Completed Lost, Lost, and More Lost (Ardea)

[Vanari]

Spring, Day 10, 510 AV

This is not good, this is not good, Vanari chanted to herself as she struggled against hysteria. She had been walking around for ages, trying to find Godiva's Refuge to no avail. In the leaflet she received at the Sea Gate, the woman's refuge was mentioned, with lodging free of charge for the first two weeks. This was a major blessing, as she had given most of her coin to that scumbag guide of hers. Now, if only she could find the place! She had considered returning to the gate and asking the Akalak guard--at the risk of further embarrassment--but knew it was impossible to find her way back.

The panic stricken Vantha looked around her. Mostly everyone up and about so early in the morning were Akalak guards and workers. They stared at her openly, and some with more undisguised interest than others. Ask one of them for directions? Yeah, not happening.

Breathe. It'll be fine, I'll figure something out. Just have to find someone who isn't covered in slabs of muscles for directions. Not that the attention was wholly unpleasant, the Icemaiden was forced to admit. She was just terribly unused to it, having always had a prettier, younger sister who stole most of the attention. Two years ago, her jealousy would have been palpable, but now all she felt was a stab of homesickness at the thought of Sania.

I'll make something of myself yet, the Vantha girl vowed for the umpteenth time. This will all be worth it. Eventually...

Looking up, she saw that she had walked full circle and was standing in front of the butcher shop. Again. At least if she ever had an insatiable craving for raw meat, she'd know where to go.

"If you really want to eat meat that badly, you should just do it. I don't understand all the bother lately with girls and their diets."

Vanari nearly jumped out of her skin. She whirled around, clutching her pounding heart. Her startled expression was met with that of a certain familiar, grinning Akalak. "Ah, didn't mean to scare you there. Just taking a break to pick up some breakfast. I was right about you being new, eh? Ever even seen an Akalak before?"

The Vantha gulped and shook her head. She had heard of the fierce race, certainly, but never met one up close and personal. The guard seemed much friendlier than she initially thought possible, but she could not discount his extremely intimidating build nor the icy cool of his eyes. If there was one thing she knew for certain, it was what a tutor had told her long ago: Akalaks possessed legendary longevity and always preferred to keep their distance, for obvious reasons.

"Well, how do I look?"

Vanari nearly choked at the bluntness of his question, no longer so sure of her convictions. He certainly was rather handsome, in an intense, exotic sort of way. His skin was a deep, midnight violet and his black Mohawk neatly plaited on either side. A broad smile and clean, strong jaw were his best facial features, while everything below was...well, it made her blush just thinking about it.

"Guh--um, not...bad?" she squeaked. Gods, she was squeaking. When was the last time she did that? Ten years ago?

Someone save me, she desperately pleaded. The Akalak seemed kind, but she was too distraught to be functional. She'd been scammed, sent to the wrong city, and forced to fake her gender. She just wanted to rest somewhere, in a soft bed, alone. Actually, being alone sounded dreadful, but what were her options? Glancing at the guard, she noticed his pensive gaze and her thoughts raced ahead of her. This was too much. She was too tired, too bewildered, too embarrassed--she could feel the heat all the way to the tips of her ears! If she didn't find sanctuary soon, she was going to explode.

[Ardea]

10th Day of Spring, 510AV Amongst the darkened shadows of perhaps on of the tallest trees in Riverfall a creature stirred, bright, amber eyes gleaming out from between the roots. Steadily, it rose. Paused. Breathed. Before stepping lightly from the shadows, revealing a seemingly teenaged girl, of no more than approximately seventeen years of age. On the rare occasion that Ardea escaped her father's watchful gaze, she often sought out a secluded location, such as the one from which she had just emerged, where she could relax and observe, unnoticed by the passerby. Usually, having gotten a taste for the outside world (either by exploration of the city or simply silent, watchful observation), Ardea would return swiftly home to await the lecture that her parents would inevitably had conjured up for her. But today, as the sun cast warming golden rays upon her paled face, she had formed a rather different idea. Darting forwards, she flew gracefully along the path, nimbly dodging fatal ravines and unnerving sheer drops with unusual agility. The gentle breeze tugged gently at her golden hair, her own footsteps pounding loudly in her ears as she scampered onwards. From her frequent, but guarded trips into the city, the young Kelvic had a pretty sound idea of where everything was, although she had not necessarily had the opportunity to visit every part. Despite knowing that her parents guarded her so closely due to the fact that she was both a kelvic (used as pets in Riverfall) and a woman, she could not help but feel almost completely restricted, relishing the moments she could embark into the world for herself, perhaps find her own secret area in which she could embrace her animal form. As the carved, stone buildings became more and more frequent, Ardea's footfalls slowed. Heart pounding wildly, she allowed her hungry, curious gaze to drink in her surroundings and pinpoint exactly where she was so she could navigate herself into the heart of the breath-taking city. An Avalak, out on an early morning patrol passed her as she strolled, flexing his broad muscles as she drew near. However, Ardea, whom was accustomed to Avalaks and their attempts to attract women, took it in her stride, pushing onwards. Having travelled quite a way into the city, taking in everything that was happening around her and thriving in the natural, unguarded and unrestricted way of life, Ardea found herself craving supplement. Due to the fact that these cravings were almost always for raw meat, she found her feet involuntarily in the direction of the butcher's, despite her lack of currency. However, as she approached the butcher shop, a more curious sight captured her attention and she paused, tilting her head to one side. Is that... A Vantha? Having never seen one with her own eyes, she couldn't be sure. Despite her reservations, the burning curiosity grew within her and she found drawing nearer, trying her best to seem at least a little approachable.

OOCThe description for this thread is hilarious. ^^

[Vanari]

"And 'not bad' obviously means good, right?" the guard grinned, teeth gleaming. "It's hard to deny, I know. Want some breakfast?"

Vanari's gaze slid towards the butcher's sign. "Umm, breakfast as in...raw meat...?" she asked dubiously.

"Of course not!" he barked with laughter. "We have a fire, and you'll find no better cook than yours truly. Unless, you had something else in mind?" The Akalak's expression suddenly became so ridiculously suggestive and hopeful all at once that the Vantha didn't know whether to laugh or run.

She tried to turn him down, but all that came out was a pitiful wheeze as the Akalak took an alarmingly giant step closer. He was leaning towards her now, hands resting casually on the hilts of his weapons, his enormous muscles bulging from their scanty leather trappings. Up close, she could see how smooth his deep, purple skin was and how the pale blue of his irises sparkled with mischief. "You know, I bet you're not so shy in private..."

Vanari was pretty sure her face was redder than a crab now. She almost decided to just turn and run screaming the opposite direction, had she not suddenly noticed someone slowly approaching.

It was a young girl with a bit of a wild air to her, as though she didn't feel quite comfortable on paved streets or amongst proper civilization. Something about her appearance jogged Vanari's memory and, for a brief moment, the Vantha forgot about her present predicament.

The girl was tall, even taller than Vanari herself, and had stunning golden red hair. She seemed lithe and youthful, but there was something decidedly predatory and cautious about the way she approached, all feline grace and focus. Her amber eyes stared right back, head tilted to one side, and the Vantha felt unnerved by their directness. If she had to make a guess of the girl's race, she would definitely have chosen Kelvic. There were many Kelvics in Avanthal, and Vanari had befriended a few herself.

"Well what do we have here?"

Vanari's eyes snapped back to the guard, who had followed her stupefied gaze and was now unabashedly eyeing the young girl. "You know, I wasn't planning to share, but there's plenty of me to go around," he smirked. "And you look tasty."

Before she could even think, Vanari marched up to the newcomer and embraced her bodily. "Thank the gods I've found you--er, cousin!" she stuttered, patting the girl soundly on the back. Vanari released her, but before the other could react she burst out, "Mother is, um, doing well! How have you been? Shall we return to see Auntie Fffaa....aantana?"

Vanari tried to hide her grimace by beaming enthusiastically, first at the Kelvic stranger, then at the guard, hoping against all hope that she was not condemning herself to her own horrible death.

[Ardea]

Ardea watched with a silent, brimming curiosity as the Akalak advanced upon the Vantha woman, a malicious gleam in his eye that unnerved even her. It was not that she was unwilling to aid the seemingly intimidated being, but certain residents (namely, Akalak guards) upon discovering her as a Kelvic did not always favour her kindly and more often than not, attempted to capture her like some sort of domesticated animal, for their own personal protection purposes. Even the mere thought of being a 'pet' offended her greatly, but, for the moment, she set these cautious thoughts aside and weighed out the possibility of aiding this stranger.

"You know, I bet you're not so shy in private..."
Ardea scoffed quietly, Akalak would go inappropriately far when it came to wooing women, but did not often act upon these words, particularly not with an audience. As this thought passed her inquisitive mind, the woman seemed to become aware of her watchful presence. Immediately, Ardea noticed how her hair seemed to gleam with a complimentary golden hue as she moved, produced by the glare of the early morning sun. It was this that caused her to note the appearance of the rest of her body, sleek but athletic, built for the wear and tear of prolonged travel.

It was at this point that the guard rambled on further, none of what he said affected nor concerned her, until her added,
"And you look tasty."
Stifling the growl that rose in her throat, she shot a lethal, predatory glare at the Akalak. Roaring, fiercely aggressive thoughts exploding within her mind as it conceived what she could have done to him in her bestial form. A peculiar stillness cast itself suddenly over her mind and she was reminded that she was without limit, told her that her other state of being was always accessible. This knowledge granted her extraordinary courage, forged her to be as fearless as the blood-chilling beast within.

Suddenly, out of nowhere, arms wrapped themselves around her, her muscles stiffened and then relaxed upon realising that they belonged to the Vantha, whose name she had yet to learn.
"Thank the gods I've found you--er, cousin!"
"Mother is, um, doing well! How have you been? Shall we return to see Auntie Fffaa....aantana?"
Brief confusion clouded her thoughts, replaced almost immediately with understanding.

Trying her best to speak without revealing her possession of two large, lethally sharp canines, she considered how to reply and spoke indifferently,
"We've waited a long time for your visit. Aunt will be pleased you have- um- returned." An idea sprang into her mind,
"Do you remember the way?" Without waiting for her response, nor pausing to observe the guard's reaction, Ardea grasped the Vantha's hand and tugged her away from the Akalak with a strength disproportionate to that of her muscle mass. Where she would lead her was not of concern, all that was immediately evident was that they needed to be somewhere far away from the Alalak guard.

[Vanari]

Vanari felt herself lurch forward and barely managed to keep one foot in front of the other. She glanced back at the guard, who looked bemused and winked as he slyly imparted, "See you ladies around. Come by for breakfast if you've ever got an appetite to be satisfied." He grinned his usual pearly grin, then ducked casually into the butcher shop.

They're a persistent lot, I'll give them that, she mentally scoffed.

They barely slowed at all and the Kelvic girl still gripped her hand, deftly maneuvering between people and buildings as though she'd been here all her life. The Vantha actually found it a relief to be dragged along in this fashion, since it meant she wasn't going in circles, and that their haste allowed none of the passing Akalaks anything more than an appreciative glance or two.

Sounds of daily life were awakening everywhere as Vanari stared up and all around at the city. For the first time since her arrival, she took in the incredible view around her, unafraid and awestruck. Riverfall was truly a beautiful coexistence between stone and water, structured habitat and natural life. The buildings were covered in elegant patterns, topped with peculiar domes, and patches of green occupied every empty space, providing all kinds of colors and scents to please the senses.

There were women passing by too now--not just studly men with magical pectorals--and they came in so many different colors, shapes, and sizes that it was all Vanari could do to keep from gasping in amazement. They wore an impressive array of clothing, but her favorites were dresses of flowing linens in lemon yellows, youthful greens, and vibrant reds, all echoing the lively season of Spring.

This was why she was here, the Vantha joyously decided. This was worth every hardship she endured to be so far from home.

When the finally slowed to a regular walking pace, they were passing over a magnificent river. It sparkled crystal shades of blue under the morning sun and was so bewitching that Vanari completely lost awareness of everything around her. There was nothing like this in Northern Taldera; all the waters were constantly frozen and treated more as potential death traps than bodies of beauty.

Once they finished crossing over the river, some of her reasoning abilities gradually returned. The girl was still guiding her, albeit more gently now. Vanari stared absently at the back of her coppery head for a while, before the full extent of her stupidity finally hit her right in the guts.

"Hey, um, miss?" she squeaked. Petching hell, she really needed to stop doing that. Not sure if the girl had heard, Vanari deliberately slowed, pulling herself slightly back. "I'm sorry, I dragged you into helping me and I never even asked your name. I'm a real idiot."

They had completely stopped now, and were facing one another. Vanari straightened herself and, with as much humility as she could muster, presented her long overdue greeting.

"I am Vanari of Skyglow hold, a novice traveler and artist, and it has been a great gift of good fortune to have met you. To whom do I owe the debt of such timely aid?"

[Ardea]

Ardea navigated the perils of the city pavements with the sort of ease that comes only with regular, persistent practice, her shimmering hair flowing out behind her like some sort of colourful flag. Eyes glazed with the kind of intent focus that is so typically characteristic of felines, she pressed on, halting only when the hushed squeak of the girl behind her became audible. For a moment, she had almost forgotten about the Vantha altogether, having been so driven to complete her task. Perplexed, she spun around instantly, unappreciative of the woman disturbing her self-assigned mission to exchange bloody, petching pleasantries. Fury came swiftly to the Kelvic, the trait originating in its entirety from the non-human instincts that surged through her veins. It was fury that kept her alive, kept her fighting and urged her onwards when all else seemed lost.

But what could she expect? Humans- or at least the ones she'd met- were extremely civilised and with this came the subconscious need to exchange pointless information. This time, she would oblige. Although she hated to admit any sort of dependance on other people, she had realised early on that this Vantha could, perhaps, teach her a few things, if only about the way in which humans interact. No doubt that would be a skill she could utilise, concealing her identity as a Kelvic often meant that others treated her with respect, rather than trying to collar her. For a few moments, she lingered, listening to the Vantha's words.
"I am Vanari of Skyglow hold, a novice traveler and artist, and it has been a great gift of good fortune to have met you. To whom do I owe the debt of such timely aid?"

Composing herself, her intense, direct gaze scanned their surroundings. Beginning with the crystal, sapphire river that cut gracefully through the land,
and examining every rock or blade of luscious, verdant grass with the same, steely expression, inspecting everything for any sign of life. When she was quite certain that they were completely alone, she fixed her burning, predatory eyes back on the woman whom had introduced herself as Vanari. This time, when she opened her mouth to allow speech, she made no effort to obscure the gleaming, pointed ivories nestled within her jaw. Trust did not come easily to the Kelvic and Vanari had not earned hers, not yet, but even if she knew of her race, where was there that she could run that Ardea could not follow in her bestial form?

"Do not measure your fortune yet, traveller. My name, if it concerns you still once you recognise what I am, is Ardea." Though there was no aggression in her voice, her tone was far from friendly. It was placid and a little deep, soothingly so, yet she very much doubted that her companion would take much notice of the way in which she spoke, overshadowed by her blindingly obvious animalistic features. It did not take a highly trained scholar to figure out what she truly was. Though whom she was, was a very different matter entirely. Not that it concerned most, being that they were almost always immediately put off by the fragile stability of her race or, if not that, then her not terribly sociable behaviour. What reason had she to believe that this... Vanari... Was any different?

"You could have found yourself a saviour more suited to social conversations, but I assure you, you will not find a fiercer one. Not here. Does that not flare up fear within you?"
Tempted as she was to shift right at that very moment, she restrained herself. Vanari, as she was called, had been intimidated by the Akalak guard and now the Vantha found herself in, perhaps, an even even situation than she had done before. Ardea did not mean her any harm, but she simply wished to test the visitor, stubbornly risking her opportunity of learning something in order to examine her potential ally's true courage, the courage that lay deeper within.

[Vanari]

There was not a shred of doubt now in the Vantha's mind. The abnormally large canines, the predatory eyes, the feral air that clung to her lithe body--this was definitely a Kelvic, and while her first reaction stung with offense and hurt, the Vantha came to recognize the challenge in Ardea's words. She was being tested, and she had the sinking feeling that her very survival in Riverfall would depend on what she chose to do next.

Vanari nodded, gulping. Then she lifted her chin, summoning all the sincerity and courage she had left from the exceedingly tumultuous day. "To trust me so readily would make you go against your very nature as a Kelvic," she answered, "and to claim I feel no fear in knowing this would make me an utter fool."

The Vantha looked warily around at their secluded location. "You could have chosen to do a great number of things differently today, but here we are. Me, alive and in one piece, and you, resisting the very urge to shift and scare the living piss out of me." She risked a smile as she calmly met the young Kelvic's penetrating gaze. "I've turned my back long ago on what is considered 'suitable' or 'proper,' and I've come to find deep respect for those who fiercely defend their right to choose how they live. I may not be the strongest or swiftest, but any faith you place in me, I will return tenfold. My strength, my hearth, my knowledge--for a truly worthy ally, there is nothing I will not lend."

Vanari held out her hand in the traditional human gesture of good will, knowing Kelvics were not overly fond of too much rambling. "So I stand by my words--I, Vanari Skyglow, consider it a great gift of fortune to have met you, Ardea of the Kelvics. I owe you a debt, and I will not rest until I repay it. Will you have me as your ally, and you as mine, so that we may together face the absurd pectorals that overrun this fair city?"

[Ardea]

At the Vantha's passionate words, Ardea found herself experiencing an emotion that came rarely to her, surprise. It flickered very briefly in her fulgent eyes. These were not the words that she had expected nor been prepared for. The emotion passed swiftly and she narrowed her eyes suspiciously, scrutinising her companion for a brief moment, attempting to figure out what sort of act she could be trying to pull off. Eventually, her mind came up with nothing and she paused, her gaze falling to Vanari's expectant, outstretched hand. Gradually, she extended her arm and took the Vantha's hand in her own, shaking it, like she had seen others do so many times before.

Considering her words carefully and lifting her softened gaze to meet the Vanari's, she spoke,
"May I prove myself to be a most valuable ally."
Somehow, the concept of friendship had seemed impossible before now, at least, impossible without the bond. At that very moment, realisation dawned upon her, physical, Kelvic bonds were not the only sort of connection that could ever form, indeed, she was experiencing a very different kind of bond as she thought, one that glimmered with the very beginning of a faithful companionship.

Then, a very peculiar thing occurred. Ardea smiled. Not a malicious or deceitful smile, but a genuine, contented smile. This meeting had certainly brought out something more human within her and yet she found herself wishing to share her bestial form with her novel friend. However, she suppressed the urge, for now, though it gleamed plainly in her eyes, uncertain whether or not it would cause Vanari to scamper away from fear. Occupying her mind, she decided to attempt something of a more amiable nature,"What is it, in Riverfall, that you seek, friend?"
Forcing effort into trying to seem less predatory, she relaxed her posture and awaited the response. Though, in persistent urge to shift, as she had not done so in a while, was evident in her gentle gaze.

[Vanari]

A whole storm of emotions hit Vanari like an avalanche, their force so strong her knees near turned to jelly. She only just managed to keep herself upright as her eyes flashed pale gold, tangerine, and then finally dark purple. Slowly, she regained some composure and began picking apart the bombardment of mixed feelings roiling inside her.

Relief was definitely the first. Excitement, surprisingly, the second. Ardea was a worthy ally indeed--worthier than she could have ever hoped for--and to be called friend, even on the most cautious of terms...the Vantha sniffed, restraining any liquids from leaking out her face through sheer will.

And lastly, there was panic. What was she going to do here? What could she do?

Vanari looked to the Kelvic girl, recalling her brief yet humbling response. When was the last time she had a true friend for company--two, three years ago?

Suddenly, something inside her clicked--a state of decisiveness not unlike that which had gripped her upon hearing the news of her betrothal--and a wave of familiar calm washed over the weary Vantha. Her heart had made its mind.

"Circumstances have led me here, with or without my consent, as life so often gleefully does," Vanari mused. "But there are two things I'll never turn down: knowledge, and food. If you know where or how I might find both, I'd be much obliged."

A deafening gurgle erupted from her stomach. Vanari felt her face burn as she muttered, "But maybe it would be best for food to come first."

[Ardea]

Ever vigilant, Ardea observed the emotions flashing within the Vantha's eyes with caution. The blur of feelings was unreadable, but the Kelvic did not the watering of her eyes. Previously unaware that so few, simple words could have such an effect, she was briefly concerned that Vanari may have wanted to cry from distress. But when no tears were shed, Ardea was doubtful that the emotion her friend had been experiencing was one of a negative nature.

Ardea wasn't exactly sure how to deal with the roar that had seemingly erupted from the Vantha's stomach. Deciding it was best not to dwell on it and risk embarrassing the woman further, she allowed her mind to reel as she thought of all the possible places they could get food in Riverfall.
"Many of the taverns dwell on the other side of the river. Past Kyloe's Butcher's shop and, as I am certain that you do not wish to pass by there any time soon, we will visit the White Crane."

Carefully scanning the area, gaining a sense of direction, she began to stride in the direction of the path, an air of elegance around her. Despite having never been in herself, she knew much of the White Crane. It was mostly where the rich or those with musical attributes would visit, the building itself was opulent and not at all fitting for such an informal occasion as this. But it was all they had and Ardea was willing to take it.

Hoping that Vanari would follow, she stepped out onto the main path once more. By this point in the morning, many more Avalaks had made their way out onto the streets and she found herself the subject of a few wolf-whistles as she breezed past. Indifferent, she ventured on at a swift, but manageable pace, casting a few glances over her shoulder every now and then to make sure that Vanari was keeping up.

They had not been on the main path for five chimes when The White Crane came into view, a circular, white stone building that sat elegantly next to a monumental tower that she knew by name as Wysar's Tower. Her gait slowed as they neared they destination,
"Here is the food." She gestured towards the small building, "As for knowledge, while I do not claim to possess much, if there are questions you cannot help but ask, I will endeavour to answer them."
As she had little knowledge of socialisation, she decided that any questions the Vantha asked her would aid in her venture to learn this vital skill.