasra struggled to refrain from blurting out facts she might know to her parents, as though desperate to stay true to the roots they raised her in. Svasra adverted her gaze from the tall Akalak for the first time, and touched his arm. "Not yet," she repeated, her tone firm. "If a secret is what you wish .. it to be."

The woman walked to the table, and pulled out a chair, setting the books into a pile. "Let not talk of secrets ... right now, and finish what we come here to do," she said, looking to Dragul, smiling slightly. "Though, I do ... um, advice ... advice? You put your shirt back on if you do not wish to draw ... attention," she added in a more relaxed tone. "Come ... sit with me."

Note: "Svasra speaking Vani, Svasra speaking Common."

[Dragul]

The pause was long. Longer than he had anticipated it too be. He wondered what she thought, if she knew. He felt the light touch of her finger as she traced the triangle. It was light as powdery snow. There was a pleasant chill in that touch, more direct than blizzard winds that simply battered against all in their path. He felt a nudge as she tentatively played with the hilt of his Lakans. He did not hold concern, he doubted the small woman could do him any harm. Even if she did he was safe in his sureness that he'd be able to deal with her without a fuss.

"No apology required".

He was about to stand and turn, when Svasra moved around him so that they were still looking at one another. She pleaded with him not to tell her which goddess the mark, belonged to, that he belonged to. He found himself strangely wanting to tell her, to gauge her reaction. However the maintaining of his secret delighted as well. Still he thought that it would be pleasant to leave her with a clue, a tease as to the truth.

"Very well, a secret it shall be, until a later date..." he paused, flashing a smile "but i shall give you a hint, think long and hard on what i do, and what lurks in the shadows too".

With that she broke her gaze on him, and moved to the table where sat, asking him to join her. He grabbed his attire, and donned them again, not wishing for others to see the mark, despite his desire to flaunt his muscles. He wondered if it was a moral code of sorts that prevented her from wishing to know his secret. As he donned his attire, he heard the faint whispers of shadows in various corners of the library. He debated going to converse with them and seeing what word they could share with him. However he couldn't turn down Svasra's offer, he needed to build up her trust in him.

He sat down in a chair near her, leaning his elbows on the table, as he pulled towards him the map of Mizahar, and examined the various corners of the known world, tracing various paths to Lhavit. "So what shall we do now?".

Note:Dragul speaking in common

[Svasra]

Though he teased her with a hint, Svasra said nothing, only waiting for the male to join her. When he did, Svasra's smile widened and she drew the first book close. "We shall go through this one-by-one, and take out what we might," she said simply with a small shrug of her shoulders. Pausing for a moment, Svasra shrugged her shoulders. "I suppose we can just say all goes well and we will be able ... travel together to make it more easier to talk of going in one direction."

Svasra looked over to Dragul, and found herself staring at his shoulder. With a grumble of mock annoyance, Svsra sat on her legs in the chair so she was at least up to his nose sitting. "You might probably be taller than me on your ... knees," she said with an amused snort. "Freakish tall Akalak," Svasra mumbled in good humor, flipping open the trails book that Dragul had found.

"Alright," Svasra began, "I am aiming to go to ... Lhavit if you did not figure that out. There is a ... boat that goes from Avanthal on the um, tenth of Spring, and will travel to Wind Reach - which would bring us more closer to Lhavit then trying to go in line from here." Flipping through the book, Svasra found that there were no large veins of roads within Mizahar, just paths that multiple merchant caravans used on a regular basis. Especially with the less populated and more cut-off regions of Avanthal. She frowned in slight thought, and moved to a page that showed Wind Reach and Lhavit, both with a depressing lack of definite roads. "[i]I think we might mostly be baring it through the wilderness," she said mildly, tapping her chin in thought. "A ... compass might be a good purchase." Svasra scribbled it down on a clean sheet within her journal, her handwriting neat and in print.

"If we are going to be in the ... wilderness, then this would be good," Svasra continued as she reached for the supposedly horrific tales of monsters. "I am not sure how much ... you know about them, but these are supposed ... the worst you can run in to," she explained, beginning to slip into Vani as she repetitively forgot his lack of fluency. It was mainly a collection of small excerpts though, more people bragging bravery than wishing to inform the public on the dangers outside of their city homes. A few pieces of the Journeymen, Glassbeaks, Rozacapotl, and Nuzam captured her interest, yet she had trouble believing all they claimed.

"Supposedly a Rozacapotl is a thing of light? It can cut people with it." She blinked in mild surprise. "How can light cut you?" Not possessing a large understanding of djed and the magic within Mizahar, Svasra frowned as she moved on to the various others. "Wailers can look like humans, talk like humans, and act like them. They're susceptible to the Audius gnosis of Rhaus though, which is how this person evaded them. They're . . . noise? They can control the sound they emit, voice, footsteps . . . but do not kill unless necessary or feeding." Svasra shook her head, "Lovely." Flipping the page, Svasra found herself greeted by a crude drawing of a large octopus. "The Nuzam has eight tentacles that split into hundreds of ends, each having the ability to move solely . . . they create puppets out of living organisms as a lure to prey." Svasra pushed the book towards Dragul, "Gods, this is depressing stuff to read."

Note: "Svasra speaking Vani, Svasra speaking Common."

[Dragul]

He was delighted to hear that she was thinking on the terms that they would leave together to make the discussion easier. Even though it didn't mean that they weren't guaranteed to go together, it was looking more and more possible. He watched as she looked across at him-or more importantly at his shoulders-which caused her to make a face, like a child who was trying to match up to an older sibling.

"It will be a long boat ride, from here to Wind Reach. However from there it will be us against the unforgiving wilds and mountains of Kalea. I am afraid from what little i know, and my own assumptions, there will be little if not zero sanctioned roads, thus leaving us to mostly wandering in a direction"he paused "We would need to be cautious of wild life, and Zith, among other things".

He thought for a moment on what they would need for the travel. A compass was a wise thing to have especially in those lands. "Rope would be needed".He smiled a little humorously at the sight of the book filled with the supposed terrors of the wild. While the book seemed to be accurate on some small accounts it was terribly misleading on others.

"While we will be sure to run into something while out there, i think that it is best not to dwell on tales such as these, for they are often misleading. However glassbeaks are something not to take lightly. Even as a youth, we Akalak know that taking a glassbeak on can be dangerous sport". He recalled his youth, the trial.

"If you don't mind, i find myself unable to offer you advice, if i know little to nothing of your intentions in going to these places. Could you...perhaps enlighten me as to your motives?".

Note:Dragul speaking in common

[Svasra]

Dragul stayed silent for the most part as she read, offering his solemn advice in the simplistic ways Svasra had come to expect from him. "It will be a long boat ride, from here to Wind Reach." Svasra nodded in agreement, if the schedule of Coolwater was any inclination. "However from there it will be us against the Unforgiving wilds and mountains of Kalea. I am afraid from what little I know, and my own assumptions, there will be little if not zero sanctioned roads, thus leaving us to mostly wandering in a direction." Dragul paused for a moment, as though thinking, "We would need to be cautious of wild life, and Zith, among other things." Crossing her arms, Svasra looked outwards to the frosty world she had trapped herself in.

That's how she felt now. Trapped. Trapped by her naivety of the world, by the dangers of the outdoors, and by the secure life she had led up to now. Those who were throw outdoors and forced to learn the ways were, in some ways, much better off than she. Stuck in her little Hold with pen and paper, barely able to use a kitchen knife without risking slicing a finger off! Svasra's gaze flashed with determination. So be it! She was no fighter, no warrior. But.

Svasra looked to the tall man that sat so easily beside her. The man that crossed from Riverfall into the snows of Avanthal. He had made it here safety, and alone. The strike of luck he had come was eerie to her, too guided to settle well and let her just accept him as she would have done the first day. Things were too nice, too . . . perfect. Svasra looked away once more, and frowned to herself, trying to decipher what held her back from leaving with this Akalak.

"Rope would be needed," Dragul was saying, continuing his comment on the book, "While we will be sure to run into something while out there, I think that it is best not to dwell on tales such as these, for they are often misleading. However Glassbeaks are something not to take lightly. Even as a youth, we Akalak know that taking a Glassbeak on can be dangerous sport." He paused again, and by the reminiscent tone he ended with, Svasra assumed he was replaying some memories. Had he survived a Glassbeak attack? Abruptly though, Dragul finished, "If you don't mind, I find myself unable to offer you advice, if I know little to nothing of your intentions in going to these places. Could you...perhaps enlighten me as to your motives?"

Ah, yes, there it is. Her crutch, her weakness, her secret. Whatever you wanted to call it, there it was. Svasra looked towards Dragul with a passive eye and shrugged lightly, though her shoulders were tense. "I cannot settle in the comely life of some wife, or ... poet, or .... storyteller, whatever and whichever I be ... before seeing what else the world ... has to offer." It was the truth, yes, after she had visited Lhavit, that is. "This ... snowy city does not ... show every face in Mizahar, and not every ... trade, not every path a life can take. This is not it, and I shall not allow people tell me I must choose within the Icewall Gates." Her eyes briefly lit with a fierce passion. "I will travel, and find either that Avanthal is the place I was always meant to be, or find someplace else my heart belongs to." Svasra stopped and shook her head, fire dying as she relaxed her grip on the map. "Those are mine ... intentions, Dragul."

Svasra slowly opened the next book, the one of on the 'people of glass' as the author named them. She chuckled quietly, mood lightening as she peered at the vague paintings that littered the pages. "The Ethaefal have always fascinated me." True. "Their divinity gives them a look that seems too beautiful to walk on lands such as ours." True. "I wished one would visit Avanthal, just so I could see one." False. "That is why I'm going to Lhavit, also." Semi-true.

Smiling at Dragul, Svasra peered at the page as she read. "The Ethaefal are the divine children of Leth and Syna, night and day themselves as the deities they birth from. These creatures, for humans or ... Mizaharian they are not, fall from the celestial bodies by a tear within the realms of the Gods. They became the race of ... their last life, though will normally bear little to no memory of what transpired. What is most exotic about them though, is their ever-shifting nature. From season to season, their Ethaefal appearance will change, and from night to day they will continually slip from Ethaefal, to earthbound life ..."

Note: "Svasra speaking Vani, Svasra speaking Common."

[Dragul]

There was something strange, amiss. Svasra's demeanor was almost like a duality. While she was willing to share with him her motives, there was a tenseness in her shoulders. Despite the response being wholesome and truthful enough, he felt something missing, something she was holding back. It was something he noticed only because he himself had done it enough times to recognize it. Still, he could sympathize with her desires. He too had desired to journey the world rather then resigning to some profession within Riverfall that he cared little for. He also had yet to father any children, or grandchildren for that matter, so rising amongst the social ladder of his kind would have been slow, and bothersome.

"It is an understandable desire. I found myself in the same position before..." he paused trying to remain anonymous on Akajia's part "she suggested i go to Avanthal. Admittedly many people find themselves when they test themselves against the world. Sometimes we are born afar from the places that we were meant to be, or so i was told, once".

However, he had only ventured to Avanthal on the chance that his goddess wasn't misleading him, and while it was a journey to remember, he would have chosen differently under different circumstances. There was another reason behind her journey, a reason that was directing her towards Lhavit, and the Spires. He wondered why with the curiosity of a beaming child. It was by far a stark contrast of destinations. The city of the angelic Ethaefal, and then the city of Death. This was far from random selection. Something was requiring her to visit them, some goal she wished to achieve. He didn't doubt that she wished to see an Ethaefal-for even he desired to see those angelic beings-nor did he doubt that Lhavit was a place that a storyteller and poet could find a new life. Then why the Spires? It was puzzling.

For the moment he resigned to the reality that that would be a mystery and secret he would have to wait to discovery. He thought to himself, long and deep, while Svasra read. To keep his hands occupied while he thought he pulled the map of mizahar, and created a series of paths with his finger by which they could travel from Wind Reach to Lhavit, and then Lhavit to the Spires. No matter which way he drew the path, mountains lingered in their way-as they were detailed on the map. He couldn't be certain either of the severity of the landscape that would await them in the various points along the various trails he had silently mapped out. The journey would end up like a leap of faith, which made him smile, for the fact that his very journey hear had been no more than a leap of faith. Perhaps all journeys are but leaps of faith, each one is different only in who we put are trust in before taking the first step.

"We would have to judge our path as we travel it, there are too many variables we cannot accurately account for at the moment."

He couldn't read Vani very well and so chose to ignore the books, figuring if anything of use lay therein Svasra would find it, and let him know. To pass the time while he contemplated and waited for any more questions or requests from Svasra he pulled a whetstone from a pouch at his waist, and then pulled his Lakan from its sheath. He slowly and methodically sharpened the blade, which really didn't need it, but couldn't be harmed by the action anyways. The curved dagger felt right in his hand, almost like an extension of his being as opposed to a weapon, and although he had once heard a warrior say that he'd felt something like that before, it was nothing like the bond between an Akalak and his Lakan. The only people he felt who could say they had ever felt the same bond, would be the fabled Isurian blacksmiths whom he had heard grand tales of their works, and he had once seen a weapon of such capability in Rivefall, once.

He looked over to Svasra from the corner of his eye, she was working hard. She was strong, and though perhaps a bit naive, capable of much. He found himself wanting to travel with her to simply see how she would change upon experiencing the outside world, and who she'd become as a result.

"Forgive my curiosity, but what skills do you have? This is something always good to know before embarking on a journey, it will often tell you what you need to compensate for any skills you lack."

Note:Dragul speaking in common

[Svasra]

As Svasra read, Dragul seemed content to lend an ear to her while pouring over the map. She eventually fell silent, reading it silently to herself while making an odd remark. "It says here that their horns are completely stylistic and seem to have no purpose in defense or anything else," she commented idly, "They change with the seasons too, the horns I mean," she continued, unsure if Dragul was even listening at this point.

The book of the Spires only spoke of the Jamoura and their city mainly, mentioning little of the surrounding area other than mentioning the proximity to Avanthal. She figured she would learn much of this herself when she visited, and put the book to the side with the brief one on the Ethaefal. "I couldn't find anything specifically on legends and myths, on any race really. I think many are like the Vantha, passing them down by word of mouth," she said to Dragul.

Sighing, Svasra rubbed her temples. She was never one to settle down and study books. A rasping sound turned her head towards the Akalak where he was rubbing some stone over his weapon. It was one she hadn't seen before, a sleek dagger-type blade. She studied it quietly, the sheen of the sharp metal, the methodical way Dragul scraped its edge in an almost endearing manner. He stopped as their eyes met. For a moment, Svasra stared into those icy depths, wondering just how much they held. What knowledge? Secrets? Guilts?

Dragul spoke first, "Forgive my curiosity, but what skills do you have? This is something always good to know before embarking on a journey, it will often tell you what you need to compensate for any skills you lack." Svasra laughed, though it held no humor. Her head shook lightly, fingers tapping her journal in a staccato rhythm.
"Nothing useful for traveling," she admitted honestly. "I can tell a good story in Vani, write some poetry, work in Tavern, and sing," she said, listing them off on her fingers. "Ah, and ride a horse," she added with a quirked smile.

Shaking her head again, Svasra pushed back her chair, running her fingers through her long black hair. "And what are you able to do? Crush rocks with your ... plain hands?" she teased, placing a hand on the bulging muscle of his arm. "Use trunks of trees as clubs, and large rock mountains as daggers?"

Note: "Svasra speaking Vani, Svasra speaking Common."

[Dragul]

There was a prolonged moment of silence, as Svasra read. Apparently she had found something regarding the Ethaefal, but the book on the Spires was not what she had hoped for. Overall it seemed that the map of Mizahar he had been looking over was by far the most useful thing they'd found. She seemed stressed, and he didn't blame her, for it was reasonable to feel such when you are trying to embark upon such a life changing journey. That he knew from experience. Yet he realized that he hadn't done much research aside from getting a general direction of how to get to Avanthal, and that he had mainly gathered from people along the way.

Despite what Svasra may be thinking he was paying attention, giving short nods of acknowledgement at points she was making, while he sharpened his Lakan. Svasra seemed to take interest in the blade, and he wondered why, but quickly realized that being young as she was and never having left Avanthal she probably had never seen one before. He briefly noticed the shift in her gaze from the blade up to him, and he wondered what she was trying to discern of him.

When she answered his question he was not at all surprised, knowing what he already knew of her. He had doubted she had any combat training, or navigation skills. However she did know how to ride a horse which mattered. "Well riding a horse covers half the skills you need to travel, so you're good there". He tried to think of how to make her optimistic of the prospect of travel, and a partnership. "Plus the skills you do have are always welcome on the road. They stop people from going mad from loneliness and silence. A story is rarely unwelcome beside a fire in the midst of the swallowing darkness of night". He was surprised at how he reveled in the prospect of night when he just described it. He hoped Svasra didn't pick up on it, for it would surely make him look insane.

He laughed as she over exaggerated the strength-that he as an Akalak possessed. A smile opened across his face. "While i appreciate the compliment, you overestimate me, and my people. For strong as we are, we are still mortal, despite longevity". Her hand against his muscles was soft, fluttering, like the feathers of a bird, with a tinge of frost. It was delightful. He placed the dagger down, and the whetstone with it. He looked at his own hand, tracing calluses where the formed along his palm. Then a thought crossed the shadowy desert of his mind.

"No, I prefer a more...subtle approach to matters that require physical action".

He grabbed the whetstone, pocketing it, and then sheathed his Lakan in a single subtle gesture. While he understood the necessity of her research, he felt like it would in the end cause her more grief than delight. "So how much more do you intend on delving into, in order to satisfy the research you came here to do? While i do see the benefit of it, i feel that it will only deliver you annoyance for the lack of knowledge found. However if you still insist upon this course, i shall aid you none the less".

Note:Dragul speaking in common