Completed Nightly Endeavors (Euthisa)

[Avon Lomondir]

Timestamp: 2nd of Summer 512 AV Where: Wind Reach Who: Avon, Euthisa The sounds of the afternoon activity was vastly different and strange from those of Lhavit, much more calmer and tamed then what Avon was used to, but still rather beautiful in its own way. Scattered comfortably and submerged in their own business were the other denizens of the Courtyard of the Sky, sitting, walking, or merely standing in place and conversing. To his eyes-the nocturnal eyes of the wolf-they stood out like beacons of flames stretching towards the moonlit-sky. sparking a small fascination in the wolf as he sat languidly off from the main mass of the group. He hadn’t transverse the mighty corridors of Wind Reach in his other form and he was definitely surprised in the differences he saw, little things that his human eyes had missed. The scents too were different on a barely tangible level, but he appreciated them nonetheless, feeling as if each smell had its own resounding effect on him. It was the scent of eagle, hard work, and the bizarre blend that composed the Inarta’s unique scent. It was beginning to become almost homely. Avon let out a huge yawn, exposing dangerous fangs that had their fair share use, blinking intelligently at those that offered him a cursory glance, as if questioning the significance of a wolf in there mountainous city. But he wasn’t worried. He was as docile as a puppy in play…for the most part, and loved nothing more for people to approach him in this way. After all, there were virtually no differences between this form and the other-well in his mind anyway. They were the same, held the same soul and personality. Yet no one seemed to understand this, always hasty to assume that he was some uncultured, wild beast or an impulsive wild boy. He could remember the days of his youth and his hyperactive playfulness and restlessness, always causing harmless mayhem out of a childish desire for fun. But the people of Lhavit were a refined group of people that tolerated very little of his antics. It grew bad enough that he had polite mannerisms and etiquette drilled permanently into his head by his father to the point where sometimes he couldn’t help it. Couldn’t help being nice no matter what rude comment come his way. Couldn’t help the built-in respect that he was to have towards everyone even if they proved to be most undeserving of it at most time. It was basically involuntarily at this point in his life and had become a crucial part to his personality. “Hey! Mommy look! A puppy!” The black wolf looked up at the sound of little flame-haired girl running towards him, laughing softly as she instantly petted his muzzle and stroked his furry ears. His tail began to wag in delight and he felt the simple desire to play, nuzzling encouragingly at the little girl’s stomach, her giggles increasing in volume in reaction to the wetness of his nose. It wasn’t often children approached him when he was like this, fearing the intensity of his unwavering gaze, the glimpse of lethal canines, and his size that was mainly buffed up due to his pelt. So it wasn’t unreasonable that he savored this moment, going to lick the girls hand when she was so abruptly torn away by a scolding, protective mother who shot him a warning glance that made him feel rather hurt. He should’ve known better; these people favored animals of the avian variety and were respectively weary of any other animal. His ears flattening dejectedly to his skull, Avon picked himself off the ground back onto his paws, half-heartedly wandering if he should return home and rest up for his morning hunt. But the night was young and beautiful and he loathed being alone on such a wondrous night. Possibly, if he changed back into his more humanoid shape, then things wouldn’t turn out like this. But he felt it didn’t matter anyway. He was hard-pressed to figure out where he had disrobed at and walking around immodest wasn’t an option if he wanted to remain unbothered. And, much to his frustration, the Kelvic was still very much hungry despite having had his dinner recently. Sulking, hungry, and lonely, the wolf sat wearily on his hunches, golden-green eyes seemingly glowing in the dark as they observed every minute detail of the night…

[Euthisa]

Afternoon activities overtook the Courtyard of the Sky, some winding down for the onslaught of evening. Those that weren't winding down for the night were placed in groups across the amphitheater floor, making glimpses of the grand eagle mosaic appear like scattered puzzle pieces a child failed to fit together. Thankfully the Courtyard wasn't too far from the Commonrooms, the walk between the two was fitting and comfortable, and when Euthisa felt comfortable enough to fiddle around other people, she often came here to practice. She wasn't too shabby, her playing neither congratulatory or shunned. She stood off to one side, in a gap between groups against the wall, and using it to lean upon, placed her fiddle on her shoulder and took up her bow in her hand. Wishing to play small tunes without attracting masses of attention, she chose to play softly what little bit she knew she could. Closing her eyes to feel the music, Euthisa drew her bow along the strings, playing a soft melody her mother used to play her as a child trying to sleep, something not often done with a fiddle. Fiddling was more often used for dance music. She knew not the song's name nor if it was even about anything in particular, or if it was just a compilation of soft notes designed to soothe. Whichever the case, it was often her favorite tune to play, the first she ever learned as a child, and one of the very few songs she knew all the way through, smoothly. Her fingers danced along the strings, waltzing in their own ballroom. She swayed with each long-drawn note, her hair flowing around her shoulders as she played. It was down and free tonight, no braids or ties restraining it, and her bangs hung loose across her forehead. The burgundy color of her hair stood out against her emerald eyes, as well as against the earthy brown and sky blue of her attire. She liked contrasting, it made her interesting. Her song came to a close and Euthisa opened her eyes. The world came rushing back to her, having forgotten it all in the music. Setting her fiddle down gently, Euthisa took a seat on one of the nearest platforms steps to survey those out and about still. Scolding caught her attention and Euthisa followed the sound to notice a woman yelling at her child for petting an apparently random wolf sitting in the Courtyard. He looked entirely friendly so Euthisa couldn't imagine why the woman was so upset at her child for petting him. Children love animals, and just because they were Inartans didn't mean they couldn't love land animals as much as they loved the sky born ones. A look of disdain disfigured Euthisa's face as her eyes followed the woman out of the Courtyard. Eyes back on the beast across the yard, Euthisa observed him for a few moments. He looked visibly upset by the woman and her child, his ears tucked tight against his skull as he stood up. He sat back down a minute later and he seemed to look around observing everyone as she herself was. She wondered if he'd catch her gaze or if she should go over to him for an unscolded petting session. She decided to pay him a visit. Carrying her fiddle and bow under her arm, she strode gently and carefully across the yard to where the wolf sat. She approached him in an obvious friendly manner, but made sure not to move to quickly. She knew not how he took to people just waltzing up to him. When she grew close, she set her fiddle down upon the ground near him, out of anyone's walk path, and sat down next to the beast. "Hey there boy. Whatcha up to tonight?" Euthisa reached up and scratched behind his ears while she spoke to him, noting his intense analytical gaze from behind liquid sunshine green eyes.

[Avon Lomondir]

The approach of light steps intruded his ears faster than when he actually registered the sight of the woman approaching, his breath hitching in pleasant surprise at the familiar sight of Euthisa, garbed in softer hues of sky-blue and earth-brown that seemed to bring out the shining forestry color of her eyes. Clutched firmly under her arm was a fiddle and a bow, stirring the recent memory of hearing the sound of beautiful music being composed, the soothing tune haven’t been in the forefront of his mind but still there nonetheless. He could still remember the composition perfectly and it would forever be etched in his memory. Later, when he could actually speak to her in regular speech, he would ask about its origins and its meaning if there was any. Observing with his signature intense, analyzing gaze, the green in his eyes a strange mixture in the bright, wolfish gold, Avon inwardly chuckled at the way she regarded him, friendly but knowledgeably cautious. She apparently knew that approaching a wild animal to hastily was dangerous, no matter your intentions and he silently praised the Inartan woman for it. He had often been at the unfortunate end of one of his father’s cohorts trying to pet him in a rough manner. Because he felt it was justified and just despising the way they treated him, he had lashed out with his fangs and would frequently manage to bite them, feeling guilty satisfied at their yells of alarm or fear. His father would often take the brunt of the punishment from his superiors for his actions, but never once did he get too upset with him and settled for reprimanding him like a master would to a misbehaved puppy. Avon felt they deserved it. But Euthisa was different; he could see it in those warm, gorgeous eyes. Never would he turn his fangs on her. The wolf, if possible, would’ve smiled as Euthisa placed her fiddle gently on the side and took a seat next to him, her fingers moments later scratching behind his ear with a skill that surprised him, the coaxing sound of her voice washing over him nicely, calmly. They were close enough that he could experience the full force of her lovely scent, the fragrance oddly unique and incomparable to many things, belonging only to her. It was wonderful, yet he was unable to tell her with words, trying to relay his thoughts through his expressive eyes. She didn’t even know who he was and for some reason, that distressed him, enough that a small whimper echoed from his mouth in sadness. Rising to his paws, Avon barked lowly and pressed his wet noise into her hand, affectionately licking her palm to express his gratitude for the scratches behind his ear. Mere moments later, an idea had sprung up in his mind and he wasn’t sure if it would work. He needed to make her understand that it was him. Slowly, Avon nudged her legs with his muzzle tenderly, wanting her to stand, wanting her to follow him. He knew where his clothes where and they weren’t too far away fortunately. The Kelvic intended to change back and to do that, he needed clothing. He was absolutely sure that doing so now would only startle Euthisa into a state of shock…or worse. Avon couldn’t understand why being naked troubled people so much in the first place and why it was a social taboo but he didn’t want to take this chance with his friend, knowing that losing this friendship would only hurt in the end. Barking in encouragement, the wolf took a few steps in the direction of the common rooms, wagging his tail playfully as he glanced back at the Inarta woman, begging with his eyes that she follow him.

[Euthisa]

The ebony wolf gazed at her while she scratched him, something oddly human and familiar about his eyes. Euthisa knew these eyes from somewhere. She stared right back at him, comforted in his gaze, despite the burning intensity behind them. His fur was the softest she'd ever caressed, the fluid motions of her fingers quickly becoming routine as they toyed with the ends of his hair. There was not a tangle to be found among the locks, as deep a black as the darkest earthen pit. Only his eyes gave him away, for they were the only color to found on his form. Snapping her out of her mental surveying of him, he whimpered and before Euthisa could respond to him, he stood, pressing his nose into her hand, showing much gratitude for the scratching. A warm smile crept upon her lips at the affection. He then nudged at her legs and barked at her before taking a few steps away from her. He seemed playful all of a sudden, and Euthisa would forever swear she could see longing in his eyes as he waited for her to tag along. Bewildered but curious, Euthisa stood and grabbed her fiddle and bow from beside her. She tucked it beneath her arm once more and strode up to the excited wolf. She giggled at his change of demeanor, her laughter erupting into the air around them. He seemed to be headed towards the common rooms, convenient for Euthisa so she could stow away her precious fiddle. She'd follow this playful beast first though. Her curiosity always got the better of her in times like these. "Not sure what you're up to, but I wanna find out. Lead the way!" OOC : I apologize for it's lack of length. I hit a small speed bump this post and was kind of stuck in a rut. Loving this thread though!

[Avon Lomondir]

Barking with approval at Euthisa’s obvious enthusiasm despite knowing where he would be taking her, Avon circled around a bit in a spontaneous surge of excitement before easing into a steady trot towards their destination, glancing ever so often behind him to make sure she was keeping up. He had an unconscious tendency to start running if something captured his interest, which could range from a small animal that crossed his path or a new scent that was intriguing. Anything really. Sometimes the Kelvic wondered if he had a short attention span or rather this was the result of not controlling his own instincts. Inwardly scoffing at the possibly true fact about his self, Avon glanced languidly behind to make sure she was keeping up. Satisfied that she was, Avon took a quick whiff of the air and froze in recognition, excited as he picked up the familiar scent of his own clothing. And against his better judgment, the excited wolf took off in a flurry of ecstatic barks as he descended down into the honey-comb colored labyrinth of corridors and hallways that was the Inner Warrens. It felt like he was chasing prey; the rush of his paws lifting off the rocky ground, the smell of something to pursue clogging his nose, and the rhythmic beat off his heart thundering his chest. He barely noticed the other occupants of the Warrens jumping away and yelling out in alarm as he zoomed by, still continuing his frenzied barking, his tongue lolling out of his mouth like a puppy in play. He only paused for seconds at a time to make turns down indistinguishable halls, the scent getting closer and closer the more the floors themselves seemed to ascend upwards. Distantly, Avon knew that meant the Common rooms would soon be in hindsight but the new information did little to slow him down, leaping up the spiraling staircase steps multiples at a time, claws seeking purchase in the stone, growling a bit at the tedious exercise. Finally, Avon thought in both annoyance and amusement, halting in his running to gaze thoughtfully at the art and tapestry-adorned walls that marked his arrival at the common rooms, which unfortunately, were more corridors. It was a bit repitious to the Kelvic with all these hallways, preferring airy and spacious streets that filled most cities. But it couldn’t be helped he supposed, considering how Wind Reach lie secluded and protected in a mountainous fortress. There was little opportunity to create streets deep in a mountain. Wagging his tail gently, the excitement faded to a dull throb in the background, Avon lifted a paw up to take a step forward only to grow rigid with horror as a sudden realization struck him. He had left Euthisa behind. Whimpering in concern and at the weight of his own guilty inconsideration for his friend, the wolf circled around in worry, pawing blindly at the ground as if to divert his remorseful conscious. She could be lost somewhere, although that was improbable when considering how she was Inartan and grew up in these endless mazes. They were probably her playground at this point, but that did very little to dismiss his worry. Smoldering golden-green eyes alight with an idea, Avon jerked his head back and howled deeply in the loudest volume his voice could muster, hoping that cavernous hallways could be used to his advantage, intending for the sound-waves to echo off the walls. That would have to do for now. Hopefully she would be able to find his location, growling in satisfaction as he ran around a deserted corridor where he had stashed his clothing behind a sizeable rock. He looked around to make sure no one was coming before he felt the uplifting, instantaneous change take ahold of him, painless and as easy as breathing. The magical light that had swirled mystically around him dissolved and in its place was his typically, unrobed, humanoid figure. Better put on some clothes, he mused lightly, hurriedly throwing on his clothing with practiced easy, managing to look decent enough that no one would probably be able to tell he went from canine to human. Not that the possibility should’ve ever crossed that person’s mind. Chuckling wistfully at the thought, Avon rounded the corner with a thoughtful expression on his face, hoping beyond hope that Euthisa would be waiting patiently for him…or rather the wolf she had been chasing. OOC : Don't worry about it. Didn't give you much to work with. I'm glad you love the thread.

[Euthisa]

The beautiful wolf grew excited with her enthusiasm, tail wagging as he trotted off ahead of her. Euthisa jogged behind him to keep up, the stamina seemingly genetically installed in all Inartans kicking into gear to allow her to do so. He seemed to be headed towards the common rooms, and Euthisa was completely bewildered trying to uncover why. She was just as baffled at the familiarity this wolf's presence held for her, yet she knew not who he was. After moments of jogging, the wolf suddenly froze for a minute, and then bolted away. Euthisa sprinted after him, trying her hardest to keep up but her two human legs were no match for his four beastly ones. He was quickly out of sight and Euthisa gave up chasing him. She slowed to a jog, and a minute later, down to walking speed, and continued in the direction she'd last seen him running. Every few minutes, she asked someone on the street if they'd seen a solid black wolf running by anywhere, and they graciously pointed her in the right directions as she went along. She was directed down countless hallways, feeling lightly dizzy as she wandered them back and forth, in and out, wondering if this wolf knew where he was going after all. However, Euthisa pressed onwards. Her legs felt the ground ascending with each step, knowing she'd soon leave the Inner Warrens and be at the Common Rooms. Continuing to ask directions from the Inartan people of which way a rogue wolf had sped to, Euthisa heard the light echo of a howl from inside as she was finally pointed up the spiral staircase leading to the Common Rooms. Smiling in assumption that that's where her mysterious wolfy friend had disappeared to, she ascended the staircase to enter the Common Rooms. When she got there, her wolf was nowhere in sight, and the immediate hallways seemed empty. Having no one to ask for sightings, Euthisa leaned against the nearby wall, finishing catching her breath from her antics to try and catch up to the fur ball. Content that she was at the entrance and the wolf couldn't get by her without acknowledgement, Euthisa slid down the wall until she was seated on the floor. She crossed her legs, her burgundy hair falling around her shoulders, framing her face, and relocated her fiddle from under her arm to her lap. She ran her fingers softly up and down the strings while she waited, worried she may not find that wolf. The thought wasn't exactly one for lifting her spirit, but doing as she was raised, Euthisa kept hope. Moments later, the sound of footsteps from a nearby hallway sounded in the air and Euthisa looked up just in time to see a familiar face round the corner. Avon, the sweet handsome traveler visiting her homeland strode across the floor like he'd done it all his life. It was surprising to Euthisa just how well he fit in and adjusted in Wind Reach, and a previous thought wishing him to make permanent residence reoccurred to her. She dearly hoped he would. Her best smile flashed across her face, setting her eyes alight, and the grin reached the furthest corners of her lips. "Hey Avon. It's so good to see you. How are you doing? You wouldn't happen to have seen a wolf running around anywhere would you? I chased after one until I got here, and then I lost him. What are you up to this evening?"

[Avon Lomondir]

The unsurprising, but nevertheless endearing, sight of Euthisa taken post at the entrance stole a soft smile from Avon as he strode closer gingerly, one hand at his sash-covered waist while the other hung freely at the side. She was the perfect picture of someone diligently waiting for something; her cascading, burgundy tresses framing that delicately shaped face with all its honed intelligence, slender fingers tenderly stroking the musical strings of her fiddle. He found the image suddenly picturesque. Perhaps if his hands were a bit more talented on paper, he would’ve loved to have drawn her to keep the visual forever, but that was all types of difficult for him. For one thing, any writing utensil seemed to hold some type of resentment towards him as they tended to break even when he applied a gentle grip. And personally, Avon felt that blades were the only thing that ever truly belonged there, having little talent to be a scholar or the necessary zeal that was needed. So…he would have to make do with his memory. Euthisa had looked up when he approached, stunning the Kelvic momentarily with the sheer radiance of the smile she sent his way, somehow illuminating her features with its brightness. She seemed sincerely glad about his appearance, suddenly feeling a mixture of emotions that he didn’t have the time or patience to go through. Happiness. Anxiety. Confusion maybe? It was too many at once and almost successfully distracted the young man from what she was saying to him, inquiring about his well-being and what he planned to do this wonderful evening. The commentary and questions about a wolf caused the corner of his lips to twitch into the faintest inkling of a knowing, sly grin. It just so happened that her wolf was standing before her. Holding back the nearly-painful urge to chuckle, Avon lowered himself into a crouch till he was eyelevel with the young woman before him, wearing that signature charming smile of his. “It’s nice to see you too Euthisa. I’m doing fine actually, but thank you for asking. And as for your wolf,” his tone grew a bit husky, almost tantalizing to the ear as his eyes grew half-lidded in keen interest, “I may know something. Although, I’m curious as to why you followed a wild animal in the first place? But that doesn’t matter…especially since he has led you to me.” Subconsciously, Avon inched a bit closer to her, breathing shallowly, humming a low tone in his throat that held little meaning, never taking his eyes off her forest-green ones, enthralled by them. “Did your wolf have black fur…as dark as my own hair perhaps? Was his eyes a mixture of liquid gold and emerald green like my own?” Flashing Euthisa a lovely smile, Avon was conscious to reveal the prominent canines that were the only hint of his dual nature. He often made sure to never fully bare all his teeth when he smiled, knowing that it startled people a lot of times in a significantly bad way. But his faith in Euthisa was unwavering. “You would think that wolf was me eh?”

[Euthisa]

Smiling back at her and seemingly genuinely happy to see her, Avon reached Euthisa and crouched down next to her. His liquidy gaze held hers steadily, as intense as it always seemed to be, never wavering, as a charming smirk adorned his face, melting Euthisa where she sat. To answer her question, he inched closer to her. His enticing scent filled her nostrils, putting some of her anxiety at ease, and his intense gaze burned through her. Goosebumps rose upon her skin and she could see longing and hope in his eyes. She listened carefully to his words as he spoke, not even blinking to break their stare. “Did your wolf have black fur…as dark as my own hair perhaps? Was his eyes a mixture of liquid gold and emerald green like my own?" Thinking carefully to the beast she followed here, Euthisa's eyes widened in shock as she recalled that the wolf did have midnight black fur like his, and the same eyes... That would explain the familiarity she saw in them. Avon then smiled wide at her, exposing canine fangs she never knew were there. And then it all made sense. Light bulbs flashed in her head and her eyes as she figured it all out. “You would think that wolf was me eh?” She paused before answering him. If she put the proper pieces together in the right places, Avon was a Kelvic. She'd heard many a story about the shapeshifting race, and she'd always wanted to meet one. She was deeply intrigued by such things and loved exploring ideas foreign to her. Absolutely delighted to obtain this new knowledge, Euthisa's face lit up with excitement and she proudly wore a cocky grin, a feature off but worn well with her features. "Indeed one would. It all makes sense now. You're ready eagerness for activity... The searching for something fun to do... Just like that of a playful pup. I'm delighted to meet your "true" acquaintance, my dear Kelvic Avon."

[Sphinx]

Thread Award! Character Name: Avon Lomindir Skills: Socialising +1, Lore: Mistrusted and Misunderstood, Character Name: Euthisa Skills: Playing Musical Instrument (Fiddle) +2, Observation +1, Lore: Identifying a Kelvic Wolf Notes: I like Kelvics. They are fun to read with all their curiousity and usual boundless energy. This was a nice thread and I'm sorry to hear Avon hasn't been around. If you have questions, concerns, or comments about my grading, please don't be afraid to PM me.