Closed "You're not from around here, are you?" [Dragul]

[Svasra]

Timestamp: 63rd of Winter, 512 AV. Early afternoon.

It was a calm afternoon in Avanthal, the sun was clear, and the snow was bright. The perfect day to go out, smile, laugh, and have some fun before she made her way to the Red Diamond Tavern that evening. Yet, Svasra Snowsong stayed inside her Hold. Anyone Snowsong would with the amount of suspicion and even downright cruelty being directed towards the Snowsong Hold. Her gaze stared at her untouched food, shoulders tense, eyes narrowed. "What did they say to you, Minara?" came her father's hard tone, cold and angry.
"Nothing, Havok, I shouldn't have mentioned it."
"Minara," now he sounded like he was warning her, and Svasra looked up. Her mother stood strong, and raised an eyebrow at her husband.
"I said don't worry, Havok."

The tense silence that followed only made Svasra frown, and she looked away from her parents. Minara had gone out earlier to fetch some food when a few men from other Holds badgered her the entire way home until some Snowsong men intervened and allowed Minara to hurry away - she only hoped they didn't get into some sort of fight when she'd left. It had only been six days since Layota was arrested, and Avanthal went into an uproar. Six days. Yet, in that span of time Snowsong had been shut out and resented by the other Holds, as though the rest of the Hold must have been in on murdering the other leaders. If that was the case, then the Snowsongs must have been the ones who have destroyed the trust between Holds in the first place! It was all them!!

That's what everyone thought, at least that's what it felt like everyone thought when Svasra went out and was greeted by cold looks and a chilling attitude. At work her smile and whiles only worked on drunken men too deep into their drink to know the difference between her and Barten, the others treated her with curt politeness. Her parents insisted she stayed home until things died down and things were made more clear, but Svasra refused and went out with her head high, determined not to be ashamed of her Hold. If her leader was a part of it, that does not mean she or her family was!

"It was wrong, Mother, no matter their age," Svasra interjected, drawing her parents' gazes to herself. "We are not at fault, even if Layota is - and we all know she is not - we do not deserve this treatment, and you shouldn't put up with it." Looking up, Svasra's gaze was an orange tinged with red, narrowed and heated.
"Svasra, calm down, it was nothing," Minara soothed, laying a hand on her daughter's shoulder. "We'll go riding this afternoon to take your mind off things, alright?" Svasra sat in a stony silence, before pushing away from the table. "Where are you going?" her mother called, though it fell on deaf ears as Svasra left the Arvinta with a muttered curse.

She didn't know how much longer she could deal with this. At this rate, Svasra just wanted to leave that night. That would mean running away from the problem though, something she tried to avoid as it only created worse fate down the road. She blew out a rattled breath, and closed her eyes.

There was only one thing on this world that calmed her without fail, and Svasra tried to visualize it now. The wreathing lights of Morwen slowly emerged from the red-tinged haze of her anger, of the frustration and confusion of being suddenly thrust into an accusatory light. She didn't know how to react in this new Avanthal, full of people who didn't trust her, didn't like her, didn't want to look at her . . . she didn't know how to cope with it.

The lights. What color did they start last night? Red, that must be it. Then they shifted into yellow didn't they? Or was it green. Svasra took a quiet breath. She let the constant music of Snowsong drift into her memories, start making the now pink ribbons dance to their slow tune. Her hands relaxed, and she took another deep breath. Svasra would deal with it. She didn't have a choice.

Opening her gaze, the Vantha woman stood straight and looked towards the exit of her Hold. Today was a nice day, why should she be forced to stay inside? Svasra wrapped herself in a calm mindset and prepared herself, for what . . . she didn't really know.

[Dragul]

The weather was remarkably pristine, and it had since become much more calm, than when he arrived. He was delighted, despite it being a little to bright for his preference. He missed the yawning embrace that accompanied him when he immersed himself in the shadows, and the darkness of the night. He was not the fondest fan of snowy landscapes, but he did not hate them. In fact it was mostly the cold he despised, but over the length and breadth of Taldera he had grown somewhat accustomed to it, and he thought to himself: if i am to become an adventurer i'll have to get used to changing climates.

He had stabled his horse for the time being, and since arriving in Avanthal had decided to take to the streets. He figured that he would purchase some backup winter attire before the day was through, and most definitely before he departed Avanthal. On his way through Taldera he had purchased a fur jerking in order to survive the long journey to Avanthal. He imagined that he would need more in order to last here long. He wore the jerkin beneath his armor, and despite the fact, he was still cold.

Despite the brightness of the surroundings he had been impressed by Morwen's lights. They had lit up the sky while he was sitting beside Snowfall trying to stay warm. He recalled their vivid color still, for they had started out a strange crimson red, before transitioning to green, then yellow. If he closed his eyes he could still see them dancing through the sky. It elicited a smile across his face.

During his time walking through the streets he had heard whispers from various individuals, apparently all was not well in Avanthal. The whispers had to do with a series of murders, and whom had perpetrated them. He found his way to where a shadow was being cast by the sun against one of the holds; which he believed was the Snowsong Hold. He watched as the shadow stirred ever so subtly. He had slowly grown used to spotting shadows, and their motions over the years. Walking up to the shadow Dragul halted, and made it to appear as though he was just admiring the architecture. The shadow turned, acknowledging him. It spoke to him in a language that he had grown quite accustomed to; Makath.

"I see we have a curious soul in our midst. Finally someone of some substance to talk to".

Dragul smiled, the shadow was being coy, he knew that he would have to do some work to garner anything from the secretive specter. "May Akajia smile upon our meeting. It is a pleasure to meet such a fine, and surely well versed shadow. You must surely know much of the happenings of Avanthal".

He hoped that his flattery would loosen the lips of the shadow and allow some truths, and some secrets to slip free. He noticed a shift in the shadows form, and he hoped that the shadow would accept the flattery.

"Flattery will get you everywhere. I suppose that if you have journeyed this far, then you have earned a reward. Conflict is stirring amidst the people of Avanthal. Holds once bonded are finding the friendships replaced with tenuous relations. These murders have proved most eventful. However, all is not as it seems. Sometimes the easy road is littered with deception. Conflict lies in your future Dragul, anyone with eyes can tell that".

He contemplated something that the shadow had said. "How did you know of my journey?".

"That is a secret i cannot share. Though it is not hard to tell you're not from around here. Your kind does not venture this far north very often, or without good reason, or faith, in your case".

With that he caught on to something that he realized he should have noticed before hand. There was a woman who was leaving the hold he was falsely admiring. Something about her was striking. She was of the Snowsong, which he figured since what he'd heard about the local of the city, and how holds were unique to groups. He was unsure if she noticed him, and he was sure that he'd notice if she caught on. Since she belonged to the same group as the murderer he figured he'd follow her and see what secrets he could garner from her.

As he did so he made sure to keep his distance, noticing how much he must stand out in his black night leather armor. He followed her, and in doing so realized that she would undoubtedly find her way into trouble, given the air of conflict that lingered in the city. He wondered as he walked, what he would do if such conflict arose.

[Svasra]

Svasra walked with every amount of confidence and peace she would find within her tiny body. Back straight and eyes ahead, her chin raised, the woman refused to be ashamed of being a part of her beloved Hold. She would not walk on ice around the citizens of Avanthal because they chose to relate one person to her whole Hold. Talking stopped as she strode past, and whispers erupted in her wake. She walked with purpose towards the stores, knowing she would find some pleasure in browsing the wares if the store-keepers didn't glare. Perhaps it would have been wiser to stay at -

No! Svasra thought harshly. She dug her hands into her pockets, and raised her gaze to the sky briefly. Morwen would have settled this by now . . . would have cleared the Snowsong name, or at least ensured her people did not have to endure this shunning and mockery. Spring was soon, but Svasra almost felt like it would not come fast enough. She took a breath, and took another step forwards. It was the only way she could think of continuing. The world turn to melted ice should she turn around and run back home like a foal to her mother, cowering from the obnoxious stares of the people of Avanthal.

What had happened? The Holds weren't divided, they were just different aspects of a culture as a whole. They were complementary, and a balance. They were all Morwen's children. Yet, here Svasra was, walking in a brisk pace that tried not to look too slow or too fast, towards the market without anyone stopping to greet her or bid good-day.

"Hey, Snowsong." Svasra stopped and looked over her shoulder. A group of slightly younger Vanthas stood behind her.
"Greetings," Svasra said politely with a quick dip of her head before beginning to move off. She found her way blocked by a few more, and her gaze turned wary as she took a step back - bumping into the male who stood behind her. "Let me pass," she said coolly, gaze narrowing at the group that surrounded her quite efficiently.
"Listen, first, you filthy Snowsong," one female said in a disgusted tone.
"Do not talk of the Snowsong name like that, Miss," Svasra snapped with a glare.
"The Snowsong name is not one I would wish to have! You're just jealous of the other Holds, because they can do useful things and all you can do is sing and dance!" came another voice.
"Snowsong Hold provides you with instruments, woodwork and paper, we are as needed as the rest of you," Svasra said, her tone cutting and displeased.
"The Snowsong Hold is led by a murderer!"
"If Layota did murder the Holds' leaders - and I believe it not! - you cannot blame the rest of us! We mourned just as hard as the rest of you, at your side! Do you so easily forget the moments of our unity?"" This gave the taunters pause, though a man was quick to take up the crown,
"Unless she kept everything she was from you, which leaders should not, then you were all in on it! All of those crimes were committed by Snowsong, weren't they?! Just admit it!"
"I will not admit to something I am not at fault for!" Svasra snarled, hands clenching at her sides as she looked around herself to the children. That's all they were, immature, hopeless, useless, children!

Svasra took a breath and blinked her eyes, trying to rope back in the fury she felt sweeping. Though she was normally a level-headed being, since Layota's death and the downright discrimination against Snowsong Hold, Svasra has woken and fallen asleep in a more dour mood than the last. She refused to hold her tongue and take a beating from these people who believed themselves and their homes better than hers! She had mourned as much as the others when the leaders were found dead, appalled, disgusted, and trying to find the light within the dark. The moment Layota was taken though, things spiraled into a denigrated mess that resulted in all of Snowsong taking the blame. Though part of her said it was understandable, she would have probably felt the same had a Hold leader been detained, yet the pride of her home and family prevented such rational thoughts.

All she thought of now was that these children were surrounding her without a way out, and Svasra was close to lashing out. "Now, step back, and let me pass. Now."

[Dragul]

Dragul had been keeping a moderate distance between him and the Snowsong woman who was trying very hard to maintain composure. He noticed faint inclinations that supported his assumption in her stride, and the tenseness of her muscles. The people around her, held more interest over her movements than his movements, which he found odd given he must seem as shifty as a black cat in the snow, like a rogue in daylight. Still it bothered him little, and even elicited a wry smile upon his face.

There was something clearly amiss in the people all around. Although he admitted that wasn't entirely true. A certain number of individuals seemed tensed, as if waiting for something to happen, or a signal to initiate something that was going to happen. Caution loomed amidst his thoughts, and as a precaution he kept his hand deftly at a point in his leather armor near his waist and back, where his Lakans were hidden in their secret sheaths. He would prefer to avoid conflict that would result in the spilling of crimson blood unto the pure white snow. It would ruin the beginnings of a journey already long begun, in lands far behind him. He also feared the wrath of Morwen, if Morwen so chose to deliver justice upon him for the crimes he may commit in these lands. All in all he doubted that Akajia would guard him from such wrath, since he had yet to truly prove himself to her. As his thoughts drifted to his goddess he wondered, yet again, what her plans for him were, but he quickly remembered that wondering such things would be the same as trying to find a specific blade of grass in the plains of Cyphrus.

Then it had all happened rapidly, as he had suspected it would. A group of younger Vanthas made to block the Snowsong's path, and then another completed the blockade by forming a circle around her, thus preventing her from leaving. As he witnessed the transition transpire, he briefly had to admit that he admired the coordination that the youths enacted the move. Still he held a faint flicker of worry for the young girl, however he couldn't figure out why he worried for her. What did she mean to him? Still he was not an outright murderer, and to the best of his knowledge did not condone such behavior without reasoning. He was unsure of what to do. As he contemplated what to do, he listened to the conversation, while leaning against a nearby building. None of the youths forming the circle paid any attention to anyone beyond their circle and the girl therein.

As he listened he had to admit, that he admired the strength with which the small, frail looking Snowsong woman carried herself, and her words. Despite the situation she remained in control of her emotions, and stood tall and proud in the face of the overwhelming adversity. Which is more than he could say about several individuals he had met along his travels in passing. It was in that moment that something clicked together in his head, like a key finally fitting the lock it was meant to open. The day of his meeting with Akajia bloomed in his thoughts and her words echoed in his head: "and people who will come to depend upon you".

It was this revelation, coupled with his brief chat with the shadow, and this Snowsong woman's arrival that connected the dots in his head. It could have just been a coincidence, but if so then it was a grand one. No, it had to be something more, it would have been too many coincidences, and he needed to start trusting in his instincts now, more than ever. Perhaps then he would prove himself to Akajia. Plus he wanted to see how the other Vanthas would react to his shadowing height, and what he assumed, his physical superiority.

With his mind made up he started walking towards to circle of threatening stances. However with their attention, and faces facing forward, and his mildly deft footsteps, he managed to arrive upon them without them being the wiser, save for perhaps a few who slowly began to notice. He slipped through a minor gap that two individuals made in their stance, the birth being just wide enough for him to slide through without nudging either of the two youths, who only noticed him after he had made it past them. The majority of the circle now noticed him, and he simply kept a placid look of indifference on his face, the two scars over his eyes adding a grim demeanor to his overall appearance, which he hoped would demoralize a few from any rash actions. His choice of a path led him up to the Snowsong's back, so it was she who was the last to notice him. Ignoring some taunts, and threats that were cast his way, he arrived alongside her, and looking down at her, he asked her

"What is your name, in full? So that i may know you better, and in exchange you shall know mine, and then know me better."

All the while he kept his hand close to his Lakan. He also kept a hand at the ready should he need to employ his unarmed skills. All in all he smiled, knowing that he held a secret none of the individuals-save the shadows-knew, he was here under the wishes of a Goddess, and she had marked him long ago, and she watched him still, from afar. That alone gave him confidence, a confidence that was bolstered by his confidence in his physical skill.

He awaited the coming conflict that he knew may come. It was inevitable that something would occur, be it conflict, or the dispersal of the youths back to their holds, and parents. But above all, he wished more than anything, to know this admirable lasses name.

P.S.I left off at the point i did so that you could initiate the conflict since i figure you have a better handle upon what conflict-if any-may transpire.

[Svasra]

"Why should we? Last time I checked you couldn't order us around, and frankly, I don't really see any reason to let you go wandering," a voice piped up. It had gotten to the point Svasra didn't bother turning, keeping her gaze straight ahead as she breathed out slowly.
"Perhaps you see no reason, child, but I do see a reason to call the assistance of the Icewatch to . . . clarify things for you," she said in a low voice, not looking at the youths that shifted uncertainly.
"The Icewatch are too busy trying to ensure the rest of the Holds aren't killed off by you, they would thank us for the help!" Foolish, indeed. Svasra's hand tensed and relaxed a couple times, but she didn't dare provoke them into a physical attack. Even she was not too arrogant to assume she could take one if it came down to blows - let alone the entire group. Somehow, the others seemed bolstered by this idea and rallied their support, calling a few others insults that Svasra curtly ignored.

This is when a bystander decided enough was enough. It wasn't an elder that could command attention, one of their mothers that could duel out punishment, or even just a nice Vantha from one of their Holds that could admonish at what they were doing. It was just a large burly guy. Svasra was still trying to figure out how he managed to approach so silently when she slowly turned her cold gaze to him. And found herself staring at his lower chest. Tilting her head back, the woman in all of her 5' 2" glory, took a step back to loosen the strain on her neck. Man, this guy was tall!!

Blue. He was a deep, dark blue. Svasra's surprise was obvious, as were the harassers, all stunned into silence. She ran over her memory carefully, trying to place him into a valid explanation. A...aki...? Akll ..... Akalak, wasn't it? The blue-skinned warriors of Riverfall? This revelation did nothing to assist in any reassurance, as Svasra's gaze only grew more surprised. It was rare the tall all-male race managed to get up here, and it was even more surprising Icewatch hadn't pounced for asking for training. Svasra took a breath, and tried to work her expression into a passive one, tilting her head as his deep voice rumbled outwards, "What is your name, in full? So that I may know you better, and in exchange you shall know mine, and then know me better."

Svasra paused before answering, and that pause was enough for the youths to gather their wits.
"Her name is a Snowsong, which is nothing to be proud of, their leader murdered all of the other Hold leaders." Tensing visibly, Svasra shot the speaker a deadly glare, one even which he faltered to continue under.
"Why would you wish to know her better anyways? She's as drab as a board," another piped up, as though wishing the exotic male to take notice of them instead. Her hand lashed out faster than she thought. It was in a blind rage that stewed and Svasra just couldn't press down any longer. The pride in her Hold demanded justice from these pointless youths, and wastes of space.

Essentially, Svasra took the hard journal she always carried around with her and swung it hard into the latest offender's shoulder. He staggered under the blow, surprised and flustered. "Do not dare to insult me and my Hold without repercussions, child!"
"I am no more a child than you . . ." The man seemed to attempt to scramble for some sort of response before spitting out, "Tikita!"

Everyone froze with that word, even Svasra appeared appalled. Such an insult was almost unheard of within the natives of Avanthal, and was severe when directed towards visitors. To say it to a Morwen-marked Vantha defeated its meaning, but was deeply offending all the same. It was said out of humiliation and an unthinking mind, as everyone else even shot him a disapproving look. Though Svasra felt a flash of hurt and anger, she closed her eyes for a moment, and breathed in.

Red light of Morwen wreathed in her mind, acceptance, change, and redemption. Green twisted around it, ushering peace, and coming to terms with her position on earth.

"I can only pray that Morwen reunite us like we once were, and you will not set me as such an outcast," Svasra said, her voice flat. "If you'll excuse me, I believe it's getting too cold out for a Tikita if that what you believe me as, I should be getting inside." She knew it was a lie and was acutely aware they all possessed the mark of Morwen somewhere beneath their clothing, which meant they would have knowledge of herself possessing the same grace.

Svasra took a step forwards, towards the man who called her the derogatory calling of an outsider of Avanthal. He held his ground for a moment before Svasra narrowed her gaze. "Move, child," she said coldly. He moved. Svasra left without another word, still heading towards the market. She will make it there should the very snow beneath her feet melt! Svasra was determined, and the fact she believed she was right made her stronger and more confident, which enabled her to handle what transpired only moments before. Svasra was unsure if the Akalak would follow, but dared not turn to look, keeping her head high and stride confident.

One to thoroughly dislike confrontation, Svasra tries to afford such at all cost. She not only fears it, as it could turn violent which would end horribly for her, she also was unsettled with the idea that others could be so close to the verge of hate. She blamed it simply on the fact Avanthal wanted answers and the second one was hinted towards, the citizens grabbed it, it was their lifeline and their gnosis against the thinning ice. In a way, Svasra couldn't blame them. In their minds they were justified, and only wanted revenge in response to the death of their leaders. It clouded their judgement as much as Svasra's pride for Snowsong clouded hers. They, in a small way, were one and the same. Perhaps Avanthal wasn't split at all, there were just two sides to this gold miza.

[Dragul]

He laughed a little on the inside as he watched the Snowsong before him try to cope with the height difference as she tried to look up at him.

Dragul ignored the angered remarks and retorts that the youths kept flinging at the Snowsong, who's name he still did not have. He cast angered, icy glances their way for having interrupted his question. His hand was still at his waist, cradling the end of the pommel of his Lakan.

Surprisingly she held her ground for a good time and lashed out at the main antagonist with a journal-the girl has an arm. However one of the youths uttered something in Vani he had never heard before, but based on the reaction of the entire group-silence-he assumed it must have been a very strong insult of some kind. He wondered how the tiny woman before him would respond.

The youth had done more to stifle his own mob that to threaten the lass, or insult her. Everyone seemed a little nervous as he cocked his head from side to side surveying each youth. The Snowsong seemed deep in contemplation, trying to maintain her composure, which showed she had significant strength, that could improve with age.

After a little while she gathered herself and strode determinedly through the front of the circle, leaving him, and the rest of the group behind her. With the focus of their hate leaving them in the dust, they slowly dispersed, casting insults his way, and a few at the back of the Snowsong lass. He stood there for a moment making sure that none of the youths was looking to pick a fight with her or him, but they seemed wise enough to realize that they would be unable to fight him.

Noticing that the Snowsong was making a hasty sojourn onward, he decided that the introductions-brief as they were-had be poorly done, and now she knew of his presence. Thus stealth was pointless. He strode with speed, until he came at last along side her, and then matched her speed. Looking casually ahead, he said "So i never got your name."

He wondered what the lass would think of his strange behavior. He also hoped his little stunt back there wouldn't gather to much attention to his presence in the city. He had wished that some of that had occurred beneath a shadow so that he could converse with it on all that befell-the shadow be willing of course.

The thought of shadows brought a curiosity to his mind-I wonder if Akajia knows anything of the murders that have brought such turmoil to Avanthal? However if she did, then he was doubtful she would reveal such knowledge to him, for he was still low in status, amongst the worshipers of the goddess of the night.

[Svasra]

The offense of the young Vanthas had worn off to simple irritation as Svasra walked briskly away from such discrimination. She hoped it would relieve with the return of Morwen, and the coming of colder weather. The Winter had never felt so long. Sadly, Svasra was becoming more reluctant to leave Avanthal behind with all this crime stirring in its heart, wary of being perceived as running away from it. Her hand clenched at the thought of the taunting her parents might receive. She wished it was more simple to leave. Just pack up and go! Why did everything insist on being difficult?

The simple life Svasra had had up until then was definitely not helping her jump these hurdles, as she hesitated to fully commit to her crazy idea of leaving Avanthal. She was foolish, she knew, but Svasra also knew she would never be at peace within Avanthal being completely oblivious to the outside world. Her parents may have been alright to stay within their snowy abode their entire lives, but Svasra could not! The tales of the Vantha should stretch farther than just Morwen's blessed lands, as far as Morwen reached herself - which was everywhere! Perhaps not the desert, but Svasra had no plans of visiting such mortal hell, and also the moist and hot forest would most likely be off-limits.

The crunch of snow behind her in a hastening to follow made Svasra tense, her hand clenching on the book as she contemplated just whirling around now and hitting them upside the head with it. "So I never got your name." The tone was much too deep - and calm - for anyone of Morwen's Vanthas, and Svasra turned her head as the Akalak approached. She watched him with a wary eye, though the help he offered her earlier couldn't be very well ignored.

The woman smiled kindly, her expression shifting from suspicion to one of the warmth. "You must ... think... me terribly rude," she said, her tone chaste and apologetic, though she struggled with Common as she doubted an Akalak would be knowledgeable in Vani. "I apologize for leaving like that," Svasra continued as she walked, now finding herself speeding up to keep up with the ridiculously tall man. "My name is Svasra Snowsong, and I am much grateful for your help back there." She reverted to the side of the pathway, pausing so she could properly look at the large man beside her.

Svasra looked the man over silently, taking in not only his stature, but his demeanor. By the way he held himself, Svasra noted his confidence and generally friendly air, and he seemed comfortable within Avanthal though Svasra knew he held no mark of Morwen as she. "You have traveled a long way," she mused absently, recalling what she knew of Riverfall's placement in the world. From her memories, it would take ages to reach Avanthal.

Note: Svasra speaking Vani, Svasra speaking Common.

[Dragul]

Svasra Snowsong. At last the knowledge he had wished to attain was his. He pocketed the name in the recesses of his mind, as she embarked upon a struggling attempt at apologizing in Common, which was most definitely not her best language. Still, he admired that she attempted to bridge the language barrier that separated them, since his Vani was poor. Still he figured that he should at least extend her the same amount of courtesy for her efforts.

"No apologies, under the circumstances you were warranted in your actions. Oh, may i say what a strong arm you have..." indicating towards her arm that held the book "lad back there shan't forget it anytime soon" his last statement eliciting a laugh.

They paused along one of the sides of the pathway they were journeying forth upon. He watched as she took in the measure of his form, and how he carried himself, it was a familiar look. She seemed much more at home here, and he figured it had something to do with her familiarity of the region, and the mark of Morwen he had heard about through folk he'd passed along his way, but beside allowing folk to cope with the weather he knew little else about the mark.

He struggled with his Vani, but unless Svasra said otherwise, he needed to practice.

"Indeed, i have traveled far, from the south, it has been tiring. A deal is a deal, you gave me your name and i shall give you mine" he took a step back, and bowed formally in hopes of making an impression..."my name is Dragul Vhermura".

"Let us walk as we chat, keep the blood flowing" he said as he rubbed his hands together a little. "If you don't mind me asking, what interest do you have with the world beyond Avanthal? What rumors can you tell me of the city, aside from the ones so easily known by the shadows?" The prospect of rumors elicited a flash of a grin across his face, that fled in an instant.

Dragul speaking in Vani, Dragul speaking in common

[Svasra]

The man seemed pleased with her attempt at Common, and returned the favor as he spoke in broken Vani, "No apologies, under the circumstances you were warranted in your actions. Oh, may I say what a strong arm you have..." What odd eyes you have, Grandmother, Svasra immediately thought, stifling a snort as the story came to mind. What was it again? Well finding out her Grandmother as a Dhani must've been depressing, either way. Svasra made a small hum in acknowledgement to her own thoughts - that wasn't odd, right? - and focused on what the Akalak was saying, "... shan't forget it anytime soon." He laughed lightly.

Thinking for a moment, Svasra seemed more displeased than proud of her hitting the boy. She turned a verbal argument into something that could have turned violent. Rubbing her arm uneasily, Svasra shook her head. "No, my book is just harder than people think, and he wasn't ready," she protested meekly, unconsciously moving to Vani, though the conversation had already moved on.

"Indeed, I have traveled far, from the south, it has been tiring. A deal is a deal, you gave me your name and I shall give you mine." Svasra raised her eyebrows as the man bowed, obviously unused to such formal behavior, "My name is Dragul Vhermura."
"Pleasure to meet you, Dragul," Svasra said, curtsying in response to his formal action earlier. She was thankful she wore a skirt that day, even so her movement was no where near as graceful. Inclining her head graciously as she rose, Svasra shifted her weight to one foot as she waited for him to continue.

After a short pause, Dragul spoke again, this time accompanied by the action of rubbing his hands together, as many foreigners did to keep them warm, "Let us walk as we chat, keep the blood flowing. If you don't mind me asking, what interest do you have with the world beyond Avanthal? What rumors can you tell me of the city, aside from the ones so easily known by the shadows?" Easily known by the shadows? Svasra's brown furrowed in thought, though she refrained from commenting. The flash of smile hinted to her it was a secret he was proud of, perhaps he would share in due time.

"Let us walk then," Svasra said with a short nod, switching in between Vani and Common in curtsy of acknowledging he wished to practice and her own will to become better at Common. Beginning again on the way to the Marketplace, she kept her pace easily as she hoped the Akalak would automatically slow down his own speed to match hers. She paused for a moment before addressing his inquiry on her interest outside of the city, uneasy with his knowledge of her will to travel.

What secrets of the shadows did this man know? Looking at him sidelong, Svasra hesitated to respond, and shifted uncomfortably. "I do not .. mind you asking ... though I ask ... why," she said, turning her curious pink gaze on him. They were fringed with her normal color of a grey-blue, and had a friendly amber blooming around her pupil.

As they walked, Svasra began to notice something. It was so insignificant at first she put it to the back of her mind, though now it was becoming more apparent as they entered the Marketplace. People were ... avoiding them. Not just in the manner as before, even those who appeared they had a few mizas to say about her Snowsong Hold, kept their lips shut and adverted their eyes when Svasra glanced at them. Puzzled by this notion, Svasra looked to her tall companion. He did stick out midst their people, and his demeanor certainly one of the kindest warmth, but still . . . was it the scars that ran over his eyes? She couldn't really see what was so terrifying about them though. They may add to his more serious demeanor, but by the easy way he laughed, Svasra thought the scars were just past memories. He lived through it obviously, which meant he definitely was strong, is that what scared people?

Looking at Dragul in this new light, trying to force her more accepting eye into the judging ones of suspicion Avanthalians, Svasra wondered why he acted as he did. It might have been out of the simple kindness of heart, or perhaps he wanted to make a friend. She couldn't help but wonder if he had other plans though, ones with the shadows? "Why?" she suddenly asked, "Why did you help me ... back there?"

Note: Svasra speaking Vani, Svasra speaking Common.

[Dragul]

Dragul slowed won his pace, so that Svasra could keep up. He forgot how much his stride lent to his walking speed. He looked to Svasra, and noticed that she was conflicted by something, and he imagined it was something from the previous conflict that had arisen. He imagined that she didn't share his delight and humor for such events.

He noticed something amiss in her look when he mentioned something about shadow, but her face told that she didn't understand fully. He was glad, it was a secret he would prefer to keep-for the time being. Yet he already felt alien in the snowy lands of Avanthal, for wherever he looked, he felt eyes upon him now, and upon Svasra. However this time was different. Where before they had been focused on Svasra, for obvious reasons, now they were equally distributed. People were even moving out of their way. It was then that there being together perhaps would hold false-yet frightening-implications for Svasra's hold. It was not like his kind to be assassins, but they did have the potential. He wondered what it was these people feared about him, or found worth despising.

Then came the questions. He slowed his pace some more. Why? The question was still in his head.

"Why? That is a good question. A simple response would be that i know when to admire a strong soul. Perhaps it is that confrontations should always be fair, at least as they appear. However i would like to say that i know when to acknowledge coincidence when they become to many..." he paused collecting himself and rubbing a hand along his back where the mark of Akajia resided between his shoulder-blades. "we are drawn to people, be it by fate, chance, or the will of the gods. Sometimes you just know. Besides, i like to even the odds, and throw a little chaos into a well forged plan. And you genuinely seemed like you needed the help" the last statement seemed out of character on his part.

There was something enchanting about her eyes, and he felt drawn into them whenever he looked therein.

Shadows they passed kept whispering taunts in his ears.

"Dragul's got a girlfriend..."One shadow said.

"Best be gentle with this one..."Another shadow said.

And so on and so forth. However he cast a quick glance to the side and whispered to one of the shadows that they walked through "Your mockery will garner you no secrets from me if you keep it up". The strange words, in the strange language of Makath slipped loose of his lips, and it was only after speaking that he realized, he might have been heard by Svasra.

Dragul speaking in Vani, and in Common and Makath