Closed By Day One Way, By Night Another [Merevaika]

[Taurina]

Late night on the 25th of Winter 516

Heat lightning streaked the sky in hues of white and golden light. Leth struggled to shine through the fog the clouds and electricity created, but he was still there. Still fighting to be a beacon in the sky for those who needed him. Taurina liked to think that he was there for her because he knew how much his presence did for her, but that was not likely true. He was just there because he was always there, just Like Syna was always there during the daylight hours. It was just how things were supposed to go. It was foolish to read anymore into it.

“Want to go home?” Taurina questioned her mare as she walked up to the gently creature.

Melody had been on edge lately and Taurina did not know what to do about it. The lightning definitely did not help. It had been going on most nights since the heat had really set in and it became clear that winter was not coming. Morwen had just decided not to show her face to Mizahar this year and the consequences of that action were wreaking havoc, especially on Endrykas. Perhaps all of Mizahar was feeling the consequences of Morwen’s decision, but Taurina only had knowledge of this place and she feared for it. She feared what was going to happen to the place she had begun to call home.

“Come on, I got a treat for you,” Taurina tried to tempt Melody as she picked out a small lump of a sugar cube from her pack.

Sugar usually did the trick well enough to get Melody into the yvas, but tonight the mare even turned her nose up at that. The Eth frowned, wanting to make her way closer to home. They were currently in the Amethyst clan because Taurina had decided to stay late and work on some tattooing practice at the Lilacwind pavilion. She had already been in the middle of something and had not been ready to call it a night just yet, though perhaps she should have just packed it up and continued back home. Perhaps Melody would not have been so finicky now if they had left before the lightning had really set in. Taurina came closer to the mare, offering the sugar in a flat outstretched hand.

“Melody,” Taurina kept her voice soft and patient, though inside she was crawling to get nearer to home.

The Eth did not like being so far from it so late at night. Anything could happen and home was where her new family was. She was safer there near them, even though she spent her nights outside of the tent they all dwelled within. Taurina sent a few more gentle words in Melody’s direction and the mare slowly gave in. The sugar lump was consumed as Taurina worked to get the yvas on the colorsplash mare. The straps were tightened and all belongings but Taurina’s dagger were placed within the yvas bags that were attached to it before she fastened those shut. She also worked a halter onto the mare’s head, just in case she needed to get a better hold on the animal’s head. With Melody being so on edge lately, Taurina was taking more precautions. The Eth then gave the mare’s neck a gentle stroke before easing her way onto the animal’s back.

“Easy, easy,” Taurina cooed as Melody became distraught with the added weight, “you’re okay. We’re okay.”

Taurina spent several moments calming the mare before finally giving the creature a squeeze with her thighs and calves. The applied pressure got Melody to start walking and the two were off. The pace set for the two was slow and meandering, but Taurina did not mind. She was not a comfortable enough rider yet to kick Melody up into a faster gait and the pair were not always on the same page as far as signals went. How they managed not to run into more things or topple through any tents was something just short of a miracle.

The two continued along, Melody having various bouts of undue stubbornness and anger that they had to work through which just made the journey more tedious and exhausting. Taurina was ready to just arrive home and turn Melody loose with the other animals so she could focus on something else. Maybe even just lay on the grass and stare up at the angry sky. A horrible waste of time, but all Taurina felt like doing in the present moment.

Melody began again suddenly with another moment of stubbornness and just stopped moving completely. Taurina glowered as she squeezed her legs into the horse’s sides with all the strength her muscles had left.

“Oh come on, stop being so petching stubborn!” Taurina scolded as she dug her legs and heels into the horse’s sides as well as bounced a little to try and get the mare moving again, but Melody would not.

The most docile creature Taurina had ever come to know was not moving an inch. The Ethaefal threw up her hands in defeat, relaxing all muscles and just sitting there for a few moments half expecting Melody to make a sudden run for it. The mare didn’t though, she just stood there defiantly. Taurina groaned before working her way off the creature. Melody threatened to surge forward then, but Taurina reached out and grabbed ahold of the halter first which stopped the mare before she could gain any momentum. Taurina got her rope out of one of the large bags attached to the yvas and looped it through the left ring of the halter with a knot that hopefully would not break.

“Let’s go,” Taurina was grumpier now as she clicked her tongue and pulled the mare forward.

Melody moved forward with an ease and obedience that made Taurina want to pull her own horns off. Trying not to grow too angry, the very obviously annoyed Eth directed Melody in the direction she wished them to go using the makeshift lead rope. The two moved along, making their way back to the diamond clan. The journey soon proved that it was going to be a slow and tedious one, but luckily they had all night.

Common | Pavi | 'Thoughts'

[Merevaika]

Merevaika

Why wasn't it dark.
Well, it was, but it wasn't, and she hated it. The lightning streaked across the sky as if it wanted to get her caught, flashing its bright lights like a spotlight against her skin. The fog did its bit to help her, shielding her from Leth's light, but the gold and white streaks made its efforts futile. When the lightning flashed, the whole pavilion was lit up and the woman could do little to hide herself.

And everything else had gone so smoothly. The Drykas had approached the pavilion late evening, cloak in hand and eyes on the target. It hadn't taken long to scout it out, simply shifting around as if she was looking for someone in the nearby area, and she had judged it up as a fairly good target. A rather new offshoot it seemed, from the numbers and the young, but well off, as their tent was brand new as was their clothing. She didn't doubt that they had something nice for the taking, something they wouldn't really miss.

When darkness had settled and the Drykas had gone to sleep, Merevaika had taken the chance. Her cloak had been draped across her, the feathers somehow masking her scent, and she hid tiptoed forward, unnoticed by the guard dogs resting nearby. They were half asleep, only to be awoken by noise or smell, and one half of that had been sorted. The other half she had managed to avoid, somehow, remaining quiet enough to slip into the tent and out of their interest.

But with every flash of lightning, her outline was visible through each wall of the tent, and the woman worked quickly, rummaging through the bags with a desperate need to find something and get out before someone looked up and spotted the silhouette of a woman they didn't recognise. Her hands flew from rucksack to yvas bags, emptying possessions as rapidly as she could and in a manner that meant she could stuff them back in too, so no one would notice.

So far, there had been very little to discover. Nothing she needed, and nothing worth enough that it was worth taking. As the lightning flashed again and she moved to the next bag, someone sat up. Rubbing their eyes groggily, it must have taken them a few moments to wake up properly, but once they had, it was all over.

"Hey! Thief!" came the yell, Merevaika glancing sharply behind her and knowing she had to run, and now. Darting to her feet, the woman tore out of the tent, well aware at the noises of people rising and trying to get ready for a chase behind her. The dogs, which had been so peacefully resting and she had managed to avoid before, flew up, snarling and yelping. They were tied up, so she had a chance, and the woman ran, feet kicking up dust behind her.

There was only one direction in her mind as she fled. Out, away from the city, into the Sea of Grass. Apart from the knife, she was alone, weaponless, vulnerable, but any deeper into the city would be her capture, she knew that well. As long as she could escape and hide out until morning, she would be fine. No one had seen her - she wasn't going to be recognised. Her only problem would come from being caught.

The barking of dogs came again, and she ducked, hiding in a prickly bush and wishing she had picked something more comfortable. Careful not to rip her cloak, she wrapped it tight around her and kept still, knowing the only way they'd find her was by checking every bush. Sure enough, they didn't. Dogs tore through the plains in front of her, a small group riding after them and believing they were following dogs following a scent.

Fools. Laughing a bit to herself, she watched them disappear out of her sight, then waited a little longer. Finally ready to come out, the Drykas tumbled from the thorns, starting to laugh even more. So what if she hadn't got anything? She had got away, and that was something. Still laughing, she didn't notice the horse and woman who had been passing by as she had come out of her hiding until it was too late to go back.

Her eyes fell on both, her body frozen in place. It wasn't someone from the pavilion, she knew that. But she knew that horse. People she tended to forget, but horses were often a little more memorable. She didn't know why she knew the horse - and the person who led her looked all wrong, a complete stranger, not even a faint memory - but she knew the horse. All laughter gone, she locked eyes with her, trying to judge what was going to happen next.

"Pavi"
Grassland sign
"Common"

[Taurina]

If the Ethaefal had not been so absolutely annoyed with her mare she might have laughed at how easy Melody was being suddenly. One foot stepping in front of the other and with the gentle guide her hand gave by tugging on the makeshift lead rope, Melody followed direction immediately. There was no fight and the stubborn mare of before was gone. Taurina might have even tried to get back on and ride her, but she had the sneaky suspicion that doing that would just bring out Melody’s bad side once more. No, instead they would walk like this and take likely more than twice as long to get home.

The pair kept walking, on and on. There was nothing interesting about their walk at all. Nothing to look at besides the sleeping pavilions and the lighting that streaked the sky every so often. Normally Taurina would not mind so much, but when she was frustrated with one thing it usually crossed over and made her frustrated with many more things. The pair continued on their path.

If someone asked when things got interesting, Taurina would not be able to tell them for she had lost track of time by the time it happened. Her brain had zoned out and entered into a daydream of sorts, leaving her only aware enough to dodge pavilions and other things that threatened to get in her and Melody’s way. It was the sudden sound of dogs barking and people shouting that startled the Ethaefal out of her daydream.

She jumped within her skin, her eyes lifting just in time to see a figure running through the tents out towards the endless grass. Close -but not nearly close enough- behind were the causes of all the sound. Taurina’s gaze narrowed, not recognizing anyone. What was all the noise for? The Ethaefal found herself curious enough to go find out. She knew she shouldn’t though for people usually did not like other prying into their business. Every time the Eth had gotten involved in something that had nothing to do with her she had just gotten herself into trouble. Still.. curiosity called.

“What do you think Melody? Should I? Shouldn’t I?” Taurina stroked the stubborn mare’s cheek in thought, but she was not answered which was to be expected.

Taurina lifted an eyebrow and looked at the mare before she shrugged.

“We can always just say we were walking by. Don’t have to get involved. Come on,” Taurina talked herself into it before clicking her tongue and pulling the mare in the direction she wished to go.

Melody started with ease and the pair walked towards where Taurina had seen the shadow figure the others were chasing pass by. The Ethaefal led her mare in the direction till she realized that she did not know exactly where the group had gone. The dogs were no longer around and the shouts couldn’t be heard anymore. Taurina’s brow creased at the realization that they had likely missed the whole thing because of her slow decision making and because of the fact she had to lead Melody instead of ride her. They were also headed out towards the Sea of Grass, outside of the tent city and into the dangerous unknown. A shudder ran through Taurina’s body at the thought of going out there alone.

“Maybe next time,” the Eth decided in a murmur, clicking her tongue and leading Melody once more towards home.

This time the Ethaefal did not drift into daydreaming, but instead focused on the walk ahead. They were more in the Sea of Grass now than within the metaphorical walls of Endrykas so she wished to be more careful until they were once more surrounded by pavilions. So, the pair kept walking and only stopped when the ring of laughter filled Taurina’s ears. Melody was halted as Taurina watched a Drykas come out of the bushes, laughter on her lips.

Taurina stared at the girl, startled and a bit confused. What was the cause for laughter? Why was the Drykas in the bushes? Taurina’s brow creased and then the laughter stopped. Realization that she had been spotted froze the Drykas in place and the Ethaefal looked over her. She felt a tickle creeping up in the back of her brain. That hair, those eyes with that face. Something felt familiar. Taurina made herself think back, shuffle through all the faces she had met during her time in Endrykas. It took a few ticks, but after a moment things clicked and all it took was recalling the events that had happened not very long ago. A thief would always be a thief.

“You…” Taurina stumbled over the word, the simple pavi word broken by her common accent, “why are you here?”

Taurina was startled, confused, and still slightly annoyed with the other woman. They had fought over this woman’s exploitation of other’s needs and the thief had won. Taurina was in just a sour enough mood already to be bitter about it once more, but she was still processing the information that she was standing in front of the thief once more. It was strange to see her again, especially since the woman did not seem to even recognize her and did not seem nearly as sure of herself now as she had back when they had fought last season.

“I… you…” Taurina was frustrated with herself for not knowing what exactly she wanted to say. She sighed in defeat before simply asking, “Why were they chasing you? What did you do this time?”

There, that’s what she wanted to know. Chaotic emotions cleared up as Taurina looked at the woman. Perhaps she would answer, perhaps not. Taurina waited though, biting on the inner part of her lower lip as she waited. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea.

Common | Pavi | 'Thoughts'

[Merevaika]

Merevaika

The woman was so demanding as she asked through broken pavi, Merevaika staring back at her through half closed eyes. The way she said it, words bitter, meaningful, suggested to her more that this woman was one she knew. But she didn't, she knew she didn't. This woman sparkled and had horns, and she couldn't remember seeing very many of this strange race. If she had, she had to have remembered. Still, the horse, the tone... something was off here.

And when she said "this time"... Merevaika hated not knowing, standing prickled on edge, ready to fight or run or whatever it took. But if it was important, she'd remember. She'd have to. And the woman didn't know much, from what she said. Perhaps it wasn't too late to just walk away calmly, and forget all this had happened.

With a relieved sort of smirk, something she could barely pull of but wouldn't be too visible in the light anyway, she straightened, keeping her muscles firm as she let herself stand straight. Her hand moved to her knife anyway, rapping against the blade as a warning sign to her that she was armed, and ready to fight if it came to that.

But it wouldn't come to that, of course. They had just had a simple misunderstanding, and Merevaika had done nothing wrong.

Wow, she sounded so fake even in her head. She had to come up something better than that. The only problem with thinking was that it took too long, and a hesitation gave everything away before she could even start. "Again?" she began simply, deciding she would get what the woman knew out of her before she dug herself into any deep holes she couldn't jump back out of again. "I don't remember being chased at any point recently. Are you sure you know what you're talking about?"

After all, Merevaika didn't. She was just going with the flow and wishing she herself wasn't as recognisable, with the short hair compared to most Drykas' long hair, detailed windmarks which of course were different, and the eyes, considering no one had red and green eyes. Not that she knew of, anyway. Perhaps if she looked more ordinary, she wouldn't have been in this awkward situation. Then again, she doubted it was her appearance the woman was referring to with the whole again thing.

"Now, if you don't mind me, I was taking a nice evening stroll." Night time stroll. Something like that. Did it really matter? Turning very slightly, she made a step away, glaring at the woman and hoping she would just let her leave, alone, preferably. Something in her told her that she had clearly done something that would mean this woman wouldn't, however.



"Pavi"
Grassland sign
"Common"

[Taurina]

“Yes, I do” Taurina insisted, a strange sort of smile twisted on her lips as her hands signed her confidence and told of how sure she was.

The other woman must truly have not recognized the Eth for there was no hint of anything on her face. Just uneasiness before she shifted her position to stand straighter and let her hand fall to something on her person. Taurina wondered what she had, but she could not see for it was too dark. The Ethaefal’s own fingers went to reach for her knife just in case, but it was not at her waist and it would not have mattered much if it had been. Taurina knew little of how to wield it and having it was more of a false security thing than anything else.

It was interesting to Taurina that the Drykas did not remember her for the day water was being traded for gold unfairly was as clear to her as Leth during a cloudless night, but then she remembered something that made it all make sense. When the new realization hit her, Taurina’s smile turned into more of a sneaky smirk. The Drykas did not know her because she was an Ethaefal! She should have remembered that right away, but she blamed the thoughtlessness on the heat. It messed with everyone’s minds.

“I see, however, that you do not,” Taurina stated, her smirk fading to a low dim that just barely lingered on her face, “that is alright, I will enlighten you.”

Taurina knew her pavi was sounding especially broken tonight for her accent felt thicker in her throat than normal. She used her hands to try and clear things up a little better. She motioned that she understood the confusion and that she was going to explain. The Eth was not sure if she truly wished to explain herself, it felt like a much better idea to keep it a secret. It would keep the girl on her toes, but the girl was already trying to leave. She was glaring and made mention of being on an evening stroll.

“Evening stroll?” now it was Taurina’s turn to be confused and her hands said as much before she added in much quieter common, “you were in the bushes…”

The Ethaefal’s head tilted ever so slightly as she pondered how to keep the girl longer. Normally she would have either called the Drykas out on the episode she had seen earlier, with the dogs and other humans chasing a shadow, but that did not seem like the right move. It was very likely that this woman was the shadow, but Taurina had lost their last battle -if it could even be called that- and she did not wish to fail again. Even though she knew little of what she desired and even less of how she was going to accomplish it, Taurina did not want to let this Drykas go off. Not when her being here and her confusion was the only entertainment Taurina was going to get during the lighting filled night.

“Nevermind,” Taurina waved the last of what she had previously said off, it no longer being important. “I think I will go with you on this stroll, if you will indulge me. Night can be so boring when there is no light to see properly. Oh and I can tell you all about what I know that you do not, it will be fun!” Taurina gave a smile void of warmth and her hands moved with her words to better explain them to the best of her abilities, “which way are we going?”

Common | Pavi | 'Thoughts'

[Merevaika]

Merevaika

Her confidence was irritating. More so was the fact that she had no clue what she was referring to. Why had she forgotten this horned woman, but remembered the horse, and was remembered by her? Something didn't add up here, but the more she tried to understand, the more her forehead wrinkled in confusion and the more she decided to not bother. Hopefully, things would explain themselves.

What was worse was that the woman pointed out her confusion, with the Drykas quick to erase the marks from her visage. It was too late, however, with the woman even offering to enlighten her. Merevaika snorted at that, trying to appear like she didn't care. Every part of her, however, begged to understand what witchcraft this was. So she was torn, between staying and going, between getting rid of this woman and between getting her secrets from her first.

As she continued to talk, questioning the truth behind her "stroll", the woman then waved it off without Merevaika even having to stop to think about it. What a shame. She had had some good ideas coming. Well, they had seemed like good ideas. As she thought them over, she wondered what she really had been hoping for with them. Besides, it wasn't important now. What was important was getting the information from this woman, then ditching her, as soon as possible.

Thankfully, the woman offered to come with her without lingering any more on the whole subject of her doing something that seemed a bit dodgy. Maybe she hadn't noticed; maybe she was wise enough to know that approaching the subject would be dangerous, for her. Merevaika wouldn't take kindly to too many questions. Directed at her, anyway.

"Tell me then," she finally stated, moving briskly in the direction towards the city, although at a different angle from the one she had come from. Going straight back towards the pavilion she had tried to steal from was never a good idea, no matter how much they had seen or whether they were still searching, "Tell me whatever you've imagined." She gave a chuckle at that, trying to show her own confidence in her lack of knowledge. "I know your horse, but you..." It was magic, it had to be. It existed, she knew that. She had turned to a man once. People turned into animals all the time. Changing appearance was normal. "Have we met before?"

As long as she kept on that subject, the whole hiding in a bush and being chased by men on horses could be forgotten. She could deal with the embarrassment of her confusion, if it did enough to keep her safe.


"Pavi"
Grassland sign
"Common"

[Taurina]

The other woman was curious then to learn of what she did not know. Taurina smiled faintly, pleased with her success. The Drykas’ curiosity meant that she would allow the Eth to travel with her for at least a time and that was what Taurina had wished for. Allowing the other woman to lead, the Eth made a clicking sound by pressing her tongue up against the roof of her mouth and releasing it down with some amount of force. This captured her stubborn mare’s attention and soon both were off following after the Drykas who was asking about memories created by the imagination.

Taurina smirked as the other girl’s laughter was released into the air. It was not really a laugh. More of chuckle before the Drykas admitting to knowing Melody, but not remembering interacting with Taurina. The Ethaefal fingers through an unbraided section of her moon white hair, the smirk still playing over her features. She found there to be nothing more amusing than this woman who was completely perplexed over the fact she knew the horse, but not the rider. Taurina knew it was not the thief’s fault, but still, she was amused all the same.

“We have met,” Taurina confirmed, hands unmoving for both were consumed by the task of leading her mare and one could hardly see in this light anyway, “but things were different then.”

The Ethaefal’s gaze lifted towards the sky and her steps slowed. She gazed upon Leth who was barely a dim light trying to break through the night. Clouds covered his face, lightning making it impossible to see him when it streaked through the sky. Still, Taurina searched for her lord for she knew he was there. Unlike nights when storms consumed the skies, he could be seen during nights like this. Sure he was faint, but at least he was there.

“Leth did not give us light, Syna did. That is why you do not remember,” Taurina admitted, her indigo eyes dropping from her god and fixing upon the Drykas woman, “you will not know because I never said, but my name is Taurina.”

Taurina nodded towards the horse that accompanied her. Melody was no strider, but instead a colorsplash who was usually well mannered and hated the yvas. Taurina loved her all the same though for the horse had proven herself to be family during a time when the Eth had no one else.

“This is Melody,” Taurina introduced before moving on.

Horse and owner continued to trail beside the Drykas woman. They were heading back towards the tent city and away from the empty plains which Taurina was silently thankful for. She was unsure how she had allowed herself to get so far out there on her own. That was something she usually put a lot of effort into avoiding. It was dangerous out there, unknown. It was best to stay within or right beside the city, where others who were more knowing dwelled. At least then help could be called for and more likely gotten if it was ever needed.

“I will tell you the rest…” Taurina knew she was probably playing with fire, her voice carried with it a tone of mischief, “but first you tell me something.”

It was unknown how desperate the Drykas was for information. If she really wished to have her confusion cleared up or if she was willing to just let it go if it meant getting away from the Ethaefal. Taurina hoped her desire to know was stronger than her desire to get away. The Eth was not ready for this little game to end quite yet for she had not decided on what she hoped to get out of it. What the end goal was. For the time being, she simply hoped the Drykas played with her for a little while longer.

“Anything you want, just about you. A name would be nice.”

Common | Pavi | 'Thoughts'

[Merevaika]

Merevaika

The woman kept chuckling, and she hated it. What didn't she know? Why did this woman know her, but she didn't? Merevaika forced a smile onto her face, wishing she could make her eyes light up in the same way as this woman did. Wishing she could pretend she understood, pretend she realised. So she wouldn't look like such a fool.

Things were different then, the woman claimed. Different for which one? Both? There were plenty of times that were different for Merevaika, and there were plenty of reason they could have been different for her. She watched the mystery closely, noticing her gaze up to the sky. The storms? Had they changed her?

But then it was revealed she searched for Leth. But how was that possible? How could the sun and the moon change this woman in a way that Merevaika didn't recognise? It seemed... impossible. This... Taurina was making no sense, and the Drykas hated her for it. Why couldn't she just tell Merevaika everything so the women could go their own ways and leave each other?

"Hello Melody," she said to the horse, watching the coloursplash carefully. Where had she seen her before? Where? This city was too full of horses - it was impossible for her to remember. Not one plain coloursplash from the next. There had to be something more.

Her eyes flashed back to Taurina as she spoke, ready to hear what else she had to say. The tone changed it all. She wasn't planning on telling her. Not now. Possibly never. Depending on how long she could play with her, get what she wanted from her. Merevaika would play. But since she knew she was playing, she'd show it. She smiled, this time for real, and turned slowly to take in what she wanted.

Merevaika would play, then the drykas would disappear when she got what she wanted.

"I killed my sister's son." She spat the words out, hating them and the way they stung her, but letting them impact harshly on Taurina too. Show this woman what she could do - what she had done. Not a name, but a warning. Did that count as anything? Because there were other things she could tell her too. Other ways to show her who she was messing with.


"Pavi"
Grassland sign
"Common"

[Taurina]

“Why would you do that?” the words slipped out in stunned surprise.

The other woman’s demeanor had changed some. A smile splayed across her lips now and it made her eyes dance with an unnatural, off-putting light. The Ethaefal lost the cockiness that she had had before for suddenly there was a new terror. This woman, whatever she was called, was not only a thief, but a murderer as well. In a moment, Taurina feared for her life and then, in the next moment, she worked hard to mask that fear until it faded. The smile that followed was unsure and her eyes betrayed her.

Taurina tried to come up with some sort of rationalization for this woman to do such a thing. Murder was… it was death and it was final. One could not take such things back. The simple idea left a fowl taste in Taurina’s mouth and created memories she wished to shove into a dark corner so they could not see the light. Blood stained the Ethaefal’s hands from a life that was wholly hers and yet wholly apart from. She did not know if the memories were real or a product of her deepest fears, but the pictures had come in the form of a nightmare. One she tried hard to forget about.

“You are not a good person,” she spoke as though she was talking more to herself than the thief, “murderer… thief… why? What comes from such things?”

Gold. That came from the thieving. This woman had sold that water for a profit and even though Taurina had tried to get her to play fair, it hadn’t worked. The thief most likely had made off with a nice purse that day. The Eth did not know, she had not stuck around to find out. Murder was different though. There was no reason for it. That was a life and surely the gods did not take kindly to such acts against others. Did they? Taurina was unsure. She did not know much about them aside from Leth.

The Ethaefal tilted her head up to the sky once more. Lightning streaked across it in a blinding yellow flash, causing her to blink away the light. Little stars danced at the edges of her vision before slowly they faded away. She saw Leth. He was there, a faint dull glow.

“Leth is my god, I am an Ethaefal. This by night. Another by day,” Taurina explained, motioning to her form as she spoke of her changing states of being.

The woman had technically given into Taurina’s request and the Ethaefal was not up for the game anymore. Talk of murder had soured it. All she could think of was blood. The crimson blossoms over the white furs and blankets in her nightmares. The strange pearl colored blood that had been all Spring left behind. When Taurina let her gaze fall the the woman, she did not know what to think. How scared was she suppose to be of her? Why was she not more scared?

“We met last season, one of the days where there was little water,” Taurina gave in, giving up the cards she had been holding, “you went… somewhere. I do not know where. When you came back, you had loads of water and you used the thirsty people to your advantage.”

Taurina watched the woman, sure that the scene would play out before her in her mind’s eye. Surely there had not been many days like that. There had been many days of thirst during the fall, but none quite like that one. At least, Taurina had not witnessed any others that had been like that one.

“My other form is that of a Drykas… I fought you that day. You won,” Taurina gave up the last little piece of the puzzle before giving a sigh, leaving a pause and then quietly adding, “why did you kill him?”

The Ethaefal did not expect an answer really. The game was over and though it had not lasted long, Taurina had nothing left to keep the girl with her. If the Drykas wanted to stay it would have to be because she wanted to. The strangest part was, Taurina actually found herself not quite wishing for this night to be over yet. Her mind brimmed with dangerous curiosity. The Ethaefal wanted to know; she wanted to know everything.

Common | Pavi | 'Thoughts'

[Merevaika]

Merevaika

Her reaction was the one she wanted, an uncertain look in her eyes and a question that meant that she was in control. Surprise. Her statement had impacted where she had aimed it. Good. Ignoring the question, which made her sound like she had done it deliberately, she moved forward, letting the woman speak almost to herself.

She wasn't a good person - that was this woman's conclusion. It was true. Merevaika had killed and stolen and all sorts of things that labelled her as bad. But it was a label, and being "bad" or "good" meant nothing in the grand scheme of things. Good people still died. Bad people just cared about themselves a little more. But she wasn't here to philosophise. The gods didn't care, since they had tortured her before and after. That was all that mattered.

And the woman was going to explain who she was.

She claimed she was an Ethaefal, a creature that changed form in Leth's light and in Syna's. What was the point of that? They had no control over their own bodies. Who would want that as a life?

What was more interesting was when she revealed who she was to Merevaika. The woman was the one who had fought with when the water had disappeared. Merevaika gave a short chuckle, remembering the feel of coins in her hand from that. It had been a good day. People got the water they needed, and she got full pockets so she could feed herself and buy the things she needed. And Taurina had for some reason wanted her to give it up so much...

"Yes, I won," she chuckled again, casting the image from her mind. There had been forces to play there that she hadn't liked. A man who wasn't normal. Who had some sort of power over her thoughts, or something. She had come so close to not winning. Taurina barely knew that. She wasn't going to let her know.

The question of killing him - of why - came again, and Merevaika lingered, wondering whether she cared enough to answer. She didn't have to stay. She had everything she wanted from Taurina - and more - and she didn't have to answer anything, not anymore.

But she wanted to, and she let her delight ripple through her features, not sure why she was so happy. This wasn't a happy memory. She wasn't proud of it. She wanted more than anything for it not to have happened.

It was the delight of being the one with the answers, not the questions, that was it.

"I killed him," she started, not exactly sure what she was going to say. She left it at that, as she stared into the distance, trying to think of something. Her eyes, green that gleamed in the lightning, red that sparkled in it, held so much thought and emotion for a split tick.

Then they leapt at Taurina, almost empty. "Because the gods hate me." They couldn't let her have a happy life. Have a family and home. They had to go and make her do something that would wreck everything. "That's why."