[Closed] A Night by the Seaside

[Kirvan Deepseeker]

With Xiani settling down again, assured that there was no need for animosity between them in the slightest, the three Svefra men looked to each other, wondering how to start. It was a broad question, and one they didn't have to answer too often. Most people they came across were sailors and merchants, both of whom were very familiar with the Svefra. Explaining their people to someone who had no prior experience was difficult to say the least. "Well," Kirvan said aloud, looking to Durk as if to prompt him, "I suppose we should start at the beginning." Nodding, the big guy picked up the idea and took it for a bit. "We Svefra are the children of Laviku, the Sea Father," he explained. "Like all of his children, we travel in pods, large families of sorts, alongside our more aquatic cousins like the whales and dolphins. These pods vary in number and habits, but every pod is led by a Lia, the eldest and most experienced female of the family. Anything that the pod has is everyone's to use, and children born are raised by everybody. We don't have mothers and fathers in the sense that most families do; Laviku is our father and each Lia a mother to her own pod." It always filled the big fella with satisfaction to explain the workings of the Svefra to strangers, though he'd never done it on such a basic level. Finishing his train of thought, Durk looked to Kirvan to pick it up again. "The Deepseeker pod in particular has been around for a while," Kirvan continued. "We haven't been around since the older pods, nowhere near, but we've been growing in number for a few decades. The first Lia Deepseeker originally founded the pod to create a more extroverted group of Svefra, more keen on participating and communicating with outsiders than most, travelling between ports and shores and trading with whoever they came across." Lia Deepseeker always told stories about this, about the pod's origins, how her mother made the pod but then gave it a new purpose. "However, soon after its founding, the Deepseeker pod was asked by an Otani - the servants of the Sea Father - to take care of some nearby non-Svefra pirates, and that they did. The pod completely wiped them out, taking their ships as their own. From then on, the Deepseekers have been hunting any blasphemous poachers who infringe on the Svefra's birthright and the domain of Laviku. Hence why we're here today." As he wrapped up, Kirvan thought back to all the times they've come across pirates these days. Since they were actively hunted, the Deepseeker pod probably found more action than most, but it was still slow going. Few were foolish enough to attempt to infringe on the Sea Father's domain, too few for Kirvan's liking, though on the bright side it meant people were smart enough not to anger Laviku. "Stories say we've been around since before the Valterrian," Hamlac said, finally drawing attention to him. "When Ivak tore the center of Mizahar apart, it is said that the Sea Father guided his children into the Suvan, and hence sea creatures moved into the ocean and the Svefra became the human masters of the sea." There was a certain self-importance with the way the youth said it, though if you spend all your life hunting treacherous vagiks it is easy to confuse insulting with inferior. "That's it, mostly," Kirvan said, turning to Xiani. This was the first time since Leisa that he really went into the root of the Svefra, and it brought back pleasant memories of the fiery Inarta. Over by the fire, the Svefra who had been on the palivars finally all joined the celebrating, and the tunes sped up as the energy coursed around the family, the pod. The Lia was undoubtedly there herself, though probably not dancing, and Kirvan had a few questions for her when he had the chance. For now though, Xiani was the main center of his focus.

[Xiani]

As he speaks, Xiani creates connections in her mind, shocked at the number of similarities between their cultures, but even more fascinated by their differences. Their culture was created and cared for by one of the Almighty, whereas hers was an accidental abomination. They vested the entire power of the colony - pod - in a singular person, a female no less. But at the same time, their families were all just as loose as those of the Kryis - Xiani was one of the lucky few to truly know her father. She admired the ferocity with which they took on their enemies, and the way that they wasted nothing.

Xiani directs the entirety of her blazing gaze upon Hamlac for the first time, having grown the opinion that he was the youngest and least learned member of the trio. But the way that he relayed such a seemingly vital part of their racial history caused Xiani to reconsider her opinion; he may joke and trifle, but there was a sort of natural intelligence in him that the youth could not yet truly control and often ended up outsmarting himself. She smiles slightly at him, wondering how the lad will mature.

Unconsciously, Xiani's embers avert towards the flame and the figures the dance about it, the light causing her sharply angled features to appear even more predatory, her eyes to dance with a calculating, thoughtful light, and her large canines to cast stark shadows against the rest of her teeth. Her hand begins to tap out a rhythm upon the sand as she absorbs the music that had been drifting towards them, bringing attention to both her talons and the musicality that naturally flows gently through her features and behaviors.

Their motions are more fluid than those of her kin, like the motions of water, how they all move together, roiling against one another and spinning in tight circles together, as rhythmic as the reoccurring waves in the sea, compared to the motions of wind, how she and others would rush from place to place, spinning and leaping, as if caught by unpredictable gusts.

Making up her mind, Xiani steels herself and rises to her feet, favoring the injured leg slightly. Though there is no pain, she feels tight and oddly numb in those areas. Once on her feet, she raises her chin slightly and tilts her head thoughtfully. "I want to see more," she says simply. Her Zith instability shows as her curiosity momentarily overrides every other impulse and thought. She flaps her wings once, creating a gust, to dislodge all of the sand particles, before lowering them to a less threatening stance. Without lowering her chin, a show that she will explore one way or another, she looks down at the men around her, wondering if they will escort her or if she will have to meet the pod as an unknown, feral, stranger. Hoping that the latter will come to fruition, she offers a gentle smile, hoping for one to guide her through this cultural opportunity instead of having to fumble through it on her own.

[Kirvan Deepseeker]

The explanation took little time, but it felt like forever. Never had they had to relay their culture in such an explanatory way. Most who came across their pod knew, or at least knew of, the Svefra and their general lifestyles. Most of the questions asked were actually usually posed by Kirvan as he sought to learn as much as he could about the world inland, the world he would likely never see. His unbridled enthusiasm for such topics was hardly mirrored in the people he was asking; though they were always more than happy to answer, few asked even the rudimentary things about the pod's specifics. Kirvan didn't mind though, it had always been like that. Here, however, was someone who's curiosity was nearly as great as his own. As he explained the very basics of their life, of their culture, Xiani seemed ever more interested, her eyes dancing with a curious light that mirrored his own. An explorer, that's what she was, an adventurer. Not since Leisa had Kirvan seen such an inquisitive flame burn within someone, the desire to learn all one could. Now that the thought of that fiery redhead crossed his mind, the Svefra immediately and somewhat unconsciously started thinking about her, her shy yet persistent nature, her generally quiet demeanor that covered a talkative and jovial behavior, a sense of cold calculations when it came to fighting. What surprised Kirvan the most was that the more he though of the Inarta, the more similarities he began to cross over with the Zith beside him right now. Both left home, both fought with a quiet focus, both were somewhat quiet around strangers yet always had a thousand questions on hand and a burning desire to learn more. It felt as if... as if she'd come back, just for a moment. Quickly, he shoved all those thoughts into the back of his mind, where they festered and grew like a fungus, as Xiani suddenly stood up from the beach. She shook the sand off with a flap of her wings - clever - and stated her intention. Her stance, her poise, it said that she would do so regardless of what the others thought or how the pod received her. Such bravery and courage beneath the quiet exterior, a lot like... Kirvan shook his head. "Well," said Durk, shoving off the silence that had threatened to settle down around the group, "I suppose I should go check on the guys who were more seriously injured. Felix got a pretty nasty gash, possible infection from the dirty weapon the cursed vagik was using, so I should probably go check on him." Standing up a bit more slowly and ponderously than Xiani had, he looked over to the young Hamlac who watched with naive interest. "Why don't you come help?" "You're experienced," the young man replied. "Done it many times before. Why would you-" "You're going to help me," the big guy cut him off, leaving no room for argument. He knew what was running through Kirvan's mind; the two were close for as long as either could remember, they knew each other so well it was uncanny. He wanted to leave his best friend alone to his thoughts, in an element where he was comfortable: questions. On top of that, he felt that it would be easiest for Xiani were there only one guide, not an entire escort posse. "There are others too you know, I'll find something for you to do." Somewhat unsure of what was happening, Hamlac tried to get out a response, but one look from Durk silenced him quickly. "A-alright," he answered wisely. Getting up and walking towards the makeshift medical site near the sea, he quickly turned back and smiled at Xiani. "Nice meeting you," he called. Nodding at the two of them, Durk smiled himself. "Indeed, it was good to meet you Xiani. I hope you like what you see. Take care you two." Kirvan and Durk's eyes met, and the two nodded again at each other. With that, the big fellow left for the site himself, picking up his bag of supplies on his way off, smiling quietly in the dark. Finally standing up himself, Kirvan took a moment to stretch his sore muscles. The fighting on top of the sitting around was an inconsistent tone for his body to be in, but hopefully he would get the chance to be prancing around again. "I'll come with you," he said to his new friend. "It should stop them from getting tense, knowing that one of their own trusts an outsider. Shouldn't be any trouble though, the pod is usually quite receptive of outsiders." Smiling, his eyes all alight, Kirvan led the Zith towards the flaring bonfire. Everywhere the Deepseekers were amidst their merriment. Clusters of men and women drank away what was left unfinished by the pirates while a line of dancers wove their way through the groups, swaying and ebbing all across the sand. In one particular group, a wide ring was made around a couple exotically dressed dancers as they carried out their sequence of moves almost like a ritual, flowing and gliding about, while singers chanted the upbeat tunes and musicians played their instruments. Drums, clappers, fiddles, Linda on her flute blowing away a jaunty melody. None of it really bounced, more fluidly swayed and rose and fell like the tides. There was no doubting that life was everywhere though, laughter and singing, jokes and drolls, even a few friendly fistfights - friendly - among half-drunk friends. There was food already roasting over the fire when the pirates were still alive, so why put a good thing to waste? The Deepseeker cooks were going over it, making it infinitely better than any of those cavils possibly could have done, and some of the younger memebers and children brought what dinnerware and seasonings were needed from the ships. Kirvan led Xiani into the thick of it, standing right beside the giant flames as they continued to lick Leth's domain, trailing up into the night air and disappearing. This was his people, the noise and life, the energy and happiness. This is what Kirvan loved. Turning to his companion, he smiled and offered his hand. "What would you like to do first?" he asked.

[Xiani]

Despite her show of strength, Xiani cannot help the smile that breaks through as the two bid her farewell, not understanding the exchange before, but comforted oddly by their friendly goodbye. "I enjoyed speaking to you, as well. I hope it can be done again," she responds, nodding to the two and lowering her wings slightly more, realizing that her mission has been accomplished and she will not be greeting the pod alone.

As they approached the thrall, Xiani could begin to make out singing. The music was something that she had never known. When Zith sing in their native tones, it is more of a instrument than an evoking of words and notes. They would carry their voices through the spectrums above and below human hearing, lingering with strange, warbling notes. Everyone would be especially excited when a lone singer could cause their voice to echo off of the cave in such a way that others would begin to join creating a cacophony that most found unnerving, but the Zith found comforting and a reminder of companionship. But this was so different, each note was blended into a word in a strange language that Xiani knew held some sort of meaning. And it was not just the singing, they had instruments that were of more use than the drums used by her people - one sounded like the song of a bird! Yes, she had heard a young Vantha bard sing and play for her when they were stranded together in a cave. But this. This was totally different. And she loved it.

Her eyes became almost half-lidded as the music intoxicated her, flowing through her ears to fill her bones. Automatically, Xiani rises to her toes - ignoring the tightness in her injured leg, almost as if the music has become an aid - and her walk becomes more fluid and musical, her toes dragging slightly through the sand, a sensation she had come to find strangely enjoyable. After a moment, she begins to hum along, noticing the patterns, at the level that is just within the lower end of human hearing, sounding almost like a small bell or a bird. The sound is odd coming from a Zith, but in the way that Xiani moves - along with her stature of course - the sounds compliment the music, adding a whole new instrument to anyone within hearing distance.

Spinning in a tight circle, Xiani takes in more of the camp at once: men brawling playfully, women chattering, children chasing each other through the legs of adults, food roasting - her stomach grumbles belatedly at this - the exotic, fluid dancing of trains of young, youthful women.

When Kirvan stops to ask what she would like to do first, Xiani almost bumps into him, stopping on her toes and shifting her wings to regain her balance. Realizing her vulnerable state, she lowers herself back onto flat feet, entwining her fingers behind her back in a gesture that most would consider to be shy or embarrassed, but is simply comfortable for Xiani. Just as she is about to answer, her stomach shouts its needs, causing Xiani to laugh quietly and look up at Kirvan. "I... guess that answers your question?" She shakes her head, realizing that her behavior was not proper for an outsider. "If it is not too much trouble, I have not eaten in some time..." The motions of the flame ruffle her fur, causing her to raise and open her wings slightly to soak up more of the heat, heedless of any reaction of the unfamiliar faces that surround her. Slightly baffled, Xiani tilts her head, looking at his offered hand. Adhering to the strange human tradition, Xiani lays her palm upon his, hand appearing diminutive and distinctly feminine compared to his larger, calloused hands. Xiani is distracted for a moment by the stark contrast of tanned human flesh and black Zith fur.

[Kirvan Deepseeker]

Her hand was soft and surprisingly slight, covered in the same slick fur that covered her body. It was hard to imagine such seemingly fragile hands could tear a man's throat out. Taking it gently yet firmly, Kirvan smiled with warmth in his eyes, a sunny day on a bright calm sea. "Well," he began, a jovial tone creeping into his voice, "we can't let a friend go hungry, can we?" It was partially a jest, but he meant it with honest vigor, and soon he was guiding them over to a group of Svefra cooks preparing the food on the far side of the bonfire. The cooking circle was a sea of calm amidst the rambunctious hubbub of the celebration. Beside the raging bonfire sat numerous pots of sizzling stews and boiling broths, nearby cooks watching patiently and checking every now and again, sometimes throwing in another ingredient as according to their experience. Roasts were being turned near the flickering flames, dolphin meat caught offshore, being turned in steady motion by experienced hands. Amidst the more seasoned cooks were those with simpler appetites, holding skewered fish over the fire and chatting amongst themselves, as lively conversations as those surrounding the little area. The Deepseekers weren't exactly renowned cooks, but they knew enough to prepare some tasty meals, and the people at the spits knew infinitely more than Kirvan about the art. Maneuvering their way through the crowd, Kirvan took Xiani to one of the groups cooking their fish on stakes, the smell wafting towards them as they approached. With the crackling fire in the background, Kirvan managed to grab for them a couple of the snacks, handing one of the small pikes to the Zith. "Start with that," he said, lifting his own to his lips. "It's really good, try it." Sinking his teeth into the fish, he recognized the familiar taste of cooked salmon. A moment passed while he savored the flavor, finally swallowing and looking at his companion. "Go on," he prompted. "There will be more food later, don't feel like you have to save any."

[Xiani]

As Xiani was pulled through the stream, she tried to tuck her wings in painfully close, but decides that the effort is useless. No one will refrain from noticing the sky-skinned creature that facades as civilized, furred flesh matted with blood. And indeed, she does receive several odd looks, children tug at any adult around them and point, only to have their arms pressed down and a response given in hissing whispers.

When they finally reach the flames, the heat buffets her, causing her fur to dance like grass on a great field, and her hair to swirl, beads clinking quietly. She takes in all of the minute elements that make up the scene before her, dancing bodies, laughter, the smell of roasting flesh- some of which she cannot identify - wet earth, salt, leather, wood, the forest not far away, the ocean coming closer to investigate the raucous then retreating, the sounds of gruff singing that rises and fades quickly. She smiles at the vague familiarity of it all.

When Kirvan hands her the fish on a stick, she looks it over quizzically, sniffing it once out of curiosity, but no more so as to not offend her companion. A cursory glance tells her that there are many small bones in the fish's sides and that the organs have been already removed. Experimentally, she places her mouth over the fish so that her teeth can remove the flesh from the spindly little bones. Once free - surprisingly easily, she admits - of their trappings, the slices of meat are unusually succulent, and carry a strong flavor unlike anything she had tasted before. And the skin is left on, crunching between her teeth in an unfamiliar way. But despite the strangeness, she smiles and quickly consumes the fish, leaving nothing but the head and bones.

Unsure of what comes next, she looks to Krivan for guidance. But before she can ask, a man raises his voice behind her. "Wha's the meanin' ovis, Kirvan?" The voice is gruff, and slightly slurred from alcohol. Xiani tilts her head, once again unsure of what she should do. "Ye've brough' a monsa 'to our midst... Her kine be nottin bu' trouble." But now, his outburst has attracted many blue eyes, most of them resting on her unsurely, but others looking to him as if embarrassed. Xiani turns slowly, head tilted. Before her stands a man that is obviously not Svefra, by his muddy brown eyes, but one that belongs to the sea, tanned and sinewy - despite his advanced age - as he is. His stance is offensive, and he carries himself like one who is used to being in charge, but has recently lost the privilege. A much younger woman stands close behind, Svefra, his daughter perhaps, eyes fearfully darting between Xiani and the man.

Unsure, and wanting to cause no trouble, Xiani says in a quiet voice that still manages to hold some strength and feral ferocity, "I mean no trouble."

Despite the sentiment, the man begins shouting in the foreign tongue she had heard Kirvan and the others using earlier, causing some to look at her in disgust and distrust, while others still seemed generally confused. Fearful of having to face a mob, Xiani raises her wings just slightly, prepared to fight them off so that she can fly away. The motion causes the crowd to gasp, as if they had though the wings a garment or not noticed them. Primal fear sets into Xiani and she begins to back towards Kirvan and the fire, prepared to use its heat to carry her upwards in an instant if needed. As she is backing up, her shoulder brushes Kirvan's arm, and she looks to him, eyes pinpointed to reveal many hues of fitful red.

I knew this was a bad idea... She can only hope that Kirvan is somehow able to smooth things over or provide her with an escape.

[Kirvan Deepseeker]

Satisfied that Xiani was enjoying her snack, Kirvan saw to it that his own was soon devoured, leaving behind nothing but the white bone and charred stick which was thrown back into the fire to slowly disintegrate, leaving behind nothing but ash. He was about to ask one of the cooks for a leg of pork, thinking that the juicy meat would be a nice accompaniment to the savory salmon, when someone behind the lad posed a startling question. "Wha's the meanin' ovis, Kirvan?" asked a voice that the young man really hoped not to hear. Turning around, Kiran saw a half-drunk Gilroy making accusing and angry eye contact with Xiani, an instance he had hoped to avoid. The old man was once a trader captain with a ship of his very own, running supplies and goods between Riverfall and Syliras for budding merchants in both cities. Unfortunately for him, a pirate brigantine found him in the North Suvan half a season ago, Gilroy and his daughter having to take the dingy and escape. It was only out of sheer luck that the Deepseeker pod found them a couple days later, saving them from starvation. Rather than face the wrath of his employers, Gilroy opted instead to stick with the pod until they found somewhere they could drop him off where he wouldn't have to hide his face in the markets. Since a lot of his work was based in Riverfall, he had gained the local distrust and hatred of the Zith, traits that Kirvan had severely hoped a near-death experience would have changed. It appeared not however, and on top of that the old sailor was drunk. His daughter, Eleanor, stood behind him, unsure of what to do. Unlike her father, she did not have much experience with Zith hearsay, so she had no idea that her father was a distinct hater of the entire species. The girl was still young, no longer a child but by no means an adult, so she was both naive enough to lack the knowledge and mature enough to understand what could happen. "Calm down, Gilroy," Kirvan said, moving his hands in placating gestures. "She helped us in the battle, and now that she's hungry I'm taking her to eat. Our food is for all to enjoy and savor, especially our friends who aid us." Despite his and Xiani's attempts to put the man at ease, Gilroy began a harsh tirade that reached the ears of nearly the whole pod. "You're letting this monster, this thing eat with us?" he cried. "She may may have helped you in the battle, but she is no friend of yours. Her kind are ruthless and merciless, hunting the innocent and and isolated to capture as slaves for their petching colonies! More like hives than actual cities, rank collections of the heartless vagiks who make the poor sods they capture work and fulfill every need in their little hovel. And you're letting them eat with you!?! It's disgusting!" There was raw emotion in the words, blind hatred and blunt accusations. It wasn't a particularly stirring speech, but it was enough to rile up some of the more susceptible of the pod, frowns creasing their faces. Most looked embarrassed however, as they too saw the strange dark figure join them in battle and agreed with Kirvan on how to treat her, but they did not want to say anything that might bring them into direct confrontation with the former trader captain. Eleanor seemed a little more affected by what her father was saying, but she looked to Xiani and didn't see in her a heartless killer or slaver. Perhaps she was, but she didn't seem the sort. Kirvan too was reluctant to speak against the old man. He liked Gilroy, with his stories and experience and knowledge. Just the kind of person Kirvan always liked to talk with. This was something he had wished to avoid, because he didn't want to lose either Gilroy or Xiani as a friend. Both were so interesting, both had so many tales to tell. Looking to the Zith, Kirvan noticed that Xiani's reaction was a bit more drastic, backing up to the fire and flexing her wings as if ready to take off. Gently taking her hand, he shook his head softly. Fleeing would not fix this, and most of the pod was on her side anyway. He could understand her instinct, with so many people and a man shouting at her in a foreign tongue made ripe material for a mob, but the surrounding Deepseekers were far from that stage. "Maybe she has," Kirvan replied calmly, "and maybe her kind has, but as of yet I am not aware of any instances where they have done so to us. Call it self-serving, but we as the Deepseekers - no, as the Svefra people, the children of Laviku - have not been affected by these Zith in any negative way yet. Your misfortune was the result of pirate vagiks, not Zith slavers, so I don't think they've done anything to you yet either. Until there's a reason for it, let's avoid any violent action." All around, the Deepseekers were nodding in agreement. Some looked hesitant to trust Xiani, especially after what Gilroy had told them, but none of them spoke out. Everyone here was of a similar mindset, so the overwhelming majority accepted Kirvan's reasoning. Those that didn't soon would, as a section of the ring parted creating a small path from the outside celebration where people were still singing melodically and sweetly and most of the pod were still dancing their fluid dance. From this hubbub emerged an old woman, even older than Gilroy, with deep wrinkles in her face and skin and short graying hair, yet despite her obvious age she carried herself with confidence and quiet power, a sea of calm amidst a chaotic ocean. "Our young brother here is right," she said, her wise voice carrying a soothing tone to it. Her blue eyes sat still and calmly, focusing on Kirvan and Xiani. "Until now, we have not met any of these Zith, so this is an opportunity to learn and make a new friend. We have no reason to despise her, and she had no reason to attack us, so there is no need to give her one Gilroy." The former trader opened his mouth as if to reply, but harsh looks from several of the Svefra dissuaded him from doing so. Instead, he simply spat at the Zith and wandered off, probably looking for more booze. His daughter remained though, joining with everyone else in gazing respectively at the old woman before them. After a while, many dispersed, returning to whatever festivity they were doing before interrupted by Gilroy, but a few stuck around and moved closer, Eleanor included, as the old woman approached Kirvan and Xiani by the fire. The young Svefra man bowed his head deeply out of respect to her. "Thank you, Lia Deepseeker," he said. "I am glad this was resolved without Gilroy hurting himself or someone else." The Lia smiled warmly at the two of them, her calm blue eyes filled with gently rolling waves and slow-moving waters. "I am glad as well, Kirvan," she replied. Looking to Xiani, she offered a friendly nod. "Welcome to the Deepseeker pod, young Zith. I hope the old man didn't disturb your evening too much. He is kind at heart, but steadfast in his opinions. May I take this opportunity to ask why you had helped us during the battle, and what prompted you to stick around with us afterwards?"

[Xiani]

When Kirvan took hold of her hand, Xiani suddenly felt anchored to that spot, and not in a cornered animal sort of way. She felt like being where she was, was acceptable. The fear left her as she settled, trying to make out anything that the two may be saying in their odd tongue, before giving up and watching their gestures. The motions of humans were not so different from those of any other animal, instinctive, few were aware of the minute little changes in their body that would tell a hunter everything about them.

Kirvan seemed to be at odds with himself for a moment, as if he did not like confronting the brown-eyed man. But despite this, his body was calm and relaxed, showing the confidence he had in his words, and the way he angled slightly towards her made her feel as if his argument was in her favor. Looking around, much of the crowd seemed relaxed now, curious even, their eyes turned to a new voice. It was that of an elder-woman, roughened by life on the salted sea, but still smooth with the poise and gentle mindset of one who is wise to almost any situation. Her words seem to further calm the crowd, causing many to leave in search of something more interesting. When the older man spits at her, the gesture is lost upon foreign Xiani, she looks to Kirvan, made once again unsure by the arrival of the woman, the parting glances of the crowd, the way in which the other man left, and now why many have remained in a circle with them, looking expectantly between the elder woman and Xiani.

Kirvan switches back to an understandable tongue to thank the woman, giving Xiani a chance to catch the woman's name - Lia Deepseeker, she must be the Lia that he had been mentioning earlier; it is no wonder the rest of the pod took her words so easily - the old man's name, and the fact that the situation was over, a comforting action. The woman's tidepool eyes look between the two, and a small, seafoam smile lights up her face, erasing many years. Xiani is quick to return the friendly nod offered by the woman, relaxing her wings further down as a sign of submission to the Lia, and an accepting of her power. When the question is presented, Xiani fumbles for a moment, trying to decide if the full truth would be a danger here. She decides that since this woman is trusting her, Xiani should do the same. Xiani takes a breath, realizing that Kirvan's hand is still on hers, anchoring her comfortingly.

"Those other seamen were too loud, scaring away all of my prey and keeping me from sleeping. When I saw your ships, I was, interested in seeing what may happen. Friends don't sneak up on friends. When fighting broke out I... I was so hungry and tired at that point that I just wanted to see all of the noisemakers dead..." She looks down, annoyed with the way her primal thoughts could take over. "And I stayed because Kirvan helped me, he saw that I was hurt and helped me. Then I spoke with others of your pod, and your kind interested me, I wanted to see more." She looks down then back up at the Lia, trying to gauge her reaction, wishing that her knowledge of the Common language was better so that she could relay the truth in a way that did not make her out to be the monster that Gilroy had accused her of being.

[Kirvan Deepseeker]

The appearance of the Lia eased Kirvan's mind greatly. Now that Xiani was no longer the subject of a debate and the growing hostility had been quickly abated, it was good that the mother of the pod be presented with their most recent friend. It also meant that the young man could pose a few questions to the experienced warrior, who had likely seen many things in her time and could help him understand the depraved pirate captain who was able to shape his body at will. As soon as the two women met each other, it was as if a silent understanding had passed between them, or at least that's what it felt like to Kirvan. Both were warriors, hunters, both were strong, and both respected strength. The Lia's inquiries were questions that Kirvan had tried to pose to the Zith, but had been shrugged off by the importance of Xiani's injuries. Now that things had quieted down, the newcomer had been fed, and the recent situation diffused, things were slow and easy enough to warrant a more in-depth conversation. Not everyone was fond of the Svefra, especially those who lived near the coast, so it was understandable why the Lia was a bit curious as to Xiani's reasons for helping. "So you helped kill the pirates because they were being too loud?" the Lia asked, her body neutral. Even to a seasoned socialite, she was unreadable through body language alone. Such was the control granted after years and years of experience. "Laviku help us if you hear the pod when the party really gets underway, lest our drunkards assault your eardrums even further." With that, she broke into a wide smile. She offered her old, wrinkled hand in a friendly shake. "Crucina Deepseeker," she introduced, her grip gentle but firm. "It is a pleasure to meet you, and I am glad that Kirvan was able to help. Feel free to eat with us, join in our celebration. You're welcome to whatever you like, so long as you leave some for the many starving svefra who've just fought a skirmish." Kirvan nodded in agreement, grinning. "She certainly deserves it though," he interjected. "Xiani took care of the second pirate captain for us. A large brute who would have given even our more seasoned warriors some trouble, and she gouged out his neck." Whereas a stranger to the pod might have felt uneasy after hearing or sharing that somewhat gory detail, Kirvan told it with a smile, and the Lia received it with one of her own. Such was the disposition of a pod whose main focus was to kill. The targets may be pirates, but it was killing nonetheless. "Ah," the Lia acknowledged, nodding. "It appears I keep finding reasons to welcome you, Xiani. Take pride in your accomplishment and satisfaction in your victory." The same had been said to Kirvan years ago, and to him it held a certain significance that Lia Crucina was repeating it now. Just then, a young man of the pod broke free of the crowd surrounding them and rushed towards Crucina. "Lia," he began, out of breath, "Jorn and Hal have gotten 'emselves drunk. They're in the middle of a fistfight, and Laviku knows you're the only one who can beat some sense into them." "Very well," she told him bemusedly. Facing Xiani once more, she made another welcome nod. "Feel free to stay as long as you wish," she told the Zith, nodding with a bright smile on her face. "And please, find me before you go. I would like to thank you personally before you leave." With that, she turned to follow the young lad back to the ensuing fight, cracking her knuckles with amusing austerity. Turning towards his guest, Kirvan smiled warmly himself. "So would you like to try some more of our food?" he offered, gesturing to the other spits and cooks.

[Xiani]

When Crucina laughed, and Xiani understood the comedy intended in the statement, Xiani giggled quietly, covering her mouth with one hand. The more time she spent here, the more comfortable she became around these people. In fact, she hadn't noticed it before, but she now thought of them as people, fellows, not prey or mere humans - for she found them to be above the common, filth-dwelling palies she had previously encountered. Without hesitation, she leaned forward, raising her wings slightly to counterbalance the action, and shook the woman's grizzled hand with both of her own. Blood matted and filthy as they were, she didn't seem to care either. If anything, Xiani could imagine that the woman squeezed slightly tighter before recalling her hand, a sure symbol of affection.

"I couldn't eat all of this food if I tried," Xiani replied with a laugh, despite the way her growling stomach did its best to disagree with her statement. Where most would try to be humble about their victories, Xiani preened. Kirvan's mention of her prowess caused Xiani to reflexively stand a bit straighter and raise her chin proudly, feet coming together and hands resting upon her lower back. The entire change was drastic but so natural for a creature obsessed with success that it wouldn't have been noticed by most, they would only think that this is how she had always stood.

It was times like this that one could understand why some humans tried to worship Zith, when they were unknown figures in the dark, taking what they wanted with almost omnipotent indiscrimination; why many would make sacrifices or offerings to beg their good favor. Some Zith could thrive in a setting like that, turning a whole town into their slaves, slowly and surely. The status of a Zith and human would further polarize as generations wore on, until slavery would be all that the human community knew.

Seeming to gleam like oil in the firelight, Xiani smiles to the Lia and responds to her sage-like comment, having heard much the same from her tutor when she was younger, and just coming of age. "The brute was tough but not smart, his death brought me little more joy than that of a deer... and I didn't even get to eat him."

When the man came and requested the assistance of the Lia, Xiani knew immediately that she would leave to help him, such was her type. So, retaining her regal stance, Xiani smiled and nodded, cheered by the thought that she would get to speak to this wealth of knowledge once more. Once her form had merged with others, Xiani turns back to Kirvan, body assuming a more friendly stance as one hand falls to rest on her hip and the other clasps that wrist, and her weight shifts to rest on one leg, allowing the wounded one to bend and relax once more. At his question, Xiani feels a mimic of his smile, one filled with excitement and friendliness and the comfort of companionship, crack her face. "That would be fantastic!"