[Valkhala's Tears] Practice makes perfect (Venya)

[Favchean Hronis]

Timestamp : 8th Fall 513, 7th bell The sun was rising up over the waves, the salty air cool in the morning. The only sounds are the sounds of the birds of morning rising, the waves crashing over the lava flow and beach, and the very occasional male grunt. Here in the early morning hours, before he must report in with Haiduk the weapon smith, Favchean likes to do his meditation, and his exercise. On the beach, an Akalak standing over six feet five inches tall, stripped to the waist and bare footed as he stands in the gentle surf. His skin, when in doors seem a perfect black, but here as the morning sun shines one can see the shades of greens that make up his tones. Perspiration sheen over his body, the male pushes through the exercises gently. The movements are so slow that each pose looks slightly odd, with an arm held at attention over his head, the other thrust outward with his Lakan in hand, only to slowly move to the third pose where the arm over his head is brought around, hand on his wrist and practiced a neat elbow thrust. This was simply practice, thus the slow movements, it allowed his dominant personality a time to relax, and enjoy physical activity. It allowed him to keep tight control on his emotions, his thoughts, and his natures. Maintaining the balance between his dual natures is important, and he finds this to be a perfect vent for that. Not to mention it kept his body in top form, the almost-too corded muscles bunching and relaxing, bunching and relaxing as he goes through his movements. Most of this is done in silence, his pale blue eyes staring almost unseeing out over the waters, though very occasionally he is the source of the short abrupt gravelly grunt.

[Venya]

"What is that noise?" Venya's confusion shows in her expression as she hears a grunt traveling through the wind. She has just sat down, her legs stretches out on the sand as she looks over at the water. The small of salt water is strong and the sea breeze tangles with her loose hair. She loves the feeling here. It is so quiet and peaceful. Especially at this hour. Well it was. That is, until the grunts started. They don't sound often. Yet they are frequent enough to make Venya's morning ruined as now she must know where they are coming from. With a gentle, but annoyed sigh, the Konti stands up. She gathers the journal she carries with her quite often in her hands and moves towards the sounding grunts. She doesn't have to go far. Just a short ways down the beach, closer to the flow of lava clashing with the ocean water. At first glance she doesn't see anything. Just the enchanting beauty of this natural occurrence. When she hears another grunt though, she spots him. He is out in the water, doing some sort of weird poses. Venya is sure what he is doing and it is confusing her greatly. She sees that he is tall and just barely she can tell that his skin is dark green. The sun helps to see its true color for at first glance she probably would have said it was black. Akalak is the word that comes to mind when she sees him. She has noticed that this city is in fact full of the men for it seems to be their home. The second sigh of the morning sounds from her as she moves towards him. "What am I going to tell him? Stop please, you are annoying me? No, that sounds rude. Wait, how do I go about this without being rude?" It is hard to decide how to go about this. Very hard indeed. The Konti is not used to having to tell a large, green man to please keep it quiet. By the time she is three quarters of the way there she thinks about turning back. Just walking back to the beach and putting up with the noise. At least then she wouldn't have to confront him. She almost does too, but her stubborn nature won't let her. She doesn't want to put up with something she doesn't have to. That would make walking over here pointless and a waste of energy. Plus, she is almost to him anyway. In fact, he may have even seen her already. That thought makes her a bit nervous and then more determine as her emotions change. "Um, excuse me," Venya says, standing behind him and to the side to try and stay out of the way of his weapon. Though if he wanted to, he could probably use it and kill her in an instant. That is a bit of a scary thought. "Can you keep it down? The grunting is quite annoying," she doesn't even try to sugar coat it or be polite. She just gets out what she has to say to him. Now that she has spoken, she waits for his reply hoping he won't find the need to turn around and harm her. That would be most unfortunate.

[Favchean Hronis]

An inhaled breath, another move, and an exhale. Everything was controlled, disciplined, his thickly corded legs bent and moved gently, his waist pivoting to the right. His ears perk slightly as he hears footsteps, and even as she speaks he seems to ignore her as he continues the steps of his routine. It is only for a few seconds, just to complete the last cycle before he straightens and turns toward the Konti. This one was taller then some of the others but no less delicate seeming, his pale blue eyes taking their time in accessing the woman. His arms cross and he finally speaks, his gravelly tones low key and nondescript. "Forgive me," he says in common, "I did not mean to intrude upon your beach. I was not aware that it was privately owned." This last was said without an ounce of insincerity in his tones, though the sardonically raised brow over one eye speaks of perhaps mild sarcasm. After he speaks he deliberately sheaths the Lakan, moving toward the woman, his stare never leaving her face. He hesitates when he is directly in front of her, having to bend his head gently to look down upon her before he gives her a quick smile and sidesteps smoothly, his feet leaving the surf and hitting the sandy shoals, dotting his feet with sand.

[Venya]

The Akalak catches her off guard. At first he continues on with his exercises, making Venya's jaw clench in annoyance. Not enjoying being ignored, her lips part slightly as she is about to say something. Her voice is just starting to sound when he turns. That makes her silent, her mouth shutting as she watches him stare at her. Then he speaks, his words not what she expected. She wants to come up with something to say. Something to confuse him but his voice is so sincere that is hard to come up with anything but the irritation beginning to boil in her chest. The way his eyebrow is raised, hitting that he could be toying with her. Trying to get a reaction. Is he? Venya isn't sure. She feels confused. Her heart pounds a little faster in her chest when she sees his arm raise, weapon in hand. She fears the worst. Thinking he could be going after her with the tool. But he doesn't, instead he slides it into its sheath. Venya has no moment to feel relieved however as he starts walking towards her. "What is he going to do?" Nothing. He does nothing. Just looks at her, his chin gently tilted down to look at her. Venya likewise looks up, taking in his facial features as best she can before he sidesteps and walks back towards the beach. He is starting to get on her nerves now. She turns sharply, watching him stand on the beach, her arms crossed as she stands in the water. It doesn't take her long to decide upon moving and heading towards the beach herself. She walks slowly, feeling the wet sand between her webbed toes. She loves the feeling. While she can describe it, the feeling makes her very comfortable and very at home. She almost doesn't want to step on the dry sand, enjoying being in the water. Nonetheless, she steps onto the beach and turns back to the Akalak. "It isn't my beach, I never said it was. It is wrong of you to assume that is what I meant," she starts, feeling the need to make that clear, "It is just ... well ..." Venya's voice becomes silent as she tries to find some way to justify her actions. "It was just annoying, that is all. I don't need a reason," her arms cross upon the finish of her statement. She nods to herself, satisfied with her answer. Her eyes travel to the ocean where she stares before sighing and turning back to the Akalak. "Okay, that wasn't a good reason. Actually, I am not sure that was a reason." Now she feels like she has messed up. She purses her lips, thinking. This is hard. She feels intimidated and now foolish as well. "Well, anyway, if you care. I'm Venya, kind of new around here. Haven't exactly figured everything out yet," she admits to him, thinking she should just move on and not try to figure out how to better justify her actions. She looks up towards his eyes, finding she has to look up quite a bit to just meet them. She is on the higher end as far as height goes for her race, but she feels short and small compared to the large Akalak standing before her. She waits expectantly for his reply, hoping she hasn't made her already not so great first impression worse. While she doesn't care for the long run his thoughts on her, for the moment she would prefer him to at least put up with her. At least, till she found a way to leave.

[Favchean Hronis]

Though his eyes slides off the Konti, to look out over the expanse of the waters, Favchean's entire being was focused on the woman. His jaw clenches, and it takes a little bit of effort to keep from smiling as she speaks. He is not a cruel or mean Akalak, but there was something that was amusing as she stumbled over her words, though he does not remain silent too long. "It is not wrong to be annoyed. One can not help what annoys one, it was I who was in the wrong in how I spoke." His voice was smooth and low, a grumble almost in the depth of his tones. He does not move toward the pile on the beach, that was a towel and his shirt laying in a heap. Instead he allows the cool ocean air to cool his heated skin, enjoying the chill against the sweat dampened chest. "I expect that we both chose this location for the quiet, forgive me if I intruded on yours." This was said with a flourish of a bow, almost suddenly the Akalak takes on a playful air, and his pale blue eyes are no longer quite so distant and aloof. Instead they sparkle with a little bit of flair. Almost as if another man took the Akalak's place, within his own skin. "A pleasure it is lady Venya," even the voice was friendly and warm, the stance he used did not move physically but no longer seemed so rigid. "I am called Favchean Hronis, apprentice dagger smith, and sometime stick in the mud." The green Akalak turns his eyes back to the Konti women, and a mirthful grin splits his lips, "New to Riverfall? Then you are in for a treat Mi'Lady. The festival of beauty is right around the corner, and one such as yourself is sure to garner several beads."

[Venya]

He chances so suddenly. His eyes seem to turn from this distant, almost uncaring look to a suddenly very alive and friendly glimmer. When he speaks his voice carries a sort of warmth and welcomeness to it that wasn't there before.This sudden change in attitude was not something on her mental list of things that could happen. And because of this, Venya is caught very off guard. She just stares at him, in wonderment and a bit confused. It takes her a chime to gather herself and actually process what he is saying. He has said his name and something about a festival? Beauty? Many beads? Venya just looks at him a moment, not knowing what he is talking about and even more so not wanting to admit it. "Nice to meet you Favchean Hronis," she tries hard not to stumble over her words, finding it difficult to do so as she has still not fully recovered from her original confusion. She lets her eyes drift away from him a chime, looking at the ocean and taking a deep breath. She looks at him once more. The expression on her face is one of defeat. "I am sorry, but I do not know what this festival you speak of is. Care to explain?" she asks, truly wanting to know and hoping he will explain. She fingers the worn cover of her leather book. It is so old and stuffed full of paper that the binding has begun to unravel. It has to be held together with a chord attached and wrapped around it twice now. Still, Venya tries to keep it with her as it contains all she has left besides memories of her family. She picks at the edge of the leather without even knowing it. A movement that is so natural for her. Once her nerves set in she finds herself always fidgeting with something. Her hair, fingernails, the book if it is around, whatever her fingers can find. Even when she doesn't think she is nervous she finds herself picking at things. Like now, she isn't connecting being nervous around a new person with her movements. "How about we sit down? Or maybe walk? I find it unpleasant when my legs fall asleep from standing in one position to long," Venya says when she notices her finger picking at the book. She wants to move really, keep her body busy so her hand stays away from wearing the book faster than it already is. "That is, if you are even interested in telling me about this festival."

[Favchean Hronis]

It was not lost upon the Akalak, the confusion of the Konti lady, and he simply grins. The dual personality was a bit much to get used to even when you grew up near Akalak males. His other side, would not have found the confusion of the other woman as amusing, but then again that side was more sedate and boring. Amusing or not, this side of Favchean was still not cruel, so he does not try and antagonize the confusion more. Instead he simply tilts his head to one side, and with a grin he offers his elbow for her hand, escort-fashion. Giving her time to accept before he begins to walk along the shore, away from the scenic lava flow. "I would not have brought it up if I was not willing to tell you about it." Favchean says, his voice still unchanged, the low gravel a rumble but still there is a more light almost playful quality about it then when she had first met. "The Beautyfest is a way for us to celebrate womanhood, and in turn of course motherhood." Stepping carefully, making sure that he does not lead her along a path that would bring rocks or broken bits of shells that would damage feet. "There will be many different activities that you can partake in. Facials, manicures, pedicures, or maybe simply getting your hair made up. All for free. There will be dancing and celebrating, and all the males in the city will be eager to give away their beads to the most beautiful females." A sly glance is given to the Konti, and a wry raise of a brow. "The female that wins the most beads will receive a prize." he finished, and gives her another almost a quick look from the corner of his eye.

[Venya]

Venya looks at his elbow as it is offered for her to take. She can't help but wonder why he does such a thing. Does he not think she can walk just fine on her own? That she needs to be led to accomplish anything? Knowing very well just how she can walk on her own, Venya almost doesn't take the offer. It feels like it would be a blow to her pride if she did. It takes her a chime to realize that there could very possibly be other reasons for the offering. She isn't sure what they could be, but she decides to not be rude. She takes her right hand and removes it from the cover of the book that is now shifted to be carried just with her left hand. She takes her delicate looking hand and gently takes the Akalak's offered elbow. As the skin of her hand makes contact with his skin, she expects to feel the familiar feeling of knowing what he puts his faith in. However, she does not feel his faith. Instead, it is very blurred. She does not know of his two personalities that are like two men living in one body. This makes using her gift more difficult as the two personalities could have very different faiths. So instead of knowing the man before her's faith she instead is left just feeling confused. She almost asks him about it, wondering what is creating this blur. However, he has began walking and his voice has started to speak once more. So Venya just listens as she lets herself be led down the beach. He is so very careful with the path he chooses to lead her down. The Konti's feet are not stuck with any sharp objects but instead are only met with the soft sand trying to get in between her toes. It feels good and makes Venya a bit more joyful that she accepted his elbow for she surely would have stepped on something unpleasant by now with her shoes somewhere on the beach and not on her feet. As they walk, Venya listens carefully. A faint blush colors her cheeks at the his last statement of the beads and beautiful females. She hastily looks to the ocean, letting the color fade from her cheeks as she allows her mind to think of something else a chime. Only after the extra color has left her face does she turn back and look at him. She catches his quick glance towards her, thankful when it leaves so quickly. She nods, understanding what he is saying but unsure as how to reply. "I see.." she says slowly, wanting to have something other to say than those two simple words, "So it is a celebration and a contest. Interesting. Sounds like fun." Her voice is soft as she speaks, her eyes looking to the ground as her feet make prints in the sand. "Fun," she murmurs the word quietly to herself as if testing it on her tongue and seeing if she likes the taste. "Yes, I think I'll look into it. See if I wish to attend."

[Favchean Hronis]

The feel of the delicate hand in the crook of his elbow is enough to cause Favchean to smile, the Akalak male always enjoying being in the company of Konti. Perhaps it is because of the strong influence of his Konti mother who was married to his father, still was to be exact. Though he was slightly wondering if he was being too exuberant for this one. "You are new to Riverfall," He says as a statement rather then a question. His tall form moving nimbly, not pulling nor pushing but simply and deftly guiding. The stance of the hand in the crook of the elbow is for this very reason, so that the leader can easily guide without forcing, and that the led can easily follow. He moves as if he escorts many a lady about. "Have you also been deprived of the Akalak attentions?" This again was said with a teasing grin, one that was simply flashed to her, but does not focus directly on her. Something about her stance, about her demeanor that made Favchean feel as if she would not appreciate undue attention to her person. Perhaps it was the delicate blush that had risen, or perhaps she just was not interested in flirting, teasing, and other jests that he enjoyed.

[Venya]

Venya doesn't make eye contact. Just stares forward or towards the ground. She lets him talk. Listening to his words as they are said and not answering right away. Her legs move as he guides her. There is no forcing or pulling. But instead his movements are smooth and easy to follow. "I wouldn't say new really, I just haven't been here long. Not long enough to learn of everything or get to know much of the people here," she says first, feeling as though his statement needs correcting. That leads her up to his question. Her eyes flicker to the ocean once more. Not hiding a blush this time but keeping one away as she is sure the teasing smile on his face with bring the blood back up to her cheeks. She sighs before looking at him and nodding her head. "I have," she answers simply, "though, I have never gotten much attention that I have not asked for or tried hard to get." Her eyes travel away from him, focusing on the beach in front of them. She continues to let her hand rest in the crook of his elbow, wondering when she can drop it without offending him. It isn't that having it there is unpleasant or uncomfortable. It is simply that she is growing tired of it and fears that she will soon feel her hand or arm fall "asleep" from lack of use or movement. "So, Favchean," she starts, deciding it is time for a subject change, "Exactly what were you doing earlier in the water? Before I interrupted you I mean. I have never seen anything quite like it. It was ... strange, but different and interesting at the same time." She pauses a minute, deciding whether or not she should say more before she nods her head. "Yes, it would interest me very much to know what exactly that was."