Off To The Taverns (Kalila, Anda, Lyalya){Complete}

[Andalusia]

"The world, indeed," Andalusia confirmed, catching up to the pair as they moved to a proper table. She had begun a quick chat with the barmaid on current events, and how the tavern was doing with it's renovations. So far, it's been good.

She sat timidly on a chair that faced the two of them as they sat across from one another, her hands folding together on top of the table. She was craving for a hot drink all of a sudden, as night came and the air began to chill. "It wasn't easy getting through the storm, I-I live in a tent in... In the wilderness, but I managed," she gave both women a soft smile. Long conversations, no matter what the topic, had always been one of the things that could bring warmth to her heart. "Dante experienced quite a bit of stress as well, but he's fine now," she said, with a little more feeling to her tone, as the Luvanor trotted lazily towards her. Dante plopped onto the side of the chair, eyes peering up to the girl. Andalusia smiled warmly and gave the dog a pat on the head. She turned to Lyalya and politely asked, "what about you?"

[Lyalya]

The woman didn't like sharing, probably unsure what to say. It was interesting enough that Lyalya wanted to respond. "I also had to seek refuge in a cave, my horse suffered a few puncture wounds from flying branches but other than that we were unscathed. For me, it was actually quite exciting. But I would have given anything to be at the center of the storm, I can't seem to imagine what could have possible happened." Lyalya's eyes were bright and excited with wonder. It was no mystery that she was someone who could find the best in things. Not that she tried to, she was just excited to live and experience things. She was obviously a thrill-seeker of the most passionate variety.

She turned back to the woman, hoping that they did not judge her unsympathetic description. "Excuse me if that offended either of you, I have a tendency to forget to hold my tongue." Her head cocked to the side, spilling golden hair over her shoulder. Her smile was sweet and apologetic and but you did get the sense that no matter their reaction, she would never regret a thing.

[Sahashkalila]

Kalila did not believe that Lyalya was sorry about anything that had happened today, she was sure she was only saying that in an attempt to be polite. Kalila nodded in sympathy though at Andalusia, who probably had a harder time with the storm than either one of them, knowing that she had two animals that she had to take care of as well. "I'm ssure it wasss hard with both animalss Andalussia,"she said softly, wondering why she secluded herself from people so. She assumed it was because Andalusia seemed more comfortable around animals and in the wilds, and Kalila wondered if it had something to do with her past. She wasn't about to be rude and pry however, unlike her other company who seemed to want to know everything.

Kalila sat back in her chair once again, clasping her hands in her lap as she regarded Lyalya and her story, wondering what the blonde woman wanted out of life. She was much to curious about things for her own good and an obvious thrillseeker, something that Kalila was not. She preferred to remain in the shadows, minding her own business and leading a quiet life.....but it seems she would not get that luxury today.

"I have often wondered what caussed thiss sstorm, it iss not natural. I have heard in my travelss and time here that people think it iss the wrath of the godss.....but I do not believe in that nonssensse,"she said a bit bitterly, watching both women intently. She did not have respect for most gods, most of that her own bitter feelings.....but she was not about to shed her beliefs on these two women. "At leasst that iss not what my culture believess." There. She left the bait dangling in front of them, and she was sure that they would take the bait.

[Andalusia]

"Th-that's... That's understandable, I-I suppose," Andalusia was more amused and interested, than offended. It was not that Lyalya was stating that the storm was not a disaster or a burden, but the fact that it was one, made it exciting for her. She had both seen and heard of a couple of adventurous souls, more delighted by the predicament and the excitement it may provide for them, than the possibilities of doom or death that loomed over them just as the storm had. "Some... Some people just l-like the excitement," she gave Kalila a reassuring nod after the woman mentioned her animal companions with sympathy. "They're just fine now, a-and I hope, I hope your horse is fine now too, Lyalya," she turned to the other woman with an understanding smile. She was a captivating one indeed, and a charmer, her act of apologizing may have lacked the genuineness, but it was enough for her. She truly didn't have much to apologize for, actually, except perhaps her prying of Kalila's race.

She watched Kalila with curious eyes as she began to speak of Gods, and furrowed her brows lightly. She glanced at Lyalya to observe her expession, her take on the matter, but was too shy to analyze her movements. Gods, they were quite the subject, but even the many books her uncle had on them could not lead her to dedicate herself to one or two. "I-I'm, I'm not very... religious," she blushed, but it seemed Kalila was on the same boat. In fact, she seemed to resent them quite a little bit, but she decided not to assume things. "C-Come to think of it, culture..." she trailed off, deciding not to continue on with her sentence. She wasn't sure what she had planned to say, anyway. Culture and religion were not really the topics she pondered upon while surviving out in the wilds.

[Lyalya]

Lyalya smiled, was the serpent woman taunting her? After all her fuss over keeping it a secret and now she baits it? Lyalya likes games, but she hates when people contradict themselves. So she just pays attention to Andalusia as if she hadn't even heard. I agree with you, it is not my decision to decide if the gods exist, either way it plays no part in how I live my enough. I work for what I want, not pray for it. She was glad they had atleast this one similarity. She pushed her blonde hair behind hear ears and watched the other woman interact. They seemed... calculating. Well Lyalya was as well, she wouldn't deny it.

I was born and raised in the Suvan sea, but I have lost most of my culture do to my own choices. I am true to myself, and not my race. I believe that is what is truly important. You can't judge someone based upon who they were born as. She locked eyes with Kalila for a moment as she said this. As much fun as sitting around and talking was, Lyalya hoped they got into something.

[Sahashkalila]

Kalila's eyes locked with Lyalya and she didn't look away. The blond woman's statement was obviously ment for her and she debated whether or not to deny it again. The woman was obviously not going to give up, and Kalila felt terrible that Andalusia was caught in this silent battle between the two women. She didn't know how the blonde woman knew what she was, her only distinct difference was the lisp....but she decided to indulge the woman's curiosity, knowing that she could take care of things if the matter got out of hand.

"Indeed, one should not be judged for what they are, esspecially if the oness judging do not know that perssonss heart,"she said softly, still looking at Lyalya. "I do not know how you know what I am....but yesss, I am Dhani, a viper to be exact." She said the words quietly, not wanting to be overheard and have trouble. "You are clever, but ssometimess people wissh to keep their ssecretss......especially if their race iss feared and loathed by all. I would appreciate if thiss doess not leave thiss table,"she said tightly, almost as if she was nervous about their reaction, which to an extent she was. "I am ssorry for deceiving you, especially you Andalussia,"she said softly, turning to look at the other young woman. "But my fear of being rejected iss quite sstrong."

[Andalusia]

"I've n-no real dedication for my r-race, so I agree with you there. I-I'm simply human, and a fourth Inarta..." she trailed off for a moment, organizing her thoughts. She was too preoccupied to notice the brewing debacle between her other two companions. "I'd say that I'm, I'm true to myself, as well," she raised her eyes to find the two women staring at each other, seemingly glaring daggers.

She wanted to ask Lyalya about the Suvan Sea, and almost felt compelled to ask if she could ride on her ship, assuming she had one. But given the circumstances, it seemed that any talk of Lyalya's home were out of the question. She had missed Kalila's first few words as she analyzed their expressions. "I do not know how you know what I am....but yesss, I am Dhani, a viper to be exact." the young woman said. Andalusia was taken aback by the confession, her eyes widening quite a little bit. "A viper?" she thought, her mind wandering into her thoughts once more. "Does that mean, she's a snake? A-And a human?" she continued to ask herself these things, her mind reaching into the deep recesses of her brain in order to remember what her uncle's books had once said about the Dhani.

"You are clever, but ssometimess people wissh to keep their ssecretss......especially if their race iss feared and loathed by all. I would appreciate if thiss doess not leave thiss table," Kalila's words cut her train of thought short. The Dhani sounded nervous and shaken, and seemed to refer to Lyalya a little more than her. "I am ssorry for deceiving you, especially you Andalussia," Kalila's voice was soft and genuine, quite enough to melt a frozen heart, "but my fear of being rejected iss quite sstrong." Andalusia smiled graciously, her hand making her way to Kalila's, but remained inches away. She wasn't used to human interaction, and even more so to human contact. Yet, she was a Dhani, wasn't she? With a little more courage, she gently patted Kalila's hand in reassurance.

"You're most welcome here," she said, just as softly. She seemed to be referring to herself, to her heart and her friendship. She didn't want Kalila to feel left out or rejected, because there was no reason for her to be. She didn't know much about the Dhani, but if one could be so kind and real as Kalila, then surely, they're not all bad. "Right, Lyalya?" she turned to the other woman, whom she was very much intrigued with. She had many questions, but decided to save it for later. She didn't want Lyalya to be left out either. After all, the three of them were going to be friends, weren't they?

[Lyalya]

Of course! Lyalya spat out, shocked that any other conclusion could have been made. She may be forthcoming and a little blunt, but her heart was in the right place. Out of anyone, she was probably the most accepting. I knew a few of your kind, constrictors to be exact, who trained with me. Probably out of amusement of a human who wasn't petrified. But none the less, I have deep respect for your kind. You are very resilient and resourceful people.


Lyalya looked over at Andalusia and her wide comforting eyes. It was sweet. As she watched her face it almost seemed like she connected with the serpent woman better now. You could see it in the way her body no longer leaned away from her, ever so slightly, as it still did to Lyalya. She would love a peak into the woman's head.

But Kalila, not exactly comforted, still stared daggers towards her. I do honestly apologize for spilling your secrets, It's how I've always been. My mother scorned me for it when I was little and I'm sure she still would, were she here. Lyalya leaned her head to the side, trying to comprehend the concept of privacy. She knew other's liked it, fought for it, needed it. But she had never been a fan. Lyalya wished she could be a little more compatible with other people and their more delicate sides, but it all seemed so incredibly boring to her. But, you could think of it as less of an attack, and more of the gaining of an ally. As unfriendly as I might seem to you, I am actually quite loyal. You have, unwillingly or not, trusted me with your secret. I'm not the sort to lie if I was asked outright, but I wouldn't let them walk away alive. That's how I am, I like something to fight for, a lot of somethings actually. I've killed people for less. But I can assure you, by both my own intentions and what I judge as pureness in Andalasia's heart, your secret wont even come close to leaving this table.

By the time Lyalya realized she was probably ranting, it was too late. She just smiles, not at all ashamed, and leaned back in her chair. By the way, it was your eyes. Where I come from everyone has eyes just like mine, deep brillian and blue. It's always been a wonder to me, the sorts of things you can tell from one's eyes. Andalusia, you said you were part Inarta. I knew that due to the gold specks in your eyes. Its a trait up there in Wind Reach.

[Andalusia]

Andalusia jumped in her seat at Lyalya's outburst, her expression a mix of shock, confusion, and a little bit of relief. She hoped that the woman did not think that she was implying anything, but seeing as she didn't seem to be the judgmental type - despite perhaps being a little too invasive - and so she calmed herself down. She watched the way Lyalya looked at her; calculative, observant, and very much interested. Her face softened even more and she felt twice as relieved. "I-I'm, I'm making a friend," she told herself silently, a proud, surprised grin growing in her face as her eyes lit up to view the human and the Dhani. The revelation warmed her face and caused her eyesight to grow a little misty.

Her smile faltered when she noticed that Lyalya eyes weren't sharing the same sentiment she'd given her to Kalila. She glowered a little at the Dhani, but more in defense than offense. "She just doesn't want to be misunderstood..." she told herself. She bit her lip but continued to retain her smile, scolding herself for her nasty habit of providing excuses for others, just so they would remain appealing to her, especially when they were becoming so close to her the way the other two were. She stifled an exasperated sigh, successfully able to cut it off thanks to Lyalya speaking. "I do honestly apologize for spilling your secrets, It's how I've always been. My mother scorned me for it when I was little and I'm sure she still would, were she here." the woman said. It sounded genuine and very much real, and perhaps even sincere, though it seemed to evoke another message other than an apology. Lyalya has an identity, one that she plans to keep even when others do not accept it. Andalusia's smile fainted into a slight pout, her concerned eyes turning to the woman, her brows furrowing. "I-I never met... met my mother," she murmured softly, just a little comment, it didn't need to be delved upon. She cupped her hands around her mouth in surprise as the words escaped her lips, "I-I'm very sorry..." It was as if she was apologizing for opening up, when it would be considered a good thing. Insecurities welled up in her for a moment, but she breathed it away. "Look at these women," she told herself, "see how they listen? You can trust them."

She got the feeling that things will never be completely alright between Lyalya and Kalila, but perhaps she could do something to connect the pair somehow. Lyalya continued on to speak, and Andalusia nodded intently to her words. They made sense, after all, and it really was just a matter of perspective. She inched forward, her elbow on the table and her chin rested upon her closed fist. She smiled at Lyalya's mention of loyalty, of honesty, and felt that despite the bad start on her and Kalila's part, she could really be friends with this person. She found herself trusting her already. Her cheeks rose from the smile, and her eyes squinted a little bit, a true sign of genuineness. "... But I can assure you, by both my own intentions and what I judge as pureness in Andalusia's heart, your secret wont even come close to leaving this table." Lyalya said lastly. Andalusia moved back a bit , wide eyed, a blush forming on her cheeks seconds after. She made a little squeaking sound and cupped her hand around her mouth once more. Her face grew even redder.

"Th-Thank you," she managed through her fingers, gently putting her hand down onto the table. She grinned sheepishly at Lyalya as she continued to speak. She was smiling as well, quite triumphantly, as if she'd enjoyed speaking. Andalusia quite enjoyed her speaking as well. "By the way, it was your eyes," Lyalya said, and Andalusia's head quickly turned to gaze into Kalila's eyes. Gold, a beautiful gold, almost enough to make you assume that they weren't eyes at all, but newly-manufactured gold mizas that had dark, twinkling gems in the center. They surely were different, but she just assumed she was born special. She knew almost nothing about the Dhani, but Lyalya must've met quite a lot on her travels in the sea, assuming she had. "Where I come from, everyone has eyes just like mine, deep, brilliant and blue. It's always been a wonder to me, the sorts of things you can tell from one's eyes," the pale-haired woman added. This one struck Andalusia and piqued her interest, and she was once more compelled to inquire about her home and what she was, exactly. Judging from the way her people all had similar eyes, she may be a little more special than a regular human. "Eyes like the sea," she thought fondly to herself. Before she could ask, however, she spoke up once more, "Andalusia, you said you were part Inarta. I knew that due to the gold specks in your eyes. Its a trait up there in Wind Reach."

It was true, her eyes were a strikingly bright emerald, too bright and luminescent for any ordinary human being, who'd normally have a dull, deep shade of green if ever they'd have such eyes, only lighter underneath the light of the sun. But when the sun hit her eyes, they shined like green diamonds, peppered with gold speckles, the gold speckles that was the dead giveaway of her Inarta blood, apart from her unusually glowing green eyes. Her mind was forced to return to the time when her father had described her mother's eyes, and how they were just like hers. "Like yellow stars, suspended everywhere inside a deep, frozen, emerald lake," she remembered silently, and the way he said it in such a distant, dream-like manner. He was so madly in love with her, and her beautiful eyes of crystal. "Th-Thank you," she replied to Lyalya, unsure of how to react to her statement. She was shocked, but a little numb from the past events to express an obvious reaction. She gave her a small, gracious smile. "You know a lot about other races, c-could you tell us a little... a little more about yours? And how you've so m-much knowledge on these th-things? Wh-What's it like where you, you are?" her words cam out a little quicker, and less in a stutter. It was obvious the she was quite excited to learn and know about these things. The world is such a wonderful place, one meant to be explored and enjoyed, not feared. A happy smile graced Andalusia's face, and the gold speckles in her eyes sparkled in delight; she didn't feel alone at all, and it felt great.

OOCHoly crap, I didn't notice that my post was so long! I'm so sorry!

[Sahashkalila]

Kalila let out a sigh of relief, not quite sure if she had made a good decision by admitting to her true nature yet, but it felt good to relieve herself of the burden. To perhaps be herself for a little while before she went back to hiding from the world. The two women seemed genuine enough, especially Andalusia, who to Kalila's surprise, patted her hand. A friendly gesture that meant more than than most words ever would. Lyalya seemed genuine as well, and did not hesitate to lay everything on the table about who she was. Kalila admired that greatly, even if she still didn't quite appreciate her secret being discovered.....but she wanted to be friends with her, despite the silent battle they had waged.

"I am ssorry if I wasss rude, I hope you undersstand my reassoning behind it,"she said suddenly, her cheeks flushing from embarrassment. "I musst alwayss be careful, I have traveled for a long time and would jusst like to have a home....but not everyone iss ass undersstanding ass you two." She paused for a moment, listening to the women talk. Kalila had never been that far north to Wind Reach. She normally didn't travel north, her body not able to handle the cold weather. "I have never been to Wind Reach, I'm afraid ssnakess do not like the cold weather....we hibernate actually." She chuckled a bit, realizing that she might have said something that the women would think was odd.

"I am curiouss about the ssea though....iss it ass dangerous ass the storiess ssay?"