PM to join A Night At The Stallion [Hisoka, Crypt, Yohan]

[Rhylund Vauler]

Silence held the young bard as his right hand traced its index finger idly around the rim of his mug. Crypt's words drifted past his ears and he could not help but frown at the mention of being noble in the face of battle. War was an unjustified thing, especially in Mizahar's current state: there were enough threats against a peaceful life lurking out in the wild. Somehow─and maybe it was wrong to assume so─he could not help but think that Crypt's words were meant more for combat against another races similar to their own. Hisoka's mannerisms intercepted Rhylund's gaze as he lifted it from his ale. She seemed to be focusing on something, or perhaps she was focusing on everything. The unease that had rippled out from the patrons at Yohan's burst of excitement had already began to fade, but it lingered around the blue-eyed woman longer than any of the rest. She looked ready for something. "Crypt is right," he finally said, without taking his eyes off of Hisoka. "We can't make you choose anything. All we can do is offer advice." He broke his study and nodded at the storyteller before turning his green eyes on Yohan. "And my advice is that there is no story sweeter than a peaceful one. Sure, there are times to take arms when others wont see reason─only a lust for bloodshed─but even in Crypt's story, happiness at the hands of violence was only acceptable because the wizard was a vicious tyrant. I'd hate to see you be a tyrant, Yohan: I'd hate to see you be the cat who chooses to kill an innocent mouse." The mug of ale rose to touch Rhylund's lips as he took a long sip while his eyes continued to search for something in the Zith's from over its rim. He returned the mug back to his lap, weight still leaned back, as his gaze dipped into the ale. His mouth was slightly twisted and his fingers drummed on the vessel's side. "I might have to return to the stage soon," he said, to no one in particular. His own thoughts seemed to cut him off from the rest of the world around him. After a moment's pause he took another sip. "But, not quite yet."

[Hisoka]

Hisoka felt the Bard's gaze, though it did not concern her as much as those around them. She was a wolf, and did not enjoy the fact they were surrounded by possible threats on all sides, but there was nothing she could do about it. Letting out a soft sigh, she turned back to the others. As she listened to their talk of Zith, she thought to herself, "There are more with wings like these...? They kill and use humans like Master, and Rhylund for slaves...?. Thinking about it, she decided that the Zith must be very good predators, but that they should not waste their time eating something that would fight back with blades, wipes, hammers, and other weapons. Her thoughts taking another turn, began to ponder the thought of being able to use such things herself. hmmm.... small blade... arrow... wooden stick?, she thought, picturing a dagger, bow & quiver, and a staff. When she heard Rhylund mention returning to the stage, she brightened a bit, hoping for another good round of music. She began to hum, quietly, a tune that she was fond of, the words flowing gently through her mind. The sound Of the rain Falling Gently on the ground Brings peace And relief To this Heart so full of care It was one of those songs that repeated, that could be sung by many people at different times, a 'round'. Of course, she did not hum loud enough to distract the others, but it help her relax, if only slightly.

[Yohan]

Listening to Crypt, his mind was a mess of thoughts. A proud and noble Zith, flying at the head of other Zith to do battle.. At this he pictured a swarm of his kind, enough to blot out the sun, clad in various armors and weapons. He felt a sudden rush of excitement but decided to contain it. Or a peaceful Zith co-existing. A kind of Diplomat perhaps. He nodded a brief thank you to his lack of selfishness in his advice.

Then his gaze shifted to Rhylund. It made sense that the young bard wanted peace. He himself didn't look like he would do well in a fight.

"I agree with you Mr. Vauler. I don't want to hurt anyone. It seems that people already have enough reason to fear me as it is. But he was unable to lie to himself. He loved a good fight. The adrenalin, the lack of control. The feeling of dominance when victory was his. But violence, only when necessary, was the same thing his mother had preached to him as a young boy. And that's what he beli-.


He was cut off. His finely tuned ears caught every word of Hisokas quiet song. It was as loud to him as if she were on dias, singing for everyone. Her soft voice and gentle tone made him smile.

"My mother, K'larin, loved the rain.. He said quietly to no one in particular.

Then, to everyone he said, "Now, no more about me. Im curious to hear what it is to be a....Kelvic? You never answered me Hisoka. What does that mean? Though she looked human enough, it was plain to him that there was something very different about her. So he wondered if Kelvic was a group of people, like a tribe, or a profession like the bard. But on the other hand, Konti looked human, and they are very much not humans. His gentle eyes drifted to anyone who would answer, but they lingered on Hisoka.

[Crypt]

At least she's not too worried about all this now - after all, who would hum, or sing, a song in that kind of situation? Crypt noted Yohan's reaction to Hisoka's song with some curiousity. It was rather... unusual, given that he was quite excited about a chime ago, and now he was more pensive, but it was probably because he was reminded of his mother. And why would behave in such a way? Did he speak of his mother at a lower volume because he was ashamed of his mother? Did something happen to her? Did she die, or was he just missing her? Syliras was quite far from Mura, so that would be a plausible reason. “The Kelvic,” and here Crypt lowered his voice, “are presumably a race of shapeshifters, from what I've heard and experienced. Some say they are born of deep magics, a few say they are the result of human and animal mating, although that would be ridiculous, not to mention nausea-inducing, and others whisper of them being cursed humans. The first is most likely, though perhaps Hisoka here might give a better explanation.”

[Rhylund Vauler]

Rhylund nodded at Yohan's words as his eyes mindlessly drifted across the natural grain lines of the wooden table between them. He let the other's carry the conversation as the topic continued to shift towards Hisoka and the revelation that she was a Kelvic. Never would have guessed, he thought to himself. Her features quickly flashed through his mind's eye as he entertained himself with trying to guess which feral being's true formed lurked behind her human smile and wide blue-eyes. Some sort of feline, maybe? She seemed curious, yet reserved. The corner of his mouth hidden from Crypt curled up with amusement as he entertained whild speculations of the Kelvic's ancestry. He had never heard anything but the first explanation offered: a collective race of diverse animal forms granted the ability to become human in appearance, "gifted" by a powerful wizard in need of obedient servants. Their own drive for companionship predisposing them to a condition close to willing-slaves. He supposed there were things about her that gave it away, and the reference to only humans enjoying ale certainly made more sense. Rhylund couldn't help but give a small shake of his head at how genuinely interested Yohan seemed to be in the girl and the small hum buzzing from her throat. Maybe it really was just the thought of his mother: but, men were funny creatures, and he supposed Zith men were no exception. Where it would take leveling a mountain to impress the most powerful male-wizard, a half hearted-smile from beneath the right set of eyes could make him forget ever having witnessed the event. He flicked his eyes from Yohan to Crypt, then from Crypt to Hisoka, without lifting his head. Under the right circumstances... speculation rang throughout his thoughts, there is always an interesting tale to be found.

[Hisoka]

Hisoka nodded slightly, answering Crypt. "Mother told me that a mage named... Marcus..? Yes, Marcus Kelivc, change animals into humans... for he was lonely, and he wanted company... at least, that was what she had been taught" Hisoka noticed the Bard's gaze flicking between the others, noting that he had an amused expression, but not understanding the reason for it. "Cats were for companions, wolves for protection, birds for spying... scouting?", she tilted her head with a small shrug. She did not really care how she was created, but she did love the feel of the wind on her fur, and the tastes of her human tongue. In both forms she loved music and song, and so, what if her kind had been the result of a magical experiment? That did not seem to be a large matter to her. However, there were times that she felt a loneliness that could not be filled, a deep gap where, if she had been entirely wolf, would have been filled by her pack. She thought of this, her eyes briefly glancing around the table, and smiled a small, sad smile.

[Yohan]

Shapeshifters? His mind started racing. Then he thought of what Hisoka had said before. A wolf Kelvic. He pieced it together, and his eyes lit with excitement.

"You mean to say, you can actually turn into a wolf?" Suddenly his mind buzzed with questions. "Can you show me? Well...does it hurt? If its uncomfortable to you you don't have to. Does everything change? Or is it just your shape?"

He found himself taking a profound new interest in the young brunette. He stopped himself from asking more questions however, when he saw the sad look on her face. He knew the look well, for he had seen it on himself many times. He gazed at her compassionately.

In a much slower, calmer voice he asked, "What's wrong Hisoka? Did something I say upset you?"

[Crypt]

Crypt placed his hand on Hisoka's and grasped it gently underneath the table, trying to reassure her and not cause her injured hand pain. Is she thinking about her mother again, or something else? Best not say anything - one wrong word could intensify her sorrow. “It would be best if she did not transform her right now, because it would startle many of those that are watching us and, if they continue drinking as much ale as they have done in the past few chimes, well, you know what I mean. And there is...” here Crypt appeared uncomfortable, “...another reason, but I'll leave it up to Hisoka to tell you that.”

[Hisoka]

ooc :

Rhylund said to skip him, and Yohan, she has black hair, not brown

"Oh... I just... thought about... pack..", she said. She shook her head a little, looked up with a brighter smile. "Maybe another time I could show you wolf form..?" Looking at Crypt with inquiring eyes. Looking back to Yohan, she replied, "It does not hurt, and it changes my form, which destroys many clothing....", she frowned slightly, remembering the time she had ripped some clothing, when she had been younger. She had grown up from that point onwards, to not be embarrassed by the the thought of having to be naked in front of others, for it had become a fact to her, something that did not matter. This was fortunate, since after that incident, she had angered her mother's Master, and that was something she had not wanted to see again. As she thought this, a patron from a neighboring table swayed knocking into her. She quickly got out of her seat, turned around, holding his arm with one had, she used her body to shield her movement as she punched him in the stomach, the man's breath escaping silently from his lips, knocking the unfortunate drunk unconscious. This happened in seconds, as his companions came over quickly, apologizing profusely, having not seen her knock him out, and slung his arms over their shoulders. In fact none of the other tavern's occupants saw what had transpired. Had someone saw and asked her why she had done it, she would not have been able to answer, for it had been an instinctive action. Sitting back down, she smiled sweetly in attempt to reassure the others.

[Yohan]

OOCHisoka, brunette is used to describe both brown, and black haired people.

Yohan understood the reasons for transforming here. The atmosphere in the tavern apparently did not like people who were...different.

His eyes turned to Hisoka as she spoke. Her pack makes her sad? Hmm..perhaps she is alone like I am. He was somewhat relieved that the transformation wasn't painful for her. And he decided to ignore the comment of ripped clothes. Instead, his thoughts turned to when he may be able to hear her play her flute.

Had he not been currently looking at the girl however, the next few events may not have caught his eye. From his perspective, her eyes seemed to cloud over as she moved. Though it was tough to see, he noticed the faint flicker of her fist as it struck the poor soul.

Yohans eyes narrowed. That was not a strike of anger. That was a reflex. Insinct. Yes, this girl is very intersting indeed. Her apologetic responce only confirmed his deduction. It seems there is more to being Kelvic than simple shapeshifting. He took a mental note to keep close tabs on this strange girl. She was by far different, and this made him curious. Her sweet smile only caused him to soften his eyes, but not his mind.

After some time he spoke. "You have very strong instincts, Hisoka. He looked briefly as the other men carried away their companion. "And your size belies your strength. His mind raced. I have to get her talking. To reveal more. But how? "Tell me, if you will, what more of your kind are you not sharing?" As he spoke, he forced a small amout of djed from his mouth. It came as a purple mist, carried on his words to the girl. You can trust us. It said. Though was not particulary skilled with Hypnotism, he knew she would hear the thought as her own, from her own point of view.

He licked his lips, his mouth suddenly dry from the use of djed. He raised his hand to signal the barmaid for a refill. "A mug please, ma'am. He called, before looking back to Hisoka for his answer.