[The Chapel]Clear-Cut(Veldrys)

[Xelhes]

Fall 37, 511 A.V. With talk of being young, Xelhes turned his gaze away from the Symenestra. He did not like to think of being considered a child; it made him upset, and angry. Yet, maybe it was that reaction that made it so he was still a child, because something so insignificant could affect him so much. Questioning how Xelhes would know when he reached the desire mental age made Xelhes think on it as well. There was only one way he knew how to tell when this occurred, yet even then it would vary as others had varying intellect. "How one would gauge such a thing would be based on a personal preference, I guess. To me, when I am able to stand as an equal to one that is my age; to engage in a conversation and possess equal intelligence. When that happens with someone I respect, then I think I will have reached the mental age I desire." One of the main reasons he wanted to become mentally older was not simply to act like he was suppose to, but also so others would not look down on him for his lack of knowledge. He wanted others to treat him as an equal, and improving himself would bring that about. Simply nodding at Veldrys' comment on halfbloods, the Ethaefal let the subject die. From how Veldrys had spoke, he had assumed that the man did not possess such negative views on them; odd based on how he spoke of his people's view on them. Then again, Veldrys being here could be considered odd as well, coming to Denval and acting as a priest rather than staying in Kalinor. It did not matter though, not to Xelhes; they were not things for him to ask or become a part of. The obvious discomfort that the topic of Veldrys having children brought to the Symenestra was apparent and made Xelhes look at him for a moment. Did he not like children? Odd, considering his job as a priest and healer would have him around them. If simply bringing the subject about made the Symenestra act like that, asking for a reason would only make a worse result. Deciding to keep silent, Xelhes pondered the idea of asking why it made him uncomfortable at another time, if the two ever became friends. The moment Xelhes realised what the Symenestra asked him, the Ethaefal gave the man a glance of venom. The childish side of him came through again, this time more prominent. Maybe Veldrys would be able to see just how young the Ethaefal truly was. "Because that is how things are." That was all he said on it, his words cold thought the venom completely gone. Spitting fire at the Symenestra would do him any good, but his discomfort had changed to being upset. In order to avoid getting angry he acted cold instead, just like a child who had grown beyond yelling, and instead had a quiet tantrum. It would be no surprise if Veldrys found it amusing; almost anyone would. His eyes looking away from the Symenestra and voice still cold, Xelhes began his reply, though it lacked the enthusiasm from before. "I may have been a Symenestra, it is impossible to know in this form. As for understand; I find that be an overstatement. When I try to learn things, or come up with justifications, I look at the situation with an open mind." Looking out the window once more, the Ethaefal stood up, brushing himself off. "One could say I may even admire your people for being able to understand the situation of killing for food; most humans are completely beyond understanding the importance of such a thing. Yet always remember, sometimes admiring something can be one of the furthest things from being able to understand it. It is just like people admiring an Ethaefal. They find us beautiful and divine, but do not understand us." With that Xelhes began to move towards the door, not answering Veldrys' last question. With a slight bow, he looked at the Symenestra again, trying to be polite and show respect towards the man. "It was nice to meet you Veldrys. You spoke of wanting to eat and I have taken much of your time. I had best allow you to do so, as well as give you some time to yourself; or others. I will return here at sunset. You may have already, but not many get to witness an Ethaefal change form; though it is not as wonderful as some may believe." Taking his leave, Xelhes began to walk away again, though stopped just before the exit. Leaving like this, without answering the man's last question was improper. The least he could do was provide an answer, and did so without turning towards him. "I have been given another chance at life with knowledge of the past. Even more so, I allow myself to live. From my perspective, so long as one wishes to exist and tries to stay alive, there is some part of them that is happy. I just need to find where that part is hidden." With that the Ethaefal left the Chapel, to give himself time alone, as well as Veldrys. The idea of having his blood consumed still made Xelhes nervous, and he also had to try to digest everything Veldrys had told him of the Symenestra. Also, he wanted to find some paper and a writing utensil. If he wrote the memories down when in his other form, he could at least have some recollection of them. No images, but the story in his brain, like how one could memorize parts of a book they read. Despite that, Xelhes also needed to calm down and try to come up with an apology. Acting so childish was horrid, and it showed just how young he was inside. At this rate the Symenestra would never view him as anything close to an equal; at best maybe a young adult. He had time though to prepare; there was still time. He wanted to become an ally to Veldrys; he knew he could with time. Yet, the real question he had was would he be permitted to be one, or if all he would find was rejection.

OOCDo you want to write a short blurb of Veldrys eating/thinking on everything and then I write with Xelhes coming back at sunset; or if you want I can just write another with Xelhes coming back. Yes, being difficult is a lovely talent I have; this exit is proof of it.

[Veldrys]

„If it depends on your ability to engage in a conversation, if intelligence is the deciding factor ...“, Veldrys replied. „... then you already are a man. I have met humans – and Symenestra – that were less intelligent than you. You may not know as much about this world as I do yet, but in time that will change as well. I’m not sure if I would have handled myself as well as you if I had been thrown into this world so abruptly.“

Lysander had been much worse in that regard. He had not only looked like a boy, he’d also acted like one. Maybe an Ethaefal’s maturity didn’t only depend on the time they had fallen, Veldrys concluded, but also to some extent on how old they appeared to be in their earth-bound form. If this was the case, did that mean that Lysander would always be somewhat childish while Xelhes had the potential to become a grown man in every regard?

As Veldrys saw the look in Xelhes‘ eyes as he asked him why he thought he couldn’t have a child that was directly related to him, the Symenestra was a little stunned. He had not expected a look of such pure venom. It seemed as if Xelhes wasn’t that mature after all. His reaction didn’t make any sense to him.

Maybe it would be better to let the matter be, but Veldrys felt the need to add at least one thing, „That’s not how things are. Captain Astrid is carrying an Ethaefal’s child.“ He said that in a very quiet tone of voice. Until he had heard the Captain’s announcement some time ago he hadn’t thought that such a thing was possible.

„Having an open mind is important“, he agreed as he heared Xelhes. His gaze followed the Ethaefal’s to the window. What was he looking for? Was he waiting for the sun to set? „I find your kind beautiful and divine, but I’m not sure if I understand you. You seem to be human, but you aren’t ...“ The Symenestra’s confusion was obvious. As Xelhes had said before, Ethaefal almost seemed to be halfbloods in some way, half mortal, half divine, half human, half something else, and he wasn’t sure if he would ever understand them completely.

„It was a pleasure to meet you as well“, Veldrys replied. He stood up as well and followed Xelhes to the door. „I’m looking forward to our next meeting. I have to admit I’m interested in watching you change.“ He had witnessed Lysander’s change. It had been fairly shocking. The Ethaefal had gone from a man of otherworldly beauty, from somebody he had even been attracted to to some extent to a mere boy. What would Xelhes’ change be like?

„Maybe I can help you find that part“, he said as he heard Xelhes‘ final words. Veldrys stayed in the Chapel for some time after the Ethaefal had left, saying another prayer to his god, and then he went home as well. He prepared a light meal for himself, a simple dish made of blood that he had procured from a butcher, a few herbs and vegetables. In a place like Denval it was impossible to have a proper Symenestra meal.

Eventually he made his way back to the Chapel. Xelhes would find the Symenestra in front of the altar, reciting passages from the Viratassa, his holy book, a good way to pass the time until the Ethaefal came.

OOCExperimenting with different post templates. I hope you don't mind.

[Xelhes]

Fall 37, 511 A.V. Since leaving the Chapel, Xelhes had actually done a decent amount of activities, despite not having any planned before. He needed to do things that kept his mind off the Chapel and Veldrys, to get away from it and internalize other things. The very first thing he did was return to his house and rest for an hour or so. It was not much, but it would be enough to keep this body going until nightfall, when he would shed his mortal form. At least then he would not be tired, and could just sit in the moonlight; Leth's energy sustaining him fully. No matter how much he denied it, he did miss the moon God and despite the feelings he tried to ignore, still loved him as well. How could he hate someone who had taken his soul from the cycle of rebirth and brought it to his realm? It was just something that was beyond Xelhes' capabilities. Eventually after his nap the Ethaefal got up, noting he still had time before he had to return to the Chapel. From there most of his day was spent looking over various shops to plan on what to buy, as well as scout out the price of a bow he wanted. He needed to train in some form of weapon, and he had already watched others use the bow. In fact he had even read a small book on archery, and while it also contained sword technique Xelhes found himself more fond of the archery topic. Something about it stuck with him; made him think he could do it. Eventually after finding out the price of the bow, as well as the arrows to use it, the Ethaefal was partially heart broken. How could something cost so much money? If he had the talent Xelhes would have simply crafted the bow himself and bought the arrows, but of course to make a proper bow required much practice. Time was moving too fast, and the Ethaefal would fall behind at this rate. After realising how broke he would become, Xelhes went to the Lyceum for the rest of his time, looking over other books on herbalism. It would be more helpful for Veldrys if he at least tried to learn what he could on his own before having the Symenestra teach him. The fewer problems that could arise, the better. Becoming confused over something or not knowing a basic plant would be rather embarrassing. After a time he replaced the book, thinking on reading the one that talked of archery in it; then decided against it. There was no point reading it now as doing so would just make him want to buy the longbow now. As it was he could only afford the arrows and bow, let alone quiver. No, it would be better to just continue reading on another subject. However, when Xelhes looked outside, the sun was already beginning its descent. Quickly heading home, the Ethaefal grabbed some papers and a writing utensil for later in the night. How he had not thought of such a thing was odd. He forgot his memories when he became mortal; so what better way than to write down the memories in order to retain them? Yes, the images themselves would fade away, but with the words he would at least have a sense of them; like reading a book in the Lyceum and coming up with the images himself. It was a test in its own right. By the time Xelhes made it to the Chapel he was slightly out of breath, having ran for some of the way. He did not want to be late, not after his attitude before. Entering the Chapel, Xelhes quietly approached the Symenestra, noticing he was busy doing something. The Chapel seemed completely empty, most prayers having been completed for the day, though others could always come. When Xelhes got closer he noticed Veldrys was reciting something, though he did not understand the words coming from the man's mouth. Not wanting to completely interrupt the Symenestra's reading, Xelhes quietly approached the altar; standing beside the Symenestra while looking at the altar. Standing at the altar, Xelhes began to feel different. Standing here, with a mood far lighter than the one from before, a prayer did come to him. Clasping his hands, eye closed, Xelhes did pray. He prayed that those suffering from Denval's current circumstance would recover; that in the time to come Denval would have a shield to protect those who could not save themselves. If things got worse, Denval may very well need a protector; maybe even the power of the divine. With his prayer done, Xelhes opened his eyes and glanced at Veldrys, nodding for the Symenestra to continue his reciting for another verse. It was comforting, standing here with the Symenestra reciting, the light of the setting sun coming into the Chapel. It made Xelhex relax, the atmosphere of the palce; the calm and happiness visible on his face. When Veldrys finished his reading, Xelhes turned his gaze towards his teacher, a small smile on his face. "Is that book the Viratassa? It was what you were reading, right?" He could see the writing on the book, and quickly learned he could not read it on his own. Veldrys would have to read it most likely until Xelhes began to pick up on the language, if at all possible. Taking a seat as close as possible to the altar, the remaining light of day shining on him, Xelhes gave the book a curious look before shaking his head to remove any ideas he had. Remembering the paper and pencil he had, Xelhes set them on one side, for later use. "I am sorry for leaving the way I did; it was rude and childish. It will not happen again, I promise Veldrys." He still felt bad for it, though most of the guilt had left due to the inability to change it now. His words and general energy far more lighter and soft than before, Xelhes could not help but feel how he did now. Night was almost here, and this place made him feel comfortable; a sacred place. Soon he would change form into one more comfortable; more enjoyable. How could Xelhes not be in a much better mood?

OOCNope, I do not mind at all; makes the visual more dynamic. Plus, I love looking at different templates.

[Veldrys]

Veldrys inclined his head a fraction to acknowledge Xelhes‘ arrival, and then he focused on the book again. He wasn’d done yet. He considered it improper to stop in the middle of a prayer. Such a thing would likely anger his god, and Viratas mattered to him more than anything else. Seconds turned into minutes as he stood there, quietly reading word after word. He was aware that the Ethaefal was standing next to him, saying a prayer of his own, but he didn’t look at him again until after he was finished.

„That is the Viratassa, yes“, he replied and closed the book. Xelhes could see that it was bound in red leather and still fairly new. He had acquired it before he had left Kalinor, a little less than a year ago. „Spilt blood cries out to me. It speaks of life and death. It sings of sins and blessings. Every drop is precious, but not all cries are holy“, he whispered. „That is the translation of something I was just reading. What do you think about these words?“

As Xelhes apologized, Veldrys looked directly at him for a moment, and then he shook his head. „Do not apologize. Do never apologize for something that has already happened. It doesn’t make anything better or change anything. Just make sure that it won’t happen again. That’s enough.“ For some reason that he had never figured out completely, the Symenestra disliked it when people apologized and claimed that they were sorry for this and that. In his opinion it was much better if you just changed the way you acted.

„Let us sit down for a moment“, he said in a much softer tone, changing the topic as Xelhes‘ apology had made him strangely uncomfortable. He pointed at one of the benches behind them. „When exactly will you change? Does it always happen at the same time?“ Xelhes could see that the Symenestra’s eyes shimmered with curisoity. Although Xelhes was not the first Ethaefal he had met nor the first Ethaefal he would watch change, there was something about the people that fell from the sky that still filled him with a sense of wonder.

[Xelhes]

Fall 37, 511 A.V. So, the book Veldrys read from truly was the Viratassa; the holy book of the Symenestra. Looking at it, Xelhes was not surprised on the color of leather that bound the pages. Red, like blood; the thing their god represented. When Veldrys asked Xelhes what he thought of the translated words the Ethaefal could not help but give the Symenestra a confused look. How many times would Veldrys ask him such questions? Was it the man's way of educating him; or simply a test to see if Veldrys would teach him? It was not that Xelhes did not wish to answer, just that it confused him on why so many questions were asked with the Symenestra wanting his thought on it. Taking a breath, Xelhes began to think on the words for a moment. They reminded him of things Veldrys had previously mentioned, about his people, blood, and Viratas. The answer did not seem completely right in Xelhes' mind, but it was what he had conjured. "The words remind me of your power to read memories, though I do not know if that is what they do indicate. It personifies the blood, making it seem like a living being; a thing with sentience and memory. That the 'spilt blood' cries comes across as when your people...No, when Viratas is around such blood, the memories call out; memories that are both good and bad. Moral and unmoral; that each memory is precious but not all are pure." The words reminded him exactly of the power Veldrys possessed; the ability to find memories by consuming an individual's blood. A power that would be useless for Xelhes, as he did not think he could ever manage to drink such a thing. When Veldrys told him not to apologize and simply change, Xelhes held his teacher's gaze with one of his own. It was almost a look of challenge, though still contained the lighthearted persona currently had. Even a confrontation would hardly change it, not when his transformation was so soon. "True, it may correct or change the past; yet sometimes it is when someone says those words that a change is brought about. It may not fix the past, but what if it causes a change that could prevent discord in the future? That is the reason I apologize, and will continue to." Sometimes for one to understand what they did and that they needed to change, all they had to do was say it. To think something and to say it were two very different things, each having its own affect. Looking out the window once more, he noticed how little of Syna remained. He had arrived later than planned, but still he was here; he had made it. Realising Veldrys had asked him more questions, the Ethaefal turned back to the Symenestra. "When Syna's light leaves our world, my form will change. It was always that way, for me at least. It should happen at any moment now. She is almost gone..." It almost made Xelhes sad to see Syna leave, even if her departure meant his form changing. Though he enjoyed his Ethaefal form, he also enjoyed Syna's light and the warmth it gave off. Of course, Leth's light was what he preferred most; a light only matched in his mind by the light of the horns he had, that reflected Leth's light. Noticing Veldrys' curiosity, Xelhes could not help but smile. It was nice to meet someone who genuinely seemed interesting in learning about the Ethaefal and maybe try to understand them. "Meeting someone who seems to truly care about learning the facts about us Ethaefal, and not just accepting what they see is more comforting than I thought. I find most people pretend to listen, and then simply go on with that they want to believe; regardless of how false it is. I hope I can answer at least some of your questions, Veldrys."

[Veldrys]

As Xelhes looked at him, seemingly confused by something, Veldrys arched an eyebrow. „Is there anything that bothers you?“ he wanted to know. „Does the question surprise you? Are you wondering whether I’ll approve of your answer? This is not a test. There is no right or wrong way to answer. I’m simply curious about how other people, people that know very little about me and the world I come from see something that is second nature to me, so please humor this strange Symenestra here ...“ He gave Xelhes a very light smile.

As he heard the Ethaefal’s answer, he nodded. „That is one way to interpret it. As I already remarked before, you understand my people well.“ For the second time he couldn’t help but wonder whether Xelhes had been a Symenestra in a past life. He hadn’t met a man who was so interested in his culture very often.

„Then feel free to continue to apologize“, he replied curtly as he heared Xelhes‘ next words and shrugged his shoulders. It was obvious that their thoughts differed greatly on that matter. To Veldrys apologizing was still a mostly pointless thing, but he wouldn’t argue about it with Xelhes. It was too insignificant for that.

As Xelhes looked out of the window, the Symenestra looked out of the window as well. The sun was about to set. When he had lived in Kalinor, he had never seen the sun. There had been nothing to mark the passing of night and day, the passing of seasons. Kalinor had always been shrouded in darkness, no matter what the time had been. Even though he had lived on the surface for months now, the sunset still fascinated him.

„Will you change quickly, like Lysander?“ he wanted to know. „He was Ethaefal one moment, and a second later a human was standing in front of me.“ He turned back to Xelhes again. „I’m looking for the truth. I want to know how things really are and not cling to some kind of false belief. I’m glad that you don’t mind my curiosity, Xelhes.“

[Xelhes]

Fall 37, 511 A.V. A slight chuckle left Xelhes' mouth after hearing what Veldrys had to say about his confusion. He had not actually expected the man to bring it up, yet he had; with the reason for the questions as well. "No, there is nothing that bothers me about the questions you asked. I simply curious on why you asked them, but you have already answered that. Though, I am not like most other people; my mind works different compared to the general public. With that, I am unsure if my responses will give you accurate information." Xelhes understood the Symenestra's logic on asking the question, but Xelhes treated problem differently than most. Many just looked at something with what they knew and with an opinion, but Xelhes tried to look at it from a distance. If you wanted to understand something you had to look at it from every possible angle, not just the one you wanted. It was the philosopher inside of him, a prominent persona that arose to evaluate the various questions the Ethaefal came across. The knowledge that he had been right to an extent pleased Xelhes, though sparked his curiosity again. It was only one way to interpret it? "What is the other way to interpret the words? As well, I still do not think I understand you people. Actually, it was only because you told me of your power to read the memories in blood that I was able to answer. Had you not told me, I am almost certain I would not have been able to give any intelligible reply." Veldrys was seemingly starting to overestimate the understanding Xelhes had about his people. So far most of his answered had been nothing more than educated guesses, based on looking at the questions with unbiased views and using the information Veldrys had told him. He did want to understand the Symenestra, just as he wanted to understand all the races as well. But sometimes there was a limit to the amount of understanding one could ever obtain. With the Symenestra's words on apologies Xelhes simply smiled and nodded his head. He wanted to apologize for apologizing now, simply to annoy the man though decided against it. Maybe sometime later he would poke fun at Veldrys, when they were not teaching each other; Xelhes wondering if they even would be around each other when there was no lesson occurring. When Veldrys asked if Xelhes would transform quickly the Ethaefal simply smiled and said, "You will see yourself soon enough." Yes, any moment now. It was hard to not show his excitement at changing again; transforming into a more comfortable body. When his teacher said he wanted to know the truth and cast aside the beliefs others had created, the Ethaefal gave him a small smile. He did not say anything for a time, simply thinking on various things, though hoping he had not made the atmosphere awkward because of the silence. Eventually, he began to say he felt the same way, wanting to know the truth of the Symenestra. Stopping himself from saying something, mouth caught in the middle of forming a sound, the Ethaefal quickly glanced at the window again and knew. How quickly night came these past few days, though Xelhes did not mind. Syna's light had left the realm, though light itself still existed. The rays entered the Chapel and landed on Xelhes' body, almost like caressing hands in the form of a gentle mist. The light seemed to move around his body, enveloping it with a glow that was soft, yet still strong enough to hide the Ethaefal's form. As it occurred, Xelhes carefully stretched, as to not invade Veldrys personal space. Then almost as quickly as it came, it ended. The light returned to what it always looked like, though Xelhes himself looked different. He continued his small stretched, like a cat that had just woken up, rubbing his already messy hair with one hand. While doing so, he made sure to feel that his horns were there; the thing he loved most. Looking at Veldrys, he gave an embarrassed smile and looked at the altar again. He hoped Veldrys liked them as much as Xelhes himself did, horns of white that shamed snow, that seemed to glow with a light as bright as the moon, yet the glow softer than any candle flame. Eventually looking back to the Symenestra, the Ethaefal still had an embarrassed look on his face. Would Veldrys view him differently now that he changed into this form? Would the man view him as some divine and beautiful creature like others did, despite the fact that he was not. Not matter how he looked, Xelhes did not find himself beautiful; the only thing he considered even slightly attractive being his horns. "So...would you like to ask me any of the question you have? Or, would you rather we start finding some stray memories of mine? I will let you decide, since so far you have been the one teaching me this entire time. It is about time you got to decide what we do after all. Though...I do have one request, Veldrys. If you want to ask me questions...could we go outside for it? I love sitting in the moonlight and gazing at the stars; relaxing and just enjoying the beauty that the night has to offer." The voice was deeper, that much was obvious, yet the general softness and tone could still be found in those words. It was proof that even though the Ethaefal had changed form, he personally had not changed with it...or at least not completely. The entire attitude he had was even lighter than before, almost carefree; one even could find happiness on his face, unlike before where it was only small smiles. It was then that Xelhes realised something, turning to Veldrys with a smile on his face. "I cannot find a single memory of me being a Symenestra in the past...or at least, currently cannot recall. Though in this form I have realised something...I hope I once was a Symenestra. It could show me some things about your people when they lived in Falyndar, or about things from recent times. It would be so fascinating to see Falyndar or Kalinor, even if just in a memory!" The possibility was there, though Xelhes was sure how probable it was. Still, to see the cocoons in the cave, or the floating city would be an amazing thing.

[Veldrys]

„Every opinion matters“, Veldrys replied as Xelhes wondered whether his responses would give him accurate information. „That you are not like other people makes the things you say all the more interesting.“ That was all he said on that matter before he turned to answer Xelhes‘ question about the brief excerpt from the Viratassa.

„The other way to interpret those words is much less pleasant“, he began. „Some of my people would use those very lines to justify the descrimination of those whose blood is impure, humans, halfbloods, Kelvic. There are some of my people that like to twist the Viratassa in every possible way, to suit their purpose.“

He had met such people, men and women that engaged in violent rituals, that went as far as killing those of mixed blood, those whose blood was not holy in their opinion. In their opinion their way of worship was the right one, the only one. But he couldn’t believe that there were some people that were worth less than others, not anymore.

„And you underestimate yourself. I’m sure that you would have come up with an interesting reply, even if I had not told you anything beforehand.“ In his opinion Ethaefal were more intelligent, no matter how often Xelhes reminded him that he had only spent a very short time in this world. He couldn’t fully accept that Ethaefal weren’t any better than his own people.

As Xelhes told him that he would see soon enough, the Symenestra cast a glance at the window, for the second or third time, as if he could make the sun set faster that way. He couldn’t help but noticed that Xelhes seemed excited. „It is time, isn’t it?“ he asked softly as Syna finally disappeared behind the horizon.

He came closer so that he could see Xelhes better as he changed. As the light – was it Syna’s light or Leth’s light? – touched the Ethaefal, Veldrys‘ eyes widened in surprise. He opened his mouth to say something, but no words came out. He extended his hand, but stopped just short of touching the Ethaefal, worried what he would find behind the light that enveloped him completely. He decided to be content with just watching until a beautiful, horned creature stood where a human had been only a short time ago.

„I once found a way to give myself horns“, he murmurred as he looked at Xelhes‘ head. The statement would likely seem out of place to the Ethaefal, but to Veldrys it made perfect sense. Just like Xelhes Lysander had been very fond of his horns, and he had always missed them as a human, and thus Veldrys had taught him some of his magic. And he had changed himself to look more like an Ethaefal as well, maybe in an attempt to understand those strange, divine beings better. „Do you ever miss them? Your horns, I mean?“

„I would like to know if it hurts“, he murmurred. „What happens when the light envelops you? What do you feel?“ He had dabbled in Morphing. He had ways to make himself look human, but his magic couldn’t compare to what had just happened to Xelhes. It was a pale shadow of the Ethaefal’s power, almost ridiculous.

„Of course we can go outside“, he replied as Xelhes voiced his request. „I’ve always found the moon and the stars fascinating. In Kalinor it’s always dark. Let us find a place to sit in the garden.“ He couldn’t help but notice that Xelhes‘ voice was deeper, although the inflection was still the same, although he still used the same words. He seemed happier now, as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders. What would happen if an Ethaefal went to Kalinor where it was always night? Would he always be in this divine form then?

„Let us start with trying to find some of your memories“, he decided. „It might answer some of the questions that are on my mind. As for your inability to recall if you have once been a Symenestra, concentrate on it, concentrate on Kalinor, on my face, on the things I told you when I use my gift. Sometimes that makes it easier to retrieve a certain memory.“

[Xelhes]

Fall 37, 511 A.V. "I guess every opinion does matter. Still...." Xelhes was not sure how to word his thoughts on it. He agreed, opinions did matter; but Veldrys should be asking people who acted more...regular. Being different may cause the Symenestra to find his answers interesting, but his answers would most likely be very different than the answers of another. He nodded when Veldrys hinted at the other interpretation, understanding right away. In fact Xelhes was surprised he did not catch on to that part himself. "That is something I find many people doing, regardless of race. If they can use it to justify their own views or goals, people will gladly warp the words of the gods. It is...upsetting to say the least, and disrespectful to that deity in question." The last thing people should want is to disrespect a god. What happened if that god got sick of it and decided to smite those individuals? There would be no where for them to run, and no way to defend themselves. He underestimated himself? The Symenestra's words made Xelhes blush, or at least to the extent that the Ethaefal could. He was human, but his complexion seemingly fought to stay pure white, as if it was trying to keep to the color of the moon. Veldrys would not notice unless he looked right at the Ethaefal. It seemed Veldrys considered Xelhes smarter than he truly was. "It may have been an interesting reply, but I do not think it would have been very intelligent. Probably humorously interesting." Xelhes wondered what kind of response he would have said without any knowledge on Veldrys' people. Nothing came to mind, so he left it; simply happy he had formed a correct answer already. Xelhes simply gave Veldrys an amused smile, not knowing why he had asked if he would change now. The man was smarter than that, but maybe he was just as excited as Xelhes was for the change. With the declaration that Veldrys had given himself horns, Xelhes quickly turned his head towards the man, shocked. He knew it was possible having learned magic himself, yet he did not think that the Symenestra would have learned magic; let alone speak of it. Magic was not something Xelhes spoke of openly, not with the varying opinions others had of it. It was a dangerous art, and from overuse could turn a normal man into a monster, or weapon. He had never really openly spoken of magic until now, trusting the Symenestra. "...You know Morphing as well?" Xelhes had never used the art more than once, worried he might make a mistake. As far as magic went, morphing could be even more dangerous than the others. "I miss them every time I go back to being human. They are the only thing I consider beautiful about my body in either form. To me their light could rival Leth's, yet unlike Leth, their light is soft and gentle. Of course it is not really my light...just Leth's reflected." The thought made him sad as he had always wished the light from his horns was a light from himself; a reflection of his own being. Yet, it made more sense that they simply reflected the moonbeams that landed on them, like a prism. The Ethaefal chuckled a little at Veldrys' following questions, though not to the point that it made the man's questions seem foolish. It was amusing for the roles to change, for Xelhes to be telling his teacher things about himself and Ethaefal. The interaction made him feel almost like an equal to Veldrys, though still lower at the same time. "No, it does not hurt...for me at least. Other Ethaefal may have a different feeling when they change. For me....It feels like an awakening, everything becoming clear. I almost feel...whole. Actually, how do you think I feel? Do I seem different to you?" Getting Veldrys' opinion on it would help the Ethaefal decide. The transition between human to Ethaefal form was quick, and the memories he lost returned in an instant. The transition was too quick for him to see if he was different, though he knew he was happier. Like this he had memories he loved; and a past life he desired. It was only that life he felt a pull towards; the life of a young woman who did what she could for her home, a Denval that looked much different than the one of today. The only problem was he knew many would not enjoy it, the idea of Xelhes wishing to restart the past life of when he was female while possessing the body he did. But that life felt right to him, and it went with the desires he already had. He just needed more memories of her, more knowledge on who he was and would eventually become; regardless of what others thought. Xelhes was visibly happy when his teacher said they could go outside, quickly heading towards the door, though still catching what Veldrys said. "I love the night, despite the dangers it poses. Creatures use it hide themselves before they attack, yet even then the beauty the night has amazes me. The moon, the stars, my horns; the list goes on for the things I find beautiful at night." If there was one thing Xelhes could write about it was the night, and if he did write about it the text would most likely be similar to a love song. Heading outside the first thing the Ethaefal did was look up at the sky, smiling happily. There was no greater pleasure in life to him than simply being able to see view the lights that illuminated the sky. He went to the garden like Veldrys said, taking a seat close to some of the flowers that had not wilted from the change of season. Soon they would all be dead, with winter so very close. For a moment he simply admired the surviving flowers before turning his attention back to Veldrys, and then realised he had never answered the man. "Ok, so we had best get started. If it is ok with you, would you mind biting my inner forearm? At least there I can try to hide the bite, so people do not come up with some awkward or unnecessary thoughts." That was maybe the main thing Xelhes was concerned about. He did not want others to assume things, such as him having been attacked by something or even worse, some form of romantic idea. That would not be good; he did not want more rumors going about. From there Xelhes stretched his arm out and closed his eyes, not wanting to watch. It was not that he could not, just that if he did there was no doubt he would not be able to focus as effectively. He also could not look at Veldrys when it was happening, not without feeling slightly guilty. Xelhes felt almost as if Veldrys wanted him to recall a memory of being a Symenestra, but that was not what Xelhes was going to focus on. No, he would focus on that woman from the past, the one that pulled on his soul and resided in the Denval of another world. Another time he would focus on the Symenestra, but for now he wanted to be selfish; he wanted to recall the life he wished to live. "When ever you are ready, Sir." It may have annoyed Veldrys when Xelhes said it, but he was trying to become more comfortable and at ease. The idea of getting bitten still was no a very pleasant one, but he could do it; he was just nervous about it. In fact, the nervousness would probably show on his face as he focused on the woman's face, voice, and life. Small timed breaths left his body, keeping himself in check both mentally and physically.

[Veldrys]

It was only as Xelhes asked him if he knew Morphing as well that Veldrys fully realized what he had said. For a moment the Symenestra was very nervous. Magic was a complicated topic at the best of times, and people often didn’t trust it. He was worried that Xelhes would be one of them, that the Ethaefal whose company he had enjoyed so far, would suddenly become suspicious of him, but then he remembered what he Xelhes said and nodded curtly. „I do“, he confirmed. „I know enough to make a few changes to my person, but I have by no means mastered it. Do you know that it’s possible to heal wounds with Morphing?“

That was his justification for learning something that people were so suspicious of. There had been a time when he had used his magic to make himself look human, when he had pretended to be human – because humans didn’t have any part in the Harvest, because they weren’t responsible for all those deaths – but not anymore. He didn’t want to deceive people anymore. He was proud of what he was, proud to be Symenestra.

Nowadays he practiced Morphing because he was convinced that it could be a painless way of healing, if combined with Glyphing. Sometimes he wondered if it might even save the lives of a few Symenestra women.

„I can teach you that as well“, he murmurred. „I can teach you how you can keep a part of your Ethaefal form, even as a human – and more.“ As he had said these words, he wondered if he should really have made that offer. So far nobody apart from Lysander knew what he could do, but the more people he taught ...

He decided to change the subject. „I’m glad that it doesn’t hurt“, he remarked. „As for how I think you feel ... I’m not sure. You look completely different, more beauiful in a way, more confident, but you still talk and act like the human that was here a few moments ago. Do you think you are different now?“

As Xelhes talked about the dangers of the night, the Symenestra laughed. „Denval is one of the least dangerous places I have been to so far, even with the things that have happened recently. We should be safe here, even in the middle of the night.“ With that he took a seat next to Xelhes, again thinking about how different this city was from his home. In Kalinor there had been no flowers. Almost nothing grew in Kalinor.

„I can bite you wherever you want“, he replied. He took Xelhes‘ arm and raised it a little. His touch lingered a moment longer than was necessary. He had to find out if the Ethaefal’s skin was still soft like a human’s, if it was still warm to the touch. A few seconds passed, and then he lowered his head. He suddenly couldn’t help but think of what had happened to Cian again, but the healer had been marked by a different god. Surely he, Veldrys, would be safe.

He bit the Ethaefal ...