Open Sorrowful Return

[Descant Shepard]

Timestamp: 52nd Day of Winter, 512

The cold winds that blew in from the Suvan Sea collided with Descant's form as he trudged through the snowy feild that lead to the gates of Sanctuary. He was presented with the chance to belong to something bigger than himself, to make friends and people to care for. But instead he chose to flee. He ran because he ws afraid of the failure to actually help or contribute. But now, after living free on his own for a while, he's chosen to return to the place that offer's Kelvics protection and a place to be free without belonging to any one person. Sanctuary was the kind of place that took broken beings and built them back up again. Descant was very broken, in body and mind. For all he knew, he still was. He was still very much alone, still just as scared and paranoid as he was when Kavala found him. And even with a helping hand extended, he left. For being alone was what he was used to, it was all he knew and he was willing to go back to it as long as the only one he had to let down was himself.

Now only a few feet from Sanctuary's gates, he thought to himself. Was he truly ready to confront his mistake and his own insecurities just yet? Was it really time? He didnt know the answer to any of those questions but he did know that he would do it, time or not. And Kavala, how could she ever forgive him or leaving without a word. He'd given him the attention and help that he needed tand he spit in her face by abandoning this place. Even if she never spoke to him, he wanted to live withing the walls and space of Sanctuary again. He wanted to be around others of his kind without being forced to hurt them for the entertainment of others. He could make friends, gain allies and maybe even learn to trust someone enough to bond with them. Well, maybe bondng was a little far, but the idea was appealing. To be able to trust someone with your life and to be able to be trusted with theirs, it was a very interesting.

Now, clearing off some snow from a large rock, he sat down atop it and pulled his legs up onto it. He simply sat back and stretched, decided to sit outside of the gates for a bit, and since there wasnt much he could do about getting them open, he would have to wait.

[Cephei]

Cephei was walking in the cold evening air, deep in thought of the stars, counting the bells and chimes till Leth was in reign of the sky once again. She did not know where she was headed, as she did not know the layout of Riverfall that well, she was just letting her feet lead the way, making all decisions for her this day. As she walked she passed a rock with a figure on it, she passed the man at first then stopped in her tracks with her brows furrowed, wondering why anyone would be laying on a rock in such cold weather. Cephei back tracked and peered down at the dark haired man, with a slight tilt to her head, questioning herself why he was laying on a big rock outside a set of gates. He was a rather good looking individual, with medium length hair, that was dark of color, and cut strangely. His eyes were closed and his hands rested behind his head. Cephei did not know whether or not to say something to the man to make him aware that he was resting in the freezing cold, or leave him to whatever the petch he was doing. But curiosity won over, and she decided to see what was going on with the strange man.

Cephei walked closer to him, reaching out her small pale hand, gently poking his muscular leg with her finger, as she wondered if he was alive or dead, one never knew in this city. Hello? Cephei’s soft voice came out in an questioning manner, laced with a little fear that this man may actually be dead on a rock.

[Descant Shepard]

Normally, Descant didn't leave his guard down for this long, but he was tired and he was really anxious. He decided it best to just rest a bit until someone decided to leave or just open the gates for whatever reason. Then he would make his way inside, hopefully unhindered. He felt the coldness of the rock beneath him, but it didn't bother him too much. He was accustomed to being cold, he knew the feeling well. His mind raced with scenario after scenario, which was creating more and more panic in his head. Deep breaths, in through the nose, out through the mouth. His mind slowly began to clear, letting him slip into a temporary moment of sleep. A blissful period of rest that soon would be taken from him.

With the poking of his leg at the hand of the Ethaefal woman, he jerked up and stared at her with a frantic expression, that soon turned to curiosity. He took in the woman's features, she was pale, very pale. And small, they were always small, weren't they? The pale women. His eyes narrowed and continued to watch her, she seemed scared and a bit worried. Was it him she was worried about?

"There certainly are a lot of you around here. Pale skinned women, if that's ok to say." He arched a brow, observing her further. "Is everything alright, miss?"

Looking around, he was watching the surrounding to make sure that this wasn't some kind of trap. He slid off the Rock and stood, about a foot taller than the woman before him. He looked down at her, head tilted and arms hidden underneath his cloak.

[Cephei]

When the man jerked up Cephei flinched away, backing up a few steps, his frantic expression made her worry he would harm her from waking him from his slumber. Then the expression turned to that of curiosity, she could see the curiosity dance in his golden eyes. When the man said there was a lot of pale skinned women around Riverfall, then asked if it was okay to say that. Cephei laughed soft and low and nodded her head at the man. Yes it is quite alright. I am in Konti form right now, most Konti women are pale.

The man arched his brow, looking at her with observant eyes. Cephei felt a little nervous to be examined by the man, but she kept a calm composure, letting him look his fill. Then the man asked if everything was alright. Cephei seemed this a little strange to be asking. Since he was the one sleeping on a rock, in winter, with snow. But she looked at him with her violet eyes and smiled a warm smile.

Yes, everything is okay now. I just thought perhaps, you were dead or did not realize you fell asleep. It is freezing out, one could get sick by falling asleep in the arctic chill winter brings with it. I am glad to see you are okay though. Cepheis voice came out like warmed honey, soft and smooth, with a calm soft tone. Cephei observed the man like he did her, noting how much taller than she he was, his weird hair cut, and his penetrating gold eyes. He also had weird lines that went from the corner of his eyes to his jaw line, and strange black nails. This man was not a mere human, nor was he a Akalak. She assumed he was a Kelvic, but she was not fully sure of that assumption, yet anyways.

Cephei looked away from the man then at the gates he was laying by, assuming he may be waiting for someone, she decided to ask. "Are you waiting on someone to meet you here?" It was the most logical of assumptions, she did not see why anyone would be napping in this cold climate other wise.

[Descant Shepard]

His eyes closed soon after he had looked his full, understanding her origin. Another Glowing woman, just like before. It's like he meets one every time he's in Riverfall. He moved to turn away, then realized that she was examining him just as much as he was examining her. A clever one, he smirked and looked at the woman again, tilting his head. He did find it strange though that she was worried so much about if he was dead or not. Moving to face her again, he spoke.

"What is your name? Mine is Descant Shepard. And I'm a Kelvic, if you were wondering?" He watched her more now that they seemed to actually be having a conversation. He didn't have many of those with anyone. He'd only truly held a conversation with two people before this woman. She seemed pleasant enough, so he was giving her a chance. Not for her, but for himself. He had to be more open to interaction with people, and this was a great place to start.

In regards to her last question though, about why he was there, he looked to the gate and pointed. "That there, beyond the walls is Sanctuary. A place for people to be safe and grow. And I want that. I fled when it was offered, but now I see it is the best option. I want I be on the right side of those walls again." He then frowned deeply. "My only dilemma is actually getting in. I don't see a way to do that, so I'm waiting." He gave a shrug and reached up to his hair to ruffle it a bit before letting his hand fall back underneath his cloak. He gave her a look of concern now.

"No offense, but what is one so small doing roaming alone? That is a slight bit dangerous, yes?" He inquired, trying not to pry, but his curiosity getting the better of him. That, of course was rare, rarely did he actually speak or ask so many questions to a stranger, but she was a glowing woman. He'd had a bit of a soft spot for the Konti, ever since Kavala. Now, anyone remotely scaly and pale could have his attention without much effort.

[Cephei]

The man turned away from her, then turned back with a smirk on his face and a tilt to his head. Finally the man spoke, "What is your name? Mine is Descant Shepard. And I'm a Kelvic, if you were wondering?"

Cephei cleared her throat, a bright smile warming her face. A pleasure to meet you Descant Shepard. My name is Cephei. I actually was wondering if you were a Kelvic or not. Cephei chuckled at the end, a little embarrassed that he noticed her inspecting him. Then Descant told her why he was outside the gates, he was waiting for a way in, a way to safety. This information pulled at her heart, she wanted to help him get in. Cephei examined the gates, looking for another entrance; she did not find one and frowned a little. Most places had two ways to enter, sometimes the second entrance was hidden, but it was there. It seems this place was a one way in one way out type of place. Cephei shrugged her shoulders and returned her attention on the man standing before her.

The Kelvic male looked at her, concern in the depths of his eyes as he spoke, “"No offense, but what is one so small doing roaming alone? That is a slight bit dangerous, yes?" Cephei could not help the light musical laughter that escaped her lips. Once she was done laughing at his questions she looked at him, with a smile that reached her eyes making them shine with jovialness. “I may be small, but that does not mean that I am weak. Cephei pulled her cloak back showing him the Tulwar sword underneath. “I can hold my own if I have to. No worries.

Cephei found it endearing that the man was wondering why someone “so small” like she was wandering the streets solo, as well as a bit humorous. Looks can be deceiving, just because she was small, did not mean she wasn’t strong. If it came down to it, Cephei could hold her own in a fight, but she did not go out looking for said fights, she did not like confrontations.

A thought slipped into Cephei’s mind, and she wondered what animal form the man held. His looks were rather feline, she saw the elongated canines when he opened his mouth. “What is your animal form? I do not mean to ask a personal question, if you do not wish to answer I understand. I am just curious.” Cephei smiled at the man, looking him in the eyes, searching the depths for what secrets may lay with in.

[Descant Shepard]

She was right, just because she was small didn't mean she wasn't able to handle herself. Descant knew that much himself, he'd fought larger Kelvic's in the Pits and won everything time. He took note of her sword and her form. She looked fit, capable, and quick. His ears quirked at the sound of her laughter, he arched a brow at her and simply. He was going to turn again but she asked another question, he turned back again to her eyes boring into his. He blinked then spoke again.

"I'm a cheetah. Apparently there aren't many. According to Kavala, they aren't common." He nodded and looked down at her again, wondering why she watched him so closely. But it's not like he hasn't been watched before, he was used to eyes being on him and honestly he didn't exactly hate it. He looked toward the wrought iron gate before them, he noticed that they would open like double doors, right down the center. He walked over to them and frowned. He lifted his hands up and placed them on the gates and pushed hard on them. They swung open slowly, allowing them entry to Sanctuary.

He blinked and frowned deeply, grumbling as he stalked in. He couldn't believe that he'd been sitting outside the gates and they were open the whole time. How could he have been so stupid. He crossed his arms underneath his cloak and continued on, hoping Cephei would follow so that he wouldn't be wandering by himself. Sanctuary was familiar but, now foreign to him. He didn't want to tackle it alone. He looked behind him to Cephei and spoke.

"So, where did you come from?" He asked clearly.

[Cephei]

Descant told her he was a Cheetah, and that some Kavala told him he was a rare creature. That tidbit of information was interesting, and good to know in case he turned feral for some reason. Although he did not seem the type to be feral unless he had a reason to be. Cephei watched as the man walked up to the gates and pushed on them. They swung open with the push, and the man frowned deeply grumbling to himself. He must feel stupid. Cephei said to herself. I would too if it was me. Cephei smiled and chuckled lightly and followed the man into the Sanctuary. She had never been here before and was curious to see what it was exactly. She hoped the man did not mind her following him.

Descant looked behind him, looking at her and spoke, “So, where did you come from?” It was a simple question, yet it had a complex answer that she did not think he would really understand, hell she didn't really understand it much either. So she answered the best she could, Well, I come from all over. I have traveled to different places. But the first place I came from was up there. Cephei indicated pointing to the sky, the sun descending steadily. But I grew up at the Suvan Sea. Cephei smiled at the Kelvic and then looked away, to view her surroundings taking note of the other entrance, as she suspected, and any possible exits in case there was danger.