Fish Tales (Kaidan)

[Kaidan Arianos]

"A jamoura?" asked Kaidan briefly. "I've never heard of them being in Zeltiva... aren't they quite pacifistic? and very intelligent?" As he asked the questions, he grinned, unable to help himself at the thought of meeting somebody new that was potentially of a different race, and could enlighten him on new theories about the stars and such. "I'd be delighted if you could introduce me to him. I've never met a jamoura before, and I think it would be a fascinating experience!" he exclaimed, then looked towards where Zip happened to be looking. The wharf was beautiful this night, and it was obviously something that Kaidan had never experienced, sitting here with a man that he actually liked, during a beautiful night. Then the question popped up as to whether Kaidan would like to take a walk. Kaidan smiled, stood up from his relaxed position, and held out his hand towards Zip. "Of course i'd like to take a walk, always good to stretch the legs after a fine meal like that," he said, smiling, soft brown eyes looking down towards Zip as his hand was held out towards him. He obviously didn't have to take it, it wouldn't bother Kaidan too much, but he enjoyed holding hands with him on their way to the docks, and wouldn't mind walking hand in hand with him once more. The feelings of euphoria were returning to him again, after that hardy meal, and he was truly feeling good that night, as he looked down towards Zip. If Zip chose to take his hand, he'd allow him to lead them wherever they would go, and allow him to take the lead a bit, looking forwards to the future, something that he had never really thought of before he met Zip, it was always just thinking of the here and now. But since meeting him the day prior, he had actually began thinking about the future, his future, to see where it would lead him, and if he'd have someone with him during it...

[Zarius Shine]

Zip of course was happy to take Kaidan’s hand and he rose from his improvised seat with a smile. With their hands loosely clasped, he began to walk off towards where the pier they were closest to ran out into the inky black of the water of the harbor. There were still plenty of people about, which could be both a good and bad thing. Zip had never personally been accosted by any sort of mugger or thug in the dark hours, though Zeltiva was far from a completely safe place at night. You had to be very careful where you chose to go, and it was always best to be in company. Thus far, he had avoided any nasty run ins with the criminal elements, by either forethought and a little caution, or luck – or more probably, some combination of both. But as they walked along, he thought that they would be safe enough, if they stuck to where there was some lights, provided by the municipal street lamps which had been lit already. And, if they didn’t wander too far. He wasn’t overly familiar with the docks, but he knew this one just led out to the water – they could hardly get lost on such a straight shot, could they? As they walked at a casual, relaxed pace, he looked up again, very briefly, before looking over to the handsome guy at his side. “So, you know any stories about the stars?” he teased, grinning. “Something romantic?” He gave Kaidan’s hand a gentle squeeze. “Or any story will do – I know a few, if you can’t think of one.”

[Kaidan Arianos]

As they walked along, and Zip asked Kaidan if he knew any stories about the stars, he smiled thoughtfully, turning his head towards Zip, and said, "Well... have you ever heard the story about how Syna was created?" He remembered his father telling him the story when he was younger, and in doing so, it has always been one of his more favorite stories about the stars. Plus it was really one of the only ones that he knew about. If Zip didn't know the story, then Kaidan would continue with it, if he did, then Kaidan obviously would smile, and tell him anyways. "Apparently, in the last great cosmic war, Tawannen sacrificed himself and was thrust into a million shards. From these pieces, the world was reborn, and many new gods and goddesses were created, and everything we now know was created. One of these fragments of divine energy became Syna. This young goddess was so full of energy, that she became Kihala's handmaidan, and allowed Kihala to spread life throughout the new world after the great cosmic war..."* he said, as he looked towards Zip, soft brown eyes smiling at him, revealing some of his knowledge of the gods and goddesses to Zip also as knowledge of astronomy, or at least a story of astronomy to him that his father had told him long ago. "There is obviously more to the story of Syna, but that at least was how she was created, as well as life on Mizahar... There's also the love story between Syna and Leth... a beautiful one if you ask me, perhaps if you'd like I could tell you that one as well?" he asked, his eyes laid to rest upon Zip as they continued walking, and gentle squeeze of his hand in Zip's hand after he posed the question, partially hoping that Zip didn't know the story, and that he would revel in being told it by Kaidan...

*Paraphrased from the Wiki

OOCI'm not Hadrian ;_;

[Zarius Shine]

“I think I know it,” Zip had replied initially, when Kaidan asked if he was familiar with the story of Syna’s origin, and the subsequent creation of what was now the known world. “But I bet it sounds better coming from your lips,” he added, with a grin. Thinking about Kaidan’s lips was a bit distracting, but he tried to focus, as his friend began to speak. Zip did in fact know a bit about the goddess’ genesis, but he he had to admit, listening to Kaidan tell it was better than any other version he had heard. Not, unfortunately, because of its content, or even from the way it was rendered, but merely for the very shallow and silly reason that Kaidan was telling it. Zip thought that he would greatly enjoy hearing Kaidan talk about anything – except for maybe if he was saying good-bye. In a way, Zip even realized at that moment how lame he was being – to be smitten, just by a pretty face. But, really, Kaidan was turning out to be so much more than that. He was smart, and funny, and exceptionally nice, and just…great to be around. Kaidan ended with his little teasing suggestion of another story – a love story – and in reply to that, and the grin, and the press of his fingers against Zip’s, the blonde grinned back, just as cheekily. He released those very nice fingers and slid his forearm about Kaidan’s waist, his hand resting easily on a sharp hip bone. Returning that sideways look, from those dark orbs, he said, “Alright, if it’s as beautiful as your eyes, I’m all for hearing it.” His grin broadened. “Can’t ever have too much of love, can we?” He playfully nudged Kaidan’s hip with his own as they continued to walk slowly, then chortled. “Go on. I am all yours.” OOCOoops lol

[Kaidan Arianos]

As Zip wrapped his arm gently around Kaidan's waist, Kaidan grinned, and put his arm around the midsection of Zip's back, crossing their arms as they continued to walk. Looking towards Zip with a sideways glance, he began to tell the tale of Syna and Leth's love, another tale his father had told him when he was younger. "So, as the story goes, Leth was a wild and dark god. But when Syna became the handmaiden of Kihala, her lights shone onto Leth, and he fell madly in love with her. Dira, Leth's sister, suggested that Leth become the God of the Moon, in order to be closer to Syna, and Syna to become Goddess of the Sun. And thus they were made into these two gods, ever close to each other, revolving around Mizahar, brightening the day, and night. But there was tradgedy in the future of Leth and Syna. Syna's sister Zintila fell out of the sky to aid Semele during the Valterrean. Syna wanted to help her sister, but Leth knew that as the Goddess of the Sun, he could not let her fall from the sky as well. So he held Syna back, preventing her from falling from the sky as well. But unfortunately Syna had come too close to Zintila's fall from the sky to save Semele. As Zintila was destroyed, Leth shielded Syna from the blast, and was injured himself, taking the injury for his lover. As Leth himself fell from the sky, he took Syna with him so as to not allow her to go through the grief of the Valterrean alone... She took care of her lover and darkness fell over Mizahar. But once Leth was healed, he and Syna took to the sky again to once again brighten up the day and the night time... Now, on the anniversary of the Valterrean, you can see Leth glow red in order to signify the loss on that fateful day,"* finished Kaidan as he told the tale of Leth and Syna's love to Kaidan. It was almost a tragic story, but luckily both Syna and Leth survived the destruction of Zintila, and Semele was saved. Kaidan smiled as he then looked towards Zip, and asked, "Well, what do you think of it?" Honestly wondering whether Zip enjoyed the story or not, he'd patiently await an answer, arm wrapped around Zip's back as they continued on their walk through the wharf...

*Paraphrased from the Wiki

[Zarius Shine]

Kaidan wrapped his arm about Zip as easily as Zip had encircled Kaidan’s slim waist and they walked in that casual embrace as Kaidan began his second tale. Zip had heard this one too, but very long ago, and he had forgotten it. Like most tales of the gods, it had passed from his mind as more “concrete” ideas and studies took precedence in his life. Of course, there were cities where the gods and goddesses walked amongst the citizens. But Zeltiva was not one of them. Zip had never seen a god, and so he had not spent too much time thinking about them. As Kaidan spoke though, his voice quiet and pleasant, Zip thought this was really a lovely story. An almost tragedy that ended well, and a hopeful one – as opposed to many that were cautionary tales of woe and doom. He snuck a few glances at Kaidan as he spoke, enjoying the whole experience, perhaps not looking quite as closely where they were walking but – hey – once they got to the end, they’d stop, right? The number of people they were passing was dwindling and in fact there seemed to be no more ahead of them, though Zip was hardly cognizant of that. When Kaidan finished, Zip was still thinking about the story. But then he brought his mind back to earth and gave Kaidan a squeeze about the waist. “That was a wonderful story. I remember it now, but I haven’t thought about it since forever. Since I was a kid, I guess.” His voice was bemused, thoughtful. “I wonder if those stories are true? I mean, does love ever work that way? The way it should – where both care about the other, and make sacrifices?” The next pause was longer, but then he said with great warmth in his voice, “Well told, Kaidan.” He leaned in a bit and placed a kiss on Kaidan’s jaw. It was the merest hint of a brushing of lips across skin, and Zip knew he would like more but he still wasn’t completely sure how Kaidan would react. No assumptions, right? In fact, his uncertainty made him feel suddenly shy, and he turned away, looking forward. His voice was a bit off, as he asked, “I remember a story about Leth – from when I was a kid. Want to hear it?” It was nothing like Kaidan’s love story, but Zip felt so unsettled all of a sudden, he wasn’t sure he could handle anything that romantic any way.

[Kaidan Arianos]

Kaidan was a bit surprised when Zip planted the kiss upon his jaw. He had never really been kissed like that by another man before. Only his mother had kissed him gently when he was a kid, but this, this was something entirely different. The kiss had filled him with even more feelings of euphoria, and nearly made him jump for joy somewhat. But he managed to contain himself, and then saw Zip quickly turn his head forwards afterwards as if he was embarrassed with what he had just done. Kaidan slowed down his walking, nearly to a halt, and turned to look towards Zip. "Is something the matter?" he asked, wondering why Zip was feeling embarrassed for what he had just done. It wasn't like Kaidan had rejected it right away, and the young man didn't want to reject it, rather he was quite welcoming of the affection that he had never felt until now. It gave him good feelings on the inside, and he never thought he would have felt this way about another man, but then again, if woman didn't really interest him, why couldn't men? But Zip definitely interested him, and he smiled as he looked towards him. Bringing a hand up to cup Zip's own jaw, Kaidan turned his head so that he was looking him directly in the eyes. "Please, don't be scared... I've never actually felt as good as I do right now, and what you just did, that kiss... it was beautiful, almost as beautiful as the Syna and Leth love story I just told... And yes, i'd love to hear a story about Leth," he said, making sure that Zip was fully aware that Kaidan didn't mind the kiss at all, and that it filled him with tons of great feelings, things that he had never felt before, things that he wanted to feel more of...

[Zarius Shine]

It had been a good long while since Zip had felt this way – both happy and yet still a bit hesitant. Very unhappily, an image of Simon popped unbidden into his head and he flinched inwardly. But that was stupid, he told himself viciously. Kaidan wasn’t like Simon. Or…he didn’t appear to be – though Simon had been so charming when they had first met. So sweet and attentive and seemingly just bowled over by Zip – at least, that was what he had said. Now that he knew Simon, inside and out, Zip guessed that too was just more of his personal brand of premium bull shit – disguised to smell like roses. Everything about Simon had been a lie, really, when he thought about it. It had just taken a really long time for Zip to finally see that. But Kaidan…he, he just seemed…different. More genuine. Right? What had he told himself a month ago, when he and Simon had gone through that last miserable night – and he had been the one to end up getting dumped! Zip had said over and over to himself, through bitter tears and an aching head, that he would never make that mistake again. That he would not allow some charming bull shit artist to completely snow him. That he would be patient and hold back until he got to know someone well – really know them – before, well, before…he’d lose his head over them. Yeah, right. Zip had never been very good at hiding his feelings, and it must have been obvious that that kiss had triggered something inside of him – and not necessarily just good things either. When Kaidan asked him if something was wrong. Zip could have kicked his own backside for being so stupid – rushing forward and then throwing on the brakes. He didn’t want to admit to Kaidan that that kiss was unsettling in many ways – though he himself had been the one to initiate it. Yet, neither did he want to begin this…whatever it would be…with more deceit, not like the last time - never wanting to rock the boat by really saying what he felt. He sure didn’t want to start things with Kaidan in that way. So he hesitated, dithering over how to answer, when Kaidan slowed and gently turned Zip’s head to be able to look at him directly. His insides kind of melted at that touch, and Kaidan’s quiet, encouraging words made his heart tremble. This was crazy, Zip thought. He wasn’t shy but he had told himself so many times in the last weeks that he would not go this route again. That if he met someone he fancied he would take it slow and be analytical about it, evaluating them, and his own feelings, carefully sifting through them to find real truth, and not just impulse, to… To be truthful… all the way around, and always…. His blue eyes were locked into Kaidan’s dark ones and for once, Zip wasn’t smiling. He looked contemplative, as he tried to find the words to say what he needed to say. Finally, he began and his voice was ultra quiet, little more than a whisper, but it held a note of earnestness that made it seem as if he spoke of a matter of great importance. “I – I am a bit scared, actually. I mean, not scared of you, but…scared of – this.” In order to talk, the two had come to a halt and Zip shifted to be facing Kaidan more, standing almost chest to chest with him, his arm having slipped so that his hand now twisted into the fabric of Kaidan’s jacket, at about hip level. He unconsciously brought his other hand up to mirror that on the other side. He paused. Surely Kaidan could not be anyone he should be wary of? He was so sweet, and nice, and even now he was concerned about Zip, that was clear. But… Zip’s lips quirked up into a sad half smile. “I – I had a really bad experience…with someone. And…I don’t want to go through that again. Not that I think that you are…that we…” Damn this was just not going well. He felt so unable to put his thoughts into words. His fingers unconsciously flexed in the fabric between them, and he almost tugged on Kaidan’s jacket, as he struggled for eloquence. “I – I just like you so much, already, Kaidan. And – and I’m afraid – I don’t want to rush this. To rush you – or me. But…” He finally smirked but still in a sad, apologetic way. “I just don’t know how not to. I want to be smart about this, but…I also just want to…” he shrugged, helplessly. “To kiss you more…” he said, falling into Kaidan’s dark brown pools and feeling himself going under, all thoughts of trying to play this cool quickly washing away in the warmth of that look.

[Kaidan Arianos]

Truth be told, Kaidan himself was more than a bit nervous, deep inside, he was churning with anxiety about actually having developed feelings for a man like this. He had never felt this way about anyone before, and it was turning out to be more than a little scary for him. But he knew, all along, that there was something different about himself, something a bit not like the norm, of a man loving a woman. He had never seen woman in that light, but had never really thought about men, until he met Zip. This was all new territory to him, and he was diving in headfirst, hoping that it wouldn't shatter and break like the water was a mirror. So many things had happened in the short span of two days that he had met Zip, and none of them he really regretted. He wanted to be near Zip, a feeling of euphoria surrounded Kaidan whenever he thought about Zip, and he wanted to hold onto those feelings and not let them go. He had never been in a relationship with anyone before, much less had anyone kiss him before. But the touch of those lips to his skin just seemed to have rushed to his head. And as Zip turned towards him, their bodies almost touching chest to chest, faces focused on one another, Kaidan listened with an open mind, as he always had, about why Zip was scared. Once Zip was finished speaking, and those last words rang into Kaidan's mind, his soft brown eyes seemed to smile at Zip, as did his lips. "I like you a lot too, Zip," started Kaidan, trying to formulate his words correctly, so that he didn't misspeak to Zip, or give him any wrong impressions of how he felt. He had one hand still cupped to Zip's cheek, and the other was down on Zip's side. "We can take it slow if you want... but... you see... i've never felt this way about anyone before, and well... I guess I just thought you should know that," he said. And then he did something he hoped that he wouldn't regret later, his soft voice having spoken the last of his words before his actions would speak louder. Leaning forwards, he kissed Zip, his lips pressing against Zip's in a passionate display of romance under the starry sky. When Kaidan finished, he would pull back, and then say, "Think of that... as a sign of things to come. I'm not a bad person, Zip... and I won't lie to you about how I feel... I also won't rush you into things, if you wish to take it slowly now, I will do just that... but I needed to do that, in order to show you how much I like and adore your nature, your personality, and everything i've learned about you up until now, also what i'll hopefully learn about you in the future..." His soft delicate voice was sensitive in it's nature, and he hoped that he hadn't offended Zip with the kiss that was his very first. It had filled him with feelings that he had never felt before, the knot in his stomach from nervousness seemingly coming undone as he finished speaking to Zip, thus allowing him a chance to respond. Kaidan was truthful in what he was saying. He didn't believe in lying or deceit, and certainly hoped that Zip was the same way, and knew the truth of this "bad experience" would come out at some point. Everyone had bad experiences every now and then, and Zip was no different. Perhaps it was still their teenage hormones in place, but Kaidan didn't think anything of it. He was just happy being around Zip, and being able to hold him close to him, feel the warmth in his hands around Kaidan's hips, and the warmth of their chests nearly touching. It was all very sensual to Kaidan, and the night was just right for it, the stars were shining out in a deep black sky, the waves gently hitting the docks and wharf, creating a scene of beautiful romance for them to play their parts within...

[Zarius Shine]

Zip was biting his lip, after he had ground to a halt and said that last bit. It was true. That was what he wanted right now, more than anything. But Kaidan must be thinking him just the most gods awful berk, falling all over his own words – making no sense whatsoever. He held Kaidan’s gaze still, but he was at a total loss of what to say next. But then Kaidan spoke, in that quiet, assured voice that Zip was getting quite used to. And he was saying that this was the first time… More than a bit amazed by that little confession, Zip’s eyebrows had shot up and he was thinking how could a good looking, great guy like Kaidan not have had tons of men, and women, trying to chase him down, when…before he knew it, Kaidan was leaning forward, closing the small gap between them and his lips were on Zip’s. It seemed like the world had stopped, for the short length of time that they kissed. It wasn’t the hot, passionate, forceful type. Nor was it the cool, quick brush of mild affection type. It lay somewhere in between – warm and soft, yet with an underlying ardent accent that held such promise, for more to come. Way before Zip was ready, those wonderful lips left his, and Kaidan was looking at him, his eyes bright with the sheen of mutual attraction. And like the kiss, his words held the offer of things future – if that’s what Zip was wanting. They were a mirror of what had been in his own head, and heart, though he hadn’t had as much success getting it out. In fact, his had been a garbled mess. But, at least, it seemed that Kaidan had understood, and hadn’t minded that it had been…confused. Zip still could hardly think of how to reply – he could hardly think at all, the taste of Kaidan’s mouth still on his. He did in fact pull on Kaidan’s jacket, pulling him closer until they touched again and his lips went to those he was now longing for. His fingers tightened reflexively as they pressed together, this kiss lasting longer and Zip’s brain basically shutting down as… “Holy crap! What was that?” he yelped, pulling back from Kaidan like he had been burnt by a hot flame. He had released Kaidan completely and he looked in horror down at his feet, and then he kicked reflexively. There was an evil sounding squeak, and the huge rat that had been sniffing about his feet, and thus had brushed its whiskers against his ankle, went flying. It landed with a little thump about two meters away, and scurried off but Zip wasn’t even looking at it. Purely out of reaction to this totally unexpected intrusion into their little tete a tete, Zip had taken a step back. Unfortuantely, there was a rather large coil of very thick rope right behind him. He tripped over it and went sprawling, taking two ungainly, backwards steps trying desperately to keep from going down. That only succeeded in tangling his one foot in the midst of the coil and he twisted, flailed his arms like windmills, touched the wood of the pier with his fingertips, and then completely lost his balance and went head first – right over the edge and into the black water below. They really should have been minding that they had gotten so very close to the edge of that pier. Tsk!