I Long for Rain [Grandfathered]

[Eldon Sunkiss]

Day 86 of Winter, AV 510 Location: Endrykas Outskirts Eldon sat in complete silence as his eyes stared up into the clear sky. It was only days away now, days until Spring. Days until hunting would once again dominate the Drykas way of life. Days until Eldon was healed well enough to train once again. Training, Eldon was not so thrilled about that, but to kill the Zith, the run his spearhead through that furry humanoid chest in one, final, furious thrust that would forever seal his craving of vengeance. That final trivial clawing at the air as the Zith tried to grasp at his fading life, holding on to as many breaths as he could, if only that would save him from retribution. Vanah shifted suddenly, waking Eldon from his violent day dreaming. He peered down at the female strider, her large head was cocked to the side so that she could see Eldon through the corner of her strained vision. Eldon grinned faintly as he leaned over and stroked the side of her neck. "It's okay, girl. I'm fine. Just got a lot on my mind." Vanah snorted quickly as she looked ahead again. She wasn't buying it; she was much too smart to believe such a ridiculous lie. It had been obvious for a while now just how changed he really was. He wasn't the same man anymore, and she didn't like it. Nobody did. He was angry. A Philosopher of dark images and cruel theories. A hunter, not for the benefit of having food or learning skill, but so he could feel the pain of others under his palms. No, he had not been hunting, or killing, since the incident, but both he and Vanah, probably Denen and Sama'el as well, knew he wanted to kill for the sake of ending life. Until that dark cloud lifted from Eldon, he would not hunt, not with Vanah. She wouldn't allow himself to become cursed by Caiyha. Vanah loved Eldon, and vice versa, but Eldon also loved the idea of bloodshed. "Vanah, I miss the rain. I haven't seen a single droplet all year long. Is there any chance Makutsi would grace us with at least a short shower?" Eldon grinned as he looked up into the sky, it was one of the first times he's truly smiled since his father died. Rain, he loved the rain. He may have never hardly ever seen it, but from the few fond memories, he knew he loved it. And now he craved it, almost as much as bloodshed.

[Aron]

He had gone out that day hopeing to be alone. He enjoyed the company of his pavilion, but sometimes he needed to be alone. Besides how much can one learn while being constantly surrounded by the same people. So he had walked away from it all, Dera by his side like always. The sky was clear today, it seemed like things would go great today if he didnt mess anything up. He smiled complacently as he walked along, Slowly leaving the confines of the tents to the outskirts of Endrykas. He was looking around for a place to sit and relax out here when he notticed the man. He seemed to be brooding on something, his mind occupied. He seemed to have come out here for the same reason Aron did, to be alone. Well if that was the case, he was going to be disapointed. Aron was in the mood to meet someone new, and This man was just what he was looking for. Readjusting his blue headband, Aron nodded to himself. He then ran his fingers through Dera's mane before moving forward. He quickly moved up behind the man before speaking up, "Hello. Sorry to disturb you but i thought you could use some company." He didnt respect any other formalities, he simply moved beside the man and sat down on the grass a couple feet away. He knew some people needed silence, and if this was the case he'ed have it. But deep down Aron was hopping beyond hope that This man would be friendly and talkative. It would be nice to share this nice day with a new friend. That would make this a near perfect day and he knew he needed one of those right about now. He shrugged slightly as he thought about this, either way it would be a nice day.

[Daeva Timandre]

Control had been wrenched from Daeva. More accurately, Daeva had begrudgingly given up her dominance over the body so that Citlali may very well find some usefulness in the city of Drykas. But Daeva had also been paranoid, and still is, whilst clinging on the edge of Citlali’s subconscious. The lighter twin didn’t so much as bat an eyelash at her clingy sister, and often continued with her bartering of goods or speaking with random individuals near tent-stalls that held many goods. They were looking for a horse. A suitable one; beautiful, healthy, strong, intelligent. All things a Strider was but they could not obtain. They were foreigners. What special essence of equine would ever choose a foreigner such as Daeva and Citlali for their rider? No, they had to choose from the multitude of other breeds that swept up and down the plains and were stalled in the Amethyst section of the grand city. It had been a hard day. Even after a week or so of spending her time here, the akontak had barely spoken extensively with anyone, no thanks to the dark sister. There were still curious eyes, and Citlali’s own, white-hued eyes returned the favor, finding pleasure in contrasting the expanded bellies of some with the skinny, almost to the brink of skeletons of others. Was it fate or sheer luck that made some individuals these way? She walked and walked, and found her feet taking her away from the cluster of tents and pavilions until the sheer expanse of the Sea of Grass was clearly in view. And it was beautiful, to see so far and yet so few. It was only after several chimes had passed did Citlali notice the presence of another. A man on a steed who seemed as if, for a moment, he was immensely upset about something. She listened quietly as he spoke of the rain, then noticed the faint smile he harbored in the wake of a quiet moment. Citlali couldn’t help but find herself responding. “The gods always find a way to grace those that deserve it the most,” She said gently, hoping that her abrupt voice would not startle him. Masou came sprinting out from beneath the feet of several Drykas, and halted before his mistress, tongue lolling and chest heaving. He sat beside her, licking his maw and glancing up at the Drykas man she now spoke to, “Perhaps if you pray hard enough she will answer.” And she smiled. You’re getting his hopes up just to crush him. What a bitch you are. I’m only stating what I believe to be truth. You and I, we follow what Ivak has told us. He is our guide in times of need. Perhaps Makutsi is his guide. You think too much into things. You could have said, ‘Fat chance of that’, then when it rained, he’d be surprised and ecstatic. Opposite effect works wonders. Maybe if I wanted to push him away like you so skillfully do with everyone else. Cause and effect. Citlali shook her head, then glanced at Eldon once more. "Pardon my rudeness. My name is Citlali, and you...?" She noticed another man approach and she nodded toward him, "I suppose one's loneliness brings people together. Greetings."

[Eldon Sunkiss]

"The gods always find a way to grace those that deserve it the most, perhaps if you pray hard enough she will answer." Eldon slowly turned his head to face, what he could only describe, as a blue wonder. He had seen Akalak men, lived amongst them for roughly two seasons with his father at one point long ago, but never an Akalak woman. Two months, and never a single blue woman. He gazed at her a moment, such a bizarre appearance. He found it hard to believe that he had never seen an Akalak woman before. Still, he was in a strange mood, or perhaps his mood was more standard since his father's death, a more fitting than the usual trivial joyous mood. "What if I deserve only a rainfall of sand upon these lands to quench my thirst? Would my prayers to Makutsi be for nought, or might they even anger her? I do pray, but she does not visit me often. It has been a year, perhaps more, since I last felt her embrace, and even then it was too quick." Eldon seem unbothered that Citlali/Daeva had eavesdropped on him, and without hesitation, invaded in his solemn thinking. No, he almost was glad of it. It was a question he had wanted to ask someone, somebody that was neither religious in a sense that the Gods were the only topic they knew, but someone who knew the gods further than what they prayed to them for. He turned his head away to look towards the sky once again. Not a cloud in sight, only Syna's gaze existed in that still sea. Eldon, while the Akontak was talking inwardly to herself, stepped down from Vanah, the strong female strider of his, and lifted his hands. The horse would be thirsty, since he had been sitting out here for hours, not moving, not riding, and not giving the Strider so much as a drink in this dry day. He pushed the bottoms of his palms together, forming a makeshift cup in a way, and with relative ease, the gel-like substance, res, formed. Moments later, it shifted to water, which Vanah hastily consumed from his palms as if she was afraid of Daeva snatching the precious liquid like some thief. Eldon nodded to the Strider. "Good girl. We need to keep you strong, don't we? We've got a busy season coming up." Eldon grinned again, though it was not an innocent grin that Citlali saw moments ago, before her presence was made known, but instead it was something sinister, something dark that was found more commonly on the common human races. Almost a villainous stare glimmered in his eyes, a smile that ironically foretold disaster and death. Eldon looked up to find another man approaching, and Eldon's wild look was quick to change into the solemn look, no smiles, smirks, or frowns. "Greetings brother." Eldon did not know this man, but for whatever reason, he seemed interested in knowing Eldon. He sat on the ground a few meters from him, not exactly out of kicking distance should he decide to storm over and pummel him with his booted foot. But that was just stupid. Eldon wasn't that messed up. He would never hurt his own kind, nor Vanah. "I'm Eldon of the Sunkiss Pavilion, Sapphire Clan. Master Hydromancer in the making... Head... head of my pavilion." The final part of his short greeting was stumbled over, difficult to fully form, and more difficult still to hold a straight face. No, there was visible agony twisted in his expression as he forced out the words, but was quick to dispel it. Eldon, looking up at Daeva once again, misinterpreted her remark on loneliness. "Is this Akalak lonely then?" Eldon raised a single eyebrow as he casually interrogated her, and unknowingly exposed his ignorance of the Akontak race.

[Aron]

He looked up at the Akontak that had approached eldon. How he hadnt noticed her before he couldnt tell, she was the most noticable person he's ever met. Her blue skin combined with her white hair made her stand out. He listened to what the Akontak had to say, facinated with her. he had seen Akalak's before, but never a woman Akalak. Her name was Citlali? A name that seemed more exotic everytime he said it in his head. But, that didnt matter. He hadn't come out here to drool over a woman. He turned his head towards Eldon as he introduced himself. The sunkiss pavilion? It seemed as if he should have remembered that name for some reason. He couldnt put his finger on the why, but he knew it was important. Obviously something bad had happened to the pavilion, from Eldon's reaction to saying his introduction. "Nice to meet you Citlali" he said before smiling slightly and nodding to Eldon, "And you Eldon. I'm Aron of the Moonshadow Pavilion of the Saphire Clan. Shielder in training" He said simply after that. This man was in pain from something, and it was ovbious. Aron wanted to help him with it, yet he was unsure of whether or not he would make it better or worse. "I would hope that the gods would be more understanding then what you give them credit for Eldon." With that he shook his head slightly, and a small smile spread accross his face. He knew eldon was angry, but he believed that if he seemed to be happy it would spread to Eldon. And if it didnt, well at least he tried to help him.

[Daeva Timandre]

Citlali didn’t find a need to truly console the one named Eldon Sunkiss. She saw the Sorrow clear on his face, through the mark bestowed upon her by Ivak, she could sense the Anxiety, the Despair and the Anger that he felt for something that was beyond her knowledge. Time healed these wounds, perhaps all Eldon needed was the moment to pass, but she could not imagine that he sought revenge. “If you believe you deserve sand instead of rain, then it will be so. The power of Will is very strong, and some people do not imagine the capabilities it holds. Believe that one day rain will come and it will. I’m sure Makutsi would not abandon the Drykas people to a spell of heat and exhaustion. There must be love for them somewhere.” She watched as he treated the horse he rode so lovingly, almost akin to precious child to hold… Almost all these people did. Their horses were treated like royalty, and Citlali couldn’t help but wonder why this was so, until she recalled what a man said during the first day she had arrived in Endrykas. Strider. Ancestors. Ancestors? Impossible. These horses are their ancestors? Anything is possible in a world where gods rule, Daeva. But that would make sense as to why they are so protective of these animals. Obsessed and compulsive. You die as a Drykas, reborn as a horse. Must be comforting. Citlali turned and regarded the second Drykas, “Pleasure to meet you Aron… I also dabble in some Shielding.” She smiled invitingly but was rather appalled when Eldon referred to her as an Akalak. “I definitely am no Akalak. I’m an Akontak. The result of a Konti and an Akalak… or at least, a very miniscule result." She paused then, suddenly curious, and addressed both of them as she asked, "I heard from another Drykas that these animals... the Strider, are they... your ancestors?"

[Eldon Sunkiss]

Eldon nodded lightly. It was true, Makutsi couldn't just neglect them forever. Perhaps even Zulrav and Caiyha would be angry with Makutsi if she did. Still, such a long time without rain, thought not uncommon, did feel a bit unfair. But everything felt unfair to Eldon at that moment. He had questioned himself constantly, mercilessly even, since his father died. He asked himself everything, except if it was right to be angry and question the hard times that come, without questioning all the good times he was blessed with. Such a thought just didn't occur to him. "Perhaps you're right. The Drykas fight too hard to die to something as simple as a dry season. If Makutsi will end us for that, then she would not be worthy of the title, Goddess." Eldon looked back at Vanah, she was watching him again, as if urging him to be silent. Should Makutsi hear him, and take his words the wrong way, which wasn't exactly difficult to do giving how he worded them, he was surely in for punishment. He looked back to Citlali. "I will endure." Even if it twisted his very soul, he would endure whatever was thrown at him. Eldon looked at Aron and offered a weak shrug. "I understand your concern. Should a god or goddess find displeasure in me, my life might as well be forfeit, but I cannot help but think their neglecting can be somewhat severe. I suppose I could be ignorant of what they see. Perhaps the Drykas are not as faithful as they want. I may not understand, and I may not be pleased always with what happens, but I never turn away from them. Makutsi, Caiyha, Zulrav, Rak'keli. They are with us, even now. But come now brother, Aron you say? You are of my clan, a man after my own heart I'm sure. How comes your webbing? Are you well taught?" Eldon questioned in hopes that Aron would deny any training. Perhaps it was just a coincidence that the others in his life were already taking bold steps into the web were he was being left behind. If he was with the average Drykas man, then he could accept himself, at least a minuscule amount, more. "A Konti?" Eldon made no effort to hide the inquisitive look. It was yet another word he had not heard. Even for a Drykas, Eldon was heavily sheltered, and with the coming of that Morphing Human, and now this female Akalak (now known as an Akontak), Eldon was feeling quite the culture shock. He blinked heavily, thought for a moment, then spoke again. "I'm sorry. I've never heard of a Konti or... Akontak." Eldon winced, almost certain he butchered the pronunciation of the name, her race, which was probably a severe disrespect in her culture, whatever that was like. Still, he was puzzled about her. "Vanah?" Eldon glanced back at his Strider, who was already walkings towards Daeva, as if to introduce herself personally. Eldon smiled faintly as he placed his hand on Vanah's neck. "Yes, she is one of us. My father used to tell me stories about the striders all the time, how they are our fallen brothers and sisters. The stronger the Drykas in life, the stronger in their next life they'll become." Eldon continued to watch Vanah as he spoke. For a moment, his negative state seemed to be pushed to the back of his mind. He loved Vanah with all his heart, as much as a man would love a woman, perhaps more so. The typical human was known to be unfaithful, impatient, or even angry towards those they loved, but this bond between Drykas and Strider was flawless. He continued to caress the Strider idly as he returned his attention to Citlali. "I have heard that in some places, a horse is merely property of the one that purchases it. I have never seen such a place, but perhaps you have. Is such a thing true?" "I hope I don't seem intrusive, but... what draws you to Endrykas?"

[Aron]

His smile slowly fade as he listened to the two talk. Citlali had said something that should inspire hope, that the gods loved the Drykas. This should have been a positive influence. However Eldon had twisted the words into something spiteful, That because Makutsi allows drought to happen, she doesnt deserve to be a goddes. He wasnt worried by the words themselves, simply by the reaction he believed likely to happen. The gods were fickle, everyone knew that, and words like that had caused more then one person to be cursed by the god or goddess before. He wasnt particularly religious, but he didnt want to be on the bad side of a god either. He shook his head and sighed, the words were already out, no use in trying to change that. He was about to open his mouth to comment on Eldon's view of the gods, when he suddenly changed the topic. Was he well taught in webbing? When that question came, it cause Aron to clench his hands by his side and stiffen slightly. That question had touched home, in a very sensitive spot. He had been deniedany real training in webbing. Alway's told later, w hen he was older. When it was official he would be the heir to his pavilion. But when his inclinations had become known to The ankal, it was decided he wouldnt be a fit heir and another was named. After that there was no real point in teaching him to much about webbing, after all, he already had one magic at his disposal. All this flashed through his mind in a moment, and the emotions the memory brought up clear on his face. Anger, Sadness, dispair, abandonment. His voice wavered as he replied, "II know only what everyone is taught of webbing. That it connects all our spirits together. I was denied access to learn how to web after...certain things...became known to my ankal." He chewed on his lip after he said that, thinking. But his interest was picked up again when Eldon asked about konti and Akontaks. He himself was interested in the answer to the questions, as he hadnt met or heard of either of them either. He had always been to busy to mingle with the outsiders that drifted into Endrykas.

[Daeva Timandre]

Citlali nodded, and listened to the conversation between Eldon and Aron. The Drykas were brethren through and through, it seemed. They, at all times, seemed to help one another, no matter the cost. Great way to get oneself killed. Relying on others. You think so, but being by yourself could get you killed just as quickly. Your outlook on this sort of thing is unfortunately lacking. You’re lucky I’m letting you use my body, Citlali. Citlali didn’t respond, as she had soon made a revelation that the existence of Konti and Akalak and Akontaks went beyond the ordinary person. They were asked this sort of question consistently, it was a never ending chain, one that would continue throughout their travels and perhaps, even their entire life. So she smiled at Eldon and Aron, aware of their ignorance on the topic that so few had the privilege to study, and obliged them by answering. “The Konti are the white women of the White Isle, and the majestic city of Mura. They are usually healers for those that need it in cities such as this. They’re small, very pale, and have scales along their back, legs and neck. Perhaps you might have seen one and thought nothing of it, sometimes they can be inconspicuous.” She glanced at the Strider, Vanah, as she approached, suddenly feeling an urge to stroke her beautiful mane, but she stopped herself, “Akontaks are the product of the union between an Akalak and a Konti. Very few of us are born, so that’s perhaps, why we are so rare.” She then listened as Eldon spoke about the Striders, honestly fascinated. “Beautiful, to be reborn into such graceful creatures. Your fallen kin must be proud to be amongst their loved ones once more.” And she continued, in response to his questions, “I suppose… Syliras has a stall that sold horses, and the Syliran Knights there ride steeds to patrol the roads. To be honest… I never believed we would come across Endrykas. It was by chance that we did. A woman was intrigued by my presence, and was kind enough to guide us here. My… sister and I, we’ve been attempting to find the right equine companion to guide us on our long journeys.” Smooth, bringing me into the equation now? I can’t keep you hidden forever. Perhaps they won’t be surprised. Don’t expect me to take over for any reason than to leave.

[Eldon Sunkiss]

Eldon looked at Aron. He had questioned him in hopes that Aron would answer just as he had. Webbing meant so much to the Drykas. It was required to be an Ankal. In Eldon's case, his Ankal was his own father. Eldon only shrugged. He took notice of Aron's hesitation to answer, and even some stuttering when he explained himself, why he wasn't taught. "Neither have I. Is your Ankal your father, or older still?" Eldon knew that if it was, in fact, Aron's father that was his Ankal, and that was the man that found him unfit, would be even a more severe blow than an Ankal you weren't related to. To have your own father see you as insignificant, that was devastating to a person, especially the should-be-heir. Eldon turned to Aron, giving him two swift pats on the shoulder and a firm nod. Whatever that meant, he didn't feel like cheering him up, he was too curious about the female Akalak right now. "My father used to mention tales of the White Women of Mura. I did not know they were called Konti. You have my apologies for my ignorance. I meant no offense if any was taken." Eldon nodded as Citlali spoke about the Konti, Akontak, and Akalak, as if he understood, perfectly, what she meant. He didn't. "So when a Konto and an Akalak get together, an Ak-on-tak (he stuttered, trying to memorize this new word) is the offspring. I suppose their meeting is just so rare that someone like you becomes even rarer?" Eldon missed the fact that only roughly five percent of that specific combination make Akontak. Eldon looked back towards Vanah as Citlali returned to the topic of Striders. She was obviously amazed by it, but anyone that truly understood them, even if just a little bit, would have been. "It's all we truly ask for in death. To bless Caiyha with our bodies, and to return home once the cycle is started anew. Zulrav be with us." It had only been a few minutes, and Eldon had already mentioned two Gods. The Drykas were known to follow various deities, although their faith and prayer seemed to come and go with their personal or cultural needs. This wasn't true for all, such as Eldon believed more heavily in Zulrav, Caiyha, and Makutsi, but spoke less of Semele or Syna. "Syliras." Eldon nodded his head, he had heard of that city many times. Travelers, merchants, wanderers, many mentioned Syliras as a city within stone walls. Eldon wasn't exactly sure how that would look, and he imagined an enormous tent made of stone. "I'd bet a small fortune that there's no horse from Syliras that can outrun Vanah here. Yeah, give us the open plains and we'll leave anything miles behind." Eldon patted Vanah as he looked back to Citlali. "Your sister? One like you then? Wow, two Akon-tak in Endrykas at once. I don't think Endrykas has even seen one before, before today I mean." Eldon shrugged, he looked back to Aron, who was strangely quiet, yet still seemed interested in the conversation. "If you are waiting for permission to speak, I grant it to you." Eldon chuckled lightly, he had no authority or superiority over Aron, but he felt like the Drykas man was being left out by his own accord. Was he shy? Intimidated by the Akalak Woman? Perhaps, Eldon was scared to hell by the Akalak men, mostly because of their size though.