PM to join [The Bronze Woods] Hunter, Meet Horse [Crystal]

[Beodan Clathony]

Now that I think of it, do you always invite strangers who try to hunt you home?" Crystal asked in an amused tone with a laugh to punctuate. Beodan’s eyes widened as he thought about who he had invited into his home. Calisto, who had come to his home following his scent while he was asleep and had definitely thought about eating him. Skae, who he had fought at the Sunset Falls and treated her wounds, then tracked him down to sort out her feelings. Nira’lia had not wanted to kill him, which was nice! Sayana had just been good company, an avid student, and a hard worker. Two out of four was not that bad! After assembling the list, he spoke defensively, a childish pout on his his face, “There were one or two that didn’t want to kill me or eat me! But everyone turned out to be very good company in the end! I think it’s the tea.” He finished, whispering conspiratorially with a smile on his face.

She seemed to be a decent person, so he decided to confide in her. “Actually, it literally is the tea. I put a little bit more Connal than usually into the cups of people that I think could hurt me. Or actually say they want to Not enough to induce sleep directly, more just relax them a bit so they couldn’t hit very hard. Our secret?” he asked, putting a finger to his lips with a wink. Maybe he was getting into a little too much danger, for an herbalist that is. He believed that most dangerous people were benevolent inside, deeper down for some people certainly, but still there. And people general did not try to kill healers. Why kill someone who would save your life without prejudice?

Though, the Hunter’s one question had opened his eyes to a flaw in his personality. He was just a little too trusting. He took a sip of his tea, and looked down into the swirling amber liquid. His chocolate eye looked back at him from the shallow pool, so distorted by the ripples, and yet so familiar. He glanced up at her, then dropped his gaze. “Thanks for not.. killing me,” he said feebly, “I-I..” The Kevlic fell silent. Why couldn’t he speak? He nothing had happened, why was he so gripped with emotion. It was a chime of silence before he spoke again, “I’m alone. I.. I need.. people. Anyone. Dangerous or not, the all are people. Do you understand?”

[Crystal Nightshade]

Crystal grinned. The tea, eh? She did feel more relaxed after drinking it. However it took just a bit of time to actually work it's magic. She was surprised to find he had added a dose of relaxation in secret. She widened her eyes, but grew calm again as he explained his reasoning. Besides, he had no intention of harming them, just to keep himself safe. "Your secret is safe with me, just be careful." She meant it. She wouldn't say a word, but she might tease him a bit before she indulged in his tea next time. The ebony haired woman didn't want to assume, but she guessed she knew of his problem. She had felt it herself and still did even now. Though there was an exception to this, like now. When she was with others and truly enjoyed herself? That loneliness seemed to dull. "I understand.. because I feel it too. Without my mother and father I feel this enormous gap in my heart." Loneliness. Sadness. Hurt. Her tone displayed all. "I keep thinking I could've done more to stop my father from getting killed. Then my mother wouldn't have been stricken with grief. Then she wouldn't have died..!" She was in emotional agony, crying out for help.. None would come. She spoke through clenched teeth. She took in a shaky breath before attempting to calm herself. A chime after she was back to her usual self. Calm. Collected. "There was nothing I could do.. but I've convinced myself that if I take up his dream I can still make him proud. And by living I can do no wrong by her either." Determination was evident. It was her final atonement in a way. Guilt for not stopping her father and taking care of her mother. "Find a way to overcome loss. Don't succumb to it."

[Beodan Clathony]

“I’m sorry,” Beodan murmured, leaning closer to her and pressing his face into her neck in a gentle nuzzle. The action was what seemed natural at the time to do, though that was more likely his animal side’s nature coming out in an otherwise human interaction. He continued, his breath hot on her tender skin, “I don’t miss my parents, but that's only ‘cause I never knew them well. I can’t imagine how you felt. How..how long ago was it? Oh, I don’t mean to pry! You don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to.” He trailed off. He had been rambling, words had failed him once again. He hid his eyes against her shirt, letting the comforting touch speak for itself.

The Kelvic stayed pressed against her, the silence stretching over them like a blanket. He didn’t mind the lack of conversation, his own emotions were keeping his mind busy, and he was sure she had a lot to think about as well. He he brought his head up as she started to speak, his eye only a hand’s length from her own. "There was nothing I could do.. but I've convinced myself that if I take up his dream I can still make him proud. And by living I can do no wrong by her either. Find a way to overcome loss. Don't succumb to it,” Crystal said passionately, her voice gaining more and more steal as she went on. He could tell that her parents were heartily influential in her life, maybe even more so after they had died. It was something he admired, and though he was still too innocent to consciously acknowledge it, he was envious of her.

Her words were profound. Did Dan have to overcome the loss of Moxie before he could live perfectly happily? No. No! She would come back for him. She wasn’t dead, she couldn’t be. She would come back for him, she would! And so he held onto his hope and struggled to sustain a fraying bond. He asked, “Do you have to leave anytime soon, or can you stay for another cup of tea?” wondering how long he would have someone to talk to.

[Crystal Nightshade]

The ebony lightly leaned into his nuzzle. At the moment she couldn't care less if it was a normal human action. It was comforting. She spoke quietly, but reassuringly. "It's nothing to apologize for." She said with a small smile. She was grateful to see he cared, that was enough for her. She felt as if he needed a bit of comfort himself, so she put a small hand on his head. She remembered when her father did the same for her. It managed to calm her when nothing else could. "It's been nine years." She simply looked at the man pressed against her, not knowing what to say as a flood of emotions swept through her eyes. She calmed herself though, knowing that in letting them through she'd only make it harder on herself and possibly Beodan as well. Speaking her part, she simply let them fade into silence as she pondered a few things. Such as what would she be like if her parents had lived. Even after nine years she still hadn't recovered from their deaths. Would she be better off if they had lived? All the possible answers only brought her grief, so she ended her train of thought. Conversation was started to which she was grateful. Something to ease her mind even if just a wee bit. And along came the perfect opportunity to tease. "I wouldn't mind more tea.. if I don't fall asleep afterward that is." She said with a playful wink and small chuckle. Before he could get the tea, she gave him a hug. "Thank you.. for listening. I don't think I realized how much I needed someone to hear until now." She said thankfully. In all these years she'd never talked to anyone, and she felt lighter now that she had.

[Beodan Clathony]

oocSorry this took me so long, I was on a little trip the last couple days.

Beodan laughed, his cheeks lightly tinted pink after being called out on his precautionary ingredient choice. “More tea, coming right up!” he said, mirth seeping into his voice. When he moved to stand up, Crystal stopped him with a sudden embrace. Momentarily startled he let out an, “Oh!” of surprise, then a beat later wrapped one arm around the small of her back, and the other hand resting between her shoulders. She whispered, her breath tickling his ear, "Thank you.. for listening. I don't think I realized how much I needed someone to hear until now." He tilted his head and sniffed just behind her neck, trying to memorize her scent for the future. It symbolized his acceptance of her, and their positive relationship. “Anytime, Belladonna. I’m.. not so good with words,” he faltered, “Ah, It helped me too. Do come back anytime you want to talk, okay? I’ll be here. Now, how ‘bout that tea?”

Dan released the embrace and rose to prepare a fresh pot, listing off ingredients under his breath to help him decided what he would put in this brew. The kettle had been filled with water once more and was now again on the makeshift stove. He stepped outside for a few ticks to retrieve fresh peppermint from his plant, and arranged them in the previously set aside cups. Dried chamomile buds soon followed. Dan scanned his mass of hanging plants with a frown, muttering, “I know it’s here somewhere… Ah!” He ducked under won row and parted a few particularly thick bundles, retrieving a few serrated leaves of raspberry. A trickle of honey from a clay jar and the cups were ready to be served, minus the water. “This one will need a bit more time to steep than last, the raspberry really needs to.. soak in. Just a few chimes more though,” he warned, not wanting to leave her waiting for a new cup for too long.

As steam curled from the cups, the Kelvic itched with curiosity. Those of his race were not known for their great social filters, as he was quick to display. His eyes flicked to hers from the tea as he asked, “Do you have a mate? It’s just.. I don’t know. Silly question I suppose, you are pretty young.” He chuckled, “Well, I suppose I am too! Only six, y’know, and I had- have a mate, so why not you?” He looked back into the now golden tea, staring wistfully into his memories. “It’s nice, having someone that knows you completely. Every emotion. Every pain felt by the other. Shared as one. Doesn’t that sound wonderful?”

[Crystal Nightshade]

Crystal nodded and let them fall into a comfortable silence as Beodan prepared more tea. It gave her some time to settle her emotions. They were everywhere today, and with a very new friend at that. Had she really needed someone so badly that she had opened up to a complete stranger? No, it didn't feel that way. It felt as if she had talked to someone who truly understood. They were similar, which meant she wouldn't get a 'cheer up' or something of the sort, but words that actually meant something. They had connected because they had familiar circumstances. She truly felt grateful, indeed fate had played them like pawns. However she was grateful for it. The ebony inclined her head. "It's fine, I don't mind waiting." She replied warmly. Crystal had made herself comfortable in her seat, and enjoyed the idea of perhaps stopping by again. Though without a bit of navigation help she wouldn't be able to make it back to his tent without getting lost. It was pathetic yes, but she usually found her way back to Syliras from the Bronze without getting lost too much. Crystal blinked at Beodan as he spoke and listened until her cheeks tinted scarlet. "It does sound wonderful, but I don't think I'd like to be in a relationship.." She closed her eyes as she spoke in sheepish tone. It had actually never occupied to her to date someone. Now that she thought about it, most would be dating, wouldn't they? That was a bit upsetting.. She'd been so focused on her goals that she hadn't even paid attention to the romantics. She looked to Beodan and spoke softly. "I haven't really been.. attentive to romance." She felt wholly embarrassed that she had been so focused she hadn't socially matured.

[Beodan Clathony]

An endearing blush lit up Crystal’s cheeks at the new line of conversation, prompting Beodan’s lips to quirk upwards despite the serious questions. "It does sound wonderful, but I don't think I'd like to be in a relationship.." she said sheepishly, her striking blue eyes hidden from him. He mentally laughed at how complex having the choice could make things. His whole existence was defined by having a bondmate, to the point where he would physically ache if he thought about it. When he finally found someone, the sense of relief and happiness was worth the long wait. The more he thought about her words the more funny they became, and soon laughter escaped him.

“I’m sorry, I’m not laughing at you! Honest!” he said quickly, mirth still filling his voice. He grew more somber, “It’s just that you said that so casually, like if you want to have bread with lunch or not! It’s funny, because I don’t have the choice. A bond was a certainty for me, and it is interesting to see someone who lives so freely in that regard.” Come to think of it, it wasn’t that funny, but the contrast between them was huge. The girl blinked her eyes opening them, chocolate meeting saphire. She murmured, “I haven’t really been.. attentive to romance.” Dan nodded, she looked like she had a lot on her plate, and the death of her parents might have been making her shy away from any similar relationships. If not, they at least had shaken her up a far bit.

“I understand, hard to meet people when hunting in the woods, hmm?” the Kelvic asked rhetorically, picking up the now ready cups of tea and walking over to her. He handed her a cup and teased, “No Connal in this one, I promise.” He sat down next to her on the couch, heat exchanged where their arms touched one another. “Do you ever want to find a mate, or get married or something like that? I suppose you have some time to think about it. But this is a dangerous world, you never know what could happen,” he said forebodingly, his thumb absentmindedly tracing the long roping scar on his chest.

[Crystal Nightshade]

Crystal jaw hung slightly agape as Beodan erupted in to laughter. She regained her composure and cleared her throat. Was it really that bad? Maybe she needed to try harder.. Cue inward sigh, and mini glare. She let out her own small chuckle when Beodan spoke. "Quite hard indeed." She accepted the tea with a soft 'thank you', before taking a sip. The flavor was sweet, that hint of some berry added into the flavor. She hummed in content. She then held the cup close to her lips as she listened to his question. A pregnant pause passed afterwards, then a blush and sheepish chuckle from Crystal. "W-well, I.." Had she? When was the last time she pictured herself in a romantic relationship..? It had been a while, but at one point she had. What about now? Not really. "I can't really say I do.. it would be great to have someone, but I don't exactly know if I'm.. ready." It was true, but perhaps it wouldn't hurt to think on it further. She didn't notice the hand he held to his chest, but she did think on his last words. True it was that life could be difficult and unexpected. What if she didn't get her chance at happiness..? Would it make her feel didfferent? Or less lonely? She didn't know, and sadly knew she wouldn't unless she tried. Crystal supposed she could give it a shot, but realised how quickly her outlook on life was drastically changing. In Beodan's company she had managed to switch her view on certain things. Indeed she had been through a lot, but she had yet to open up about the incident until today. It felt great to tell someone, to have someone who could relate to her. Perhaps a relationship would feel the same..? She didn't want to get ahead of herself, so instead she just decided to ask questions. "If you don't mind me asking, w-what's it like? Being in a relationship I mean.."

[Beodan Clathony]

"W-well, I.. I can't really say I do.. it would be great to have someone, but I don't exactly know if I'm.. ready,” Beodan’s guest said with a chuckled, a bit of pink coloring her cheeks. Rea-dy? He mulled the word around his tongue, his head cocked to the side. Another human thing, being ‘ready’ or not to mate. And the readiness was not based on things he would think, like famine or plague, but rather some kind of existential maturity he did not understand. “I understand,” he said in a tone that made it plain that he was a little confused, but was still empathising with her, “Like I said, you have the time and means to decided when every you wish to.” A lot of people he knew had the affliction of not knowing if they were at the right point in their life to find a mate, or if the mate would be right for them. Luckily, he would never have to worry about that, as whoever he bonded with would love him as much as he did them.

“If you don't mind me asking, w-what's it like? Being in a relationship I mean.." Dan’s eyes lit up, he loved to talk about the good parts of having a bondmate. The only bad part was it hurt too much to lose them, which was not really a bad thing after all. “Oh, it’s wonderful! Kelvics share emotions with their bondmates, so they always know just how to cheer you up and make you laugh, or comfort you when something hurts you,” his eyes glazed over as he recalled happy memories, “The feeling of having someone that knows you completely, never hiding a single thing, and not needing to, is truly.. there aren't words to describe how good it feels! There is a strange longing too, I always wanted to be with her in every waking moment I had.” He laughed, and corrected, “Even non waking ones too! I would sleep in bed with her, sometimes at the foot of it if I was anxious about something.”

The Kelvic sobered up a little, and continued, “I suppose being in a relationship is like being tied to someone. You aren’t just yourself anymore, you are connected, and have to act and think based upon that union. If you take a risk, you don’t just risk your own life, but you risk their happiness, and that is too horrible to even think of doing to someone you share pain with. You have to know how exactly you hurt them. But don’t get me wrong, having a mate is well worth the few bad things that is tied to it.” He gave her a wry smile, pleased with his explanation of what it was like. He could have talked for hours if he was to cover absolutely everything a bond came with, but he felt he had covered the main points. “Tempting?” he teased lightheartedly.

[Crystal Nightshade]

"Maybe just a bit tempting." It was interesting concept. Being alone sounded like it caused him great pain, and for that Crystal was sympathetic. She knew the feeling, having experienced it when her parents died. She chuckled a bit before speaking. "Well, it sounds a little difficult to me too though," she began scratching her face in thought. "I guess what I mean is not finding that special person. I mean, think about it. It sounds like Kelvic's bond for life, so if they do find their bond isn't it the same as dying with regret..?" As she said this, she realized her philosophy might have hurt her host, she she rushed to correct herself. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that! I'm not trying to be rude, I swear," she was flustered obviously. "It just sounds a little.. I don't know, lonely?" She admired that though. Their persistence to find their purpose, their goal. Looking around, she noticed the light in the room had gotten brighter it seemed. It was getting late. "Drat, it is getting late.. I should probably go. Not that I particularly want to leave but," she shook her head and looked at Beodan. "It wouldn't be right to keep you up this late anyway." She said with a smile. In truth she didn't want to leave, but the time was getting further away. Plus she had no doubt that she could talk to the man until sunrise. "Thank you for having me, and the tea was wonderful." She said politely.