Weathering the Storm of Storms (Closed)

[Jaeden Kincade]

92nd Day of Winter, 511 A.V.

Jaeden stood at the crest of the hill, staring out towards the peek of the mountain terrain that rested in view several miles away. He had spent several days before this one at the same spot, gazing over the elevated scenery since arriving to the region. Most often it was to get his bearing and learn the lands. It was important that he knew where he was going. While he stood far better chance of surviving away from cities and human settlements more than others, he had seen what happened to those who got lost in the form of bodies that had been dehydrated, starved, ravaged by animals or thieves. Some of them even died from just eating the wrong kind of plant or a rotted animal carcass because they were just too hungry to care about what dangers that would lie in eating such.

Today, however, Jaeden stared at a particular landmass longer than he hand in previous visits, his eyes narrowing as he studied it meticulously. He couldn’t quite put his finger on it, but he felt something was different about it today. It wouldn’t be long before Jaeden’s head slowly turned just an inch, his ear twitching and more readily taking in the sounds of the footsteps that approached behind him. “You’re taking a long time today.” Red’s voice echoed into his ears from behind as her arms slipped around Jaeden’s left arm, hugging it slightly as her face rested along the inferior portion of his deltoid. “Some sort of prey caught your eyes?”

Jaeden slowly shook his head for a moment, looking back to the patch of land. “No, there’s just something sort of different about the land. The patch resting halfway up the mountain.” Jaeden said, his eyes narrowing once again. “I don’t know. It just seems to be a little bit more…….. rounded. Sort of like it’s bulging up or something.”

“Well, the season’s about to change.” Red mentioned. “You said so yourself that you’re likely going to have to restudy the land with the change in climate. Wouldn’t melting snow or something change your perspective of such?”

Jaeden gave a slow shrug, raising his right hand and releasing Fortunado’s reins for a moment before reaching for his waterskin, giving a small shake to see how much was left inside. “Perhaps, but I don’t think the land would really shift that much. It’s almost like it’s swelling.” Jaeden just shook his head for a moment, slowly moving to Fortunado’s side and climbing along his back. “But, I’m not entirely used to mountain regions. Didn’t even spend a huge amount of time in the Cobalt Mountains back in Sylira. Perhaps I’m just imagining things.”

Jaeden then began to ride, moving away from the crest of the hill and towards a fresh water supply. He wasn’t in dire need this day, but he knew that he and Red would be spending several days at least in the wilds, surveying the changes in the land that happened with the changing seasons. It would be best for him if he stocked up on water now, in stead of having to worry about it and adding it to a list of chores while camping. The whole of the ride itself took only about ten chimes, as Jaeden guided Fortunado at a slow pace over rocks, branches and uneven terrain as Red traveled beside them, keeping her nose to the air as she kept vigil for scents of others and wild animals. Reaching a nearby pond, Jaeden slowly dismounted, letting Fortunado’s reins fall freely as the Nightwalker stepped up to the edge of the pond and began drinking his fill. Jaeden moved to the packs that rested along Fortunado’s back, pulling the water pack free from it, and his waterskin free from his belt.

Both Jaeden and Red slowly knelt down along the edge of the pond. There was likely at least two bells of sun left, they would have to make camp soon. They had rations enough to last them a few days, but all the same, Jaeden would likely set out traps during the night to see what he could do about avoiding the use of them. After he finished filling his waterskin, Jaeden moved on to his water pack, Fortunado slowly moving from the edge of the pond as he stomped at the cold ground a few times before shaking his head and let out a small whine. Red moved behind Jaeden, taking a small lean along his back as Jaeden filled the water pack, looking up to the sky. “They’re certainly in a hurry.” Red then suddenly commented.

“Who is?” Jaeden asked, capping the water pack as he looked over his shoulder at Red.

Red simply pointed up to the sky, standing up strait along her feet again as Jaeden slowly stood up from his crouch. Jaeden looked to the sky, seeing a large flock of birds moving east along the sky, their various calls filling the air. “Hrmm,” Jaeden said, replacing the water pack along Fortunado’s saddle. “So they are. They’re likely starting to move more inland now, waiting for the last of the winter thaw before scavenging the grounds for the first big feast.”

“Think you can shoot one out of the sky for dinner?” Red then suggested, looking to Jaeden.

Jaeden slowly shook his head. “Most of them will have passed by the time I got an arrow ready.” Jaeden said, reaching out and grasping Fortunado’s reins once again, leading him away from the pond now. “Come on, let’s look for a place to make camp. I’d like to have it set up before nightfall, otherwise we may as well just hold up in that cave a mile south of here.”

“Alright, but you’re cooking dinner tonight.” Red simply said.

“Don’t I every night anyhow when we’re out in the wild?” Jaeden said, smirking at Red.

“Fine, then you can brush my fur before bed then.” Red replied, moving towards the south with Jaeden.

“Fine, fine.” Jaeden said, reaching out and brushing Red’s cheek with the back of his fingers. “It is the last day of the winter season. May as well mark it with a night of pleasure.”

[Nashira]

As the gentle rays of Syna's sun radiated towards her, stretching their limbs as they caressed her sparkling skin, gently circling it with a single finger that sent small tremors up the length of her spine, Nashira couldn't help but smile as she basked in the glory of her goddess. The bright light shone in her eyes as she peered over her shoulder at the small billy goat that had been following her for days. Its hooves gently tapping against the rocky terrain; creating a tune for each of their steps to follow. The Ethaefal's smile brightened as it baa-ed at her, forcing her to turn her head around and bite her bottom lip merrily, as she glanced down at herself. The way the long, sweeping fabric of her dress swirled around her ankles, as she eased herself into another step. Onto another portion of the rock; a loftier location. The cool breeze swept her long, brown hair off her shoulders for a time as she forced the sole of her boot onto another jagged section of dark grey rock. Seconds later, she could feel it settling back down; tickling her back as she pushed up against her foot, and forced her other leg to follow. Walking ahead of the young goat for another chime, before stopping to peer out at the horizon. At the warm light the sun cast upon everything. The shades of it- golds, reds, and a deep orange. You will set soon enough, Nashira thought, and make way for Leth, won't you? Within moments, Nashira was pulled away from her thoughts, as something rough rammed into her leg. Startled, she looked down, to find a patch of white fur, gently dancing in the breeze, backing away from her. She could hear the gentle clamor of hooves upon rock, as she studied the dark eyes of the billy goat, and pulled herself a step away. "That hurts you know," Nashira scolded. "Flesh isn't quite as tough as your thick head," she added under her breath as the goat took another few steps back, and then ran into her again, as though trying to get her attention. "Ouch! Would you stop that!" the Ethaefal commented, as her molten amber eyes grew wide with frustration. The first embers of the emotion having been cast into the dark coals of her pupils, and the delicate pool of color, the mote, that surrounded them. The goat backed up again and baa-ed at her, before taking a moment to roughly pass its head over her leg. Confused by the sudden change in its behavior, the Ethaefal's brow furrowed. They don't normally do that do they? Nashira asked herself. Goats... the wild ones at least, aren't normally taken to following people around for days on end. Stalking them in the shadows, although not silently. The Ethaefal's thoughts paused, as she gently eased her fingers through thick layers of snow white fur, just about the goat's nose, and in-between its floppy ears. Shaped somewhere in-between those of an average house cat, and a sloppy dog. Like a teardrop, with the point slightly less noticeable, in the sense that it was far more rounded than that. As her fingers combed through the thick hairs, the Ethaefal could just begin to feel two tiny, dark-colored horns sprouting; poking through the surface of its skull. She couldn't see them yet, lost as they were behind endless tufts of fur, but she could feel the tiny bumps, the cool nature, she supposed was similar to that of its tiny hooves. The thoughts wore on- which makes one wonder if you want something. Without sound, the Ethaefal's eyes narrowed, turning into little more than crescent-shaped slits. A symbol of the change of tides soon to come. Or perhaps, if you need something, or are not entirely as you appear. As the thought crossed her mind, Nashira lowered herself into a kneeling position. As uncomfortable as it was against the uneven terrain, with elements so sharp and jagged pressing into her bone, and thinly stretched flesh. Her eyes locked instantly onto the dark, curious orbs the goats possessed. Her gaze stretching only as low as its quivering black nose. "Are you a Kelvic looking for a companion?" Shira whispered to the goat, as her fingers circled its face. Coming alongside its cheeks, under its chin. She half-heartedly tickled the area where it may soon grow a beard with age, as she stared into its eyes, waiting for something to happen. What exactly she was unsure. "Or are you simply following me around for the sake of doing so?" Shira asked. "Looking for some sort of scrap from the proverbial table, as it were?" Again, the goat baa-ed in her face. She could smell its breath; scented distinctly with stale water, and some strange, yet rather aromatic plant. She could feel its warmth buffeting her skin, rivaling Zulrav's own breath; the wind. After kneeling and simply staring for several chimes, the Ethaefal began to wonder if she had made a mistake, or if perhaps, the creature was simply shy. Deciding that if the latter were the case, it was likely she could do something about it. Sighing to herself, Nashira opened the gates to her soul. Her pupils dilated. The dark orbs consuming her eyes, stretching across the white as she forced the goat to look at her, by pinching its cheeks, gently. A fire seemed to rise within them, as a tingling sensation sprouted in her core. Growing through her. Its roots stretching downwards, into her toes, creating a firm foundation as everything else bloomed. The flowers stretching towards the backs of her eyes. She could feel it strengthening, its stem straightening, coming out of its frightened and malnourished wilt. She could sense everything being drawn into it. The bees pollinating it, before flying over to another, more deserving flower. Butterflies settling for a taste. Birds coming near, only to admire for a moment, before moving on. Spiders drawing their webs over it, spinning their silk against everything in sight. So as to trap that which scarcely paid attention; for their hearts were now held by something other than themselves. Nashira could sense the spiders crawling away from her. Stepping across the length of her arm, towards the goat. Shrouding it in their web; her web. Sit. Stay. Settle, the magic began. Its soft voice traveling through the ears, towards the goats perked ears. Twitching as the sense of sound seeped in. It was as though it were honey being poured out; water slipping over rock. Smooth. Calming. Refreshing. Nurturing. Relax, it insisted, and learn to trust. For you are with a friend. Amongst one who can be trusted. The magic paused, allowing the suggestion time to take hold, before it moved on. You can open yourself up. Offer your heart. Show your true colors. Again, there was a slight, yet, nearly unnoticeable pause. If you are something more than you appear. If you are not entirely what you seem, then show yourself now. Let it be known that you are more... show yourself. The wind picked up again, sweeping Nashira's hair off her shoulders as she simply waited, wondering what would happen. If her magic was enough to spur something into action. Or if she had merely, begun to lose it, and had made a poor judgment call. Please...

[Jaeden Kincade]

Jaeden slowly moved back towards camp, his feet falling heavily over the soft earth, almost grown muddy from the slowly rising temperatures from the spring season just a step away. His lips pursed together, slowly letting out a calming tune in the form of a whistle as Red stepped beside him, constantly sniffing the ground and air, traveling in her fox form. Over his back, Jaeden carried a string of three rabbits over his shoulder. There was a sense of calm that seemed to radiate to Jaeden. While he hadn’t exactly gained an complete kinship with the wilderness of the mountain ranges, it was a piece of nature he was more and more becoming familiar with. The wildlife found there and which of them were a threat or relatively harmless. Some of the plant life that stuck around for the winter season, though the vast majority of them would begin arriving during mid and late spring, giving him a chance to figure out where the patches of edibles would grow.

His trips out into the wilderness since arriving to the region were mainly for familiarization in the end. He had yet to take on a single job as a wilderness guide. In the end, he just didn’t feel comfortable enough with his experience within the mountain regions to let other people trust him to get them through to some other place. He wasn’t even certain what dangers lurked in the deeper part of the mountains yet. Those creatures that existed beyond the norm of regular wildlife.

As Jaeden rose over the crest of a hill, making his way back to camp with Red, he was this time greeted with a curious sight. It was something Red had likely smelled, but hadn’t been worried about for some reason. When Jaeden had spotted the female, crouched down and talking with a goat, he more or less figured out why. Jaeden didn’t suspect a certain insanity from the woman overall. After all, there were certain divine magics that allowed the races of the lands to communicate with the animals. Even Jaeden often spoke with Red when she was in her fox form. More to the point, Jaeden simply observed a simple curiosity in the woman’s eyes, if not a certain amount solitude that drove her to speak with the goat.

The real question, in the end, is how she would react to Jaeden once she realized his presence, standing there at the top of the hill. He gave a simple clearing of his throat to let the woman know where he stood. “Hello there. My name is Jaeden.” Jaeden said, slowly raising his free hand in greeting, his other still wrapped in line with the day’s quick hunt occupying it. Red slowly slipped between Jaeden’s legs, looking down at the scene with a bit of curiosity in her own eyes, but remaining quiet for the moment. “Out here to enjoy the first day of the new season?” Jaeden then inquired to further break the ice between them.

[Nashira]

Nashira's eyes remained on the goat's for quite awhile. Waiting for the familiar shimmer, the burst of light, as the Kelvic shifted from one form to the next. But there was nothing. No change, no shift of any sort. The two simply remained, dead locked under the sun's rays. Cooled only by the grey stone they tread upon. Please. Won't you shift for me? Nashira's magic insisted, trying to will the beast out of hiding. Won't you show me your true colors? Shine radiantly next to sparkling skin and horns you'll have but to grow into? The goat emitted a single bleat from the back of its throat, as though imploring that the Ethaefal release it. "No, don't you do that at me. Not with this voice, when you have another I'd like to hear. Another whose tone would be music to my ears." The Ethaefal paused, allowing her words, laced with her poison, to sink into the creature's thick skull. Please... show us what you truly are... Still, nothing happened. Please... Sighing to herself as her fingers tightened around the goat's chin, Nashira began to wonder all the more if she had been wrong all along. Or if simply, animals were impervious to her magical arts. Her eyes darkened then, into tempestuous pools of molten liquid. She was not at all in the mood to fail, especially to the likes of an animal, which she had oft been told, even though she was not sure she actually agreed, were never as smart as the likes of her kind. Or even humankind for that matter. "Show yourself," she whispered insistently, her voice hurried and cold. Her fingers were dancing over its fur. The place where its beard would form; its cheeks. It seemed a little rough; tough. As though it had been matted with dust and other grime imbedded within the stone, or perhaps, whatever it had chosen to eat within the past few days. The Ethaefal turned the goat's head to the side, so that she may view his profile. Her head came back a little, her nose slightly turned up, as though in disgust. A wave of revulsion having overcome her now that she truly had the chance to take a whiff of him. Damn, you really could use a bath, she thought, as the thought that he wouldn't smell any better in human form came to mind. That he may wind up looking rather gruff, like a beggar you'd find on the side of the street, holding his filthy, gnarled palms out for alms. Or perhaps, a drunken sailor, with unkempt beard sitting on the edge of the dock, his feet swinging over the open waters. The Ethaefal, unsettled by the images brought to mind, pinched the goat's chin a little more firmly, and shook it a little. "Perhaps it's best you have yet to listen," she whispered. "Perhaps your form isn't something the eye would wish to catch, to hold within itself for a time." There was a slight pause as magma washed away. Tendrils of smoke rising in its stead. "Perhaps it is too twisted and mangled, dark and dirty..." There was a sound from above. The voice of a male. Nashira's ears prickled as she looked up from the goat at the man and his curious companion. "Nashira," she called up to him, as she took in the sight of the string of rabbits he had strewn over his shoulder. His skin, shades lighter than hers, glistening with sweat. As her eyes swept over him, his muscular form, she jerked the goat's chin away and quickly came to her feet. The goat bleated again, before trotting off down the hill. Well isn't that surprising? the Ethaefal asked herself as she subtly patted the folds of her dress down, so as to rid them of dust and grime. The gods just don't want me to ever know. Not in the fashion Syna herself, wishes to illuminate all. With her hands returning to her sides now, she looked up into the light past the man. "Can that be said," Nashira began, "if you are merely traveling from one place to the next?" There was a pause as she took several steps up the uneven terrain, closer to where Jaeden and Red stood waiting. "And what of you? Surely you haven't traveled out this far into the wilds to complete a simple hunt. A task easily completed within the confines and safety of most, if not all cities." Again, the Ethaefal paused as she lifted her right hand, and raked it through her full head of hair, pulling apart knots, before returning it to her side. "Which leaves one to wonder, what larger task you intend to complete out here, traveler."

[Jaeden Kincade]

Jaeden slowly looked down at Red, who looked back at him with a questioning look before both of them looked to Nashira once again at the same time. “Well, I would surmise that it would depend on one’s perspective in the end.” Jaeden then began, a slow shrug running off his shoulders as he looked out along the mountain ranges and valleys that could be spotting from a gaze. “I’m a wilderness guide in the end, a man of the forests. Or rather, I like to consider myself such. This region is a little more unfamiliar to me than others, so my trip out here would be two fold. One to familiarize myself with the lands, and the second, the hunt itself.”

Jaeden the slowly rose his finger, looking back to Nashira. “However, the task in making myself familiar with the lands is often simpler than hunting them.” Jaeden then explained further. “If you’re not familiar with the land, then a hunt could prove difficult as you don’t know the travel paths of certain quarry, don’t know the areas of considerable risk to avoid during a hunt. So a simple task could be daunting, when considering all of the other simple tasks that come with it.”

Jaeden then felt a smile creep across his lips, realizing he was, if nothing else, rambling and possibly getting a bit preachy. “But again, a matter of perspective.” Jaeden simply said, giving a slow rub to his chin with his free hand. “Even if I was wholly familiar with the lands, I would likely still be out here, even for a simple hunt. I’m more at home here than I am in any city.”

Jaeden slowly motioned towards the north west then. “My companion here, Red, and myself, were just heading back towards camp.” Jaeden then said. “If you haven’t any pressing matters that require you continue moving out at a quickened pace, you’re welcomed to join us. It’s at least another day’s travel away from Alvadas by foot and the sun will be setting soon if you don’t mind sharing shelter with someone you’ve just met?”

[Nashira]

"Seems sensible enough," Nashira called up to the man as her feet displaced stone. Forcing the pebbles back; rolling down the steepening slope as she approached. Soon reaching a round in the grey. A smoother edge, upon which to stand, facing Jaeden and his companion from no more than a few feet away. She smiled at them then, her hand resting idly on the hilt of Caleb's old sword. "No need to rush when you don't know where to go. What path to follow, next." There was a pause, as the Ethaefal raised her free hand, and ran it through her hair. She could feel several strands catching on her horns. Her fingers furled, crawling up and down the length of her scalp in an attempt to free the snags. Everything that had been snared. But it was no use, sighing in resignation, she determined that as soon as she had reached their camp, she'd take a moment to groom herself, so at least she'd be a bit more kempt, after a long day's travel. "We could all return to your camp, if that'd be to your liking." Again the woman paused. "Lead us all away," she instructed, with a small flourish of her hand as it came away from her hair, and she soon, fell into step just a few paces behind the man and his companion. The Ethaefal remained silent for the several chimes it took everyone to reach camp, and once there, soon set her things down as a low grumbling sound escaped her lips. She lowered herself, next to her belongings and removed a comb, hastily running it through her hair several times before tossing it back. "Forgive me, it has been such a long day and everything is a mess. You're lucky, I suppose, having such short hair. Must be easy to tend to," Nashira explained as she got to her feet, and simply stared at the man. "Anyway, that's enough of such trivial things. There must be a number of things that need doing before the sun sets. Something that you need help with. Cooking your catch, perhaps? Although, that's never been an area of expertise. It's a bit strange, considering gender." Nashira shrugged, "but it's never been of much interest, or much use, all things considered. If you know much about us." The Ethaefal offered a small smile, trying to reassure the man she was more than likely confusing with her strange manner of speech. Poor thing, was probably young enough to be her son. "But that's not to say one shouldn't learn to do things better, if simply for the sake of others, more than themselves," she wore on, as she tilted her head slightly to the side, allowing her hair to cascade over the length of her shoulders. "So... if you don't know how... maybe there's something that could be done, between us. Unless you wish to show... I could always get some fresh bedding ready or something, surely this place can't be too comfortable," Nashira added, as she stole a glance about the place. With all the grey, it simply seemed far too dark for her liking. But if this was the place Jaeden had chosen, she supposed it was for some practical reason. After all, he had come to know more of these things than she, having spent far too much time chasing after lost matters of the heart. Another piece of her which never seemed to age; to mature, allowing her to move on after everything that had already come to pass.

[Jaeden Kincade]

There was something simplistic, yet beautiful about the way the setting sun filtered light through the trees at Jaeden’s campsite. A campfire with dull, burning embers sat at the center, radiating heat despite no flames, left to burn just enough that there wouldn’t be any flames upon return, but so that it wouldn’t be completely burned out. A spit hovered over the fire itself, ready to receive meat for the cooking. Nearby it, several strands of rope hung from a low tree branch, dangling slightly in the wind. Along the other side of the tree, a simple bag hung from another tree branch from two cords, with the muzzle of a Nightwalker buried deeply in it as he fed greedily on the contents of the bag as though it were a Nirvana like treat. Sitting not far from the fire was a large tent, large enough to comfortably sleep four people as supplies and tools were stacked neatly to it’s right. A slight haze of steam rose from the ground as melted snow from the ground being heated over the course of the day came into contact with the cooler air. The way the steam caught the rays of fleeting light from the setting sun gave the camp sight a sort of serenity, a calm and inviting feeling.

It wasn’t completely open, as Nashira discovered, when Jaeden lead her around or over several small tripping and snaring traps that he had laid out. The traps themselves were lethal, but seemed to act more as a stalling tool and early warning tactic for certain animals, creatures or other unwanted individuals who were approaching Jaeden’s camp. Red was the first back to enter the camp, her small, but quick, paws carrying her over towards the tent. A shimmer of golden light soon surrounded here casting no sound save for as it faded and Red echoed out a relieved sigh, her voice soft and smooth. When the light faded, her nude female form was soon crouching down and reaching inside of the tent, retrieving clothing. “It’s not a high class inn,” Jaeden said to Nashira as they entered the camp next, “but it has a quiet, comforting solitude in my opinion.”

Jaeden stepped over towards the tent as Red had just finished slipping on an overcoat. Without even being asked, she held out her hands to Jaeden, taking the string of rabbits from him before walking over to the tree branch that housed the dangling ropes, hanging the rabbits individually by the hind legs. Jaeden himself began stripping his gear off from his body as he observed Nashira grooming her hair. His leather armor was next to be slipped off as Nashira commented on her appearance and Jaeden’s benefit of short length hair. A slight chuckle slipped his lips before he shook his head. “You don’t have to worry about appearance in my company.” Jaeden then simply said as he laid his leather armor down next to his gear, the white, long sleeved shirt he wore clinging to the mid of his chest and back where sweat had formed despite the cool temperatures of the mountain region. “I’ve looked far worse myself many times, despite having short hair.”

Jaeden slowly began to roll up his sleeves then as Red had just finished stringing up the rabbits. He observed Nashira then as she talked, searching for something to do, a small smirk crossing his lips. Soon Red slipped her hands into the tent once more, grabbing her other clothes as she began to slip them on. When Nashira had finished, Jaeden slowly stepped over towards her, his hands working over the cotton fabric of his left sleeve which soon revealed the Happenchance mark. It’s appearance almost resembled a tattoo, with multiple colors as a pack of wolves lined the entirety of flesh along Jaeden’s forearm. Most fascinating thing about the mark, however, was the fact that it moved. At least six wolves could be seen sniffing around along lowly before one raised its head in a silent howl and the entire pack began to move up Jaeden’s arm, disappearing beneath the sleeve to move to parts unknown. “Nashira,” Jaeden said, his arm then slowly raising. His fingers reached out, touching her lightly along her cheek as a strand of her hair brushed along the side of his index finger. “You’re rambling a little. Normally I only do such things when in the presence of someone new. Especially someone beautiful, despite your reserves about the appearance of your hair.”

Jaeden’s fingers them began to brush lightly along the skin of her face, her hair being swept slowly up as it hung over Jaeden’s fingers. “It’s the last day of winter, and as you said, you’ve had a very long day.” Jaeden said as his fingers then began to run lightly through Nashira’s hair, small but smooth movements untangling the hair she had been attempting to free from her horns as the tips of Jaeden’s ring and pinky finger lightly brushed over it. “How about, you slow down on the work a little, and just enjoy it. It's not like there's some big catastrophe scheduled or something.”

Jaeden’s hand then lightly moved down, lightly running through the length of her hair before his palm came to rest along Nashira’s shoulder. “If you want something to keep you from being completely idle, however, how about you feed the fire a little in preparation for cooking the rabbits.” Jaeden offered then, looking into Nashira’s eyes before nudging his head towards the campfire. “After I’ve skinned them, I can show you what I know about cooking. Although I will admit, I’m not likely much more knowledgeable that you.”

Jaeden the slowly withdrew his hand from Nashira’s shoulder, turning towards the strung up rabbits as he reached for the skinning dagger Red handed him, looking to Nashira with a smile for a moment. “It’s plenty comfortable in Jaeden’s tent as well.” Red then commented. “We have two bedrolls in there, so you are free to use mine. I normally end up sharing Jaeden’s with him anyhow.”

“More like greedily use up most of it.” Jaeden the muttered, warranting him a palm slap along the mid of his back where the shirt still clung lightly. He arched his back in response, his breath stopped for a moment before he gave a slow exhale. “I mean graciously accept upon my offering.”

[Nashira]

His flesh felt callused and rough, not at all smooth like her own. She almost flinched as it drew over the gentle slope of her highly arched cheekbones. It seemed strange to her that a man so gruff and fond of the wilderness could attempt something so gentle. Be so gentle. "Jaeden," she whispered, as her eyes fell towards her lap, and her chin fell a little, as though embarrassed by his bold nature. The way a part of her liked it, and felt guilty for doing so, despite how much time and space hung heavily in the air between herself and the man she had once loved; Caleb. Her bangs tumbled towards her face, narrowing the frame it cast against her sparkling skin as the amber in her eyes seemed to melt. The edges grew glassy as her hand clutched the side of her dress, bunching the fabric between her clenched fists. She could feel a clump of saliva gathering in her throat, and fought whole-heartedly to rid herself of it as her thumb danced over the creases in the fabric. "Please don't," she whispered, as she stifled a sob. A hint of her pain. She could feel his hand falling onto her shoulder; away, and couldn't help but feel some relief, if not all the more empty. Softly, the Ethaefal shook her head, willing her thoughts away as she forced herself onto her feet, and crossed the camp to a small stack of kindling. She pulled a few twigs and the occasional leaf from the top of the heap, and soon crossed to the fire. She eased herself onto her knees, south of where the whistling wind blew the billowing pillar of thick grey smoke. In measured strides, she tossed the kindling onto the fire, watching it sink beneath the weight of her added measures, before licking its sides hungrily. Growing constantly around it for a time, before she leaned close to blow on it a little. Pushing the sparkling red and orange light away for a time, before it sprang back, and with a vengeance. She could feel the flame heating her brow, beads of sweat gathering just below her hairline as she pulled away from it. "That would be lovely," she said simply, as she listened to it crackle. Watched the embers dance, and sparks fly each time the fire chose to spit. As though rejecting a part of itself, or what she had just done. Sighing to herself, Nashira looked up at Jaeden. "The fire's ready, whenever you wish to start cooking," she called to him. "We will only need to cook one?" she asked, as she glanced at Red. "Or has she taken to your actions and general preferences?" There was a pause. "I won't be needing anything," she added. "At least not for a while. Not until the sun sets and the moon overtakes the sky." She smiled weakly as she looked up at the bright, celestial orb. That which their fire mirrored. She supposed she missed being up there. Up close. So close she could reach for her, and perhaps brush fingertips for a time. So close she could see her face. Hold it within her mind's eye, and remember. It had been far too long. She simply wished she could remember...

[Jaeden Kincade]

Jaeden began cutting through the skin of the rabbits, starting first at the hind legs and then talking the blade of his dagger down the front of the rabbit. From there he began slowly peeling back the hides of the rabbits, lightly slicing through connective tissue that clung desperately. “Red?” Jaeden then asked his Kelvic companion, directing Nashira’s question to her.

Red gave a slow shrugged as she began pulling out dishes, some dried fruits and vegetables, and spices. The spices especially began to linger into the air as a pleasant, yet sharp smell began to tickle at Nashira’s nostrils. “I eat them either way, though I don’t really eat animals raw when we have company. Most find it unsettling.” Red then answered, setting up the skewer that would hold the rabbits to cook over the fire.”For tonight, I’ll eat them cooked. Either tastes good to me.”

Eventually, a final quick jerk separated the rest of the hide away from the rabbit on the first, the second following soon after. “So you mentioned food and cooking not being of much use to you?” Jaeden then said as he began to slice shallow through the stomach of the rabbits, removing its intestines whole and tossing them into a small bowl nearby. He would later leave them out a fair distance from camp. Some scavengers may take to eating them. If not, they would eventually degrade and provide the earth in the area with nutrients that some plant life would use to grow. “Is it a personal choice, or something more specific to your race. I’ll admit to not knowing much about the Ethaefal. I’ve heard talk about them. Talks of shifting in night and day, certain beauty and elegance, mainly just typical stereotypical comments based on the opinions of others, but I’ve yet to meet one in person.”

Jaeden unstrung the rabbits after removing their heads, bringing them over towards the fire before picking up the skewer. “Obviously, only share what you’re comfortable with.” Jaeden then said. “After all, I’d still be somewhat in a “stranger” status, considering we only just met about a bell ago.”

Jaeden then began to motion Nashira closer, so she could observe Jaeden’s process of cooking while they conversed.

[Nashira]

Nashira nodded her head lightly, the frayed edges of her hair splaying across her face. She could taste them on her pale pink lips, feel the split ends tickling the rounded curves of her cheeks, her sparkling skin, the tip of her chin. Her eyes reflected her smile, they seemed to contain a smattering of Zintila's silver stars. Slowly, she raised a hand, and gingerly tucked several loose strands behind her ear before setting both hands in her lap. "It is a manner of my race," the hypnotist replied. "During the hours our patron god rules the sky, we have no mortal needs or wants- for food, for water. We do not hunger, for their light is enough to sustain us." The Ethaefal paused, and took a moment to glance up at the sun. The golden colored light which was framed by the clouds. The illumination scattered across the rocks, her earth. The life she was forced to share with other mere mortals. "It is not until their reign has passed that we come to want. Succumb to hunger, and experience this life in the way that most others do." There was a slight pause as the woman's smile widened. "We don't even come to age," she finished, before easing herself onto her feet and heading over to Jaeden so as to watch his cooking techniques. For the most part, the Ethaefal's eyes grazed over Jaeden's callused hands as he worked. His motions weren't particularly graceful, but he seemed to be deft besides, as though he really did know what he was doing. Or rather, had done this so many times before, he could make it look that way. The girl simply couldn't be sure, seeing as she rarely ate, and tended to purchase pre-made meals whenever her mortality really began to take hold. To overcome her entirely. "Do you always do things this way?" she asked. "Or do you let another serve you at times, a woman perhaps?" There was a slight pause. "Not your companion though," she continued as she tilted her head to the side to denote just how deeply she thought about her words, before choosing to utilize them, "she simply doesn't seem like the type. Wild in heart, and a little headstrong." Nashira chuckled to herself. "You must be something else to each other..." Nashira's head rocked to the side, before straightening. Her eyes glanced at the fire, the pillar of grey smoke that was billowing into the deepening sky. She watched the sun through it, how it obscured her vision of the celestial orb for a moment before turning to the wilderness guide, and staring directly into his eyes. She was awaiting her answer.