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[Celyn Frostfawn]

Spring 68, 513 AV

A small group of young men, practically boys still, stood next to a wall facing a quiet morning in Avanthal. There stood Celyn and his three friends. He hadn't had much of a chance to socialise with these people, or anyone in particular, for a while, being caught up with other things, one of which was staying at home. Jarek, his Pigeon Hawk, had not accompanied him today, so he was without the bird's company. This felt strange, like he was slightly detached from a part if him, but atleast he could relax with his friends without the bird being overprotective and irritating.

The four were heavy in conversation, topics ranging from stories of their travels to dares and games. Unfortunately, they were in the latter of the conversation topics at that moment, and they had ran out of ideas. One of the group spotted a Charoda, a creature they recognised from their travels, not too far away, and thought it a good idea to include her in their game. "Hey, Celyn," He started, a wry smile spreading across his face. "Do you see that one, there?" He pointed subtly in her direction. "Go and ask her if she wants a drink. Or are you too chicken?" It was immature, but the three who weren't victims nudged Celyn toward the Charoda, despite his protests.

And that is where Celyn found himself then, walking toward a different species running through chat up lines he could use. Atleast he didn't know her, his dignity may be saved from complete destruction. As he approached he opened his mouth for a witty statement, becoming much less sure the closer he came. The face, the beautiful, pristine face, rang a small bell in the back. He thought about backing down, but wanted to impress his friends, so carried on. "Hey." He began. He swear his face was burning bright red, but it was his eyes that gave him away the most. Their usual purple blue had gone a green, giving away his emotion change. "I, err... I saw you, over there-" He stopped. "Who am I kidding. I was dared to come over and ask if you wanted a drink. I'm sorry." His bravado that he kept up with his friends had gone, and he had gone back into his protective shell, his awkward, shuffling, protective shell. "I guess... I guess I could still buy you a drink. That way, you get a free drink and my friends are happy." He was dreading her response, dreading her speaking.

[Una Tanta]

68th Day of Spring, 513 AV, Morning Una was wading through the people in the market, peering at the booths curiously. In bright spirits from her early morning swim she exchanged pleasant greetings with the booth owners, repeatedly communicating how surprised she was that a city so far north could have an outdoor market, each of the owners would chuckle at her in their own way and she would carry on. She examined a rather marvelously adorned hood that she pondered bringing back to Wind Reach, when she dared return, to give thanks to Aidara the lovely healer who had helped her. Her fingers grazed her stomach through her thin dress in memory, the scars rough edges evident. About to ask how much the hood was worth she was interrupted by a green-eyed man. "Hey." He stated. Looking him up and down slowly Una remained silent for a moment trying to remember where she knew him from and unable to do so. "Hi?" She replied carefully tilting her head curiously. "I, err...I saw you, over there-" He stopped silent. Following his indication she saw three jump behind a building out of sight. Furrowing her eyes she looked back at the man waiting for further explanation. "Do I know you from-" She almost asked before being interrupted."Who am I kidding. I was dared to come over and ask if you wanted a drink. I'm sorry. I guess... I guess I could still buy you a drink. That way, you get a free drink and my friends are happy." He explained. She stared at him for a moment searching his face for emotion his body turning in on itself in what she interpreted as anxiety, she pursed her lips slowly. Out of the corner of her eye she could see the merchant fighting back laughter and briefly wondered if this man was actually a boy come to play a trick on her. Looking him up and down she quickly decided that he was indeed a man and not a boy, and if she was wrong even a boy deserved her reaction for such disrespect. "Look man-child," She answered calmly and coldly, "no self respecting woman has drinks with someone dared to approach them. You would do better to treat women with respect than acting like they are some trinkets in a fool game of yours. One day, if you manage to grow a pair of balls, and act your age then you may get a yes from a nice lass." Grabbing his ear, the merchant in the throws of laughter behind them, she dragged him over to where his friends were hiding and twisting his ear shoved him to the ground at their feet aggressively. "This was fine behavior when you were children but if you want respect from woman or your holds you would do better to learn from your friends mistake." About to turn on her heel and storm away one of them quipped up, "We do just fine with the women you old bag, its only your scaly tits and ass we wouldn't want any part of." Stopping in her tracks she felt hot horror make her muscles tremble. Raised in a culture built on pacifism she was torn between boxing the boys ears and storming away, she was unable to react and stood stock still staring, mouth agape at his words. "Oh look out!" a different boy quipped tossing his shaggy black hair out of his eyes, "or the ugly sea creature will get her mouth around your dick." Stumbling over each other in laughter the boys fled from the shack down the alleyway of the city.

[Celyn Frostfawn]

As soon as the words escaped his lips he knew they were in bad taste. He was slightly taken back by the Charoda's response, and could tell the merchant found it hilarious. Why Celyn thought it would be a good idea, not even he knows, but at that moment he just wished he could take it back. It made it worse that she was completely correct in what he said. Celyn just didn't learn. Then, when she grabbed hold of his ear and the people around them started laughing, he just wished the ground would swallow him up.

But his friends were idiots, so made it worse by being stupid and childish, if playing dares wasn't childish enough. Celyn didn't laugh, he could only stand there, rubbing his ear, looking embarrassed and angry, as the boys blatantly offended her. He was sure there was a reason he was friends with these people, but he couldn't at that point remember what it was.

As they ran off, Celyn was tempted to follow them, but he was coming across as pretty pathetic already, so decided not to. They would rib him about it later, but Celyn thought it would be better to apologise to the woman he had offended. Without his peers around he could be more sincere and could actually use his brain to make to make desicions, not whatever his friends would have him do. He got up from the floor, opening his mouth to apologise profusely when he realised he recognised her. It was the one in the tavern a few nights ago, the one with the incredible voice. If it was possible to feel more ashamed of himself than before, that's how the young Vantha felt at that moment.

"I am so, so sorry. It was stupid and what my friends said was completely uncalled for. You're right, I should grow some balls." He turned to face her, trying to seem as sincere as possible. "I err... Saw that hood you were looking at. Please, I feel terrible. It would be the least I can do." It was true, he did feel terrible. What she had said, especially about impressing his hold, had affected him quickly.

"And you were at the tavern, weren't you? The one who was singing, and recited the Ancient Mariner. I really enjoyed that." Celyn was trying desperately to stop his cheeks from burning bright red and really felt like he had to make it up to this person, this stranger. He had been immature, though, so being mature would probably be the best answer.

[Una Tanta]

68th Day of Spring, 513 AV, Morning Gazing at the boys backs she felt tears sting the edges of her eyes. She knew their words were foolish and childish but words still stung. Turning to leave she stopped when she heard his soft words to her back. Almost snarling she wheeled on, "you can't buy an apology!" Instantly she regretted her words, they were too severe for the look on his face. His face was ashen and he gazed at her pleadingly an expression she recognized for her own had reflected it several times in her youth. Watching him carefully guarded against another insult she nodded at the man-child. "Yes. I am her." Typically when she met someone there were physical exchanges, a shaking of hands, a squeezing of arms but she didn't yet trust getting near enough to the boy to risk the polite gesture, nor did she feel that he deserved it. "I'm glad..." She replied politely when he mentioned that he had enjoyed it, his subsequent blush kneading the tension from her shoulders. He was embarrassed to talk to her, she interpreted, and found the boyish blush a little endearing. Stepping toward him she slowly extended her hand to take his and squeezed gently, "I'm Una. Thank you for the apology, I'm sure your parents would be proud of you for being brave enough to say sorry. You know...you really shouldn't hang out with those boys...I'm sure they have redeeming qualities in your eyes...but I hope, if you remember the first poem I did that night, it inspires you to choose more wisely those you stand with. They're the kind that would falter like the warriors in my story." Dropping his hand she stepped back away from him again. "I don't drink. That was a one night occurrence, but thank you for inviting me." She replied smiling at him as if to restart their earlier exchange and turned to leave her eyes already searching for the beautiful hood again deciding firmly that that indeed was what she would get Aidara for when she inevitably returned.

[Veizor Coolwater]

Being content with being overshadowed by the crowd as the Vantha kept to himself purposely, a low profile while in the market. He had a slight, unnoticeable dip in his walk that made him the average size of everyone else around him that wasn't of his height. It was a little something he learned to traverse without being noticed too much, unless someone actually looked at his walking stance for a while would they notice. A smile on his face with keen eyes hopping from one item, one stall, in quick succession to take in as much as he could. Hand to his chin and a flick of his bottom lip with his thumb, Veizor was thinking of what to do with the singing "fish" for as long as she was in Avanthal. Something so gorgeous, so mythical, it felt like a goddess was walking among the residents of the town. He was so glad to leave his own mark on her, the flair and storytelling Vantha were renown for across the land. It was a beautiful day, sun-lit and applying a nice amount of warmth to the merchants and busy customers. Purses filled with coin and minds filled with greed, a combination for big business. Now, whether it was good or bad for the participants depends on the deal. Now standing up to this full length, a flourish with the back of his hand flips his black jet hair out of his way, as he peered through the small holes between people. While they walked and passed each other, Veizor had a small line of vision to the opposite side of the market. The ocean maiden was focused on one particular stall, her attention drawn away from her surroundings. "I doubt she would mind that a pleasant 'ambush' seems in order?" Veizor thought to himself, a simple rub of his chin and a smirk painting his face to signal his own whimsical thinking. Working on keeping his eyes on her, he maneuvered as sly as he could between the crowd, which wasn't much. If he had been trying to rob someone at night, he would be easy to count as a suspicious figure. But since it was during the day, common sight for people to try and cut down on commuting time with all of the hustle and bustle, no one made any type of fuss that the Vantha noticed. But then another man caught his eye, watching his posture and demeanor. Veizor couldn't tell if he was shy or sick, something along of the lines of not normal. But he had held the maiden's attention for him, so Veizor had no complaints whatsoever. "My chance to go at god's speed ; Charm the damsel with a flick of the silver tongue and gestures of the old love poems!" he thought to himself, recounting to himself the love poems he had read before. One line that stood out to him came from one poem he turned into a song himself at one point in time, "She Walks in Beauty". The first stanza was converted easily and had a lively tune before mellowing out to a slow, pleasing finish that could melt the hearts of witches without adding water. Chuckling to himself in silence at his own thoughts, Veizor got close enough to see a man being pulled by the ear. He must of said something horribly offensive ; she continued to talk to other men in the vicinity. They must of been acquainted with the offensive man, as they were walking along their own way after some words were exchanged for a minute or so. With the situation looking like it simmered down, Veizor walked around the market to be in her blind-spot. He would of been seen by the man, but a slight raise of the finger to his own lips, the man would hopefully recognize to not reveal his own presence. "Ohhhhhh ~" "She walks in beauty, like the night of cloudless climes, like the night filled with starry skies ~ "She's the best of dark, shes the best of briiiight ~ Ha! I was blessed the other night!" "Had looked deep in her eyes, that not even the gods would deny! " "Water maiden, I am glad to have met yooooouuu ~ ' Playful smile and a bow of respect in her direction, then to the man, he introduced himself. Legs crossed with a hand on his chest, a slight dip in the head, "I am Veizor Coolwater, if you remember my name. Glad to see you in these parts, my ears were weeping the other day over not hearing that voice!" he said jokingly, looking in her eyes and then turning his head to the man. "You must of caught yourself in a nasty situation, her blood must of boiled faster than the water cools her skin!" he exclaimed, laughing once more at his own sarcastic remarks, enjoying the environment. It was a nice meeting to have.

[Celyn Frostfawn]

Celyn's attempt at being sincere had apparently failed. The Charoda turned, angrily. "You can't buy an apology!" She snarled, causing him to almost jump back. "That's not what I meant..." It just seemed to be getting worse and worse, so the Frostfawn kept his mouth shut. As he realised his recognition was correct, he smiled inwardly. She had enthralled him the time she had sung, and he was glad he saw her again, even in such bad circumstances. What she said next kind of annoyed him, it seemed like she was was talking down to him, but he more than deserved it. "I'm sure your parents would be proud of you..." He sighed silently, having half a mind to tell interrupt her, telling her that he didn't know who his parents are, or what they're doing. But he didn't, he just kept quiet.

When the other Vantha came, Celyn recognised him straight away, although he did not know his name. It was another person who was at the bar that night, the one who performed with the singing, creating those beautiful sculptures. While Celyn was impressed, he still thought it was rude of him in the Red Diamond. But it was hardly his place to say who was being rude or not. "Please, I would rather wipe it from my memory as soon as I can than discuss it." Celyn said quietly. Thankfully the one he had offended seemed to have cooled down a bit, and now he knew the performing Vantha's name, Veizor. "A pleasure to meet you, Veizor. My name is Celyn, Celyn Frostfawn." He bowed slightly.

[Una Tanta]

68th Day of Spring, 513 AV, Morning Turning over her shoulder when Celyn spoke once again she didn't notice Veizor standing before her nor heard his song. While Una was not a strong multi-tasker her attention to what was before her was unwavering. Wrinkling her forehead not understanding the other Vantha's voice whistled past her ear and she realied Celyn was talking to the man behind her. Turning to face him she caught her breath recognizing him instantly, it was the puppy dog man who had accompanied her several days ago in the tavern. She smirked at his second comment not as amused as he was. "Good morning Mr.Coolwater," She replied echoing his bow with a curtsy and almost stumbling not used to the formality. Though the man-boy had so recently insulted her she felt his presence much less intimidating and stepped back beside him her arm brushing his as she kept deliberate space between herself and Veizor. She hadn't get decided if he was an innocent puppy that doted on every stranger or if he was someone she should keep her distance from. "No. No. We were only just discussing a hood I was wondering about purchasing for a friend back in Wind Reach. Celyn was only telling me I was foolish to purchase something so blatantly over priced and I'm afraid I was a little insulted by the suggestion that I didn't know how to barter." She lied, easily twisting a tale that would let Celyn off the hook and keep their argument between themselves. The boy didn't deserve any more embarrassment. OOCI already introduced myself to you Celyn... also I am sorry about the really really short post but not feeling the inspiration to write today ^^'' but I didn't want to keep you guys waiting on me. My next post will be much better I promise. OOC editFurthermore Veizor, I do like your character he's so flamboyant but he isn't the type of character Una would warm to quickly so don't discredit a potential friendship yet, she will likely come around eventually. I just have to play her personality honestly and it'll take time for her to warm up.

[Veizor Coolwater]

Laid-back, leaning against a market stall's pole, hands folded and a calm smile across his face, Veizor displayed a confident and calm aura of himself. He was enjoying the world, the sights, the smells, the scene in which he had been put in right now in the middle of a market, at a winter wonderland known as Avanthal. He looked at the world as a big, never-ending play that had no script, no predetermined ending besides the looming death of a mortal. Between birth and that moment, it was all a show for all to spectate and gossip about. He could be considered out of wack, but it only reinforced his story-telling and eccentric personality that was only filled with wild stories and good intentions. A nod to the returning courtesy, Veizor was happy to know that she was well-informed of customs, even being called "mister". It didn't have the ring to it as he thought it would, in previous imaginations of future children. Looking at Celyn's own bowing gesture, all tension had hopefully simmered down for all three of them to have a civil conversation. Twitch of the ears, responding to the mention of Wind-Reach that was most definitely a ways off from Avanthal last time he looked at an atlas, spurred his curiosity. Last thing he heard about that place was the flying, majestic eagles that were like horses for the natives. Splendid wonder to see, the amount of stories and songs that could be crafted! Maybe it would be in his best interest to learn about their culture and own singing customs? A thought for another time. "Ah, Wind-Reach! I know not much about it, other than their majestic birds. Rather large they are, I hear anyway. I'll assume your friend is a personal matter, but did you and Celyn come together? You both seem to get along exquisitely well," mentioned Veizor, with a serious face that would cloud the judgement of anyone trying to decipher whether it was a sarcastic comment or not. His facial expressions were always for comedic value, whether for his own like now or for others like with the children.

[Una Tanta]

68th Day of Spring, 513 AV, Morning Soaked in snow Avanthal was bitterly cold but as the bright light of the morning broke against the snow and shattered over Unas' eyes dazzling her, and forcing her to squint outdoors, she ignored the nettle-pricks that preceded the painful squeeze of the cold. The native Vantha didn't seem troubled with it or interested in the snow around them but the million types of creaks beneath her boots when she walked begged to be drawn out and she would find herself suffering the cold to walk in slow motion to her destination staring at her shoes. As she watched Veizor look around him she wondered whether he saw Avanthal as she did despite all his years here. "They are more than large." She informed eyes glinting. Squatting she touched the snow with her fingertip drawing up a cluster of snowflakes and held them out to him. "Imagine you are one of these snowflakes gazing up at me. That is what it is like to gaze at one of their eagles....you Vantha are spoiled being so closely protected by the greatness of Morwen, and with your great Dire Polar Kelvics, you would not understand the greatness of what it is to gaze upon something mortal, inhuman, and nonetheless godly." Not comfortable or interested in small talk this kind of theological mental masturbation was well within her comfort zone. "Uhm..." not usually lost of words Una tilted her head at Veizor, "Sure?" she replied disregarding his comment. She had nothing to say in response and thus decided it had no merit in the conversation. "I was actually thinking of staying in Avanthal for a time, but the cold has made my clothing rather impractical. I actually meant to get some shopping done today so I think I shall take my leave, unless of course you two would like to accompany me," She glanced between the two and smiled cheekily at Celyn, "keep me from making a foolish purchase?" Though she was more comfortable alone, the Vantha hospitality intrigued her. Her childhood had been restricted to the waters of Thunder Bay where few Charoda lived or visited, living in deepening seclusion over time the touch of Celyns arm was foreign, the warmth and curiosity with which she was received by the women, and children even more so. The last few days she had roamed and watched the Vantha from the distance and was consistently invited to join in their games or chores. They had made awkward chit chat with her, offered her warm tea, and invited her into their homes. She had accepted the warm tea but declined the rest and continued on her wandering. Having watched and experienced the first licks of warmth from the Vantha heart she longed to cloak herself in it and share it with others. This was how Cy grew up, she thought pleased. She had loved her childhood, loved the exploration and independence but she wondered, had she potentially only loved it because she had known naught other. Though she had loved Cy unquestionably she had consistently questioned it's authenticity because of the kelvic bond and wondered if he was perfect for her only because he was a mirror of her. Here one could have marriages built on compromise and trust. There was no tested trust between her and Cy because she could always tell he loved her and knew that he could not and would not ever want to leave, there was nothing better out there. Turning her attention outward forcefully, she recognized that the beginning of cloaking herself in the warmth of Avanthal would be making friends. Turning with them on her heels her hands roamed the fur-lined cloaks and various textiles keeping her eye out for the hood that had so pleased her.

[Veizor Coolwater]

The pleasant walk with the Charoda had Veizor thinking to himself for a bit, unbeknownst to him up until now was the fact that he had lacked friendship for a stretch of time. He spent many a day in the Coolwater hold, contemplating fascinating stories of heroics and tragedy with no one to appreciate his rhymes or rhythm. Only time he received mortal interaction was with the boating crews or the audiences who attended his shows, much less that of the opposite gender. To add insult to injury, much less that of someone who wasn't even a Vantha or human. It didn't bother Veizor much, but it is probably the trend that lead into his eccentric descriptions of people or adjective enriched vocabulary when socializing. A warm look on his face and a tiny smile, it felt good to have a talk with someone as opposite as himself, though she did have her own moments. Stopping himself from being distracted by little trinkets and ornaments, a slight glance at the Charoda let Veizor peer into her body language a bit more. The sun wasn't glaring much in respect to himself, being used to the snow-white reflection of the light. But, further inspection revealed that the Charoda wasn't doing too hot herself, the occasional squinting of the eyes. It would be as expected, maybe she hadn't been in the area long enough to become immune to the effects. Twitching his ears and a scowl emerging out for a quick second, he quickly disagreed with the "spoiled" notion immediately within his own mind. If asked about it further, he wouldn't mind to elaborate. But one to avoid confrontation on such subtle grounds as a simple stroll through the market, Veizor kept most of his emotion in check and quiet. "I wouldn't say spoiled, as they are fierce in their own right. But I cannot imagine the Dire Polar Bears stacking up to the birds in more ways than one," he commented with a raised brow and a little fiestyness to the words, splurted in rapid-fire in the beginning, trailing off slowly in the end of the sentence. With the most part, no hard feelings. Just a tad bit of emotion in his veins was all. "Certainly, accompanying would be no trouble at all, you seem to have trouble going through the snow, if I noticed wrong?" inquired Veizor, walking beside the Charoda, shoulder to shoulder with a comfortable distance between them. Eyes open looking for an appealing stall himself, he stumbled upon one with rather wooly cloaks and scarfs of various bright colors and intricate designs. He peered over, and they were mostly made out of thick fur material. But somehow, it effortlessly seamed together as if it was silk. The work was exquisite, avoiding the attention of the main town as the stall seemed to have gain minimal business that day.