On the Road We Go [Dragul]

by **Svasra** on March 1st, 2013, 1:33 am

Timestamp: 92nd of Winter, 512 AV

The day had broken clear and pleasant, chilly and with a slight draft. As long as she wrapped up so her skin wasn't exposed to the biting wind, Svasra suspected it would be a mighty comfortable day outside. Though she felt the apprehension of taking this final leap forward, Svasra had to admit she was undoubtedly extremely excited as well. It was finally time to go, and buy the tickets. To Wind Reach. The mountainous land of fire and Eagles. Thankfully, she would not be there long. Perhaps though, she would find something interesting there?

"I'll be back later, Father!" Svasra called, waving a hand as she began to ready herself for the outside, complete with her coat, mittens, boots, and a warm red scarf.
"Where are you off to, Snowflake?" Havok asked, coming out of his room to peer at the young woman.
"To meet Dragul, remember he is coming for dinner this evening."
"Ah." Havok seemed vaguely amused, a twinkle in his gaze as he nodded, "We will be sure to welcome the man." Pausing, Svasra frowned for a moment, suspicious of the quirking grin Havok gave her.
"Be sure to, I don't want my traveling companion scared off," Svasra huffed, flipping up her hood as she waved and left, being sure to take her little money poach as well.

Dragul and her were to meet at the Treader to buy their passage - well, Svasra was to buy their passage, though she was positive she would make Dragul pay her back! - and then quickly to the market before returning to Svasra's to have dinner. After all, her parents wanted to meet the Akalak she was apparently disappearing off into the wilderness with. A small amused smile flickered over her expression as she reflected on what her parents must have assumed. If only they knew what had happened that handful of years ago ... then again, did Svasra really know herself?

Note: "Vani"

by **Dragul** on July 9th, 2013, 4:32 pm

The day has come at last. However, he had to admit to himself, that it he could not remember ever being invited over to someones house for dinner, let alone a woman. The day seemed good enough, but was this perhaps just the calm before the storm. IT was hard to tell. He worried himself little with the possible conflicts that may await them on their journey. There were too many variables that could come up, and there was a difference between being cautious and paranoid.

Tickets of course, were something that they did need to worry about, for without them they would be hard-pressed to sail to Wind Reach, and then Lhavit. Thus was the reason why he had agreed to meet Svasra at the Treader to procure their positions aboard the vessel that would carry them safely across the waters. Afterwards a dinner would await them, and he admitted that he couldn't hide from this one. Although he wondered what insight into his traveling companion he could gleam from her parents. However, he would have to be coy and clever if he was to seek that avenue.

Either way he had decided to visit Snowfall before his visit with Svasra, for he had not spent as much time with his frostmarch as he had wanted to. The weather had not been suitable for him to ride too often, and other days he spent contemplating mysteries, and conversing with the shadows for information. Snowfall didn't seem to mind though, and greeted him kindly as if they had never spent any time apart. He was grateful, for at the end of the day he knew that Snowfall would at least be with him. However, he wondered how the frostmarch would respond to the boat travel.

A light wind rolled across the snow streets of Avanthal, as he made his way to the Treader, hoping to have beaten Svasra there. He wanted to appear at least dedicated, since he'd owe her the money for his ticket in the time to come. It had cost him much more to travel to Avanthal than he'd thought it would. He doubted it would be hard to repay her, but he doubted that his somewhat criminal skills would be easily unnoticed in Lhavit. It was a gamble he'd have to debate over.

Still he arrived at their meeting spot, noticed that Svasra wasn't there yet, and decided to sit down on a bench until she arrived.

by **Svasra** on July 11th, 2013, 4:42 am

Walking to the Treader, Svasra pulled her scarf a bit higher to cover her cheeks as well, feeling the sting of the wind biting against her pale flesh. She kept to herself, nodding politely to other Snowsongs, and the Elders that had eased themselves into city life. The Icewatch seemed even more swarming with the older folk out midst the Holds, especially with the heightened tension that never fully left the undercurrent of the city. "Paint a picture, it might last longer," Svasra muttered dourly as she narrowed her eyes, feeling the stare of a few ignorant youths from another Hold.

The young Snowsong took a breath to prevent herself from snapping at some slow people in front of her, gently reminding herself their Goddess was to come home. Soon - tomorrow in fact. She wondered what Morwen would bring with her ... Would she condemn the Snowsongs? Svasra found it hard the patient and gentle goddess would blame an entire Hold for the fault of one, though Layota was innocent in her eyes. The thought of the trouble given to the Snowsong Hold made Svasra's heart pang, a small damper on her cheerful attitude to see her travelling companion.

Not even simply the trouble, but the start of it all. The murders. The cold-blooded murders of the respected of their Holds. Oh, what cruel strike of fate took their lives? Svasra knew she understood the anger, confusion, and hurt from the other Holds; suddenly ripped of their leader and idols. Oh yes, she felt for them keenly. It was an odd sensation, to be so angry at the treatment, yet feel a twinge of sympathy and sadness every time one glared at her in recognition of a Snowsong. The conflicting emotions made her feel drained and worn, just wanting justice, and closure, for the souls of their leaders to rest in the peace they so deserve. Whether it be at the hand of Layota or not.

Svasra raised her head as she drew near to the docks, turning her direction slightly to aim for the Ice Treader, looking for the tall Akalak. Clothed for Avanthal or not, his tall physique was hard to mistake. Ah, there he is! Svasra grinned slightly as she saw his back to her, and hid a small giggle behind her mitten. Slowing down, Svasra crept forwards, letting her boot gently sink into the snow to decrease the noise, shuffling forwards with the best stealth she could muster (which isn't any, for this helpless poet). As his back drew closer, Svasra crouched a tad, and shuffled even more. Then, right before, she leaped with a laugh, covering his eyes with her thick mittens, calling out, "Guess who!"

Note: "Svasra speaking Vani, Svasra speaking Common"

by **Dragul** on July 11th, 2013, 8:12 pm

He had been standing quietly and vigilantly by himself, awaiting Svasra. His Lakans tucked at his sides. He was aware of his surroundings to a degree, for he was good, but not a master. His thoughts were contemplating the recent events that had transpired in Avanthal, several murders. The fact he found most interesting was the person whom was claimed to have been at the root of the murders, someone with ties to the Snowsong, Svasra's hold. His thoughts then went back to when he had first met Svasra.

He had contemplated trying to find a way to have a chat the woman suspected, but such a task was far too risky, even given the secrets that she could shed on the matter.

Perhaps it was all this contemplation that had occupied his senses, for while he could only hear a faint depressing of snow behind him, he payed it no heed. It was for that reason that when someone seemed to spring from behind him, he quickly reached for his right Lakan, but as the hands went over his eyes, and a sweet youthful voice filled his ears, he relaxed. "Svasra".

He knew it was her by the way she acted and her voice, and for the fact that anyone else in this city would be unlikely to do such a thing to such a roguish Akalak. He also realized that had he been paying more attention, he might have been quick enough to draw, and that may have caused an accident. He felt a fluttering darkness in his thoughts, and suppressed what he knew would come if he let it be.

He turned, and looked down at his soon to be travelling companion. He wondered how they would fare out there in the world, but the smile on her face, and some confidence in his martial skills reassured him. "So the day has come at last has it? As well as my debt to you" he said with a grin, for he did not have the money for the boat, and thus Svasra would be covering him. The debt of course would be held for as long as they journeyed together.

"Let's get this over with, and then have us an 'interesting' dinner, for that is likely what it shall be".

"Also, how are you?"

by **Svasra** on July 14th, 2013, 5:22 am

Storyteller NoteTickets bought with permission from Valkyrie and Miss Noblesse

Dragul guessed her name outright, though Svasra would have been surprised had the man hesitated to identify the youthful countenance she had pounced on him with. She was not oblivious to the sidelong looks a few gave her when she had jumped a lone Akalak probably about to draw a weapon. She tried not to think on that quite as much. "Debt?" she echoed quietly, running the word over in her mind. While Svasra mulled over the word absently, she nodded with a small smile. "You will have much money to give me later," she mused, seemingly finding the situation quite hilarious.

Moving towards the Ice Treader, Svasra shrugged lightly. "Nervous ... very nervous," she admitted with a tilted grin towards the man. And not just about buying these tickets ... When was the last time a man had come over for dinner that was Svasra’s guest? During the brief phase her parents went through trying to get Svasra to marry she had many men come over, though they were never invited by her … many boys trying to prove themselves men. She tried not to think on such memories too hard. Svasra was excited for Dragul to sit down with her parents, though he had met them briefly before, and hopefully win their approval. Svasra did not want to have to deal with them complaining about whom she decided to travel with; not that it would hold her back anyways.

"We are having Cobolt Potato stew," Svasra commented as she adjusted her scarf and hood, pulling up the red fabric a tad to cover her cheeks. "I hope that is … ah, to your liking," she noted, voice muffled slightly by her scarf protectively around her face. The woman approached the boat that was remade into an office, stepping out of the way of some bustling sailors that seem to be coming from making a report. Gesturing to Dragul, Svasra continued forwards.

"Miss Lasheela?" Svasra called politely, looking absently at the close quarters of the broken ship as she knocked lightly on the door, entering what was originally the crew's cabins. "I'm just here to purchase two tickets on the trading boat leaving this Spring."

OOCI believe Noblesse has to come in briefly and post for Lasheela, so I will send her a message now.

Note: "Svasra speaking Vani, Svasra speaking Common"

by **Dragul** on July 17th, 2013, 8:39 pm

Dragul waited for a time outside, whilst Svasra procured the tickets that would see them off from Avanthal. He watched people come and go, doing their various tasks around the city. Shadows flickered where they were forced to remain. He was tempted briefly to converse with one of them, and so he briefly did so switching briefly to Makath, but the shadow that was cast off of the office which Svasra was in now in only had one thing to say: "Don't forget your debt to her..."

However, the shadow didn't continue. Svasra returned to him, tickets purchased, and a debt forged until fulfilled. As they were leaving he briefly heard the shadow repeat its phrase once more: "Don't forget your debt to her...". He wondered, was the shadow messing with him. The shadow never specified who it was referring to, Svasra or Akajia.

"That sounds fine to me" he responded, honestly looking forward to some home cooking, which would be better than he had eaten during most of his travels.

They continued onward, until they arrived at the market. Dragul imagined that Svasra was either here to pick up last minute supplies or supplies for dinner. Either way he had little coin to spend, and so he simply watched, with a strange smile on his face, as he watched her go to and fro. He hoped that the journey yet ahead of them didn't ruin that youthful exuberance of hers.

"So what are we here for?"

He had met her parents before, once, but he felt like there was an skepticism that they held towards him. He wondered whether it stemmed from the fact he was taking their daughter away from them, and far far away, or if it was just his nature and appearance. The thought of what they must think that they were actually doing made him smile, not laugh. It was a delightful thought, and he figured at least in mind why not too indulge.

Shadow speaking Makath, Dragul speaking Common

by **Svasra** on July 21st, 2013, 8:57 pm

Lasheela looked up from some paper work, her eyes warm, and wrinkled around the edges from looking into the sun. "Leaving Avanthal?" she echoed, nodding for Svasra to take a seat. Svasra settled down, taking out her money pouch of hard-saved (and earned) gold mizas. It would be hard to part with so many ...
"Yes, to Wind Reach," she said with a nod.
"Round trip?"
"... No." Lasheela glanced up at this, frowning slightly as she studied Svasra's delicate frame. Not exactly the adventurous body. Even so, the woman nodded and scribbled a few things down.
"How many?"
"Two tickets." Lasheela made a small noise.
"You're paying for it all?"
"Yes, Ma'am."
"That's six hundred gold mizas, you know." It made her wince slightly, but Svasra nodded, pouring her money onto the counter.

Moments later Svasra left with two tickets with her name and Dragul's cursively written, and six hundred mizas lighter. "I am a poor woman indeed," she muttered, shaking her head. "I had better find work in Lhavit or else we will be living off the streets." Muttering dourly as she came to Dragul's side, the woman nodded to gesture they should leave, though Dragul seemed distracted by something behind her. Svasra didn't ventured to inquire though, as Dragul quickly moved, leaving Svasra to wonder what hid in the shadows. Ah? He mentioned he could communicate with them, did he not? Perhaps that is what hindered him now? Svasra glanced behind her towards the shadowy corners of the old boat, wondering what they were saying. Would I even want to know?

As they arrived at the Marketplace, Svasra realized she didn't really have anything she needed to buy. Dragul had enough supplies for the two of them, and she had previously purchased all she needed to. "I guess ... nothing," she said lamely, shrugging. "I think, I ah, what is the word ..." Svasra paused and tapped the side of her head with her mitten, looking at Dragul with a puzzled expression. "In your head? When, oh, iceball ..." She frowned and stopped walking. "Eh, subconsciously in Common?" she shot at a trader nearby, calling over the din. When the woman got over her initial surprise, she shouted the word back, receiving a wave and nod in gratitude. "Subconsciously wanted to ... postpone when we went home," she finally said to Dragul with a laugh. "Eh, let us go, then."

Svasra led Dragul to her home, opening to the door warily. Though she trusted her parents ... it had been a long time since she had a male over ... "Welcome!" Minara chimed, the door wretched out of her grasp as it swung open quickly, revealing Minara and Havok dressed as formally as they could within their own home.
"Oh Morwen," Svasra muttered under her breath.
"Sweetie Snowflake!" Havok said heartily, drawing Svasra into a hug, and then moving her just as easily off to the side so he was in front of Dragul without her between them. "Dragul, we heard much!" he said in rugged Common, extending a hand.
"Make you right at home!" Minara added with a smile, nodding her head to the Akalak.
"Dragul, these are my parents. Minara, and Havok," Svasra said meekly from behind them, gesturing to each with the names, "Mom, Dad, this is Dragul."

Note: "Svasra speaking Vani, Svasra speaking Common"

by **Dragul** on July 23rd, 2013, 2:21 pm

The shadow had been vague, and more than he'd have liked. However, that was their nature, as was his. It seemed that the trip to the market was nothing more than a means by which to stall their arrival at dinner. He was not too surprised given the fact that from Svasra's perspective this was going to be an awkward and embarrassing endeavor. Yet, as they made their way to dinner he could not help but feel that it would be awkward for him as well. He wondered though what the big deal was that Svasra did not seem enticed entirely by the prospect of him attending a dinner with her parents. He imagined perhaps it must feel similar to when one's parents judge a potential lover, which made him chuckle.

The door swung wide to Svasra's home, and revealed her parents side by side in the doorway. Her father swept her into a hug, and then set her aside so that they could have their own look at this strange visitor at their door. Introductions were made, and accompanied with formal gestures of sorts. Havok's common was edged and rough, showing that once its use was needed enough but not often. They both seemed genuinely excited to meet him, but his skepticism kept him wary.

Perhaps above all else the most humorous quality of the exchange was yet again the height difference. It forced him to look down, and them to look up. He shook Havok's hand, and noted a strength there, but not anything of great renown. He bowed to Minara. In between he cast his gaze at Svasra looking for a sign as to how she was feeling about this whole exchange. He looked to Minara and Havok "Thank you, and I shall try to do so. However, I'll admit I've heard only a little about you".

He wondered if they would take offense to the fact that he was still armed. It wasn't like he expected trouble at the dinner, but he had never been able to part with the Lakans, and in fact had often slept with them still sheathed. They were far more than just weapons. They were extensions of his being.

With all the greetings out of the way, he awaited their lead as to sitting down to dinner.

by **Svasra** on July 26th, 2013, 6:19 am

Svasra bit her lip as she watched the interaction between Dragul and her parents, yet he remained solemn and polite as usual. They seemed to enjoy his respectful attitude, smiling as they took a step back to allow him fully into their home. Catching the Akalak's eye, Svasra nodded approvingly, giving a subtly thumbs up. "Come in, Dragul, while Minara finishes, we sit and talk." Havok led the way to their modest living room, as in there was a couch and one chair. While he perched on the chair, Svasra dutifully took her place on the couch, gesturing to the spot beside her as she glanced towards her companion.

Havok, though he wore a friendly smile, and had a warm gaze steadied on the Akalak, was wary of Dragul. Who was the man who was taking Svasra so far from home? How did him seem to win over the young woman in such a handful of days? Svasra took a short breath, knowing questioning period was on the way. Then he would fill in Minara in quiet Vani when he went to 'help finish things', and the two would sit down at dinner with most of their mind made up. It had been a while since she had a man for dinner, but she was acutely aware of the process.

"Ah, Svasra has told us that you've traveled very far. Alone, yes? So why did you leave home? Do you planning go back? Why come here?" Havok paused, and leaned forwards, adding, "Why so keen on taking Svasra with you?"
"Father," Svasra said sharply, rubbing her temples with a sigh. "Do you not, ah, think that is personal?"
"It's a, hmm, reasonable? Reasonable question. I did not ask you why you want to go with him," Havok said, though his expression showed he very well planned to. Grimacing, Svasra looked at Dragul meekly, about to mention he didn't have to answer, though a chiming voice came from the kitchen.
"Svasra! Come help me, please!" Oh yes, Svasra thought dourly, the 'mother' part of the process. Rising, Svasra nodded her head to Dragul with a murmured,
"Excuse me."

Svasra entered the kitchen to assist her mother, though she knew it would be more of her own type of questioning period. They could have reasonably done this without Dragul present, but Svasra suspected they had become so used to their established process they didn't really consider any deficiencies she might point out. "He seems nice," Minara said as she worked, reverting to Vani as they spoke in private.
"Yes, Dragul is very kind," Svasra said as she collected dishes and utensils, her tone even.
"You really want to travel with him?"
"I've said this before, Mother, I think it will be fun to travel with him."
"Why?"

Why? Svasa tilted her head as she thought, answering careful, "I am not fully sure. It was kind of ... sudden, meeting him. I may not know him as long as I have known Avanthal, but he is travelling and he has traveled all the way here. He doesn't know where he's going, or what we'll find ... but we can find that out together! Also," here her grin turned wry as she looked at her mother, "having an Akalak as a companion cannot hurt? I am sure he can take care of us if things go awry."
"You cannot rely on him solely to keep you safe," Minara noted quietly, busying herself with chopping something.
"I know. Maybe he can teach me a bit so I can defend myself."
"Oh? Like the weapons he carries within the household?"
"His Laken?" Svasra frowned in thought, and defended Dragul's choice, "I understand they are much more than just weapons to his culture, I can imagine why he might not wish to part with them, even within our home."

Svasra knew her parents thought this was unwise, running off with an Akalak she had barely begun to know. Yet, she knew now was the time to go. If not this Spring, when? When would she dare to push her boundaries once more and travel? It is not as if her companions here would accompany her, many seemingly more than content to spend the rest of their lives within sights of the Gates. Was it not better she take her chance with him, then take her chances alone? Though she'd voiced this to her parents, she could sense they would rather her not leave altogether. After all, what parents would willingly send her off? Svasra knew her time was growing short though, and she needed her parents to trust that this was a choice she knew she had to make. And, with Dragul, she felt it was the right one.

"Svasra ... I understand why you want to leave, you want to explore, and see the world, and everything in between. Do you really think it wise to leave with him though? You barely know the man, or his culture, or anything else? What if something turns awry? If he turns against you?"
"Mother, you take that chance with every person you meet. If I sit here and wait for someone that I've known for ages to come up and say they wish to leave with him, and have the skills to at least teach me how to defend myself - and I do not mean with poetry or a flute - I will wait forever. Perhaps he will, but then again, any of my friends could. Any of them could change from what they've given me as their personalities. Isn't that half the fun? You have to take chances."
"This is a big one."
"But it's one I want to take."
" ... Are you ready to deal with the consequences?" Minara asked bluntly as she began to ladle out the soup.

What would be the consequences of this journey? Being stranded in a foreign city? Forced to return home? Having to deal with the painful loss of someone she considered a friend? Svasra considered the possibilities, but there is no way she could predict them all. "I won't have a choice," she murmured. On cue, Minara looked over and nodded, then called for Havok to help her set the table and bring out the food.
"Bring him to the table, then, Svasra, we'll be out soon."

Approaching the tall Akalak - he really did look out of place in her small Arvinta - Svasra grinned. "Hope it ... was not awkward. Too awkward. Dinner is ready!" she chuckled, curtsying as she gestured towards their table. "Do me the honor of accompanying me at the table?" Svasra asked formally in her most professional Common accent, though the smile that played at the edge of her mouth and laughing gaze deteriorated any serious display.

oocYou're welcome to control Havok to discuss things and such, since this was mainly revolving Svasra and her mother.

Note: "Svasra speaking Vani, Svasra speaking Common"

by **Dragul** on July 27th, 2013, 1:41 am

After some formal greetings they moved into Svasra's abode, and therein Dragul was offered a seat by Svasra upon a couch whilst Havok seated himself in a chair. Minara had returned to the kitchen, and was most likely finishing up the preparations for dinner. The expression upon Havok's face seemed geuine and friendly enough, but his posture spoke with much more skepticism. Without much delay he embarked upon a quick strung series of questions. He was not insulting in any manner, and in fact Dragul could have deceived the man in any number of fashions. Yet, Svasra still spoke up on his behalf and was quickly cut off by her father. He wondered. The swiftness of the comment Havok made bespoke of past proceedings much like these, but in regards to a more personal matter he assumed. Something worth investigating later on.

However, before he could respond to the questions posed to him Svasra left at the request from her mother off in the kitchen. It was now just him and Havok alone in the common area. They sat there for a moment as Dragul collected his thoughts, and debated on how to answer the questions posed to him thus. Havok held the same gaze that he had held since sitting down. Dragul wondered how much deception was necessary, and when was best to employ it. Sure he had been honest with Svasra, but she was someone he needed to forge a tie of trust with. Whereas her parents he was not so eager to be honest with. "Indeed I traveled alone, but no one is ever truly alone now are they. What with the gods and goddesses".

True, and his answer was not bereft of humor which delighted him, but he did well to stifle any laughter. He had been honest with Svasra about his motives as too leaving home, but that was yet again another matter. "I left, for there was nothing there for me. No family remained, and no place for me amongst my kin that suited my goals and desires".

True, and he did well to not mention Akajia, for he was unsure of how some viewed the goddess of the night. Surely there were some who viewed her machinations with disgust. Was there any reason for him to return when there had been nothing to keep him there? "Perhaps, for the future is always changing, and a traveler never truly knows where he is going till he gets there".

True, but he had an inkling that he would return whether he liked it or not. The center for his culture held a few things that he would undoubtedly need to seek out one day. In keeping with trying too avoid discussing Akajia he could not be completely honest about his motives of coming to Avanthal. The only problem was that Akajia had been his only real concrete motive for coming north. "I had heard much of Morwen's Realm, and decided that it was as good as any place to start. Sometimes we all must take a leap of faith. Rumors of a man known as the Alchemist also peaked my interest, but that is just a fancy and nothing more".

True, but he had gotten a little to creative with the faith and the Alchemist, for his daring had broken through his resolve. It was something he knew would haunt him one day, or make him succeed where otherwise he would fail. Then Havok paused, and leaned forward as if trying to be more imposing or intimidating. It was a fairly comical act given their height difference, but Dragul again stifled his laughter. Why had he chosen Svasra, and had he even chosen her? It all had just seem right, and in fact slightly ordained like his meeting with Akajia. "I saw a potential in her. She has a grande passion, and a strong will. The outside world would benefit from her, and she from it. Also perhaps.." he trailed off unsure of the words that were coming to him but realizing that they too felt right "I would hate to see her locked behind walls, and too have the world hidden from her. Everyone should have the choice to be free, and too do with their life what they will; benefits, risks, and consequences all".

He had looked Havok dead in the eye as he said all this, and without a shred of doubt. The words had all been true, without being too revealing. Havok seemed satisfied with all of this, and in fact despite Dragul's assumption said nothing too him. He imagined though that all of this would carry over into a conversation that he and Svasra would have later without Dragul's company.

Havok stood as Minara called for him from the kitchen, and Dragul imagined that dinner must be almost ready. He also imagined that a very similar conversation was occurring within the kitchen between Minara and Svasra. Shortly thereafter Svasra appeared, and was otherwise her usual self. She maintained an air of respectfulness towards him as her guest, but he could see on the edges of her actions her usual self. "Not at all, but an inquisitive man your father is..." he paused "like him you are".

He stood, indeed feeling slightly awkward in this small abode. He and Svasra arrived at the table and took a seat beside one another, and awaited Havok and Minara to exit the kitchen with the dinner, which he admitted he was looking towards as a welcome interruption to his usual meals. With the initial part of the process out of the way he wondered how the rest of dinner would go. "Did your mother uhm..." he struggled for the word "question you?"

Dragul speaking Common, and Vani

Closed On the Road We Go [Dragul]