[Flashback:Darren] An Icy will. (temple of everwinter)

[Antar]

1st of Fall, 510 AV

oocNote I will not be using the npc for this place at all but if a mod wants to jump in to interact with the priestess figure that's fine as well. I'm always up for a bit of friendly interaction.Note- I'm not doing anything with meditation, just a weary traveler sitting in a building thinking thoughts... of murder.

Noth sat upon the folded bracing of his cloak, just thinking about the simplicity of the inner temple which marked a stark contrast to the icy splendor of the frost entombed trees seeming to grow their roots from the snow covered stones of the temple itself. Inside, there was marked torches, casting a warm and welcoming glow that was soothing to his soul after the harsh journey here. For a time he'd been here, he felt a sense of solace far at odds with the broiling turmoil which had been with him these past few years, and his mind drank in the sensations of peace and solitude like a parched man whose dessicated body seemed like it was ready to shrivel away to nothingness.

He had been sitting here for hours, sometimes with his eyes closed and concentrating on his breathing. The steady cadence of the rise and fall of his chest with every indrawn breath spoke soothingly to him of his own mortality. A pitiable condition made all the more transparent by the tales told of the neverending winter's fury to those who struck out unprepared into Avanthal's wilds. Such thoughts didn't frighten him now, merely he was acknowledging them as just one more reminder of life in this snow covered realm.

For awhile he had pondered a great many things, and when his thoughts had grown weary the rogue had allowed his senses to be pacified, staring at the looping arcs of skyglow artworks that adorned the ceiling and considered the task ahead of him. He'd come to Avanthal for a singular purpose in this season: to find someone out in its wilds and kill them for their past transgressions. What Noth chose to do within the time it took for him to find his quarry was up in the air. He didn't know his way around, and would probably have to search a bit on his own, but for that, he'd try to gain a notion of the surroundings, and determine where to go from there.

A simple task really, in the large scheme of things. But even harder to put into practice. The only thing he had going for him now in this unfamiliar land was the resolve he held in his heart to finish the job no matter what happened. It was amusing though, Noth thought, here he was in a temple dedicated to peace of mind, and all he was considering was the cold calculated steps... of murder.

It was a matter of revenge you see. And revenge was a dish best served cold. 'And where in all of Mizahar could you find a colder place then Avanthal?' He figured he'd stay a few moments more before venturing back to his tent to gain some small shred of sleep before waking on the morrow to start his task. It just seemed like this was as good as a demescne as any to get his thoughts in order... a place to rest before the hunt began.

[Darren]

Another day, another odd task prepared for the awry vantha. The usual training that would have his attention up until a little after noon and then try whatever request he was given today. Today's training just some weight training and boulder punching. It would have been funnier if it wasn't really what he was given for the day. "Are you kidding me?" "...not at all. When your done you need to gather some firewood for the temple's hearth tonight and see if you can find a skilled leatherworker or taxidermy that can make me us some new belts from the scraps we have." Oddly enough that's how it normally went for the Vantha. Besides an occasional stay in Whitevine hold helping his father's patients he was tasked with whatever menial or out of the way job the hold can give him. His attitude and feelings towards such an awkward standing, if any, weren't too well known. For now Darren was fine with doing whatever odd work he can do, it let him walk around more freely then most Vantha and he knew it all made a difference. Like this church for example, who else would gather firewood for the apostates while they were busy doing their holy mumbo jumbo? Compared to others his efficiency with these tasks really put others like him to shame, ending up with some of the less exciting work such as organizing paperwork or cleaning out the stables. Usually the temple needed to be replenished every week but Darren was usually able to come back a few days after and still see they had more then enough. Whether it was because of his efficiency or their lack of using the wood Darren could help but feel superior if only for a moment. He heaved the heavy load off his shoulders before entering the sanctuary. Taking a momentary glance at the worshipers he then addressed the priestess about her request before turning to leave. Dull, easy, dark blue eyes soon sparked up as he loitered around the temple helplessly detached before making his way out. oocSorry for the post. He's not too friendly with strangers and I think you should set the pace for this :3

[Antar]

Noth opened an eye to spy an interesting local walk over to the priestess and say something to her before wandering about the temple with a dazed look. The man didn't seem to notice others much, either he didn't know anyone here or he just had a thing against strangers. Noth thought that might be useful in a local. They'd know where any strangers who had come about lately. Maybe the young man might even have a glimmer of a memory of whom he was seeking.

'But how would Antar deal with the approach?'

Girding himself to just get up and say hello, Noth followed the man as his tracks went towards the temple entrance. At this distance he noted the man was slightly shorter then he was, but well muscled for his size. Waving a hand in greeting, and being on the best of polite terms Antar spoke in perfect, unaccented common. "Hello there good sir. My name is Anthony. I was intrigued by your presence, and this wonderful city of ice you have here, newly arrived myself you know. May I ask your name?"

[Darren]

"Hmm?" A few more steps before directing his body to turn the Vantha's eyes fell on what looked to be a foreigner. An introduction from the man, something about the city and him being new. Grimacing slightly Darren took an uncomfortable moment looking around for anyone else that might be better skilled to deal with the man. With no one in sight to help him deal or otherwise dump off the foreigner, he let out a soft sigh followed by an easy smile as he answered in turn. "Hello. Name is Darren. Can I help?" A heavy Vani accent was produced as tried to mimic the basics of common he learned. "Anhen' thee?" Repeating the man's name quietly the blue eye'd vantha drew back crossing his arms across his chest as he awaited for further instruction from the man.

[Antar]

Noth smiled at the man, sensing a bit of consternation that was only natural when one dealt with a foreigner playing the part of a tourist. It was time to dispense of the charades a bit. "Well you see Darren, I'm not here in this city by chance, nor am I a merchant. If you must please just call me Ant if it's hard to say my full name. As for the help: I will say I do need help: to be specific... I'm looking for someone."

Noth's voice was calm, and metered, as he stared into Darren's eyes and explained. " A very dangerous person who murdered a few people down south and I need to find them. Heard he came up to go out on the tundra somewhere, but I have no other leads then that. He's not a Vantha, so I was wondering if you might point me in the right direction to speak to people who might help me look for this man. He's a very dangerous symenestra and I figure it might take awhile to track him down. I must state I can't pay anything though. It's just a task that should prove most dangerous. I fear the man will kill people again, he's a predator preying upon others. So I'm sure he would snatch a Vantha or two if he could."

Noth sighed, looking away for a moment before glancing back at Darian, " For the moment however, I just am looking for people who might know anything or be willing to show me around a bit. And a few more to practice with in the weeks ahead during the time it might take to find out where on the tundra he is. Perhaps you'd be willing to help a bit, young man?"

[Darren]

"Aren't we all serrah?" Giving a light chuckle at his minor poke at Antar's explanation. The description he gave wasn't something very common within Avanthal's walls. A murderer? Here? Whatever else the man had to say was lost in translation, only what was needed was heard. There was seemed to be a man in the city and this man was looking for him. Easy enough. Though whether or not the person in question was a murderer was based on whatever groundless claim this Ant fellow made. "Don't worry, Vantha are good people. We don't like your man's fetish, don't worry he will choose you." Whether or not he was taking this that statement seriously was up to Antar to decide. Darren's steadfast gaze didn't falter as he listened to the rest of the foreigner's details. "Tour guide? I can help well. You have to find someone else to practice with, sorry. I like woman." oocDon't explain Sym's to Dare please.

[Antar]

Unsure if whether the Vantha was joking or not, Noth decided to chalk it up as an error in communication or the young man's attempt at humor. Taking it in stride, Noth smiled and laughed a little as he shook his head a bit.

He clapped the man on the shoulder, twice in a friendly manner as he spoke next. "No no, don't worry about that Darian. You see... I like women too not men. But that wasn't what I meant. What I meant was that I wanted to find anyone willing to help practice keeping my bow in good use, or improve my skills with a blade or fist. I know the Vantha as a people are a strong and sturdy lot, and I would be forever grateful to take the time to learn the ways they fight, and the ways they survive off the land out in the tundra. Besides, in any venture out there into the tundra I here there is safety in numbers, Don't you think? As for where to go- why don't we journey to where the nearest tavern is, I'm parched and quite partial to a drink to talk things over. I'll treat you to a glass as well if you could lead the way. You seem to be the sort that chafes at newcomers, but just as much at your surroundings. Perhaps you yearn for a little adventure methinks?"

On the outside, Noth's demeanor was rather pleasant while on the inside of his head the gears were turning, assessing the young man with a keen eye. He seemed to be in shape, and far more dangerous then his pleasant demeanor seemed. Knowing he was probably going to get his arse handed to him he ventured a interesting offer. "Perhaps if you do not wish to help me out in this venture, then you might consent to a little match of honor? I have never boxed with a vantha before, though I feel to be woefully inadequate in close combat, it truly would be an interesting experience. Would you be willing to have a match?"

Leaning forwards, Noth's eyes practically shined with amusement as he continued his challenge, "No daggers, no swords, or weapons. And maybe the winner decided by three falls? Would that spark your interest to help me a little more my newfound friend?"

[Darren]

An incredulously look aimed at the man as he grasped Darren's shoulder. "You can bow, fist them or use a blade with woman too. I understand, we are good for it." Weirdo. A slight chuckle escaped his lips as Darren looked down at the snow to the side. Using only his index finger and thumb he eased Antar's arm away from his as he gave him a bored, nonchalant look. "Sure... just not any of your foreign 'special' adventures that include a sleep." This guy wasn't letting up, alright... might as well try to help him do whatever so that he won't bother the other good Vantha with this crazy talk. His eyes glimmered slightly at one of Antar's words as he gave the stranger an easy smile. "You know the boxing?" He mimicked a less then standard form as he did a light jab repition using only his arms, with no weight relying on the rest of his body. "I don't." The way Darren sold himself went with everything he had said so far. Just a man that was poking fun at a foreigner and making him run through hoops. Though he did have a pair of gauntlets slightly hidden and strapped to his waist, there wasn't much to go off that he was a skilled anything. "Maybe later? I don't think you can do good too. Drinks seem fine, I can do that" Still playing the part of the fool, the Whitevine was silently laughing to himself at Antar's expense.

[Antar]

Noth sighed again as he wondered what was wrong with this man, but then again he had the suspicion there was nothing truly wrong at all. Darren was as wily as a court jester, and despite the stigma against such beings Noth figured they had to be the smartest people at court to play the fool so carefully. His words, his tone, but more importantly- his body language ruled either his attitude as a farce or as an inveterate actor. And noth was good with body language.

At least human body language, and the vantha were quite human. 'At least in appearance anyways.'

It was a simple thing to tell a human was lying, when the body portrayed signs such as eye movement, a tightening of the musculature around the jaw line in one's annunciation. He was testing the waters here, determining how much he could observe and guess. That was one of the inimical skills at feeling a person out. Taking a chance to guess at someone, or their attributes to see if it shook them up a bit. Frankly, though, Antar wasn't skilled enough to tell just yet whom was fooling whom in this dance of posturing and wits. The breadth of his muscles on a smaller frame at the shoulder arch suggested some heavy lifting work of some sort, so perhaps Noth's instincts had been wrong. Perhaps he was not the fighter Noth thought he was and perhaps the man worked as a smith or a laborer of sorts?

Even so, he'd bet the former the way the man was playing him for a fool. So he let the stranger win. Holding up his hands in defeat, and a placating gesture, "My apologies, Ser. I did think you skilled in some form of defense. I heard almost all Vantha were a tough and hardy sort so I was trying to garner a sense of what you might know, just guessing as it were. As for your... musings on dealing with women." Noth glanced around a bit to see if anyone else had overheard them, and thanked that no mortal ears seemed to be listening in.

He turned back to Darren and gave him a sheepish look, scratching one hand at the back of his head before following the gesture with a sort of embarrassed but good natured smile "Please keep whatver ministrations you have with your lovers to yourself, it is not proper to talk about such things in such an area as this temple. Even as a stranger, I must have some respect for such a place. I'm sure you would as well in other circumstances were I not accosting you with my request for assistance. If you truly do not wish to help that is fine. I shall not keep you."

The rogue shrugged before blinking a few times before his entire demeanor changed to a cold glare, not in Darren's direction, but rather out into the snows beyond the temple's entrance. He nodded once as if coming to a decision, "I guess I shall find another who might be unwilling to let this depravity come upon your people. I hope in the future, you might take me a bit more seriously, though I do not mind a joke or two at my own expense. It's only natural to not believe someone's tale if you first meet them. As for me, I'm off to the Red Diamond to see to a meal before heading back to my tent. Perhaps we shall meet sometime in the future."

Without another word, Noth bowed politely to the man and turned towards the door. He took the time to throw his cloak over his shoulders as he made his way outside, leaving Darren behind. As a storm began to rise. Noth looked from one direction to another, finally settling on a course that would meander him deeper into the city proper. His black cloak almost vanishing from sight within the haze of frost which was starting to settle upon the night air.

As he went, he blew on his gloved hands, trying to keep himself warm. Antar wasn't as hearty as these Vantha folk in their natural demescne, nor was he as capable of them in bearing as well against the cold, but he would make do. He would have to. He had to complete this job or suffer the penalties himself. He hadn't lied about the Symenestra. The creature had killed many others, but only one of them being important enough to send someone as far as Avanthal for a token gesture of revenge. He knew in his heart this job was going to be far harder then it seemed, and he wasn't even sure he would be able to complete his task.

'Perhaps it was past time to cut and run? To take the chances of reprisal and try to make his way somewhere else? But where could he go which was lawless and a safe haven to hide like a single bloody red fish amongst a school of red fish?' He didn't know, all he knew was that he continued to walk into the whipping winds, he had to force his mind to focus on his destination. The Red Diamond Tavern was somewhere in this town, and a good place to start looking. Even if he had to reach it on his own.

[Darren]

"Deh fen sees? We have bears no need for the worry." Leaning slightly forward the Vantha humored the foreigner's sense of secrecy as he explained his building tension. Oh? He was worried about Morwen? He's better mannered then I realized. He shrugged, nonchalantly as he eased up on his inane sexual prodding. "Hey who's talking about how I love my mates? I sure don't do any of the crazy stuff you just said." That would sustain him for awhile, he finally let out a small laugh as he waved at the temple dismissively. "Don't worry, we are near altar. Morwen don't hear you, Morwen understands. We are her children and she loves us all just the same. Maybe even you, if you want." Another barely understood outburst from the foreigner before he made his exit, Darren smiled slightly at his ability with banter. Maybe he might have went overboard though. Killings are one of those serious crimes right? Sigh* Bad men always trying to hurt others at night. Be good to get rid of them. Glancing back at the devout of the temple, the homes and families they could go back to and all threatened just by some big shot outsider. I don't care much for the lot of them. Those people, especially that An hen' thee do more harm then good when they bring their baggage. Better to have them on their way as soon as possible, otherwise we might succumb to their level. Morwen willing I might as well be the one to deal with the problems these outlander types bring with them. He poked his head outside to see a small front in process, not something too many would want to deal with but altogether not too bad. The man seemed serious enough to venture out alone, perhaps he was telling the truth? Either that or he seriously needs to lighten up. The man's destination was the Red Diamond Tavern right? Hmm, if he doesn't lose himself in the storm he can probably make the trek within half a bell if he's walking. I guess I'll have to meet him there then. Opening the door further he slipped through the small opening before closing the door quietly behind him. Today it seemed like boulder punching exercises would have to wait. A quick run to the tavern sounded good after that mindless labour. Though he just recently had lunch he was still thirsty from all that walking around. I really do a lot of walking don't I? Checking that all his things were in order, the Whitevine then took off with a snowy discharge. Puffs of snow flew behind him as his toes pressed off the ground, it wouldn't be long to see Antar trudging through the snow. It had to be him at the very least, he was only one in sight that seemed to be having a hard time navigating through the snow. By the looks of it he was doing it pretty badly compared to a Vantha, choosing a more direct obvious route back to town was usually a good idea. Not so much when during a storm, the white droplets would impair one's vision as they would inevitable go farther one direction then he/she indented. Then they would have to correct their bearings and start the process all over again. Pressing his tongue to the roof of his mouth, he produced a tsk sound as he ventured on his own path. Through what little cover the small treelines of Avanthal had offered Darren navigated his way to the tavern using a less direct, but relatively easier path. The only stipulation with this path was that there was a few obstacles that had to be traversed, the first being was going through one of the few private residences. They had built a fence, not too impressive still an obstacle. A mere five foot white fence barred the house that was in the middle of the forest. Granted he could go around but somehow it always felt a huge drain on him to actually make the detour, instead he would have to make a quick jump over. Nearing the perimeter he took two long strides before stepping upon a nearby stump for a bit of leverage. Pushing off with his left leg and raising his right, his foot caught some footing on atop the fence. Pulling himself up slightly, he squatted down on the fence with both legs before dropping down. Quickly making his way through the residence's 'lawn' he quickly crossed over before trying to jump the fence on the opposite side. Though the same method was used before it seemed trickier to use this man's bench for support. Barely grasping any footing in this attempt he would peek his head out only to be hit by a rather furious gust of air. Naturally he moved to protect his face, losing what little grip he had on the fence as he subsequently fell back to the snow in a crumpled heap. Cursing slightly for the injury he hobbled back up before walking a few paces over. Flicking the nearby gate open he again slipped through the small opening before closing the gate quietly behind him. "Damn you Phil" Though slightly shaken soon he was back on the trail with the Red Diamond within sight. Looking back to where Antar was Darren would sit atop a small rise of snow to look for the foreigner. "Hey An hen thee! You lost or dead?" Darren smirked slightly at the thought, that would be something now wouldn't it? On the other hand the man seemed determined enough, might be lacking in some more rudimentary skills but probably just fine. Shrugging slightly the vantha would enter the tavern and wait for awhile for the strange man to arrive. IantheThat tsk thing was really cool, I wouldn't have said it like that before