Timestamp: 10th Spring, 514 AV
Much had transpired while Vanator, Kavala and Caelum were in Endrykas, events that had significance to both them as individuals, and to everyone at the Sanctuary. These things laid upon Vanator's mind on the trip back from the Pavilion City, and the impact they would have on them all. But beneath it all, from the time they had ridden from home, while in Endrykas, and to their arrival at the Horse Gate, something tugged at the Drykas, an undercurrent that would surface with every thought of the newest Kelvic to arrive at the Sanctuary. Reven Heath.
From their first encounter mid-winter, a chord had resonated between them. Vanator had soon guessed at its source, though he was not convinced the cougar fully understood. Even for him, it was tangled with the more common attraction between a man and woman, or in this case, a man and a large feline predator who took the form of a young woman. A Kelvic bond was trying desperately to draw them together.
Vanator was not ready for such a commitment, having just been practically left at the altar. He knew enough that if he could avoid Reven, the bond could be resisted. But then she moved into the Sanctuary. Van felt bad, guilty even, for keeping his distance from Reven, especially when he engaged so readily with the other residents. But it would not be fair to himself or the Kelvic if he entered a bond without being ready. He was sure Kavala suspected something, knowing how Reven felt about her brother, and how her brother had no reason to rebuff the attractive and friendly young Kelvic. The trip to Endrykas was a welcomed break from the persistent preoccupation with the cougar girl.
But on the way home, Vanator had made a decision. He had to face Reven. They could not go on living in the same place in a stalemate. He hated feeling like he could not get close to her. Even though she was Kelvic, and he was vastly older than she, the fact was Vanator was very fond of her even without the constant tug of the waiting bond. He was sure Reven did not fully understand it. Maybe if he talked to her, explained it, she would understand why he had been so standoffish to her when it was clear they had something.
The Drykas could not wait, and the evening of the same day they returned from Endrykas, Vanator sought Reven. He had cleaned up, bathing away the dirt of the journey, slipping into a simple sleeveless brown tunic and a comfortable pair of dark cotton pants. Reven had not been tied to the Sanctuary web yet, so he could not rely on the network to locate the Kelvic. Van quizzed Elise, Larik and finally Cadra before he learned that Reven had gone to her quarters. It was getting late, and he hoped she had not decided to turn in early.
Approaching her room, Van rapped lightly on her door. "Reven, its Vanator. Um, do you have a moment?"
Much had transpired while Vanator, Kavala and Caelum were in Endrykas, events that had significance to both them as individuals, and to everyone at the Sanctuary. These things laid upon Vanator's mind on the trip back from the Pavilion City, and the impact they would have on them all. But beneath it all, from the time they had ridden from home, while in Endrykas, and to their arrival at the Horse Gate, something tugged at the Drykas, an undercurrent that would surface with every thought of the newest Kelvic to arrive at the Sanctuary. Reven Heath.
From their first encounter mid-winter, a chord had resonated between them. Vanator had soon guessed at its source, though he was not convinced the cougar fully understood. Even for him, it was tangled with the more common attraction between a man and woman, or in this case, a man and a large feline predator who took the form of a young woman. A Kelvic bond was trying desperately to draw them together.
Vanator was not ready for such a commitment, having just been practically left at the altar. He knew enough that if he could avoid Reven, the bond could be resisted. But then she moved into the Sanctuary. Van felt bad, guilty even, for keeping his distance from Reven, especially when he engaged so readily with the other residents. But it would not be fair to himself or the Kelvic if he entered a bond without being ready. He was sure Kavala suspected something, knowing how Reven felt about her brother, and how her brother had no reason to rebuff the attractive and friendly young Kelvic. The trip to Endrykas was a welcomed break from the persistent preoccupation with the cougar girl.
But on the way home, Vanator had made a decision. He had to face Reven. They could not go on living in the same place in a stalemate. He hated feeling like he could not get close to her. Even though she was Kelvic, and he was vastly older than she, the fact was Vanator was very fond of her even without the constant tug of the waiting bond. He was sure Reven did not fully understand it. Maybe if he talked to her, explained it, she would understand why he had been so standoffish to her when it was clear they had something.
The Drykas could not wait, and the evening of the same day they returned from Endrykas, Vanator sought Reven. He had cleaned up, bathing away the dirt of the journey, slipping into a simple sleeveless brown tunic and a comfortable pair of dark cotton pants. Reven had not been tied to the Sanctuary web yet, so he could not rely on the network to locate the Kelvic. Van quizzed Elise, Larik and finally Cadra before he learned that Reven had gone to her quarters. It was getting late, and he hoped she had not decided to turn in early.
Approaching her room, Van rapped lightly on her door. "Reven, its Vanator. Um, do you have a moment?"
