[Event] Summer Sea Festival

[Lilium]

Taken aback by the soft touch of the youth's skin, Lilium's ice blue eyes widened as she allowed herself to be led, no sooner was the hand in her own then it was gone again. Curling her fingers into a gentle fist she grimaced as yet another man bought her a meal. It was always a lovely gesture, but it reminded the ageless creature of how loud her complaining body really was. Cheeks colored with a soft blush, the konti-swathed creature nodded wordlessly and followed Vhast through the alleyway and towards the public seating. Small lanterns hung by thin ropes were draped over poles and tents and the surrounds giving the area a homely sort of feel. Taking her seat, Lilium smiled at Vhast and reached out to take the hearty meal closest to her. "Thank you kind sir." She said with genuine gratitude, breathing in the rich meaty aroma and savoring all the various details of the scent. Gods, how she missed this during the day. Even now, the sun had set completely and the sky had been painted in purples and deep blues and the stars had come out to entertain the people. How quickly time passed when Syna buried her face beneath the waves. Lifting her spoon, the pale blonde tasted the dish with a soft sigh that belonged to an entirely different time and place, her eyes closed as she allowed all the various herbs and spices to dance across her taste buds. The sound of the man's voice caught her attention and she opened her eyes with a smile. "Well, I am pleased to represent my people to the best of my ability." Tilting her head a little, Lilium's smile turned wry. "However, I'm afraid I can't take that credit on behalf of my sisters. I am only konti as long as Leth shows his face in the sky above. Morning brings Syna, and..." Briefly, her crystalline eyes looked past the young man, into the distance or perhaps the past. Sunset...torn bodies...the smoke..the blood... "And unto her will, I am changed." Blinking, she focused on Vhast again and shrugged, glancing down at her steaming food. "I am an ethaefal. Konti at night, horned beast by day. Such is the way of the world." Taking another mouthful of the hot meal, the woman kept her eyes on her food as she calmed the simmering darkness locked deeply in the walls of her mind. "Who would've guessed that a shadow-fell angel would find herself at the same place as the gleaming sunlight?" The hand on her shoulder was a surprise, but the sound of a familiar voice had the ethaefal smiling. Putting down her spoon, Lilium turned to look up at the face of one emerald eyed scholar. "Indeed, even the Fallen need to eat." She said softly, feeling a small pang in her chest. It had been weeks since their last encounter, and Marcus had not made any attempt to see her...even if he knew her mainstay was the Worlds End Grotto. It confused the godling, left her wondering whether she had done some wrong. And wondering whether she was supposed to go find him again. Then it had shifted from confusion to hurt. Had she, the centuries old wise and ancient ethaefal, had she fallen for sweet words and stolen kisses under the lure of wine? Finally, it had changed to acceptance. Perhaps she had read to far into their tryst, and she should count her losses and move on with the world around her. Life was far, far too long to dwell in misery. And yet, even then, she had still hurt. Bristling a little at her thoughts, Lilium straightened on her seat and nodded towards the younger man. "Marcus, this is Vhast. A clever gentleman who understands and appreciates the benifits of eyebrows and hair." She smiled at the youth across from her at their shared joke, before nodding to the scholar beside her. "Vhast, let me introduce Marcus. A scholar in various disciplines of study at the University of Zeltiva." Breaking off a piece of the bread bowl her meal was served in, Lilium dipped it in the broth and took a bite, humming in delight. "This is a wonderful dish, thank you again." The ethaefal said to Vhast with a smile, before looking up at Marcus with pale blue eyes that reflected the slight hurt that hid behind them. "It's quite a surprise to see you...here. I was wondering if perhaps the university had sent you on some sort of field excursion or something." A ball of butterflies swirled in her stomach. The ageless creature wanted to leap to her feet and throw her arms around his neck, but at the same time she wasn't sure whether he wanted that. He might genuinely had been avoiding her, and this might have just been a quaint run-in. Frustrated, her stomach growled at her, and with darkened cheeks the ethaefal ate some more of the stew to quell its complaining. Gods, people were complicated.

[Vhast]

What bites he managed were sweet sustenance, a confection of spices and meat that exceeded expectation. His eyes closed for a moment of genuine indulgence, cheek filled smile bringing life to a normally austere face. Vhast quickly realized he’d grown far too accustomed to the mediocre fare University life provided, paltry rations compared to this. And yet only a few bites seemed to satisfy him, his gaze more intent on watching the woman sitting across from him who spun a tale the likes of which he‘d never heard. To him Ethaefel were as good as legend, the majority of the young man’s life sheltered by what Ravok wished him to see. So many questions were already running through his mind that he could barely keep them organized, his lips parting to respond in a conversation that could have likely gone on for hours… That was until he saw the shadow of a newcomer approaching, his gait one of purpose with a smirk that suggested he knew one of the two seated at the table. And considering that Vhast sheltered no contacts in Zeltiva aside from a very brilliant mentor, he could only assume that the stranger was here for Lilium. His first words were like acid to the younger man’s ears, so romantically mundane that Vhast would have retched what he’d just consumed had his stomach been less content. Yet the only emotion the young man felt was one of mild annoyance, his enlightening conversation put on pause to herald this very self-important man who lacked all social grace. Still, Vhast was humanly adroit enough to mask his sentiments and accept the newcomer with polite smile and congenial wave of hand. “Pleasure, sir.” Yet the longer Marcus stayed, the more mutinous Vhast felt within, offering a simple nod when Lilium expressed her gratitude for the meal. Watching her turn to engage the other in conversation, a cold shiver ran through Vhast’s spine, reminder that he was still quite damp and in need of fire. Soon the common area provided little in the way of warmth aside from conversation. It had seemed enough then, but now that he was without, a pang of solitude grieved the young man's will. Looking down to the boots he’d placed aside when the pair sat down, Vhast occupied himself with tucking his feet back into them, the doeskin running up the length of his calf. Stretching and tightening each end until they fit firmly around his flesh, he gradually tied them off and stamped each one to the earth for good measure. It seemed his welcome had run out.

[Marcus Dymez]

OOCIt's a bit long, so I apologize, but I really wanted to drive home Marcus' quick entry and exit. ^^" Marcus' limitless curiosity was ecstatic after his greeting. One of the first lessons Marcus had drilled into him at the beginning of his 'scholarly' pursuits was the concealment of his skills. There was a reason you didn't see magicians flaunting their abilities on street corners, besides simple humility. When asked why, Marcus received a curious answer, which he quickly adopted to the rest of his conduct. He was told to 'Appear less than you are,' and the concept struck home with the yearning student. This situation was one of the fruits of such labor, and Marcus held off introducing himself for a brief moment, knowing a precarious situation when he saw one, and quickly began to speak to the famished Ethaefal. His voice was a medley of his usual playful charm and sincere apology, an almost-alchemical mix prepared just for such a moment. "You could say that, I suppose. The University has kept me quite busy as of late. When I'm not studying, I'm sleeping; when I'm not sleeping, I'm practicing; when I'm not practicing, I'm studying. Also add in a dash of reckless and unnecessary heroics to that lovely equation, and you have my life as of late. But still have I not forgotten my promises; A man is nothing without his word." Marcus let out a slight chuckle, scratching the back of his head, hoping to diffuse the bomb that he thought was ready to explode any moment now. Although, perhaps it had already gone off, a poison seeping through the air towards his well-meaning face. Regardless, this was not the welcome he had wanted after their brief separation, but it was just as expected. "Anyways, I do hope you'll forgive my absence, but I suppose this is becoming a talk for another time..." Turning to the young man beside her, already seeming to have been dampened by Marcus' arrival, the rugged scholar spoke in a calm and welcoming tone, hoping not to dishevel a sincere meeting with his presence. "Now then, 'Sir' is much more than I deserve. After all, I am the one intruding, so Marcus will do just fine." Despite admitting to the interruption, his expression remains unphased, a hand deftly extending in greeting as the wind gently furrows his plain white shirt. "Regardless, it is a pleasure to meet you, mate. Always nice to find a fellow gentleman; very few true ones remain these days." Marcus chose his words precisely, perhaps taunting the younger man's presumptions, tempting them to bend and subdue, or snap and break. The air between the three may as well have been made of daggers. Marcus had no quarrels with this Vhast fellow, or his ideas. They didn't even factor into his mind at the moment, to be honest. The only thought that made its way to the forefront of Marcus', conscience, gazing down at Lilium's pain-filled eyes, was 'That look is for me.' This was not the pain of the darkness, held shakily at bay by the humanity of the night. No, this was a much more understandable injury, and the fact that it was his hand that held the knife made Marcus all the more torn. While his words were slightly exaggerated, they were not lies. His workload had been ramped on significantly as the summer courses came closer to their ends. Not to mention his new swordsmanship training with Saelen, who was anything but rough. But no matter how many things he listed in his head, he could have always skipped one or another to run off and see Lilium. The problem was always where... True to character, Marcus had visited the various inns and taverns set around the city, but never more than one a night, and never at the same time. In retrospect, he couldn't imagine why, but he had a few ideas he rather didn't care to admit. His mind wandered in the past, searching for an answer, as his lips moved. His own voice pulled his attention back to the present, as the words set into place like puzzle-pieces. "I'm sorry... For leaving you in the darkness." Marcus hesitated for a moment as he came back into focus, finding his grip on her shoulder firm and serious. It was less than a second all-told, but to Marcus' over-active and split thoughts, it was quite a dreary affair. Much better to live in the present, after all. "Annnnd, I do believe I've intruded on your meal for long enough." Marcus offered an apologetic smile over to the young Vhast, the hand on Lilium's shoulder gracefully sliding to a flourish as he offered a somewhat elegant bow. Slipping past his pocket, Marcus pulled out a small folded up piece of parchment, offering it to Lilium, although with much more haste than his usual grace. At this point, he simply wanted to make his exit with the least amount of damage. "In the case you forgive me, take this. Knock three times whenever you need company, or you feel I need it." On it was written the room number for his dorm, which even he forgot from time to time. Turning to the ever-patient and possibly-brooding gentleman, Marcus once again offered a gentle smile, his devilish smirk edging in around the corners. "Happy Festival, Vhast. Perhaps we shall see each other again..." Marcus waved over his shoulders as he continued on his prior path, heading back into the city. He was not entirely sure he had come out with any progress, but at the very least he got to see Lilium again, despite her mood towards him. He had left as quickly as he had arrived, unannounced and possibly unwelcome. A particularly suitable word came to mind, as Marcus realized what he part he had just played. A hurricane, in the midst of the sea god's festival. How fitting.

[Lilium]

His words were genuine, and the ageless woman felt ashamed at the feelings rolling in her stomach. And then, like a summer storm, Marcus was bidding them farewell. Watching the retreating sorcerer as he moved away from them again, Lilium was left feeling more confused then when he had arrived. Pursing pale lips, the shimmering creature looked down at the folded paper he'd given her, before closing it in her hand and turning back to the raven haired Vhast with a shake of her head. "I'm terribly sorry about that, I have...no petching idea what just happened. Zeltiva is such a small place, it seems that where ever one might go, you will always see someone you least expect." The woman said with a frown, poking at the softened bread bowl with her spoon. Looking at the youth, she noticed he'd pulled on his shoes and his face had clouded over. Obviously Marcus' arrival had caused him to rethink her company. Or was it the fact she wasn't quite the konti he had expected. Awkwardly, the blonde tucked her slightly curled locks behind an ear and bit her lip. "Two centuries on this plane tends to leave me a little out of the social loop. I'm sorry if I said something wrong." Lilium said with an apologetic smile, blue eyes dropping to the foot set out before her. Around them, the cool night air blew gently, temperature dropping slowly as the sun's warmth dissipated from the air. The fallen creature rubbed her scaled arms gently, breaking off another piece of bread and popping it in her mouth.

[Vhast]

"I'm terribly sorry about that, I have...no petching idea what just happened." And in truth, neither did Vhast. He’d shaken the man’s hand when proffered, chuckled dryly even when the comment on gentlemanly peers surfaced. Nothing about the encounter had struck the youth’s mind as odd other than perhaps the breathless change to his surroundings when Marcus and Lilium spoke to each other. Was it pain? Frustration? Such things were of course beyond his comprehension, Vhast’s knowledge of romance lacking entirely in experience. There were more important things in life to consider anyway. Having been more than willing to graciously bow down so that the two might converse in private, Vhast had been waiting for a polite way to bid farewell. But now the charming rogue was gone, and with it, Vhast’s desire to part ways. Instead he smiled softly in hopes of rekindling the levity they’d shared before, chuckling to himself while toying with the chipped crust of his bread bowl. “He wouldn’t happen to be studying drama, would he? Quite the way with words about him.” Eloquence was a thing Vhast both admired and reviled at the same time. In proper doses, it proved quite powerful. The Voice back home was evidence enough of that. But when taxed with embellished prose whose sole purpose was to evoke a misguided sense of meaning, he would much rather have done without. Marcus had displayed all signs of being the latter, and seemed quietly pleased with himself when doing so. This, Vhast could hardly abide without at least relaying some mischievous remark. A cold shiver trembled across his shoulders this time, turning to the steaming bowl for resolution and taking a few mouthfuls of the stout broth. Instantly his core responded with a wave of warmth that pressed towards each limb, and again for the time being he seemed satisfied. “So,” he began after he swallowed his third bite, “How does it feel to be one person during the night, and then entirely another during the day?” Vhast considered what he himself would have given for such a gift, the Ebonstryfe never far from his mind.

[Lilium]

Lilium couldn't help the small laugh that came to her lips at his comment about studying drama, before picking up her spoon and tucking into the meal before her with a lingering smile - mood lifted for now. Eagerly, she finished the bulk of the broth before pulling apart the bready bowl and eating the stew soaked bread. Her stomach rejoiced at the yeasty delicacy and her hunger was abated...somewhat. Lifting her blue eyes to the young man as he spoke again, Lilium felt the smile on her lips falter at his question. Chewing slowly, the songstress lifted the last part of the bread, holding it to her lips as she looked at Vhast. "It feels like a walking nightmare that I will never ever wake from. During the day, I am forced to wear the rotting carcass of Syna's bidding, a demonic horned beast that feels nothing, tastes nothing..." Carefully, the ethaefal kept the dark thoughts from her past pushed at the back of her mind, offering the young man a suddenly radiant smile. "But during the night, the blessing of my true form comes forth and I am awaked again. Free to taste and savor the wonder of everything around me. I eat and I drink, I sing and I dance and I laugh. I love the night." Popping the last piece of bread in her mouth, Lilium sighed happily and allowed a small shudder of goosebumps raise on her lightly scaled skin. "It's even more wonderful when the Festival occurs, as those things that only come out at day are also displayed at night, like those beautiful flowers we saw. I get to smell them, and remember their delicate scents during the day. Such a small thing, but you miss the flowers when you can't smell them anymore." Resting her arms on the table, the platinum haired godling smiled slightly, before sitting back and running her fingers through her hair. "The whole affair is not quite as glamorous as the books would have you believe." The ethaefal said lightheartedly. Her's was not a fairytale story for the faint of heart, and not one she would share in casual conversation without the help of a good sweet spiced wine. The frayed ends of her sanity didn't handle talking about the past as well as she would like. Another cool breeze swept through the seating area, and Lilium was thankful for the warm stew in her stomach. In the night sky, there was a spattering of cloud beginning to form out over the horizon of the ocean, bringing with them the cooler air. Rubbing her arms, the woman smiled at Vhast. "But enough about me. How does a young man such as yourself end up in Zeltiva?" Lilium had been around for long enough to pick up on the subtle tone of the youth's voice and the mannerisms he displayed to know the boy wasn't some shop-keeps son or shoeshine. Perhaps a scholar from the University, or a squire of some kind? The ageless konti found herself curious.

[Vhast]

Vhast listened with rapt attention, his dully lit eyes more akin to that of a hawk who seemed more intent on observing than hunting. But more importantly, he found that even his heart responded when her explanations crested peaks of elation and dipped low into valleys of despair. It was better than anything he’d yet heard, questions merely a breath away from reaching thinly pursed lips. Even the name Ethaefel sang to him, like some fantasy come to life. But Vhast was not without his social reservations and air of decency. Nobility had taught him well in that regard. “It hardly seems fair when one with the kindness you’ve displayed is forced to live out a life against your will. But I think it speaks highly of your character that you even manage to stay positive when given to the night. I find that inspiring.” Swirling the still three-quarters full contents of his bowl idly with his spoon, Vhast noticed that Lilium had all but devoured hers. The disparity brought on a simpering grin, and with little thought, the young man slid his meal across the tray to sit beside the empty bowl she was nibbling on, pulling the spoon left in it away. “Don’t worry. My blood is too rich to carry disease. I’m full.” And then the question he knew well enough was coming was posed, every effort needed to suppress the bile that rose in his throat. It was still a sore subject, but one Vhast did not mind sharing now that he felt a sense of trust for his friend. Still, it was nigh impossible to mask his feelings on the matter. At least the youth managed to keep his animosity to a low growl. “I come from Ravok, much as I wish otherwise. My father was… is a good man, though I left him back in Nyka to contend with his own personal demons. My prayer tonight was for him, though I doubt there is much Laviku can do against a curse of Rhysol.” The knot Vhast swallowed was thick, his teeth bared in grimace as his eyes glossed over. “I’m afraid I cannot say the same for my mother. She is the real reason I am here. Rhysol wished for a personal sacrifice, and out of three children she picked me.” He allowed the words to sink in, though more for his own consideration than Lilium‘s. It was just too difficult to fathom that a mother would turn against her own son. But it had happened, and was now sewn into his past like a black thread against a sheet of pristine white. How could he possibly hope to forget such a travesty? When would the pain subside? Clicking his teeth together in rapid succession, Vhast inhaled sharply, somber gaze cast to the wood grain in hopes of rebuilding his composure. “But… I am glad to be here. The University feels like the home I’ve only ever dreamed of. And serving as a clerk in the library, I am surrounded by my one true love in life. Books.” Entreating his eyes once more to look upon Lilium, the young man smiled ruefully. Perhaps he’d spoken on such serious affairs too soon, leaving her feeling perplexed and at a loss for words in his presence. Vhast could not help but feel a shred of shame come over him, weak at having let his emotions get the better of him.

[Lilium]

Lilium listened to his words with a slight shake of her head, blue eyes darkening and smile faded. "Do not let the kindness fool you, during my lifetimes I have done vile and evil things. I deserve no such flattery." As the mostly full bowl was pushed towards her, the ethaefal looked up at the young man and offered him an embarrassed smile. "Thank you. I hope my appetite doesn't turn your stomach at all. It's hard to be....picky...when you spend half your life sustained on nothing but the burning rays of the sun." As she began to pick at his own meal, the pale skinned creature raised an eyebrow at his words. Rich blood? So the boy was a noble...the heir to some small capital gain. Keeping her tongue, Lilium allowed him to continue on as she wolfed down the warm lamb stew. Ravok, the city on the Lake, built during the time of her first life. Then, it had been a small place, merely a temple floating along side a curious shard rising out of the waters. Since her return, the ethaefal had found the city now a rich and vibrant place...one of romantic affairs and bards tales. She even knew a song from the city, 'Ol' Rhysol's Ravok'...not the prettiest of ballads, but an old one. Rhysol..she knew his name. The God of all things ever to bare evil, the whispers in the back of ones mind. Even Lilium had cause to think it was the lecherous God himself causing her pain and anguish and nightmares. His hand that influenced her weaker, horned counterpart. It was a dark thing, that which his mother had promised the God. The pale creature frowned, shaking her head. Catching the change of topic, she took a few more mouthfuls of the warm dish and smiled softly. "Ah yes, well...books can be wonderful things. Keepers of time, voyeurs on the past and even the key to a world only imagined by some." Suddenly, she laughed as she tore off a piece of bread and raised her eyebrow. "I would wager there is a book in your great library somewhere that even mentions me. Some obscure rambling by a young writer in love with fantasies he himself wanted so desperately to believe. Poor Finas..." Shaking her head again, Lilium continued to eat for a moment, before sitting back to look at Vhast and pushing the bowl away. "Oh my stars, as much as I want to, I cannot eat anything more. Pray tell, Vhast, what is it that you study at the University?"

[Vhast]

Sympathy sunk through the valves of his heart into beating chambers, an all too familiar ache tugging against the walls of his chest. If redemption was not the ethaefel’s purpose for returning to this life of halves, then what chance could the boy’s father in Nyka hope to hold on to? Vhast dragged a chewed fingernail thoughtfully across the surface of the table, following the grooves willfully to the extent of his strangled reach before retracting the hand to repeat the process again. It was all he could do not to give merit to the shadows dwelling in his mind. But thankfully the seconds sailed by and the tide of conversation changed, his eyes softly coming alight like the skies of dawn sweeping across a black horizon. The implausibility of finding an ancient text linked to the one his gaze was so mesmerized by at this moment seemed to enthrall his young mind, a mystery that teased his curiosities and fostered an insatiable thirst for knowledge. His mortality felt wafer thin in those clawing moments, an ancient history suddenly affixed to the memory of one who had drawn the breath of a different time. And yet here she sat before him, her eyes suddenly more ancient than the clay and stone relics of Old Quarter. Eighteen years had been his lifetime, and yet now seemed so insignificant by comparison. With a cryptic sigh, he sidled these undiagnosed thoughts for souvenir to call upon later, Vhast’s smile resurfacing when the konti’s appetite became sated. How she thought the act of being famished was in some way sin charmed his sentiments, a laughing breath expelled through the narrows of his nose. There were far worse appetites in Ravok being plumped by the greed of wealth, a few choice paunches coming to mind as he delved into his own past. “Academic things mostly,” he said with sly flourish, not missing a step to keep the conversation lively. “But my focus lies in anthropology and magical studies. And considering that you retain a bit of both, well, its no wonder I fancy your company.” He finished with a teasing grin, one that he hoped would allay any misgivings she might have of being considered nothing more than a subject of his study.

[Lilium]

Laughing softly, Lilium looked down at the table and tucked a loose curl of hair behind her ear, cheeks flushed pink at his words. The scholars it seemed had a way with words when it came to the topic of ethaefals - regardless of the era she found them in. Whilst she might be presently living in the here and now, she was still a lady of the ancient world, and her blush crept down her neck slightly. Nodding, she looked up again with a bemused smile. "I'm afraid I'm not as magically inclined as most believe. The shifting isn't something I can control, it just...happens. Anthropology though, a most fascinating choice of subject for a young scholar." The study of humanity in all its glory, an ironic topic considering whom he was speaking with. Whilst the ageless celestial had existed for over four hundred years, only the past two hundred were clear in her mind. The time in the Ukalas was faded at best, like a dream upon awakening that one couldn't quite remember. It hurt to think on it to much, and even more so the life before that. Like trying to remember a word on the tip of your tongue, her First Life was harder to remember the longer she tried to. Another cool breeze swept across the beach, caressing the festival goers and tugging at the fallen creatures pale hair. Lilium turned her face to the breeze, closing her eyes and breathing deeply of the scents that wafted to her senses. Opening her eyes, she looked at Vhast and tilted her head. "The time I've spent here I've seen cities rise from nothing, and whole civilizations disappear under the harsh domination of others. Here now, you don't want to listen to stories from an old woman-" Again a smile graced her lips at the not-entirely-inaccurate comment, before moving from her seat to stand, smoothing out the folds and creases in her almost sheer white gown. "-perhaps however you could escort me a little longer? The lanterns are so beautiful now that the sun is completely gone." Indeed, now that the sky was a deep blue-black and most of the people had set their wishes to sea, the whole bay was filled with twinkling lights not unlike a reflection of the stars above. The konti clad godling found serenity and calm in them, something she clung to where ever it appeared in her overly long existence.