[The Trough] A Very Big Day [Closed]

[Eldon Sunkiss]

63rd of Spring, AV 511 PCs Invited: Sama'el, Kayiri, Denen, Edalene, Vanator, Kashik

Eldon sat in silence, alone. He was scared to death of what was about to come. The Sunkiss had dealt with a lot recently. Horrifying things that even he thought he'd never survive. His life had been destroyed and reconstructed on shaky ground with a single season, it was almost a full season that he lost his father, and despite not being over it yet nor freed from the haunting nightmares, he was beginning to accept it for what it was. Life. Life included death. Still, losing a father wasn't nearly as terrifying as what he was about to do, what he was about to face. It was so odd how he could live through several dozens of these in a single lifetime, but now that number twenty-five has rolled around, he was scared to death of it. And it was his birthday. Yes, Eldon, on this day, was officially twenty-five years of age. An adult if there ever was one, yet today was different, and it's not because it was the one day in the entire year that he claimed to have survived another three-hundred and sixty-five days, but it was because of the true reason he had for being here. Eldon had everything set up, the Fouroats brothers were given fifteen gold-rimmed mizas from Eldon's own pocket to pay for everything his guests, his friends, could want. Ale, Eldon planned to drink more than his share of it, food, a delicious concoction of various meats that Eldon wouldn't be able to individually identify, and water for those too young or unwilling to drink with the adults. Mainly it was Edalene on his mind when he thought of this. Still, Eldon sat in silence in front of the wooden table. It was already set up, again thanks to the Fouroats. Eldon found himself wishing he took the time to know them in the past. They seemed like good guys to know. It was too late to make new relationships though. Eldon was here, awaiting for somebody to arrive. Hell, he didn't even know if anybody would show, and a part of him hoped none of them would. If they didn't, it would make everything so much easier. Eldon wasn't accustomed to easy anymore though. Once you hit this age, few people were.

[Denen Sunsinger]

Denen had, of course, come, though his step was tentative and quiet as he entered. The last time he had come here had begun a night he hated remembering but couldn't forget, no matter how hard he tried. His hands twisted together anxiously, and he adjusted the scarf he wore around his ears. His blue eyes flicked between his feet and the occupants, seeking out one in particular. Eldon. The person for whose birthday celebration they had been invited. He had wrapped his gift in a tiny pouch, which he held close to his heart now. He chewed his lip anxiously, though a genuine, albeit small smile touched his lips when his blue eyes fell on Eldon. He approached him quickly, stumbling a bit over his gangly feet, and held the pouch out to Eldon. "J-Joyous birthday," he whispered, his cheeks flushing. "M-M-May the gods g-g-give you many...many more." Eldon was dear to him, and the gift he was offering was precious. It had taken him a long while to decide on the perfect gift, but he was pleased with the result. He didn't hold Eldon's gaze for long before his blue eyes turned down again. "How is your day?" He asked in sign. His own last birthday had been an emotional roller coaster. He hoped Eldon's was going well, though. Eldon was kind to him. Eldon deserved to be happy. Denen had pleaded with Edalene to come, knowing that facing Sama'el on his own would have been beyond impossible for him. Even with Eldon there.

[Sama'el Sunsinger]

Sama'el seemed to be alone a lot more than before of late. Denen no longer camped with him, and Dymphna was so busy in the pavilion of her father. Sama'el himself left Endrykas frequently on circuit for the Watch. At times he felt like he was on his own again, traveling, occasionally sharing a fire with someone, and then off again, only now he was most often with Dohaina on the Sea of Grass and spending time with Horse when within the pavilions of the Drykas. He smelled the food and ale before he actually saw them, but then he was there and he saw the back of Denen as the deaf healer spoke to Eldon. Hanging back a bit, he perused the spread of food. He wouldn't eat until he had greeted his cousin and wished him a happy birthday, given him his present and all. But he would give Denen his time alone; there didn't seem to be a way to keep him from hurting for Sama'el's friendship.

[Edalene]

When Denen had asked her to come out with him for the night, she had happily agreed - until he told her just where they were going. It's was Eldon's birthday tonight, and Denen was invited, as was Edalene. Denen had had to plead, to cajole, to do everything in his power to get her to go. Finally, she had consented at the mention of Sama'el. She did not know everything that went on there, hardly knowing what was really the case between the two - she just thought it was a cracked friendship. But she knew how awkward it would be for Denen, so reluctantly, she went along. It would be the first time that she saw Eldon since that day in the Sea of Grass. The dreams had subsided, and so had much of the fear. She supposed she understood, in a way. All his family was dead, he was alone, he was stressed - it was not going to be long before he cracked. She'd just happened to be there when he had. Regardless of the lack of fear, and the understanding she now had, she was still extremely nervous to be going. She had been invited, Denen said. It still did not allay her awkwardness. She dragged her feet as she walked. She entered the tent, and saw Eldon sitting alone at the table before anything else. She immediately ducked behind Denen, swallowing nervously. She had thought, hoped, other people would be there. Not just her and Eldon. Thankfully, Denen was there to break the ice. Flaming red, she nodded along with his greeting. Silently, she thrust out the pouch she too had bought him, her hand extending over Denen's shoulder. She couldn't help it anymore. She began babbling. "Yes, hello Eldon. Long time no see," she laughed awkwardly. "It's a whetstone, by the way. I know you're a warrior, a spear or something, so I had a spare one lying around. Happy birthday?" Blushing, she looked down. She could not look the Reimancer in the eye. As Denen signed to Eldon (she had NO idea what on earth it meant), she looked around the tent. It was set up for a party, food, ale, water... she guessed for her. She was probably the youngest guest there. It stung a little, to be served water when everyone else was drinking ale. But she could deal. She would show them. As she scanned the Trough, she spotted a familiar man enter. Sama'el. Poking Denen in the back until he got the message and turned around, she whispered to him - not for Denen's own benefit (he would know what she was saying as long as he could see her lips), but so no one else could hear. "Denen, it's Sama'el! Go talk to him. Stop being so sad about it." She could hardly know she was opening up old wounds.

[Vanator]

Vanator ducked into the large pavilion known as the Trough. He had not visited the canvas tavern much since last Spring, too many memories of Pygmy. But tonight was not about him, it was about Eldon. The young man had seen so much hardship recently, but had persevered like a true Drykas. Van had grown closer to the Sunkiss, especially after the death of his father. Eldon had also confided some things in the older Denusk, things Van had kept to himself, tonight he would have to keep them no longer. A quick scan showed several of his friends among the patrons. Denen, who had delivered his first child with Kashik. Sama'el, now a member of the Watch, over by the food. And the adorable Edalene. Though he was not an intimate part of each of their lives, Vanator knew, and heard, things. There was drama between this group of friends, and though he did not know the details, he saw it. Van made his way to Eldon's table, coming up behind the man and clapping him on the back. His eyes met Eldon's with an understanding. Then he flashed a smile at Denen, the man that had delivered his first child with Kashik, giving him the grasslands sign for hello. He then gave Eda a warm hug. "Hello my dear." Sitting across from Eldon, Vanator gave him an encouraging smile. "So my friend, how do you feel tonight? Kashik is going to try to make it. Its hard to separate her and that child these days!" He laughed to ensure all knew he was teasing. Kashik did want to come to Eldon's party, and he hoped she would leave their baby in Khiara's care and join him soon. Van had recently discovered his wife and the Sunkiss hunter had some history, but he held nothing against either of them, it was a long time ago.

[Eldon Sunkiss]

The moment Eldon saw Denen and Edalene in the Trough, he stood up from his seat and almost jogged over to them. Eldon was excited, perhaps even as much as a child would be on his birthday. Eldon, however, was excited for other reasons. He had almost imposed himself into solitude for the past several days, avoiding everyone, thinking about so much. Just to see his friends' faces was a breeze under him, lifting his spirits. He took his gift from Denen and set it on the table prepared for him and his guests. He would open it later, for now, he needed affection. Eldon grabbed Denen and almost violently embraced him. Denen was someone that had probably gone through many more hardships than Eldon, and with fewer rewards for enduring them. Eldon felt his arms coiled around Brokensong's thin body as he just held him there for a long moment, rocking him gently in a soft slow sway. He pulled away to speak to Denen in the Grassland Sign, as always. "I thank you for coming friend. It has been too long since I saw you." Eldon chuckled lightly, rather than at a joke, it was just at the joy of being surrounded by those he cared so much for. Eldon patted Denen on the cheek softly then faced Edalene. It wasn't hard to notice that Edalene had a much different emotional pull on Eldon. That day still haunted him, the embarrassment was astounding, the shame eternal, it was something he would never forget, something she probably couldn't ever forgive, and rightly so. He sighed, knowing he had avoided her for too long, spend too much time trying to evade the responsibility of trying to fix what he destroyed. She seemed to have been avoiding him as well, for much better reasons at that. He hurt her. If it happened once, no amount of words could convince that it was impossible to reoccur. She held out a gift to him, and he felt the guilt of doing wrong to her slowly rekindling inside him. Still, it was rude to refuse a gift on your nameday. He took it silently, weighing the wrapped whetstone in his hands for a moment and smiled. He had one already, but he would gladly accept another, if only forgiveness were included in that small pouch as well. Eldon looked up to see her staring at the floor. With ever passing moment, each new action, he felt his mood worsening, self-loathing, self-pity, self-anguish, it all began to accumulate in him once again. "I'm sorry." Eldon wanted to embrace her as he did Denen, but he knew it wasn't wise. She couldn't even stand to look at him, to touch her would be devastating for certain. A third and fourth familiar face soon arrived, Sama'el, who Edalene was pressuring Denen to go speak with, and Vanator. He was both relieved and pained to not see Kashik at his side. Perhaps she did not intend to come, perhaps she could not. Still, tonight would be easier on him, perhaps both of them, if she were absent. Vanator had understood what Eldon was doing. Vanator alone knew what was going to happen. Eldon sat back down and motioned for Vanator to sit as well (he allowed Denen and Sama'el some time to greet each other before he met his own cousin). "I am well. I have most of my friends here tonight. A man could not be happier." Eldon spoke this with feigned confidence as his eyes drifted to Edalene, still she was uncomfortable being here. "I wanted to thank you again for listening when I needed an ear, and for advice when I lacked direction. You're like a brother to me, an older brother born to another Drykas, but a brother nonetheless. I'm sorry for this, but I must ask you for another favor." Eldon glanced around to make sure nobody present was eavesdropping on this, and even if they weren't, he leaned across the table and whispered in hushed voice. "I need you to watch over Sama'el and Denen and Edalene. Two of them might be hurt after what I will do, and the other already has been by what I've done. I know you will care for Kashik as you always have, and for that I love you. They are still children though, mature, but young." Eldon leaned back again and looked Vanator in the eye, there was a certain shimmer in his gaze that told of his seriousness in his request. "Sorry, excuse me a moment, I must welcome my cousin. I don't want him uncomfortable." Eldon was at Sama'el's side in a moment, whether Denen was there or not, and he placed a hand on his cousin's shoulder. A grin painted on his face. "How are you my cousin?"

[Denen Sunsinger]

Oh, gods, why did this have to be so awkward? Sam had left not too long ago, and Dymphna...The thought made him frown, caused his heart to ache. He was selfish to feel so uncomfortable, and he knew it. He bit his lower lip and gave a soft, irritated sigh. No. This wouldn't do. He had to talk to Sam. He had to be the friend Sam needed. It wasn't what Denen desired, but there were times when the wants and needs of others came first. This was one of them. He was about to go to him when Eldon's strong arms coiled around him in an embrace. His eyes widened, and he remained still, as his arms were caught beneath Eldon's and he couldn't hug him back. Still, his head fell forward, resting on the man's shoulder, where it stayed until Eldon pulled away. He had always been a person who preferred contact to being alone, but with the recent absence of his friends, and the separation of his family, he was just that. Alone. The hug, though it hurt, was much appreciated. As Eldon was greeting the others, Denen took his chance, and gathered whatever courage he had to approach Sam. His head was ducked as he drew near, before his wide, searching eyes flicked up to the face he dreamed about each night. He managed a weak smile. "Sam, I am glad you're here." And he was. Truly. He lifted his arms, as if to embrace him, but hesitated. What if Sam didn't want him to hug him? His arms hung awkwardly for a long moment, before he began to lower them. "I missed you. I wish..." He faltered again. "I wish I could have gone with you." He was about to continue, when Eldon strode up, asking Sam how he was. Denen stayed close, but his hands fell silent.

[Sama'el Sunsinger]

Sama'el wasn't one to eat his feelings, but there was little else to do while everyone else was greeting each other. But when he looked up again, Denen was there and signing to him and he suddenly wished that Denen had gone with him to Riverfall so things wouldn't be awkward today, but then they would have had to talk about Dymphna and there were still the tensions between them due to feelings that went unreciprocated and he couldn't remember how everything got so complicated. He hoped he didn't ruin Eldon's party. His cousin needed more happy days to help bolster him against the darker ones in the past and, possibly, in future. Just when he was about to throw caution to the wind and embrace Denen as his true friend, Eldon appeared and his smile and his hug perforce went to the birthday boy, though there was a quick, apologetic look shot to the slender healer, promising talk later. "Happy nameday, brother," he said, long ago having forsaken the relationship's technical term for the spirit of it. They had, after all, shared many things in the past and since his return: Sapphire mysteries; loss; joy; pain. The ties that bind. "You look positively ancient."

[Edalene]

Eda coughed awkwardly at Eldon's apology, and instead of responding to it, she nodded once, quickly. She had said everything she could to him out in the Sea of Grass when it had happened. There was nothing she could do to really make him feel any better about what happened. She had already forgiven him, as soon as he had lay there bleeding on the ground, she had forgiven him. She just found it difficult to say the words. She hoped he understood just what the whetstone meant, just what the fact that she was even here at all meant, but she could only speculate. She didn't know if the awkward rift would ever be sealed again, not completely, anyway. She coughed awkwardly in the moment of silence, before another face joined the group. The man was distantly familiar, and it took her a moment before she realised she was talking to Vanator, who was there when she met Kayiri. She smiled at him, though kept silent while he signed to Denen. When he gave her a hug, she willingly reciprocated, squeezing him a bit around the neck. "Hi Vanator, I haven't seen you for ages." She would have rambled on further, but she had tried to keep her rambling to a minimum. Despite the horrors of what had happened with Eldon, it had certainly served as a wake up call. But then Denen walked up to Sam, and Sam spoke to Denen, and Eldon whispered to Vanator for a bit before going on to join the others, while Eda stayed in the same place, feeling out of sorts with all the older people around. She fidgeted nervously, not moving from where she had hidden behind the healer and sighed. Some party this was turning out to be. She turned to the table and tried to make the ultimate decision between ale and water. It seemed like these two would be her closest friends here tonight.

[Vanator]

Vanator accepted Eldon's offer to sit, and the older Drykas took a seat across from his friend. The Denusk watched the younger man's eyes, trying to gauge his emotional state. He knew tonight would be very difficult for Eldon, each person attending the gathering had some investment in the Sunkiss, some connection and history. It would be difficult for all of them. He wondered if he should have made sure himself that Kash would be there. He had not revealed even to his First Wife what Eldon has confided in him. Listening to his friend voice his gratitude, Vanator simply nodded with a sympathetic expression. He had not pressured Eldon into any particular direction, only helped the man discover for himself what path he should walk. When Eldon asked for one favor, to look after his friends in the aftermath, a slight smile warmed Van's face, and he nodded. "Of course, I shall keep my eyes on them. But Don't worry, they are Drykas." It was his patented answer. He was an Ankal's son, raised in the pride of his people. But Vanator knew that Eldon cared for them all, and Van would be there for them as he had been for the Sunkiss. A server leaned in to place a tankard of mead on the table in front of Vanator. He thanked her and caught the younger Fouroats' gaze, giving a wave. The man returned with a broad grin. Though Van had not been to the Trough recently, the tavern owner remembered his beverage of choice. Turning back to Eldon, Vanator nodded as his friend excused himself to greet his cousin. Van brought the mug to his lips and took a deep drink, watching the interaction between the small group.