[Rearing Stallion] A search for a guide(close)

[Ryjaoka Windia]

Her back was use to the touch of another hand on it, in her city it was common for citizens to wear decorated tattoos. Most often than not they symbolized something that related to the person. Much like Ryjaoka's did, not that she enjoyed what it meant or her name for that matter but their was nothing she could do.

When she turned to look at him after she'd asked about the books she noticed what she thought was a blush on him. The room being to dark to tell she guessed that it was just her eyes playing tricks on her. Keeping her face calm, she let the matter go while she smiled at him happily.

"John I'm Drykas, well part Drykas I can tell you the words and even how to write them if you would like that. The reason I asked for such a book is because although I do know common very well; I struggle with some words of the language," looking at him with a little embarrassment she shrugged. "I guess that's because I learned it second whistle I traveled from my home."

Turning to look at another stack of books she began to read over the text again. She adored books really, from the beginning of her childhood to now she would always spend long hours reading a good tale. Though she never owned a book herself she often would borrow from local shops or even read while there. She couldn't count the number of times she was demanded to pay for the books she had read.

Not wanting trouble she would usually pay the small price leaving the book behind. Ryjaoka loved them, but she needed all the room she could get in her saddlebag. Not to mention she'd always over heard the warriors speaking of how books just weighed you down; and in times of trouble that wasn't always the best thing.

It was John's welcomed voice that broke her from the thoughts of the past. Looking back at him she looked to the ground before back up, "Yeah actually one more." She couldn't help to notice the same reddening of his face. Although she was sure of what she saw this time, she figured that she would give him his moment before moving.

Moving to the counter she positioned herself before jumping up to sit, letting her long leg stretch and bend to her chest she began to work at the tight hide laces. Undoing the secure boot her fingers grip at the rubber soil pulling at the leather. Letting her foot free she wiped at a few stray pieces of dirt before moving it out in front of her for display.

Her own green eyes scanning the constricting needled vine wrapped tightly around her ankle. She couldn't help the grimace as she looked at it. She hated this one the most, not because of the design but more because of the fact that she could see the hated thing. Her eyes moving off for only a moment she recalled the painful needling of the tattoo.

The way the large muscled man riddled in his own mess of tat's poked mercilessly at her young skin. Scolding her at her cries of pain and tears of shame. She hadn't wanted the thing but it was something that all unique members, or that's what the nicer Drykas's like to call them, had to get one. It was insult in so many words something to say that you were bound to your blood and that nothing would change that.

"That and the snake tattoo is the only ones I have on my body. I guess I should have more but as it was I did even pick these out myself." Looking to him she smiled small, she wondered if she gave to much just than. Somehow though she didn't seem to mind that fact in a strange way. She felt as if she could tell anything to him and he would still she her as someone with a soul.

The very thought made her smile, she did like spending time with John. Even if they'd only spent a couple of hours together she still found herself fairly relaxed around him. Smiling at him she read his eyes again, she was almost shocked at the raw emotion he was showing her. Yet somehow she liked that fact; something about him giving her that kind of trust made her trust him even more.

Letting her eyes drift to the window dark from the dirt collected on it she watched the flash of lightening. Letting her mind go while she waited for the thunder to hit. The sound would shaken almost anyone, it seemed to make the very earth quake underneath your feet. Turning her gaze back to him she smiled once more lighter but still sincerely while she sighed. "John I. I want to thank you for being nice to me, and showing me that their are still people out there that don't act others for being different. It really. It really means a lot to me," letting out the breath she was holding she felt her heart open for that brief moment. Telling him that he truly had done something meaningful today for her. She knew better than to give herself a vulnerable side yet for a glisp of time she would let her vulnerability shine so she could tell him he was a fair and honest person. Even if she couldn't physically say it her eyes could show it.

[John Vicari]

He was not sure what shocked him the most. The fact she took a seat upon the counter or the fact she was willing to show him another tattoo of her. He did not know much of the Drykas yet it could had been normal for them to be so open about it as she moved her leg to her chest, his slender fingers removing the boot as it was placed next to her.

His hands moved around her bare foot, signs of sweat could be felt upon the skin yet he paid no mind to that nor the scent of her wearing the boot for so long. The dirt did not mind him like it would had someone else but that could also have been due to he worked in a place like this. His eyes saw the look upon her face as she looked down at the vine like tattoo. It was not a joyful look as he traced his fingers upon it like he did with her other.

He had no words for it other then he enjoyed her markings but maybe that was due to he never had any of his own nor seen anyone with only hearing of them from people. His left hand laid upon her heel holding her foot up as his right moved about before staying still along her mark as he heard her voice once more.

He saw it in her eyes. He saw just how open she was and how easy it would had been to crush her or twist her with his powers. Vulnerability that ran so deep he could twist her into a puppet if he was evil yet he could not. His eyes showed that he would rather tell her the world was made out of clouds and bunnies for that was a look that saw the darkness of times. A look no one should ever hold alone. Her armor around her heart was off and the mask upon her face laid along the cold ground it felt like as he looked at her with his light blue eyes.

He wanted to let he know he would not crush her spirits like a child crushing the wings of a dragonfly. Yet he felt no words could bring that about yet what he did know was his hypnotism powers and gifts yet could he dare use them upon her know of all times when she was so open? How could he even ask himself if he could or not as he felt the sadness upon her soul though her eyes?


In the end of things he just smiled upon her. No Djed came about as he looked upon her. He could truly crush or bend her yet that was not what friendship was about. She was his friend. Somehow he felt her a friend, someone he could share things with even if he just knew of her not even half a day ago. Was it his powers that made he follow him? Was it the gods way of saying something? Or was it someone Lhex's events in the end?

He let her foot drop as he let go, his movements were slow yet steady as he moved towards her. His arms warping around her front as he hugged her as she stayed upon the counter. Would she be willing of the hug? He was not sure but it was the only action he could think of. Maybe she would fling him to the ground or maybe not. He did not know right then only that it was his way of saying more then what words could say to her.

Would she truly accept him for him if she did learn that he was not only a mage but a mage of the Hypnotism branch? He was unsure but he felt more sure to tell her at some point. Maybe she would understand not all of the mages were to be feared? Or maybe it would ruin the friendship they were forming yet he would risk it to show her his true self.

[Ryjaoka Windia]

Watching his fingers glide across her skin she wondered what he thought of it. Most people in her region knew just what this mark meant and it wasn't one that you wanted to be known to have. Still he seemed to admire the art work on her tan skin. For that she felt prided to some degree, noticing his gaze searching hers she let her eyes return to their normal state.

John was somehow special to her, yet still she didn't know if she could open up to him. To many years of pain and distrust followed through her youthful veins,blood turned thick and defensive against peoples verbal attacks. Letting him move his hand on her ankle she waited to until he was finished before lowering her foot. Looking at her now bootless appendage she thought for a long moment. Was it really the right choice to let him see the emotion that the simple ink possessed over her? She wasn't sure, sure he had been only nice to her. Showing her hospitality and generosity that she herself never expected of him. Yet was it wise to even than?

She had just met him and in passing none the less. She had no history with this man nor did she expect to meet him here in Syliras. She never even planed to make a scene, but instead quietly steal information from conversations or fellow travelers. Yet, when she neared that table something encouraged her Drykas blood forward to shout about the random need for a guide. It wasn't until afterward when he had sat with her did she realize how careless and free spirited the move had been.

But if she hadn't received the need to do such a brash and bold action, she never would have met John. Never would have walked these decorated streets with the young man. Learning more from him within a moment next to him than she had with the other men in her native land in her eighteen years with them.Looking to him again she felt that maybe, perhaps this is what her mother had meant when she spoke of friends. A connection made with another without even realizing or predicting it would happen.

No matter how much she wanted to just accept that as being so, she couldn't.Thought's of the past that haunted her very being to the inner most softened core barked at her. Trails of the present and what she was enduring now, clawed at her stone barriers; but longings for the future hoping it would bring her better days. Days filled with love and compassion, rather despair and hatred drug her along.

Ryjaoka was jolted from her thoughts at the feel of John's warm body embracing hers with a hug. Her eyes stood wide in disbelief as her body tensed almost immediately to the foreign contact. She kept still on the counter, not really being able to move or break from his form. Allowing him to hug her while her mind raced in wonder. Why had he done this? What was his reasoning? She couldn't remember the last time she'd been held or even this close to another being before. At most the closest contact she'd been with another living creature was Parkas; and her mother all those years ago.

She felt her heart beat pound wildly in her chest, the sound heating her already warm body more. Her toes straightened, ready for a hasty departure if necessary while she tried to clear her throat. Opening her mouth she found her words lost to her. No matter what she was thinking she couldn't quiet form the thought to leave her lips.

Gazing out to the store she saw nothing but blackness, her eyes seizing to see anything rather than his back and hair. The world seemed lost to her upon his touch, something about it was so hard to accept; yet so welcomed by her. The anger of Zulrav flashed and growled outside causing her to jolt back to her soulless body. Swallowing the lump of indecision she took another breath; his smell mixing with her senses.

It somehow pleasant to her and welcomed while she stored it too her up most memory. Knowing that every individual had their own scent and now she would be able to tell if was him or not, even if the gods decided it'd be best to revoke the sight which she had been given. Licking at her dry lips she looked down at his shoulder before speaking shakily calm to him.

"Um. Thanks? John," Ryjaoka wasn't sure how to respond to a hug, the last one she'd received had been far to long ago to recall. She wasn't sure if she should hold him back or if she should pull away from him. Maybe it was best to just remain still until he made the first move? Many of odd questions circled her distressed brain while she searched for the answer. In fact, in her mind the only thing she really knew was that it felt nice to be embraced once again.

[John Vicari]

He felt her body tense in his arms yet he was unsure if he made a mistake at that second. Yet he did smell her skin and hair and felt relaxed as he smelled what seemed like wild flowers and a trace of fresh dirt as if from a garden.

His own thoughts unsure of so many things from what if he did let go if she would run away? What if he did make a mistake by hugging her? Why did he even think of hugging her when he never did really hug anyone? Was he blind to something that was so clear to others?

He felt her body jump slightly as the storm raged outside. Maybe he would had jumped as well if he was not so worried of him being so close to her? Yet as she did jump he held on tighter slightly before letting go slowly as she spoke at last. How long was the hug? He lost track of time in his head as he looked on her.

"Sorry...I don't know what came about me but...you looked...like you could use a hug." He said softly as he smiled softly towards her. He was unsure how long the storm would rage outside or how long Zulravs would rage about. He was even unsure why they were having such a odd storm yet paid it no mind as he kept his eyes on her.

His eyes trailed from her towards the windows as sheets of rain filled the streets. He felt like he was trapped in the small shop as he kept to his thoughts.

"It will take a bit but if you could teach me Pavi then I can write your book. On a normal time it takes me three or four days to copy it well but for this it will be more for the simple fact I want a more understanding of your tongue. If you would be willing that is..."

He turned back to her as he spoke to her. His stomach made a soft growling sound as he looked down. Clearly was in the mood for food but did not voice anything for no food was around in the shop. He would just deal with the sounds from his stomach and the random pain down the road for he did miss more then just one meal.

"The storm may end soon or it may not. I am hoping it will end soon even if we are safe in here. I am not even sure what I am saying and I think I am just rambling..."

His voice was more soft then normal as he wanted her to talk and fill the air with more then thoughts for he was worried he did something he should not have. Maybe it was just in his head and he was over worrying? Maybe but he did not even know how to ask about it or even if it was right to ask something like that.

"If you don't mind getting wet would you like to head to another area? Just need to enter the castle and we will be fine but more safer and more light then the shop..."

[Ryjaoka Windia]

Looking up at him she smiled at his words, trying to let the mood lighten again. She almost hit herself for being so un-trusting to others, because of her shielded heart she was sure that John didn't want her company anymore. Looking to the books again she tried to think of a way to bring the friendliness back to the room.

The mention of their future task caused her to look back at him with a nod. She felt honored to be the one to teach him her language. Somehow she felt that it would help her people to accept her one book transfer at a time. "I wouldn't be troubled or mind at all to teach you. Although I must warn you it's quite a dueling tasks to have begin."

Pavi wasn't impossible to learn how to write, but for non-native speakers to the language it could be hard to understand at times. She wasn't sure how long it would take to teach him the language of her race. She'd never taught anyone before, simply overheard teachings and repeated. She wondered if the task was to much for her to accomplish especially with someone so eager as John seemed.

Than again he could of just been polite to her, if that was the case than almost certainly the task would be made harder. Hearing the guttural sound she looked to his stomach, her face scrunching in concern. Moving over to her cloak she searched the small pocket pulling out a small white cloth. Moving back to him she handed him the folded material; placing it carefully in his hands she smiled at him.

"Here it's nothing much, just some nuts but hopefully it will help to hold you over," looking at his shoulder she pondered for only a moment before resting her hand on it. "It's the least I can do. You've already done so much for me," with that being said she removed her hand. The palm feeling oddly cold while she let it rest at the side.

Moving to look out the window she debated what he had asked her, the rain wasn't too heavy. It wasn't the worst storm she had walked through in her travels. She let the coolness of the dust covered window tough her face, wrapping around her cheeks while she thought of the rain. She rather enjoyed the rain, the way it made her body cool and slippery. The feel of it's soft droplets drenching her ebony hair making it darker to the appearance than it really was.

Turning to him she let her smile spread across her plump lips. "I wouldn't mind at all." Moving to the counter she reached for her cloak, pulling the worn material on her body once more. Allowing her eyes to scan over the boot once again, making sure it was tight enough for a walk in the rain. Reaching for her sword she fastened it to her person. Grabbing at his sword she extended it to him, the weight heavier than her own but still acceptable to her. "Lead the way."

[John Vicari]

Another flash of a smile graced his lips as he unwrapped the cloth, the nuts were from the local area in the woods he knew that much as he slowly ate a few. Some of them held a sweet after tone while others were more of a bitter type. All in all he enjoyed the mix of the two tastes as he warped the cloth once more handing it to her after eating a small handful or two. He did not want to eat all of them as she voiced her views of leaving.

He picked up his blade, placing it along his belt without much worry of it as he left his pack along in the shop. If the shop ever was broken into his backpack would be the least of his worry. He waited for her to get ready and was glad she had a cloak for her body even if the rain was letting up. His plan was to head to his own home and study with her as he had more then enough paper and food that he could try to make.

Without another thought John let the door open as the cool wind touched along his face, the smell of clean rain washing away his worries almost as he walked out into the light rain. He did not run for cover yet walked at his normal pace with her near him. He was unsure how she felt of the rain but he did not want any reason to trip and get hurt or get her hurt. Medical understanding was not in his head nor even the idea of how to help her.

He had no real large idea how he would learn Pavi, he was even unsure what steps to take yet maybe she would. Or at least he hoped she would but if not then they would work it out. It might take awhile yet he would learn it and work on a book for her yet that was if she wanted to stay in the city or not as she did say she wanted to travel. Would she linger longer due to him? Was that the right thing for him to do? What if he stood in her way?

He almost did not even seem to see the door he came upon in the castle, it was deeper then most places where only lamps and torches were a lit casting shadows of light upon the bodies that moved past the area. It was a deep brown shaded door, a simple door knob once more yet that was common place as John lifted a small key from his pocket and with a small click he pushed it open.

He was not greeted by lights or sounds but of yet another dark home. No windows laid about the bare cold grey shaded walls. As he lit a small lamp upon a side table his eyes saw the room for what it was. An overall small room, larger then the shop they were at but still felt lifeless on some level to him, chairs laid about around a small table with a kitchen just feet away. A hallway laid about that only had a few doors that were all shut yet he just shook his head at the thought of anyone being home it would seem.

"Home sweet home I guess..." He said softly as he let her in. As he shut the door he moved about opening the far door from the hall as she was free to do what she wanted, he brought back two cotton towels, one for him and the other for her. They were of a off white color, not the softest in the world but held some feel along the skin that did not leave it harsh when it did touch the body.

Before he could even ask anything the door once again opened as the soft sounds of a cat were heard. His eyes turned to the young girl at the door holding the short-haired calico cat. If one were to look at them they would see they were close in looks. She was smaller in size, standing only 5'3, her hair was more of a red shade like flames upon the night sky. Yet her icy blue eyes were the same as John's as she wore a white peasant blouse that covered her arms, a ocean blue knee-length skirt with black flats.

Her eyes glanced towards John and the new person in the room yet she said nothing to the female in question as her eyes traveled down her hair, along her body down to her boots. Yet after-wards she kept them on John, one could say she was glaring at him for some reasons as the cat made another meowing sound in her arms.

"Hello John..." The voice was soft yet not in terms of tone but of volume as if not wanting to speak to the person in question. She did not move from the open doorway as John looked back at her. His own face almost blank yet his tongue gave away something. The tongue clicked along the roof of his mouth as he watched her as if watching prey in the wild. A warm feeling ran down his body as he felt what could be called annoyance by some and others would call it anger. He called it displeasure which was the same thing in the end.

"And here I thought you did not want to be here." His reply came at last towards the redhead. His voice still holding his normal tone of softness yet it held a undertone of something else. A emotion only the clicking of his tongue foretold.

"Staying with someone right now. I will be leaving in a few days. They are not here either. Father has gone fishing and took Mother with him. Grandmother is at the welcome home for the time being and may be there for awhile it seems."

"And tell me dear sister why did you have to tell me this and not write it down? Clearly this meeting is not something you had in mind."

"No, I am not the writer like you are. Yet I did not know you were bringing home a guest so I will take my leave from you and this place."

"Will you come back or at least write?"

"No...not if I have my way. I am washing this and everything about it away. I will travel towards Zeltiva and see what kind of scholarly knowledge they have. Maybe try to learn to sew more but no brother...I will not see you again odds are."

The sounds of his clicking tongue ceased as she spoke the words. If Ryjaoka saw his eyes she might had called them daggers looking at his sister. His anger towards her was unbinding his clear mind thoughtfulness as he let his Djed flare to the surface of his eyes as he looked at Elaine. His sphere of influence slamming into hers like a dagger as he sent a single flash of emotion and thought. Fire.

He made no movements, his eyes or body made no reaction as the red hair female yelled in pain, the cat upon his hands cutting deep in her arms as she tighten them for reasons unknown before fleeing the home out the door. Her breathing was harder yet she said nothing as she slammed the door running out of the home after her four legged friend.

He just stood there, standing in his empty home save for Ryjaoka. He lost something more then just a sister right then. He lost his self restraint over his magic and used it without even meaning to towards his own family. He felt like he was falling into a dark maze that he could not get out of as he just stood still.

He was not even sure what to say or how to say anything to Ryjaoka. He wished she did not see that sight and he feared she question why she yelled running out the door. He did so much to try to limit his powers at times and now he used them not only on family to attack but in front of someone. So many things ran in his mind as he looked towards Ryjaoka, his eyes almost dead with emotion as he moved towards a chair sitting upon it. The towel still in his hands yet he did not even try to wipe himself with it.

"S-sorry you had to see something like that..." He softly spoke at last yet was still unsure of anything else right then. "She is...was..my twin sister. Well guess she went with the idea of moving away as the family falls apart. Sure this is something you want to see...Want me to try to cook up something for us? Have some paper in my room that we can use to start with Pavi..."

He did not know what to say yet he knew he had to do something before he became lost in his own head of thoughts and worries. Even if deep down he did fear he was already past any hope of being saved from them.

[Ryjaoka Windia]

The rain felt nice against her heated skin while they walked. Sure she'd been in the rain many times, but for reasons unknown to her she was enjoying this Zulrav pour most of all. Her hair grew heavier at the accumulation of the little glittering droplets. She hadn't even notice them entering the castle until she was greeted with a inner darkness.

Letting her eyes fall to John she watched carefully as he lit the room, covering it in a yellow hue while he disappeared from her. Ryjaoka felt out of place in the tiny room. Not for the reasons of the size but rather because she was standing in it at all. She's regretfully had become accustomed to sleeping in wide open spaces where danger leaked behind every rock or tree.

Looking down at the small puddle she was forming she waited patiently for John to return. The comfort and safety of his homing making her jumpy and uncertain. Smiling at the towel he handed her she took it with nimble fingers, beginning to strip from her cloak. Laying in a folded pattern on the floor near the door she entered the room more. Drying herself while she walked.

The sound of the door opening behind her caused her body to go into motions. Turning quickly around she let the towel drop from her hands while she readied herself for a fight. She all but relaxed at the sight of the young girl standing small in front of her. Her blue eyes matching John's while they're faces somewhat looked a like. Taking a moment to determine the relation of the two she decided on the sibling card; though stood unsure as the girl called to him.She nodded when her theory was proved by John's smooth voice, the sound somehow different yet she couldn't put her finger on it.

Glancing over at John she noticed him shift, the move slight but still there. She wondered why he was tightening to this girl that stood no more than a little over five feet tall. Keeping her hand placed carefully against her sword, she watched the two quietly. Letting them have their dispute while she looked on. Something about the seeming argument seemed weird to her. She felt the air tighten as though evil leaked through the walls of the Grey stone.

In fact to her surprise she felt her neck hairs standing on end, her tongue drying immensely while she looked between the two. Feeling uncomfortable to really look at either of them she focused in on the cat. Watching it's delicate movements, shifting with the chest of the girl holding it. It's yellow eyes gleaming at her; telling her something that she couldn't understand.

It wasn't until she shifted her eyes to her boots that she realized she'd been chanting in Pavi to herself. Never saying the words out loud but instead trapping them for only her to hear in her head. It was a soft pray that usually helped to calm her down in times of deep despair or regression. Why was she chanting though? That was the one question she couldn't answer.

Nothing was going on that would cause her to be driven to ask for the gods blessing. All that seemed to be happening in front of her was a brother and sister fighting over living arrangements. They weren't even really fighting, they were discussing the matter and nothing more. So than why did she feel unprotected? And in need of saving?

The high pitched screamed emitted from the girl caused Ryjaoka's eyes to shoot up. Looking all around she gripped the shaft of the sword tightly while she tried to deduct where the danger was coming from. Her brows coming together in confusion she looked to the wriggling cat. Watching as the pointed claws sunk into the flesh before darting off for cover. Why was this girl screaming in pain? Nothing was touching her, let alone hurting her.

Turning her eyes to John for some answers she felt her blood go cold, something was different about him. The way her bore into his sisters eyes would surely cut her if the power existed in him. Her knuckles white now she took a step back from him. His safe feel and welcoming warm presences seemingly gone from him. She didn't see the young girl flee the scene, but she heard her fading footsteps and angry slam of the door.

Keeping her body still she didn't dare move from the very spot she stood in. She wasn't sure how to react to this. Was John simply standing there watching like she had been? Was his sister just being young and naive? Either way she looked at it she still knew what she'd seen come from his eyes. That look so cold and dark, filled with hatred and dis concern for anyone around him.

She was almost to alarmed to hear his quiet whisper calling to her ears, expressing their apologies and admitting something she didn't quite understand. Wetting her lips nervously she kept her green eyes on him, her head turning with his movements towards his seat. His question almost left unanswered while she tried to formulate what she would do.

Ryjaoka had been in bad situations before, all of which she ended up leaving changed and beaten in some form. Yet here stood her golden opportunity to flee the scene. To take back what she'd ensured and dash from this very room without a second word to him. Turning to the door she took a step forward heading for it, knowing that these steps would lead her to the door and out.

However, when the time came to exit she found her feet turning again, only this time heading for the paper and pencils. What was she doing? She didn't even know what had pocessed her to want to keep her word. Than that was just it, it was her word. Ryjaoka was a lot of things to a lot of different people; but one thing they could never call her was a lair. Never had she spoke of something that wasn't true, or worth holding up. She knew better than to fool the easy minded or willing soul. She'd been taught better than that.

Even if sometimes she had that strange urge to use her words against others. To twist them into undeniable statements that would ensure total and utter chaos, she didn't. Keeping her mind active she thought upon those urges now. She hated the fact that the world was right about her, that truly inside she was a monster bent on destroying or causing discomfort. Sure she'd never done anything to hurt anyone, nor could she in picture herself causing harm to another being. But still the impulse to inflict even the slightest amount of misguidance or terrine seemed to flow through her blood.

Shaking her head violently she pushed the thought away, slamming it shut in the outer depths of her mind while she cleared her throat. "Get a book that...that you know by heart," her words were firm. Holding a trained shut down of emotional fear in them while she scribbled a few things down on paper that she would use to teach him.

Moving back to sit at the table, she sat as she had in the tavern from him. Not wanting to be too close in case she needed to defend herself from him, but close enough where she could share her Pavi language. Looking over at him she kept calm while she watched him. "I'll teach you the vowels first than start by explaining a few Pavi rules of writing. The will help me teach you vocabulary," she explained. Her body calm while she tried to decide what she thought of John exactly.

[John Vicari]

He left her be as he stood up doing as he was told. He moved back after leaving down the hall placing a small box upon the table. The box itself was nothing grand yet as he opened it he picked out some parchment, paper, two quill and a bottle of black ink. It was a calligraphy kit, a bit basic but overall a neat little box holding the needed items to write.

He saw how she was acting, her voice was firmer and her actions far different then just an hour ago when they were together. He made more then one mistake to let his emotions get a hold of him. She was talking about something, it was an I or U yet his ears could not pick it up or was it more that his mind could not understand what she was going on about.

His hands were holding a quill, he did not remember picking it up nor dipping it in the ink as he was slowly writing. It seemed he was writing different vowel. He knew the common yet the text beside them he was unsure of. He was not in the mind of this lesson it would seem. He had to take another chance. He knew he had to risk everything when he had nothing to help him. Yet...he already lost if he did not try it.

He looked back up at her, they were just across a table yet he felt like they were miles apart. He knew his face was guarded yet he let out a soft sigh as he placed the quill down upon the table. If he did not take this chance to open up then he would not be able to look at himself in the mirror next day.

"Why..Why are you here? You have had more then one chance to walk out and I would not blame you...Yet I am about to tell you something...something I have yet to tell anyone but my family...and even then...only my mother and sister...I know I am a monster...deep down.."

His voice was so soft, so small, and so vulnerable as he looked at her. He felt something upon his face. His fingers brushing along near his eyes as he touched an small tear as he talked. Why was he crying? He had not done anything like that in years that he could recall.

"Everything...that is me...should tell you just to leave and not look back...and I would not blame you at all...If you never saw me again."

He said it. He was more then open towards her right now. His amour laid upon the ground, his heart laid in range for her to cut out and was able to slay the monster that he saw himself deep inside.

Maybe that was it? Maybe he wanted to die in the end of things? Maybe then he would feel better about something. If she was sane he would know she would walk away from him and this home and he knew if she did he would not see her again. The lesson would be a waste and he would not blame her. No amount of saying sorry would change what he did yet he doubted she knew what really did go on other then seeing John as a killer.

He was not sure what she would say or if she would even understand what he meant. Maybe he did not ever know what he was saying. He felt tired, more tired then he did for awhile. He knew why. He did not plan on using his magic and more so he did it on a empty stomach or at least a near empty stomach.

He just looked at her, unsure of everything right then. Maybe Kelwyn could pay a visit and help...he doubted it. He knew deep down the twins of lost causes were not to be around on this meeting. He knew no god would give words of ease or a guiding hand.

[Ryjaoka Windia]

He seemed mindless to her while she explained the Pavi to him. She tried to think of the best way she could explain it to him so he could learn some of the language over this short amount of time. Yet, if he refused to cooperate with her how could she. Letting out a little sigh hiding it with a fake yawn she continued with the her lesson to him. Some of the words that she scanned over she really didn't know the meaning although she could read it on the page. While other words were lost to her.

Looking through what he had given to her she almost found herself trailing off. Her mind moving to the days of her own schooling; the teachers instructing her and the other children. She wasn't stupid but she'd never been known for her academic mind.

It was John's gentle voice that broke her from her teachings listening to him she strained to hear what he was saying. His question shocked her at first, her thoughts scrambling to form a reasoning for the question. "Well..um." Why was she here? What had made her follow him to his house? She never would have gone with anyone else so blindly like she did with him.

Trying to think of something to say she decided to just listen to him instead. His words hitting home somehow while she set her own quill down. "Your not a monster," Ryjaoka voice was softer now. Softer than it'd been since being with him in this city. Looking up she felt her eyes bend together in sorrow as she saw the wet tear streak his once dry face.

His face looked to her so torn inside, so beaten by what he was that it stung for him to even speak of it. The way his voice felt defeated and came off as finished did little to calm her. She wasn't sure what to say or do to ease his conscious or mind. Having never been able to solve her own inner demon while she looked on at him.

Thinking of the question he had asked her she felt that she wasn't being kind to him. She was acting like all the people she disliked, grimacing at that knowledge she looked to him again. "I won't leave."

Moving over a chair she sat closer to him while she spoke to him wanting him to feel that she was telling the truth. "True I was nervous when I saw you just now. You seemed very different to me than you had our entire time together. I guess I...was just expecting pain," looking to the parchment she sighed.

Had she really been so one sided with him, the man that had bought her a sword and showed her hospitality like he had. Looking at his hands she took notice of their creases and curves. Letting her green eyes drift around the skin while she searched for something within the his hands. "My mother once told me that you can tell a man by his hands."

"She would say that the rougher the hand the harder the heart. As I look at your hands John, I don't see the roughness that would cause you to be a monster," letting her eyes rest on her own hands she scanned them. Picking up the roughness of a traveler she knew that she held monster hands, not him he was different. Somehow he was an honest man that she could dare to call her friend.

"I think I came with you because you gave a reason to trust you, you didn't act like the others do that see me John," shifting her gaze to look into his blue eyes she smiled lightly. Swallowing she searched his upper body wondering if she should do what she felt was needed for this moment. Remebering how he had done it for her back at the shop. Looking to the ground she moved her body forward to embrace him this time.

Letting her nervous thoughts stand by while she hoped that this was something that was right. That maybe he would feel better by her doing this for him. She never really had the opportunity to comfort someone, so she found herself lacking in the skill that was needed to do it properly. Still, she tried to think back to the days of her mother and how she had been comforted as a young child.

[John Vicari]

He felt..he was unsure how he felt for once as she warped her own arms around his body. Without much thought he moved his own arms around her back, his fingers digging in her skin slightly as he nodded his head. The fingers were not of a sign of attack as the nails moved down her spine slightly but of his own emotions crying out using his body as a conduit.

His eyes felt tired as she held him or was he holding her? His stomach still making sounds of wanting food yet he did not think of that. Only thing he could think of right then was how her body smelled to him. He was unsure if it was her or just any scent that eased his worries. He did not even question it or if she was really the one using magic upon him in the end.

His head was along her neck, he could had bite her with ease if that was his goal yet he just gave a small nuzzle unsure if it was his emotion once more or just his own reaction for her as he moved his arms back as he stood up. His legs felt shaky not from her but from the need to eat something.

"L-let me go cook something...I pay for a good part of the food for the seasons and know how to cook somewhat. Just something basic if I follow a cooking guide yet I made this meal once before. Just cooking some meat and maybe some fruit that will go bad if we don't eat it. Basic apples from the fruit stands in the city. Get some every few days but well doubt anyone will use them soon."

He said as he moved towards the kitchen, his body bending over opening a small cabinet pulling out what looked like a wooden box. It was filled with salted meat, a coat so thick one could easily see the salt from the other room as he pulled two good amounts out placing them on the counter without another thought. The box was moved back under the cabinet as he opened another one pulling out a wooden cooking board then adding them meat on it.

With that he just moved about the room, his mind knew where everything was from the plates to knives the family used. He did not even know what she was doing with his back turned to her as he took a sharp knife cutting along the meat. He cut just below the surface of the salt yet with his skills with the knife he left more then he should as he pulled out a pan placing it upon the stove.

Inside the iron stove laid wood that was slowly burning, enough to keep the home warm yet not enough yet to cook anything with ease as he pulled a small bundle of wood from the side closet. Without waiting that long the fires once again spark life as the pan made a sizing sound as the meat was laid about in the center.

"Not the best of cooks so this won't be the best of meals yet cooked meat is still better then nothing. I do want to cook more yet...never really do due to hate cooking for just myself you know? Yet best way to learn is by doing."

He was still unsure how to cook the meat for prefect redness or pinkness yet as he placed them upon the plates a part of him knew they would be just a bit too pink in the center. Maybe he would get better in time with cooking or maybe he would not as he moved back to the side closet picking out three red apples. Something he could not mess up on as he placed two upon her plate moving back to the table handing it to her with fork and knife.

"Sure anyplace else would do a finer job yet a meal is a meal." He said with a smile and his failed try at a bad joke. He did not touch his plate until after she ate some as he took a bite into the apple. It was not super fresh but it was still food even if it had that mushy feel he disliked.

The house was slightly warmer yet the fires in the stove would had kept it nice in the night as the weather was getting cooler. He doubted she would mind that much as he took a bite out of his pink beef. Maybe he should work on cooking more then anything else?

"Do you know how to cook by chance? If I have to cook again I may poison one of us it seems...or at least make it so you won't let me touch meat again."

His voice was back to normal. At least in the tone with her. He still felt bad and knew he would have to tell her something of why he broke down like that yet her hug did more then just make him feel better. It gave him hope of some kind that told him maybe things would work out in the end. He knew he would have to leave here soon maybe even in the next few days yet that somehow did not drag him down as he looked towards her with another smile along his face.