Other Side [Stitch]

[Nivex]

46th Winter, 510AV The Avanthal gates were as beautiful as they ever were. They shimmered in the light, glistering like ice but never ever melting. Nivex sat down on one of the many steps that lead to the great city, gazing at the sight ahead of her. The whole region was covered by forest, trail, and the purest white snow that anyone could ever see. The snow in the distance sparkled like diamonds. Nivex awed at the sight. The Vantha had grown in this place, yet she never truly experienced the wonders and beauty until she had left many years ago as a girl. It was almost shocking, coming back and seeing all the sights she took granted for. There was never a real purpose for coming out to the gates, except for sitting on the Avanthal gates while travelers passed her by and gave her odd looks. Of course, Nivex was never one to care too much. The only reason she went there to gawk over the sights was because that was all there seemed to be in Avanthal. Just a bunch of sight-seeing. That included the art as well. Nivex traveled for a reason. She wanted to learn and experience new things in life. She was hoping, after traveling so far in her life, that coming home might better her. It was like going back to the basics. Nivex forgot what those basics were, however. She didn't want to leave, not yet. She didn't want to come back home after so many years and leave so early. She sighed and stood up, tugging her waist-wrap to fix and started down the steps. It was a very good thing the steps weren't made of ice, she noted, or the clumsy Nivex would be tumbling down like a slinky-toy. She kicked the snow when she got down, watching it fly out of boredom. There's something I'm meant to do, She told herself as she paced through the fluffy-like snow. Nivex walked back up 5 stairs, tired of wasting her energy kicking for no reason. It's just, I don't know what I'm supposed to do.

[Stitch]

A figure came walking along, shivering up a storm, his arms wrapped around his tall and slim body. It was kind of an odd sight to see, especially for the Vantha, who was likely to be incredibly comfortable with this weather. This particular stranger was bundled up in multiple layers of woolen material, wore quite a thick woolen cloak and hood, and was still managing to look as if he was freezing his bum off. Quite a few passerby seemed a bit familiar with the figure, chuckling a little bit as they turned to watch him plod along. The strong shivers that were racking his bundled body were one humorous thing, but he also happened to be quite awkward in the large drifts of snow that could be found all around Avanthal. He often slipped and fell, or just stumbled along in a clumsy fashion. He eventually reached the Gates, and gave a cheery wave to one of the Icewatch standing there. Plodding up to the man, he gave him a solid pat on the shoulder, chuckling a bit. The man merely stood there, blinking, glancing over Stitch with an eyebrow raised. "You aren't from around here, are you?" Stitch grinned, shaking his head, motioning to his shivering self. "No, milord! This one couldn't help but brave the elements to attempt a lengthy visit though! It is a bit cold, but this one is managing!" The guard nodded, unable to help himself from smiling at the rather optimistic attitude of the cloaked stranger. "Well, I hope you enjoy yourself. It is rather cold, but you will get used to it soon." Stitch nodded enthusiastically, that grin only widening across his face. "Yes! Hopefully so! This one is actually going to spend the night outside the gates in order to try and get used to said cold! This one brought rations and everything!" The guard blinked, pausing, his next words bewildered. "Wait. What?" Stitch gave him a short little bow of his head, pulling a backpack out of his cloak, slinging it over his shoulder. With a chuckle, he walked on, hurrying ahead before the guard could stop him. Casting a concerned glance at his other Icewatch friend, the guard slipped from his polar bear, hurrying after the cloaked figure. "Wait, I don't think-" Stitch interrupted, and suddenly, Nivex would find herself being addressed. "Hello, milady! Nice day out, isn't it? This one is called Stitch, and it is wonderful to meet you!" Just like that, in the blink of an eye, Nivex would find herself face-to-face with a cloaked stranger who was eagerly extending his hand for a shake. His voice was a bit high, and had a somewhat infectious happiness to it. His face was gentle and soft, as if he was many years younger than what he actually was. Being at this range, she would also be able to note the white bandages wrapped around his eyes, covering them from the outside wind. The man was blind.

[Nivex]

There were many things wrong in this situation. One, someone was talking to Nivex. Two, the person that was talking to Nivex was being nice. Lastly, she didn’t think the guy, who clearly wasn’t a Vantha, could see very well with something covering his eyes so well. As soon as she thought that, the thought hit her quick. No, he couldn’t be…A blind non-Vantha? Nivex stared at the man, studying his features. He was well covered. Perhaps his face was just cold, and he was using the bandages as a cover? No, that’s stupid. So the Vantha was forced to agree that, yes, he was a blind Human. And she was an awkward Vantha at the moment. Of course, she didn’t want to offend him. Actually, Nivex never cared to offend anybody, but she was a tad shocked at the time. Nivex was r reluctant as she reached out and grabbed the soft cold hand of the riddled blind human. But she grabbed it anyway, her hand being rather limp when she did. She had already gotten over the shock that he was a blind human, something rare to see in the land, she was simply shocked that someone actually wanted to shake hands with her. Nivex wasn’t used to it, and didn’t have enough practice. It was a little embarrassing for her. Nivex turned her head slightly, doubting the human would notice, to see the guards still staring. This whole situation was plain odd. They looked confused. “So, Stitch, huh?” Nivex attempted at a friendly conversation. Something just as rare as he was. “Odd name, but I’ll take it. You’re new here, I’m guessing?”

[Stitch]

His handshake was the direct opposite of hers, a strong and firm grip that gave just the right amount of pressure. He was like one of those old men who would lecture you on "dead fish" hands if you didn't give them a proper shake. He didn't say anything though, just kept beaming at her in that overly happy way as he shook and released. He studied her quickly, giving her an Auristic scan, wondering what it was he had managed to get himself into. Her Aura was a stark white, and blended in quite well with the bland surroundings. He had noticed that aout most of these Vantha. They all were incredibly adapted to this amazingly cold weather, to the point where even their Auras had adjusted as well. This one was just like all the other Vantha, at least on the outside. Stitch knew that there was more to it though. One of the impressive things about this place, and the race that inhabited it was that they were like little boxes of delightful surprises. Once you peeled away that outer layer of snow, each one of them had an incredibly unique personality. Stitch bit his lower lip, and focused a bit deeper, attempting to meld his mind even more intimately with her Aura. She was a bit of a... rebel...? He wasn't sure if that was the word. Her inner Aura lashed out with light pink threads of rebellion, striking out at all those around her. She was automatically prejudiced against the two Icewatch guards, although Stitch couldn't imagine why. She just seemed to dislike them. Her Aura couldn't quite tell what to make of Stitch yet, as she was simply prodding him with gentle waves of curiousity. Excellent. He had her off guard. His smile only widened, and he beamed fully at her, dripping with honest delight and happiness. It was either really annoying, or infectious. Which could also be rather annoying, really. "This one likes your clothes. The purple matches your eyes. The wristbands and armbands are a rather nice touch, too." He nodded, as if confirming his own words. He was a rather animated man. The guards simply stared on, whispering back and forth to each other, trying to figure out what exactly to do. Just drag the blind man back inside? "But yes, this one is called Stitch. This one is very new, hailing from Syliras. And what would milady's name be, if this one might ask?"