[Icewatch Barracks] So Petching Cold (Cheshire)

by **Stitch** on February 2nd, 2011, 12:59 am

60th of Winter, 510 AV.

Stitch hurriedly jogged up to the Icewatch Barracks, his teeth chattering, his body shivering. Even though he had on the thickest winter clothes he had been able to find in Syliras, and even though a thick cloak was wrapped tightly around his body... He was still incredibly darn cold. Why was he here again? Why was he in this horrible place, with all of this snow and wind? How did the sun even exist up there in the sky, with all of this winter flying about? And apparently, as a guard had told him, the weather didn't even change that much during the other seasons. What was the point of having other seasons, then?! With an almost comical whine, Stitch skidded up to the Icewatch doors, hopping from foot to foot with steady high-pitched whines leaking from his trembling lips. "Cold, cold, cold, cold. Why is it so cold? And how do they wander about like it is the middle of summer? Are they all frostbitten to the brain?" A passing citzen paused in his tracks, eyeballing the hopping Stitch, a somewhat cautious and insulted expression crossing his face. Stitch hurriedly bowed, dipping at the waist several times, blushing a bright red as he did. "Sorry, milord. This one wasn't referring to you. Really! This one meant the... solar bears. They must be frostbitten because they are so... white." The citizen blinked, and scowled a bit, correcting Stitch in a chilly voice. "Polar bears." Stitch blushed even brighter, hopping in place even faster, nodding hurriedly. "Many apologies, milord!"

The citizen moved on, done with the strange man. Stitch really was a strange sight to see. Besides being so obviously uncomfortable with the cold, if one was close enough to glance under his shadowed hood, they would meet a rather odd sight indeed. The man had white bandages wrapped around his eyes, and it appeared as he was blind. But that couldn't be right, could it? How would a blind man have found his ways to the doors of the Barracks? He didn't appear to have an aid, or any kind of walking stick.

Stitch ignored any more passing glances that he received, returning his attentions to the Barracks, digging in his numb brain for the reason he was actually here. His hatred of the cold had stolen the reason from him. Biting his almost-frozen lower lip, Stitch focused, staring hard at the Barracks door in front of him.

He had left Syliras, and the children. He had come to desperately seek out Priskil, and that Watchtower.

Syliras. The children.

Stitch quaked a little bit harder under the hood, trying not to let himself dip back into the mindset he had been in before. He couldn't let it get him down. He couldn't let his emotions get the best of him, and he couldn't let his loneliness and hurt overwhelm him. It already effected him, at times. It affected his dreams, and it affected random days of his life. Today he was holding on, for he had finally reached Avanthal. Today he was feeling a bit chipper, but who knew when the dark moods would come back? He needed to cling to this feeling for as long as he could. Any feeling that wasn't in that dark place. That dark place where he had been fired from the Orphanage, that dark place where he had been thrown after the children had been taken from him. That dark place that had tried to overtake him on the entire trip here.

With a shivering gloved hand, Stitch reached forward, quickly rapping on the door to the Icewatch Barracks. "Hello? This one is here to seek employment! And warmth!" He shouted out the words, the sounds springing to his lips as the reason he was here came back to him. He had heard legions of the Icewatch when he was a boy, and so far, the legions were true. Great warriors riding upon massive white bears. The soldiers had been skilled, and their mounts had been special. Kelvics. He had seen that much when he had come through the city gates.

But he could make them better.

by **Cheshire** on February 2nd, 2011, 10:03 pm

The schedule of Jedara Whitevine had been endless since the Departure of Morwen. When the winter Goddess went on her annual tour of Mizahar Jedara was left in charge of the city. It was a daunting job but of course it was an important one. Not everyone was trusted so much by a Goddess where she would entrust her entire city to them. She took this job with pride and for one season of the year she was not only the head of Icewatch but the entire city of Avanthal.

Luckily she did not have to deal with this feat alone. Senari, her bondmate and mount took a lot of the work as well. Right now the pair were walking through the barracks on their way to see Kayin, Jedara's husband. He was training some of the new cubs, or at least trying. Many of them liked to scamper off and try to play instead of training. As they walked a small cub bolted down the hall toward them. "Uhhgg, I never was this deviant when I was their age." Senari growled under his breath as he walked beside Jedara. He was not known as the most pleasant man. "Sen, you were not the most normal cub either. I say that in the kindest say possible of course." His gold eyes glared at her as he walked and with an expert hand he scooped up the young cub trying to escape training. The small bear struggled and squeaked in his arms until Senari growled at him. Even at a young age the cub knew not to disobey Senari. "You have quite the way with the cubs Senari. Ever thought about…" Before Jedara could finish her sentence Senari cut her off. "Not even in your dreams Jedara."

Elsewhere, toward the opening of the barracks a small cluster of cubs were tussling and play fighting. They took turns nipping at each other's ears and clawing at their siblings pelts. The sound of a visitor stopped their childish games though. The man was a good size and clearly not Vantha. "Who is this man Keyna? He looks different." The young bears conversed through their growls and little yips until one of the braver bears scampered up to the man and looked up at him in wonder. "Get away from him Perren! He could be evil!" The little bear ignored his siblings though. He began to paw at the man's robes as if he was a curious kitten. The robes were strange to the young bear. Most people in Avanthal wore such different cloths and furs! He sniffed at the cloths gingerly until a voice pull him from his curiosity.

"Perren, leave this man be. Not everyone is used to bears sniffing about!" Jedara appeared in the opening of the hall flanked by Senari and the small cub. She walked up to the man as the cub moved away from the stranger. He was an interesting sight to say the least. He was bundled up like frostbitten hunter and a bandage covered his eyes. "Pardon me sir, I am Jedara Whitevine, head of Icewatch, the protectors of Avanthal. Are you hurt? What happened to your eyes?" She could not help but be a little bit apprehensive about the man. Perren ambled over to Senari and it looked as though they were conversing. "Jedara, Perren says this man came through the doors seeking employment and warmth." Senari glared at the man and he set the little cub down. "Who does he think he is just coming into the Barracks and requesting things of us?" Jedara nodded silently as her eyes turned a light blue. "First tell me your name stranger. We Vantha are very hospitable people so there is no reason to fear us. On the other hand, we have to make sure we should not fear you." She waved to the man, motioning him to follow. "Come, I shall take you to the eatery here in the Barracks to get you some warm food and clean clothes. While we walk tell me about you." Jedara knew that Senari would not be too happy to see her being so trusting but she knew he wolf be respectful as long as she was.

by **Stitch** on February 3rd, 2011, 3:13 am

Stitch eyeballed the landscape as the little creatures began to swarm into existence, frolicking all over each other. They were all playful and innocent, and he couldn't help but smile just a bit. They looked to be Kelvics, and they were acting like extremely cute versions of young children. With a soft chuckle, Stitch fell to his knees, raising his hands in the air, signaling a sort of surrender. "Oh my. With a little bear army like this, how can this one even hope to resist? This one will wait here while you examine this one, if you wish. This one is simply hoping to speak with the master of this place, and will try not to be too big and scary." One of the little bear cubs came running up to Stitch, and the blind man grinned, his cold body forgotten for a short moment. Bending over right as the cub got close enough to attempt a sniff, Stitch looked the little creature right in the face, his nose nearly brushing the black wet one of the bear cub. "Is this how you greet your visitors? With a wet nose nudging at this ones clothing, and nice little nudges with your paws?"

Two more Auras suddenly flickered into existence, having gone un-noticed with Stitch's sudden distraction. Turning a bright red, Stitch tried to scamper up from his playful posture, not wanting to give a bad impression to the two people who were about to come around the corner. They were powerful and important. He could tell that much.

He didn't have nearly enough time, and the two people would manage to catch him stumbling up from his equal footing with the cub, a bright blush to his rather young-looking cheeks. Even if he was a tall male, he had a sort of... pretty look to him. His skin was smooth and lightly tanned, but he was rather... feminine. It wasn't something someone could put their finger on, but it was definitely there. As Jedara and Senari approached, Stitch bowed, not yet speaking a word. He simply dipped at the waist, and cast an Auristic eye over each of them, studying their bright Auras quickly. Jedara was blazing with a proud authority, the majority of her Aura a shining silver. Gentle strands of light blue ran through her beautiful color though, bringing a smile to his face, the blind man unable to help it. He had only laid eyes on her for a but a moment now, but he could already tell she was a good leader, or commander, or whatever she was. He couldn't resist the natural urge to like her.

He quickly snapped his vision to Senari, giving the man a quick once-over too. He reminded Stitch of Gromhir. He was a wild Kelvic, a deep-set bestial nature raging deep within his bright red Aura. Veins of deep purple coursed throughout his flaming Aura, showing off that bestial nature, complimenting the proud and strong red that made up most of his being. Distrust flickered at the edges of his Aura, his attentions focused on Stitch. The blind man understood. He was a stranger in a strange land, and he was going about looking for a job in a somewhat... forward way.

Stitch rose from his bow as the woman finally addressed him, the quick Auristic scan only taking a split second. A bright smile engulfed his features, the cuteness of the cubs and his natural like of the woman putting him in quite the good mood. It was a beautiful grin indeed, one like a child, one filled with love and joy. He hadn't smiled like this in a long time, but he couldn't admit that this place was a refreshing change. Even if it was cold, horribly so, it held people and places that he had never met or experienced before. He spoke, his voice a bit high for a man, soft and gentle as well. "This one is blind, milady. This one lost his sight a long time ago, and this one wears the bandages to protect these damaged eyes from the elements. Especially these elements." Stitch's grin stretched, motioning behind him, pointing out the cold climate that he was sure the people barely even noticed. He nodded at her motion, and stepped forward to follow her, his features lighting up at the idea of warm food and clothes. "This one is known as Stitch, milady. And..." Stitch's head turned, aiming at Senari, giving the Kelvic a sudden smile. Stitch seemed annoyingly unfazed by the Kelvic's untrusting demeanor. "...this one is pleased to meet you, milord. This one can't help but admire and like you already. Your dedication and affection for your bondmate is rather incredible, although this one does think that the permanent scowl on your face takes away from your rather handsome appearance. Forgive this one." It could be taken mockingly, but if Senari was listening closely, he would note that the blind man's voice dripped with an almost painful amount of pure and innocent honesty. He was actually complimenting the Kelvic in the best way he knew how, while teasing him just a little bit.

He returned his attention to Jedara, answering her request to learn more about him. "This one is from Syliras. This one was born and raised there as an orphan in an Orphanage, and eventually found a job working in that same Orphanage. After a few years, this one came to own it. This one recently left, coming here to search for a specific Watchtower. The Zagaria Watchtower, if you are familiar with it. This one was escorted here by a Wilderness Guide, and now seeks to find a job and shelter to try and make a bit of a life for himself. This one brought a companion, and we are simply wishing to settle in the city for a time. We will move on when the moment is right, but until then..." Stitch paused, taking a deep breath, then continued on. "...this one wishes to work here. For the Icewatch. The only skills this one has are skills of a Martial Artist, besides a few other little tricks. From what this one understands, the Icewatch practices Martial Arts? This one thought you might need a trainer. This one has a lot of experience with children, and might could even offer simple training to the younger ones."

The blind man walked along, slightly behind her, his teeth beginning to chatter a little bit once more. It was warmer here, but his clothes were still freezing. He still had that smile across his face though, that beaming grin that was almost infectious. He knew she would likely have a lot of questions. A blind man, running an Orphanage? One who knew Martial Arts?

by **Cheshire** on February 7th, 2011, 9:12 pm

While Jedara was quite interested in the newcomer Senari watched him with a careful eye. He trusted his bondmate with his life but she possessed too much of the Vantha-esque hospitality at times. At least in his opinion. He looked like a Vantha in most senses. The majority of the polar bears did. He even possessed the color changing eyes like his partner. Still, he was born without that dieing desire to help every passer by in the city. The cubs seemed to like this man though. Young animals tended to be fantastic judges of character. They were young and venerable. Their claws and fangs were still untrained and clumsy. If they could trust the man enough to get within pawing distance maybe he was not so bad. For a moment Senari considered lightening up on the man but then the dreaded comment came up. "How dare he." His thoughts would have remained unknown except for the fact a low growl rumbled from his throat. The cubs looked up at him confused and cocked their heads at the sound. Although Jedara and Stitch could not tell the meaning of the bestial sound the cubs understood completely. "What is the problem Senari. He is nice!" It bothered Senari a bit that he had the cubs on his side. Still, the end decision was up to Jedara. He would follow her word to the death.

It calmed Jedara a bit to see the stranger so friendly. She had been blessed to rarely be met with an imposing stranger in all her years in charge of the watch. The way Stitch spoke intrigued her. It was a much different way of speaking than she was used to when conversing in common. Of course, Avanthal was quite cut off from the rest of Mizahar and who knew how much common had changed. The only other people who spoke common on a daily basis were Fenilen and Emee and out of the two of them only one spoke it fluently. Emee had been dwelling in the Ukalas for the Gods only knew how long so his speech could not be compared to Stitch's. "It is good to meet you Stitch. Pardon my prying. We Vantha are quite hospitable and just could not stand if you were hurt and I did not get you help!" Jedara could tell the words following her own would offend Senari a bit. She remembered when Kayin had first tried to tell him to cheer up. Her poor husband still had a scar on his arm from the incident. Thank Morwen Senari had gotten control over his rage since then.

As they walked Jedara listened intently to the man's story. Following their steps were a few of the cubs most likely looking for an excuse to get more food. She was quite impressed that the man had made it to Avanthal in one piece. Aside from being blind the Reaches were extremely hard to navigate, even with perfect sight. "Who is this nature guide you speak of? Is he in the city?" Senari looked at the man with a hint of disbelief. "Like summer he had a nature guide. Who just wanders up to Taldera just to escort people?" Jedara on the other hand felt completely different about what Stitch had said. "How interesting. I second Senari's question. He would sure be an interesting person to meet. I would love to meet your companion if you do not mind. I would not want any newcomers to not have a place to stay the night!" She frowned at the idea of anyone in the city having to face the bitter cold. She was happy that this man had stopped into the barracks. He was turning out to be quite the interesting man. He was blind and yet he watched over children. Even more so, he knew Martial Arts. How could he learn them if he could not see. He seemed to be a living question in a way.

"Icewatch practices more with weapons and of course claws and fangs for the furrier members. It does not mean that we would not like to learn though! I imagine learning new fighting tactics would only improve our ranks. Right Senari?" Senari's eyes turned a cloudy purple at the sound of Jedara's voice and nodded. "Yes, what is better than a bear knowing how to punch and kick?" The pure sarcasm in his voice was evident. He was a traditionalist man though. He knew the ways of Icewatch and he liked them. He did not see any reason to throw in new fighting styles. "Quite the fiery tone partner." Senari dipped his head and looked at Stitch, his eyes turning back to their natural golden color. "My apologies. I'm sure any ideas you have for Icewatch will be helpful." The cubs seemed to be buzzing with excitement at Stitch's sentiment. They looked up at Senari making small little growls and yips. Senari, seeming to be playing the translator between the humans and the cubs spoke up. "The cubs like this idea a lot. They said they cannot wait to start." Jedara smiled and pushed the door open to the kitchen. "It looks like you might have a job soon. We will speak more about this job after you eat though. I am sure you are hungry."

The kitchen was large and full of a mixture of Vantha and polar bears. There were not many places where one could see humans eating right next to large polar bears. "This is our kitchen. Don't fear the bears. They are the kindest animals I have ever seen." From their ankles the cubs burst out and headed toward the food. "Jedara, you can take our guest to a table. I will get some food for him and keep an eye on the cubs." As Senari walked off Jedara waved Stitch over to an empty table. "Oh, I nearly forgot! We do have a Watchtower. We have always simply called it the Ice Tower. Maybe they call it something different back in Syliras?" Jedara smiled at a passing bear and then looked back at Stitch. "Well, as far as the job goes it seems you would be qualified to help train the cubs seeing that you took care of the orphans at your orphanage. Have you taught others your art before? Do you think you could the older members of Icewatch as well?" There were not really a lot of questions to ask. Jedara had pretty much made up her decision already. She had a good feeling about this man. Avanthal did not get to see the people of the south too often and if Martial Arts were what they were doing she would be a fool not to have her watch learn them as well.

by **Stitch** on February 13th, 2011, 4:44 am

Stitch perked an eyebrow at the sudden growl that rumbled from Senari's throat, and paused in his walk, a confused look overtaking his childish features. He obviously didn't understand what he had done to provoke the reaction from the Kelvic, and looked unsure on how to continue. He was quickly distracted though, having to voice his tale to Jedara, and wanting to do it happily so.

When Senari quickly interrupted, voicing his disbelief at the idea of a nature guide, Stitch turned and gave him another one of those bright smiles. He was obviously unaware on how harsh the terrain really was, or how crazy it had been for a single man to so readily agree to escort him up there. He was blissfully naive about some matters, it seemed. "No, he went back to Syliras all alone. This one is staying, with a friend that came along... But the wilderness guide wasn't one to linger in these woods. He has a group of Kelvic friends with him, and they all love the warmth of Syliras. His name was Jaeden. Jaeden Kincade. He is a dear friend, and this one has been through a lot with him." Stitch's voice dripped with admiration for the fellow, and it was quite obvious. He almost had an adoring tone, like a young boy talking about his older male model. "As for my companion..." Stitch's voice softened a bit, and he smiled again, although the smile was much more... different. It was gentle and calm, caring and soft. "...her name is Malia. She is an old friend of this one, and perhaps the closest adult friend this one has. This one would love to get her a room, although this one would insist on paying for it. This one will do whatever other tasks you need done. As long as this one can afford to get her a place of comfort." He gave a short little bow of his head as he walked, showing his humbleness to the two.

Stitch then listened with a small smile on his face, keeping quiet as the two partners debated the merits of what he had to teach. He could easily sense the disbelief and mocking in Senari, although the Kelvic did little to hide it. As Senari was quickly rebuked, ever-so-gently, Stitch gave him a short nod to accept his quick apology. He really was impressed with the bond the two had, and especially the loyalty of the Kelvic. It was horribly obvious. Was Jedara as aware? Stitch knew one could be incredibly blind when it came to how others were staring at them. At the cubs and their approval of what he had to teach, he simply grinned a bit wider, giving a nod and a grin to the little bears hopping around. They were adorable.

Senari left to grab some food, and Stitch was led to a table. Sitting down, he quietly and politely listened to all Jedara had to say and ask. He was quiet for a bit after she spoke, reflecting on her words. The Ice Tower, huh? He would have to research that a bit later. Malia could help him with that. He had no idea how to start "researching" something, but both Malia and Jilitse often used the word. "This one has taught plenty of others the style this one uses, yes. Quite a few adults in Syliras, and also every single child that this one has ever watched over. It wouldn't be a problem to teach it to anyone that you ask this one to teach it to. This one may have a bit of a rough teaching style... As this one is a martial artist before this one is a teacher... But that shouldn't be a problem."

The blind man paused, waiting until he could sense Senari's Aura coming into range. He would time his words perfectly, just enough so he could say them right when the Kelvic would be able to hear them. "If milady would like... this one wouldn't mind showing milady this one's skills. Perhaps in a spar of some sort with another member of the Icewatch? Or perhaps in a private lesson that you can watch? Perhaps it would be for the best? This one could prove that this one's martial arts can combat anyone in this building... as hard as it is to think that claws, teeth, and weapons can fall to bare hands."

Stitch's head tilted slightly, angling toward Senari. It was slight, but it was there. Was this also just naive innocence? Or was this actually a challenge?

by **Cheshire** on February 23rd, 2011, 6:20 pm

The opinions between the two bondmates before Stitch could not have been more different. While Jedara was enthralled by the idea of one man traveling through the Reaches alone, Senari was reluctant to believe it. "Well this Jaeden must be quite extraordinary." Jedara smiled and pushed a strand of dark purple hair from her face. "Don't worry Stitch, we can house your friend as well. Does she have any skills? We could set her up with a job for the time she stays in the city." The loyalty Stitch had for his companion, who ever it was, made Jedara smile. Most outsiders did not understand the hospitable natures of the Vantha. So many people had been driven to live thinking only of themselves since the Valterian. In Taldera it was nearly impossible to live like that. People had to work togather and reach out to others who needed it. It wasn't just a act of being kind. At times it was a act between life and death. "We have wonderful living spaces called the Savintar Warrens. They cabins, like small houses that can be rented out. They are not too expensive and we would be sure to help with the payment until both of you are settled. Here in Avanthal we are very hospitable." Although Senari was a more... rash companion, Jedara knew how it felt to want to do anything to keep him safe. She could see Stitch was similar with his companion. "You are kind, that will go far here in Avanthal."

After a few chimes Senari approached the table, flanked by a few younger children. These children were in fact the same cubs that had been rolling around in the barracks earlier when Stitch arrived. "We brought enough soup for all of us." Senari set a steaming bowl down in front of Stitch and took his seat next to Jedara. Mean while, the children began to wrestle and push at one another to get a seat next to the new and facinating man. "I want to sit next to him!" "No! I want to and I'm older!" Senari glared at the children and growled. Instantly the children settled and with a few more growls and shoves they sat down and began to eat. One child looked up at Stitch and smiled. She was a bit smaller than the other kids with long white blonde hair. "Hello new friend! I'm Keyna. Do you like your soup? I picked it out for you!" She slurped at her soup and began to giggle as a few of her siblings began to hit each other with their spoons. Although Senari wanted to repremand them, he could tell Jedara was hoping for him to cool down a bit. He sighed and looked over at the cubs. "Since when am I in charge of watching cubs and greeting newcommers?" He scowled as he looked down into his bowl of soup. Then a comment caught his attention. So the newcommer wanted to show off his skills? Senari was up for the chance to help if he could smack the man around a little bit. "I don't mind helping him. Anything to help the watch." Senari's eyes flashed a playful red before fading back to their fiery orange color. Jedara eyed her bondmate carefully. She knew he would not hurt Stitch. He was protective of the city but he was no a tyrant. He would not hurt the man if they sparred a little. "It is fine with me if it is okay with you Stitch. Let's hold it off until you are done eating though. We want you all rested and rejuvinated before we start making you work."

by **Stitch** on February 28th, 2011, 7:09 am

Stitch didn't even notice the arguing children that were flocking around him. As soon as the bowl of soup hit the table in front of him, and as soon as the aroma hit his nose... he was lost in a delicious fantasy. He inhaled gratefully, gulping in the herbs and spices used in the piping hot broth. While they had been travelling in the Syliras Wildlands, they had simply feasted on packets of dried rations. They had been disgusting. Every now and then, Jaeden or one of his Kelvic friends had managed to catch a rabbit... and fresh rabbit was pretty disguisting too. Stitch wouldn't ever admit it to the Ranger, but he had felt bad for the cute little bunnies. Then, when they had worked their way into Taldera, it had got even worse. With the freezing cold, there wasn't much in the way of cute little bunnies running about. While Stitch was thankful he wouldn't have to stare into their glazed eyes while they roasted over a fire pit, he was a bit agitated that they had to survive off of rations and frozen corpses.

And now, here he was, with the most amazing bowl of soup in front of him. The only thing that managed to rip his attention away from the bowl was the little girl who suddenly addressed him. Kenya, hm? Stitch smiled, nodding at her. "It smells delicious. Thank you, milady." He gave her a little bow of the head, then turned his attention back to his meal. It was only too late that he realized he had drool running down his chin.

Goddess, he needed some manners.

Wiping his mouth, flushing a deep red, he quickly picked up his spoon. Casting a sideways Auristic glance at the rowdy children, he cleared his throat quickly, hoping to draw their attention. "We don't want to anger the Milord Senari, do we? Perhaps if we quickly and quietly finish our rather delicious soup, he won't bat this one around quite as hard. We wouldn't want that, would we?" Giving the kids a rather beaming grin, Stitch dipped a spoon into his soup. It was incredibly comforting to be interacting with children again. It was slowly filling a void in his heart that he had been refusing to acknowledge. He didn't think it would be fully healed, not for awhile... but it could certainly be soothed. He addressed Jedara one last time before he indulged in his dinner, giving her a grin as well. "Don't worry milady. This one is quite ready to begin. Anything to warm up."

The blind man took a quick bite of the soup, then instantly yelped, fanning his mouth comically, speaking in slurred tongue. "Haht hah hah haht!" His entire face turned red, and he swallowed, yelping even louder, perhaps drawing some attention from the cafeteria. He dangled out his tongue, fanning it, and then suddenly realized what he was doing. Blushing brightly, he clapped both hands over his mouth, eyes wide, whispering from behind his fingers. "Sorry."

by **Cheshire** on March 12th, 2011, 3:24 am

Keyna let out a little giggle of happiness as Stitch turned to speak to her. She felt a swell of pride as he spoke to her. He was so kind! She giggled as the soup trickled down his chin and handed him a small cloth. "You gotta keep the soup in your mouth sir! You will burn your chin and then Whitevine will have to heal you!" Jedara watched the exchange between the two with a light pink color dancing in her eyes. Senari tried to keep his burning golden stare fixed on Stitch but he could not help it when his irises sparkled a light purple. A small smile itched at the side of his mouth, threatening to make him give in to Stitch, the newcommer. Senari trusted the cubs and was protective of them. They saw him as their role model and what they strived to become. Maybe if they were so fond of this Stitch character he could give him a chance. Even if he was a little too friendly in Senari's eyes. It made him fit in with the Vantha immediately though. He had truly found a city where his incination to be warm and welcoming was a city wide norm.

Senari's eyes sparked a fiery red as Stitch spoke up. The man truly was open to a good beating. Didn't he know about the bears of Icewatch. Even a man who dwelled among the Syliran Knights would know the strength of the Talderian bears, especially the one bonded to the leader of Icewatch. "I am ready when you are Sir Stitch. Of course, if you cannot even best our soup I'm not sure how you will fare against me. I am not a little cub you know." His eyes darkened a bit, turning a redish-purple. He gave a playful smile to Stitch. Possibly if this man could get the best of him Senari would cut him a little slack. He may have been a more abrasive bear but he had deep respect for those who could fight.

A small laugh sputtered from Senari's lips as Stitch began fanning his tounge. "Haven't you had soup before tikita? Senari's eyes glowed green as he spoke his Vani insult. Jedara glared at him and looked at Stitch with light yellow eyes. "Don't worry, as odd as it is, that is how he shows he is starting to like you. My husband went through the same thing. Tikita translates to "Newcommer to the Snow" in Vani. I'm sure while living here with us you will learn some more of Vani but if there are any phrases you would like to learn feel free to ask." Keyna looked up at Stitch. "The T-word is not very nice. Be nice Senari!" Senari smiled at the gutsy little cub. "Sure Keyna, as soon as you can beat me in a fight."

by **Stitch** on March 19th, 2011, 6:56 pm

The blind man gave a bemused grin to Jedara and Keyna, shaking his head at their repraisal of Senari. "Haha, no harm done, miladies. The insult isn't really an insult in this one's eyes! This one is very new to the snow, after all! Before walking into Taldera, this one was lucky to have only seen snow once!" He paused a moment after speaking, a bright flush spreading across his cheeks, as the man realized he might have just insulted his most gracious of hosts. "Not that this one means any harm... this one just dislikes snow. Well, not snow. Cold. And snow is cold. Very cold. This one loves soup because it is warm. Very warm." He stumbled over his words, turning redder and redder as time passed. Apparently he was easily shamed, and held his way of respect in a very serious light.

Stitch just ducked his head after that, and continued to eat his soup, yet at a bit of a slower pace. While he was recovering from what he considered to be a verbal blunder, he distracted himself by quickly studying the two bondmates once more. He really only gave Jedara a passing glance. Her silver and white Aura was still as proud and valiant as ever, and the only noticable change was a nice warmth that emitted from every inch of her bright colors. The rest of the Vantha he had encountered were wonderfully kind and warm-hearted people... But this Jedara, she was even kinder, if at all possible. That kindness and warmth was what fed her leadership skills, Stitch noticed. The warmer her Aura became, the more her light blue strands brightened. That was the source of her leadership, perhaps. Her warm and loving self, combined with a pride of her standing and her people... and the protectiveness of a mother. It was almost as if all these people were her children, in a way. Stitch briefly wondered if she had children. Had she mentioned a husband, before? Were her and Senari lovers?

Ah, yes. Senari. The man was much like Jedara in the fact that his Aura hadn't really changed. Not too much. That suspicious edge to his wild Aura was flickering in and out, slowly losing a battle with a sense of respect and trust. Somehow he was managing to win over the man, but he wasn't so sure how. What interested him more were those bright purple and red areas, which represented his beastial nature and wild pride. They were throbbing brightly, slowly spreading throughout the rest of his Aura.

A fight is what he wanted?

Stitch grinned, but this one was more of a smirk. He was getting excited. "...But if it is a fight you want... Then how can this one say no? Lead the way, milord. Please. This one wants to experience first-hand what this one will be training these cubs to be." That was his goal. To strength and train them as much as he possibly could. He could tell they all thought Senari was a role model. Both him and Jedara instantly enthralled a room once they stepped in it.

The blind man stood from his perch, bringing his bowl with him, quickly sipping at the rest of the soup, draining his bowl empty. He then sat down the bowl, and gave a short nod of thanks to Jedara, and a friendly pat on the head to Keyna.

by **Cheshire** on April 1st, 2011, 9:45 pm

The man was quite polite. It was not everyday that an outsider was so polite. "Don't worry about it. You are not the first outsider who has admitted to dislike snow. It is natural I suppose. We love it here because of our blessings from Morwen but I can imagine it is hard to face he cold without her gift." Jedara smiled at Stitch, pulling her sleeve up to show off the beautiful snowflake that graced her arm. She could not imagine facing the cold of Avanthal without it.

When Stitch was finished eating Senari gave him a sinister smile. It seemed a little to showy of his fangs to be taken as a simple spar. He was not going to hurt the man. He simply wanted to play a bit. Wanted to show that this was his town. He was going to show him that charm might have worked on his kind bondmate but on him charm was lost. The way into Senari's favors was by actions and doing. "Come tikita. It's time to see if you are ready to run with the bears." His eyes swam with a feral yellow color as he looked at the man. He would not need to keep this human form much longer. Soon Stitch would see the wild side of Icewatch.

Senari led Stitch down a hall heading away from the eatery. "I'm sure the training ground outside is too cold for you. Don't worry, we have a place that is better for your weak skin. We will fight in the cub's practice area." Senari was getting a thrill out of poking fun at Stitch. Each step that they took Senari's words got colder and more biting. He was not switching his form yet but as they got closer to the practice area his voice started to lose it's human edge. In place, a deep growl-like voice was speaking to Stitch. "Feel free to give up at any moment. I wouldn't want to hurt the summer-lover." His mind was slipping into it's wild state preparing for the spar. He could not wait to take a whack at the human.

When they had reached the training area Senari walked calmly to the far end of the field and looked at Stitch with fiery yellow eyes. "What form do you want to fight me in Tikita? As a bear or as a Vantha? Either way I promise a wonderful spar." He grinned at Stitch as he held tight to the ends of his shirt tightly. He was anxious to get out of this form and into something more comfortable but he would leave the choice up to Stitch. He was the one who was showing off his skill.