Closed [Stories in The Snow] We Meet Again

[Svasra]

"Well riding a horse covers half the skills you need to travel, so you're good there," Dragul said, though his look clearly told her it was only an optimistic outlook. She pouted teasingly at him in response, but said nothing as the Akalak continued. "Plus the skills you do have are always welcome on the road. They stop people from going mad from loneliness and silence. A story is rarely unwelcome beside a fire in the midst of the swallowing darkness of night." Svasra raised an eyebrow slightly and said lightly,
"For someone so close to the shadows, I would never think the night would be able to encompass such a sturdy soul." She looked away for a moment out to the sky, though it was still light out and would be for bells more. "I think that is part of why I love Avanthal. Even in the depths of night, you are not completely alone. You have Morwen's Lights to watch and to keep you company as you stroll through a quiet Hold."

In response to her tease of his strength though, Dragul replied honestly, "While I appreciate the compliment, you overestimate me, and my people. For strong as we are, we are still mortal, despite longevity." He paused for a moment, a movement caught in the corner of her eye drawing her eyes to his hands where he traced the callouses formed there. She wondered if it was from weapon or work, were they one and the same? "No, I prefer a more...subtle approach to matters that require physical action," he said suddenly, and Svasra looked back to his eyes, distant and thoughtful. The weapon and stone disappeared in the blink of an eye, and Svasra would have thought it magic did she not watch the subtle movement before her own eyes. Just as quickly though, Dragul changed the subject, gently reminding Svasra of what she was to do here.

"So how much more do you intend on delving into, in order to satisfy the research you came here to do? While I do see the benefit of it, I feel that it will only deliver you annoyance for the lack of knowledge found. However if you still insist upon this course, I shall aid you nonetheless." When she was able to figure out his listed and complex patterns, Svasra smiled at the tall male and shrugged her shoulders helplessly.
"I know you speak the truth, but when one is as uncertain as I, sometimes it ... feels like books ... might hold the answers I am looking for." She rose though, and nodded. "You are right though, I have never been one able to get knowledge through reading." She gathered the books in her arms as she continued, "Let us put these back, there is only so much reading I can take before my brain starts ... hurt."

Standing, Svasra found herself actually able to look down at Dragul, and she felt oddly triumphant as she tilted her head downwards to meet his icy-blue gaze. "I feel the things I seek will be found on the road, there are better ways to waste my time before I leave." She turned as she said, "We said the next time we meeted we would talk of just us, so let's do that now."

Note: "Svasra speaking Vani, Svasra speaking Common."

[Dragul]

He thought of what she said about Morwen's lights, and he understood the sentiment. Even if he knew next to nothing of the goddess of Winter, he did know that once you are touched by the divine, something seems to always keep you company in the world. For Svasra it was the lights in the otherwise encroaching darkness, and for him it was the knowledge of Akajia's watchful gaze, and that of the ever present shadows. "The night encompasses all, and each it encompasses lives within it, the night is alive, and never without watchful eyes. However the night is not always filled with terror, and in fact quite the opposite, depending on who you ask".

Svasra briefly looked down at him, as she stood. In her eyes there was a faint glimmer of, accomplishment, and sweet satisfaction. As Svasra got up to go take the books back he grabbed up all the maps, and followed behind her. He debated across his thoughts what she had said about reading, and reaffirming what he had said about waiting to learn what they would on the road. He thought to himself that it was the best way to learn, especially for someone like Svasra with no experience of the outside world, beyond stories.

As they were walking she had spoken of what they should do instead of research. Talk of just us. The words sounded correct yet, possibly interpreted in different ways. He wondered which way she meant it. "Indeed we did agree to do such. So what exactly regarding us, would you like to talk about? Where would you like to begin?".

As they moved about the library, he found himself passively admiring her physical qualities, and the personality that was housed therein. Something in the way she carried herself, with an air of confidence, and determination, while still being so fragile and frail, astounded him. She was a rather beautiful youth. This train of thought led him back to the memories of each touch she had placed upon him, and he couldn't help but feel a rush of emotions, and desires run through his blood. However he quickly suppressed them, but did not forget them. In fact he smiled. He would keep those thoughts to himself for the time being, for they were another secret which he alone knew of.

Note:Dragul speaking in common

[Svasra]

Svasra set the books with the librarians, as she supposed they would rather put than back than her attempt to. "Indeed we did agree to do such. So what exactly regarding us, would you like to talk about? Where would you like to begin?" Dragul asked as he strode beside her, Svasra guiding them out of the library back onto the streets. She shrugged lightly, breathing the crisp winter air in deeply as she walked down the streets.

Svasra led them to Windwalk Boardwalk, a calm park where they could talk in peace and quiet. She walked in a content silence, looking at Avanthal's white beauty with an appreciative eye. Though she had seen these sights many times before, they never failed to take her breath away. She grasped her journal and felt for her ink and quill in a reassuring gesture, holding the leather-bound book close to herself. Could she really leave this all behind? One finger trailed down the spine of her journal, and practically felt the stories leap alive her mind. Avanthal's spirit would be coming with her, isn't that enough?

It would have to be.

Svasra entered the first arch of Windwalk Boardwalk, elegant and extravagant in its own arching grace. "This is called Windwalk Boardwalk," she said to Dragul in a soft voice, "It is a peaceful park many artists come to either find inspiration, or a quiet place to work." She walked along the snowy grounds, and stooped to pick up a piece of ice along the pathway. Holding it in her hand, Svasra kept it frozen with her gnosis as she spoke, "These seven arches each leads to a different section of the Park, made for each of the Holds. We will go to Snowsong, though, if you wished, you're welcome to explore and visit the others." She walked underneath the arch leading to Snowsong's section of the park, littering with seats and hard surfaces to write on. "Snowsong is in charge of music, and wood crafts with inside Avanthal. We do instruments, as sold in our shop, Strings 'n' Things, along with wood-carvings and furniture. We also provide paper for the others Holds. The Snowsongs normally specialize in poetry, musical composition, wood-carving, singing, or carpentry. And, of course paper-making." Settling on one of the benches, Svasra left room for the Akalak to join her. "We are one of ... seven Holds."

Svasra looked down at the ice shard in her hand, and touched her gnosis for a moment to bring her focus to it. Humming quietly to hold her concentration, Svasra slowly melted and re-froze the ice shard in her hands until it made a fairly round ball. "Though all those marked with ... Ice-Reaving ... can do this, carving anything else but wood comes from Skyglow - the eye artists. Sculptures, paintings, metal-work, pottery, it will come from them." The iceball changed into the shape of a snowflake after a few chimes of silence, her fingers moving over it smoothly as the ice flaked off and reformed. "Iceglaze controls the processing of icestone, what some of our buildings are made of - and Icewall Gates. They are ... miners and builders of Avanthal." The snowflake changed once more into a leaf. "Whitevine are our doctors, they run Healing Center, and are the ... veterinarians." The leaf became a vague animal shape, the suggestion of a head and tail at either end. While the previous shapes only took a few chimes, this one took longer, and was much less satisfying to look at. Either way, Svasra went to explain its meaning, "Frostfawn is the Hold that controls livestock, the stables, and anything related to the animals within Avanthal. They also hire hunters to bring in ... Dead animals, and have their own set of rules for what can and can't be hunted." The blob of a creature became a small bowl. "Winterflame are the cooks, and gardeners. They control our crops, and also have the best chefs trained there. They also provide us with any wine, or ale." Lastly, the bowl was made into thin pole - she meant it to look like a fishing pole, but gave over after five or so chimes. "Coolwater is the last Hold of Avanthal, boating and trades, also the fishing industry. They makes their boats too, and skilled in sea ... finding ways." Svasra touched her gnosis, a pale snowflake on the inside of her left wrist, and the ice she held in her left palm turned to water, dribbling to the ground.

Svasra turned her flickering gaze to Dragul and smiled. "That is only one part of Avanthal, but I believe it is your turn to tell something."

Note: "Svasra speaking Vani, Svasra speaking Common."

[Dragul]

There was a chill silence, that reigned for a time, as they strolled along until finally arriving at their destination. Dragul stopped for a moment to marvel at the beauty that it held. The intricacy of the arches, the pathways, the vegetation being grown-despite the cold. It was to say the least breathtaking, but to Dragul it only appeared half as such. He mildly detested the snowy North, not for any particular reason, but because ever since he departed Riverfall, and the long flowing fields of Cyphrus, he had felt slightly homesick. Not to mention the fact that he didn't fair as well as the Vantha against the cold, but he faired as well as he could none the less.

Silence continued to reign on its throne of snow. Until at last Svasra reignited the conversation that had halted after their departure from the library. She spoke in great length of her people, and their holds more specifically. It was an interesting division of people, and it was very much like a dividing of clans. He had heard of the Snowsongs' affinity for music, poetry, and woodwork and so on. It fit, he figured, with Svasra's personality, and desire for stories and storytelling. Then she paused, and sat, and offered him a seat beside her. He took it, and remained looking down at her. As she began to speak again, she now held a piece of ice in her hand. As she spoke, it began to change, and he figured this was the mark of Morwen in action. Svasra confirmed his suspicion.

The shifting ice accompanied her words as she spoke, like music to a story. She transitioned from her hold to another, then another, until she went over the basics of what each hold did. The ice transitioned through various shapes, some more wonderful than others. It was a delightful spectacle, that he had never seen before. It elicited a smile across his face, and a brightening of his ice blue eyes.

He watched as she touched her mark of Morwen, which he now knew was on the inside of her left wrist. The ice turned to water, and dripped to the ground in a tiny puddle at Svasra's feet. She then looked to him, having finished her monologue. Her flickering eyes with their myriad of hues stared into his, and he found himself again entranced. He also noted that those eyes would be useful to gauge emotions, so that he didn't always have to ask prying questions of her when they traveled, and he knew that they would.

He held her gaze for a moment, and then turned, admiring his surroundings, despite the cold which caused him to rub his hands, and blow some hot air into them as he held them to his mouth. What could I say? What would be a good, and fair trade for the information that she had delivered unto him? He stretched his arms over his head, and briefly in the motion touched the mark on his back. He thought to why he had told Svasra of it at all, why not keep it a secret, like so much else. The answer to him was simple, and reasonable, but would it be to his goddess? He needed her to trust him, and if she discovered it sooner rather than later, it might dispel suspicion and grief that would be brought upon him. He could still keep secrets from Svasra that resulted from his use of his mark, but holding that back would be a risk, with to many consequences. He thought a small prayer couldn't hurt though, and so in his thoughts he said:

Oh Akajia, mother of the night. Hear me and know that i gave up that secret willingly, but for good reason. One secret for many more. A necessary sacrifice, so that i may serve you better in the days to come. I forever and always, your eyes in the night.

Realizing that he was taking a good deal of time thinking, and praying, he decided to take his turn in the conversation. "Well what about me? What about my people? Well i have already told you a great part of our kind, though a darker part i admit. What more? What more? Well we are initiated in two trials, one at a young age, 15 in fact, where we, along with other youths, must go out and hunt a Glassbeak. After that we are free to train in whatever profession we desire. Most choose some form of combat, some though choose simpler jobs. The second trial entails us, at the age of 30, to hunt a Zith, and only then are we considered men amongst our kind. While the Glassbeak may be challenging, it is nothing compared to a Zith, that hunt usually kills the hunter. Some come out unscathed, others suffer some wound" as he spoke of the Zith his right hand clenched, his muscles tensed as if he was about to strike an illusion that wasn't there, and his left hand went to his eyes, tracing down the scars that ran over each eye.

"Afterwards we are supposed to sire children by the age of 45, and then we rise accordingly through the social ranks, and never cease our training. Some journey to find work in other lands, as knights, mercenaries, or worse. We are a deeply devoted people, and train with an endless passion and fervor. We never cease to train, for no one ever ceases to learn. Our religious views vary, and we are deeply devoted to our family, or those who have it" his thoughts flickering to the father he lost, and the mother he never knew.

"We take weapons and combat very seriously, and our Lakan's are even rumored to have a piece of our soul within them. This i am willing to believe beyond all other superstitions. We are known for our gem mines, and the products wrought from that resource. We are tall, strong, and have good sight at night" he paused unsure of what else to say.

Note:Dragul speaking in common

[Svasra]

Dragul's frosty gaze met hers, and Svasra offered a small smile before he turned to look around in with a touch of admiration. Even the most stiffest warrior would not escape the beauty of Avanthal, well, that's what Svasra believed anyways. He warmed his hands, causing Svasra to realize it was silly of him not to purchase some gloves, but said nothing. Waited for him to say something. Tell about himself as she told about herself. Her culture. Her roots. The stems of all of her beliefs and upbringing. Ah, perhaps not that much - but the Holds is a very important aspect of Avanthal, Svasra corrected silently.

He took his time to reply. Painfully long time, in fact. Svasra waited, staring at him patiently as he shifted to touch the mark she was now aware lay between his broad shoulders. Another shift lifted his gaze to the sky, his gaze far away. Svasra followed his eyes unconsciously, though she saw only the plain sky of Winter. The plain day that would not bring any wonder as the lights did at night. She would have to take Dragul to see the lights from the lookout soon. Svasra found herself planning other trips around Avanthal with the tall Akalak, wanting him to see the wonders of her city before they considered twining their paths together. This is where she felt she belonged, felt her heart would always return to - yet, how could she be sure without feeling the pain of leaving it behind?

"Well what about me? What about my people?" Dragul began, jerking Svasra out of her thoughts to the cobalt man in front of her. "Well I have already told you a great part of our kind, though a darker part, I admit." Svasra seemed intent as she turned her body to face him, head tilting as she listened with rapt attention. "What more? What more?" he mused, pausing as he continued with whatever strands he managed to find, "Well we are initiated in two trials, one at a young age, 15 in fact, where we, along with other youths, must go out and hunt a Glassbeak." For a minute, the Vantha didn't react as she struggled to piece together Dragul's Common. Eventually though, Svasra's mouth popped open slightly in surprise, eyebrows raising. He said he quite casually, and continued to speak after that, yet Svasra had a hard time imagining a fifteen year old racing after a Glassbeak! From the paintings within the book she saw of them, there were not a creature she would wish to run in to. And to send a child to hunt them? Svasra breathed in through her nose and shook her head. She supposed these long-lived races matured differently? The fifteen year olds she knew where in no shape to run after lethal creatures, she would tell you that much.

"... Some though choose simpler jobs," Dragul was saying, pacing through the life of an average Akalak, "The second trial entails us, at the age of 30, to hunt a Zith, and only then are we considered men amongst our kind. While the Glassbeak may be challenging, it is nothing compared to a Zith, that hunt usually kills the hunter. Some come out unscathed, others suffer some wound." His hands moved in sync, one clenching, another briefly touching the scars that added such a threatening aspect to his otherwise friendly visage. Svasra reached out to touch where it raked below his left eye, running a finger lightly over the puckered tissue, face thoughtful.
"When I first saw them ... I thought to myself it is the sign of someone who has ... won a great battle. It seems I was correct." Svasra's gaze met Dragul's briefly as she drew back, and her head nodded in gesture for him to continue.

"Afterwards we are supposed to sire children by the age of 45, and then we rise accordingly through the social ranks, and never cease our training ..." Dragul said, speaking of the passion and fervor of Akalak's who become deeply devoted to their training and striving to better themselves. "... We are deeply devoted to our family, or those who have it." His expression was one of slight, yet hidden as usual, sorrow. Svasra dared not ask of his family, not yet. Though she briefly reached out to touch his shoulder with a soft smile. No, she could not smile in understanding, and she doubted he wanted copious amounts of sympathy. Svasra could only smile with the gentle kindness of someone who just wants to be a comfort. Just wants to see him smile back.

"... We are tall, strong, and have good sight at night," Dragul finished, though the note he left off on was one of uncertainty, as though unsure if Svasra expected more. She tilted her head to wait to see if he added anything before turning and taking a small breath.

"My parents are Minara and Havok. Minara was Frostfawn time before marrying my father. It was ... a plan, but they had grown up together and were close friends. It was easy to fall in love from there. They had me a few years afterwards, in Winter, so I had to wait until the following Spring for Morwen to grant my gnosis. I was raised a typical Snowsong, songs, and poetry especially seeing as my father is a poet himself." Svasra paused and played with the tassel of her journal. "I do not have fun stories to tell of my childhood, for it was quiet and uneventful. I learned dutifully, finished school, learned a bit of Common, and never looked back. I do not like learning from textbooks and teachers, I like to learn it myself." Svasra frowned into her lap as she shook her head briefly, concentrating more on history than her personality. "I was ..." she faltered and her shoulders tensed briefly before forcefully relaxing. No, she wouldn't tell him that. She hadn't even told her parents that yet, Dragul would have to wait. "I was said an Icemaiden on my twentieth birthday, seeing as I am unmarried without um , men ... willing, no, ah, interested in marrying me .... Suitors? Suitors ... My parents have been pressuring me to marry this man in the Winterflame Hold, but I have interest none for him, not ... romantically. They .... have given up, which I am not sorry for." Svasra looked up and smiled at Dragul. "That was my childhood apart from the odd horse-riding time with my mother, or going sleeping outdoors ... Camping I think it is called."

Note: "Svasra speaking Vani, Svasra speaking Common."

[Dragul]

Dragul pause for a moment, as Svasra gently touched the area where the scar ran across and down his left eye. The scar had long since become puckered flesh, and the familiar sensation had always reminded him of the familiar memory of that day, that hunt. It reminded him of the severity of combat, and how close one constantly was to death. However Svasra's touch was unfamiliar, it was tender, light, with a hint of winter's chill. He could place another time when such a sensation of tenderness had encroached upon his senses. He had never know the tenderness of a mother, and while his father wasn't cruel, he was after all strict. The only other time such a sensation had fluttered across his skin, was that night, so long ago, yet so close in his memories, when Akajia had touched him, and marked him. However that was a whole other matter, and the fact that he could make the comparison between his goddess and this mortal child, was something that swam curiously through his thoughts.

After trailing off, Svasra held his gaze for a moment, and entered back into her position in the conversation. She began to tell of her parents, her youth, and upbringing. However he had not expected to hear the part about her marital affairs, but as she spoke, he took a new measure of her. Indeed she seemed of a proper marital age, and figure. Yet, there was a clear sense of independence that ringed within her person. Still, there was something that was missing, for even he had disapproved of the marital matters of his kind, and the views of his peers on his situation. Even he did not have such a fierce disagreement for his customs, and it made him wonder what she was holding back.

There was a pause that reaffirmed her hiding something, and he wondered still what it was. Perhaps a secret to discover along the road, or when she was to drunk to know any better. When she finished he thought to himself, that it fit the nature she now presented, for one who is locked away will always seek the outside world. However he wondered, once she was free of the confines of Avanthal, would she ever return. As he thought about this, he too wondered the same for himself, would he ever return to Riverfall to stay, or would he forever wander. Shadows loomed about, cast from various vegetation, and the archways. The lingered there, watching all that occurred within there respective sphere of sight. He was glad that for the moment, there was not a shadow watching over their conversation, for he wanted to keep these chats between them, private.

When she finished he wondered what he could tell her. His past was nothing to note, for it had been nothing but simple regiments, and training. The only remarkable event was the meeting with Akajia, but how could he explain that without giving the secret away to quickly. He thought for a time, and eventually a grin broke across his face.

"My childhood was uneventful, save for the trials and rights of passage. The hunts were many, and the days long and filled with training. Combat was like walking to me, and offered few obstacles, though i was never one to favor warrior combat. This disappointed my father at first, being himself a warrior who had wielded a greatsword all his life. However he quickly came to be proud of my skills at deftness and dexterity, and the proficiency with which i wielded the Lakan" he trailed off as he recalled his father, and the plan for his conversation.

"Otherwise my childhood was as regular as the others of my age. I watched to forging of my Lakan, and for a time, warred with the darker half of my soul. I have yet to sire children or find a wife, or love. The only event of any great importance, is when i met...her. That night is the reason for my being here, for my travel, and it is the reason for my purpose, that i have discovered thus far. Why she had chosen me, i may never know, for that is perhaps the greatest secret in my life, thus far".

"So...what else would you like to discuss or do, or do you desire for us to chat away into the day, here amidst the silent vegetation and whispering shadows?"


Note:Dragul speaking in common

[Svasra]

"My childhood was uneventful, save for the trials and rights of passage," Dragul began in return for Svasra's story. A small smile curled the edges of her passive expression, enjoying this simple exchange between them. This simple talk of just themselves. She had never sat down with someone with the sole purpose of learning more about them, more one to observe and learn their personality through their actions and decisions. Spring was coming to a close though, and Svasra needed to know a lot about Dragul is a very short amount of time. She hoped this would suffice the many days she would normally take to make such a decision.

"... The hunts were many, and the days long and filled with training. Combat was like walking to me..." Dragul spoke of his training simplistically, and the disappointment his father held straight-forward. Eyes flashing a small show of colors, Svasra struggled not to display anything otherwise. She kept her lips pressed firmly together - perhaps a bit too hard? - and face loose - perhaps it appeared forced? - listening to what Dragul had to say of his father. "... However he quickly came to be proud of my skills at deftness and dexterity, and the proficiency with which I wielded the Lakan." Dragul trailed off after that, his tone reminiscent, and Svasra left him to replay some memories as she puzzled over a certain aspect of his speech.

Laken? What was such word? It was unfamiliar, and twisted, and certainly not a Vani word. "Laken," Svasra mumbled to herself, running over it repetitively in her mind as though it was suddenly leap across some chasm to understanding. Of course it didn't though, and Svasra was left floundering, finding herself lost without this understanding of "Laken". Was it a weapon? It must be, if Dragul said he wielded it. Deftness, dexterity, that would only benefit a smaller weapon, no? Svasra's brow puckered slightly, recalling the two hilts that stuck out of Dragul's pantline.

Were those his Lakens? They are the only weapon Svasra saw on him, and she made a fair assumption that must have been it. The dagger he so carefully stroked with the stone? Svasra nodded to herself, vaguely aware Dragul had begun talking again. That odd-looking blade must be his Laken! She felt oddly accomplished when she figured it out, and listened closely for when he repeated the word, committing to memory. "Laken," she said again, glancing briefly to Dragul for correction or affirmation she had pronounced it correctly.

"...warred with the darker half of my soul. I have yet to sire children or find a wife, or love," the dark-hued man was saying in his rumbling voice that filled Svasra's ears with a sound reminiscent of rocks tumbling over each other. Not that she knew what that sounded like, but if she did, Svasra would guess it sounded an awful lot like Dragul. Either way, the Akalak was like herself, without a spouse though their culture thought it necessary. She smiled at the similarity they shared, and continued to find amusement in the way Dragul spoke of his Goddess. She couldn't help but wonder if she sounded the same way when speaking of Morwen.

When Dragul asked if there was more, Svasra took a moment to think. She blinked her gaze as it began flecking with pale yellows, pinks and a strong blue to swim midst the gray-hued navy background. "I think only the shadows may whisper to you, Dragul, for I find them silent. If they do whisper, ... normally that means they are not shadows at all, but simply those who wish there were as soundless," Svasra commented offhandedly as she gave herself time to think.

"I do not like physical confrontation," Svasra began, settling back. Her eyes met Dragul's and she grinned. There was a lot to talk about. She wished to know the shadows of Dragul, however whispering they may be. "I find ... me ... er, I have no defenses against it ... nor do I ... like ... enjoy hurting others. I believe the power of words can cut just as smoothly, and they will have wounds that can scar just as plainly.

"I do not like keeping secrets, and will sometimes find myself telling a 'secret' of someone's accidentally. I view them as a type of ... unhonesty, as I was raised, and to not to have that in between people. Truth is a large ...rule, ah, policy, since if you regret what you did, you shouldn't hide it. If you hide it, it will only fester and grow, until it gets to the point it is the only thing you fear. One take that wound will burst, and the ruin may be too much to bear. Being open and honest is a way to built a solid founding for friendships, lovers, and family." She dared not mention her own hidden secret. "Even so, perhaps some secrets are meant to be kept. I cannot usually see why, but in respect of privacy I try to keep my mouth shut. Normally, people just don't tell me secrets, if that is what they wish it to be.

"Storytelling is a large part of my life, and has been since my parents began to tell me stories. It ties in with recording them, listening to them, and creating them. I also enjoy poetry, mine or others. I dream of having a book of the best legends from around Mizahar, and spreading it throughout the land so that everyone may see the roots that ... societies are resting upon, and reasons for superstitions and certain practices. I believe everyone has a story to tell, and everyone ... deserve to have their story told."

The Vantha storyteller paused and ran a hand through her black hair that was beginning to show its green highlights as the sun came from the clouds and shimmered down on it. The highlights were scattered throughout her dark hair, most only showing as she moved the top layers aside with her movement; a few green streaks peeking out from when she tucked her hair behind her ear. A sheen of gold enveloped it also, not just the glittering touch of sun, but something that penetrated each strand to make it possess the appearance of black hair that turned aureate when she turned her head correctly and the sun hit just the right strand in just the most perfect way. While the emerald streaks were groups of hairs tinted such a color, that was only ever noticeable within stark sunlight such a deep hue they were, the gold would only affect a single strand that was exposed to the sunlight correctly, giving her black hair shots of gilded single lines that twisted around and through the lights of viridian. A child of Morwen's Lights, indeed.

"I can think of no more to offer you, but yet I know it's not enough." Her eyes appraised the tall man, head tilting back to peer upwards. "I only hope over the course of our meetings I will be able to ... discover the rest of your shadows."

Note: "Svasra speaking Vani, Svasra speaking Common."

[Dragul]

Dragul couldn't help but be enchanted by the slightly shifting colors of Svasra's eyes, and subsequently her hair. He only noticed brief shifts in her hair, but the sun occasionally caught various strands, and transformed the otherwise black threads into deep green, and the occasional gold. It was a marvelous thing to witness. The North was turning out to be filled with more wonders than he had previously thought.

Lost in the enchantment of that moment, Dragul barely noticed that Svasra had taken he turn in the initiative of the conversation. She made a somewhat passive note about his mentioning of shadows, to which he retorted "Ah, but one mustn't underestimate that which they know little of". She then went on to describe her feelings of conflict, and deceit, and her resentment for the act of lying. This was the part of her person which added to the biggest point of contrast between them. While he was reluctant to share some secrets, if the reason, and consequences bore greater fruits, he was not against loosing a few. Svasra however was somewhat innocent to the nature of the world, beyond her own woes, which she suffered in relative seclusion.

He wondered, with this nature rooted-for the time being-within her, how she would change. Would she be able to handle the reality of the all to grim world beyond Avanthal? Would she be able to come to terms with the necessity of some actions that she, at the moment, would consider immoral? This was something he wished to learn, and see firsthand. Strangely, it elicited a grin.

"Secrets are a commonplace amongst the world. You shall not find a place anywhere across the lands of Mizahar that does not hold secrets, be it the land itself or the people of those lands. While honesty is required to establish connections between people, friends, and lovers, it is not the only option, and often is not the best course of action. A secret saved can easily save thousands, or destroy thousands, and delight those who know that secret" he flashed a smile, reminiscing about the sensation of holding a secret, knowledge that no one else knew, the power, the delight, the ownership.

"I am not sure what my goal in life is, aside from perhaps rising through the ranks of my goddess, and garnering the powers and responsibilities that come along the way. To see the world, to see the secrets the world holds. Ah now that would hold a certain pleasure that is hard to describe to someone not of the Irst".

"I can honestly say that we have learned much from one another, even if this is but our first, true meeting. Is there anything else you would ask of me?"

Note:Dragul speaking in common

[Svasra]

Dragul seemed amused by her comment on shadows, promptly replying, "Ah, but one mustn't underestimate that which they know little of." He spoke the truth, to which Svasra bowed her head with a tilted grin. It was wrong to assume knowledge, though Svasra could see no other. It was one thing to know what you weren't aware of, as Svasra knew she was completely naive to the ways to travel and the personality of Dragul. It was quite another to think you knew, and find out that really, there was another world just denied to your eyes. Svasra blinked at the Akalak, a pale pink growing more dominant in her gaze. She wondered what Dragul saw, and heard, within shadows that gave them a description eerie close to sentient being. They weren't alive ... right?

As before, Dragul took up the mantle that Svasra began, telling his own opinions and thoughts in the knowledgeable manner of someone who has traveled far, "Secrets are a commonplace amongst the world. You shall not find a place anywhere across the lands of Mizahar that does not hold secrets, be it the land itself or the people of those lands. While honesty is required to establish connections between people, friends, and lovers, it is not the only option, and often is not the best course of action. A secret saved can easily save thousands, or destroy thousands, and delight those who know that secret."

Svasra seemed genuinely surprised, leaning back a tad with his words. They carried more power than he probably suspected, as Svasra had never heard of secrets being allotted such a graceful demeanor. Not only one that was a destructive as Svasra believed them to be ... but the power to save others? Her expression thoughtful, Svasra's brows furrowed as she thought about it. Secrets ... were a simple and deluded form of lying born from shame, lack of memory, guilt, spite, and a mixture of all. They were the root of problems, and the offspring of emotions from a being that was too insecure to accept their own mistakes. Secrets, were the worst deception, and the one so easily solved. Svasra kept a secret. A very large secret. Out of shame, guilt, and a shade of spite. She couldn't accept her mistake. Such knowledge was the only reason Svasra found herself able to keep the secrets of others, or at least actively try to. She knew the destruction her own secret would bring. Yet, a secret that could heal and save?

Dragul was finishing up what he had continued to say, and Svasra looked over as she tried to piece together his words with her own turbulent thoughts. "Is there anything else you would ask of me?" he asked, and Svasra felt to nod and shake her head at the same time. Was there more to ask of the Akalak? Would it ever be enough?

"I will have to take your word on the goodness of secrets," Svasra finally said with a frown tugging the ends of her previous upturned lips. "That is a piece of knowledge I believe I must find out for myself," she continued with a weak smile. "I have never before experienced it, and cannot lie to you and say I fully believe it." She paused for a moment before adding, "If it is the case, though, I can only hope I learn which will save and which will destroy before I keep it to myself or yell to the world."

For a moment, Svasra had nothing else to say. "I am not sure what else I can learn from just talking. There is so much more actions tell." The Vantha woman looked to Dragul with a small shrug. "Is there anything more you would like to ask me?"

Note: "Svasra speaking Vani, Svasra speaking Common."

[Dragul]

There was a conflict that he observed within her. Subtle changes and shifts in her posture. He wondered how she could have such a hard issue with secrets, but then again he did realize that there were many people in the world whom held more noble moral codes. Still it would be an interesting debate to continue, if they did in fact journey together.

When she asked him if he had any questions he couldn't quite place any. While he did wish to know more of her motivations for her journey, he realized that he would perhaps be more successful in that pursuit if he didn't ask a million questions in one meeting. Not to mention he wanted to get all of his questions in order. There were some he needed to phrase differently, some he needed to ponder longer on, and some he required a little research for. Research that would take him closer to the Snowsong hold, if he was able, and unseen.

He didn't wish to be rid of the meeting, but he did have other matters to attend to, aside from Snowfall, and his stomach. His own batch of research, and training awaited him, not to mention a small dose of prayer. Still he smiled, and couldn't help but to do so as he figured out a way to break their meeting while retaining his air of mystery.

He patted his legs, and stood. Looking down at Svasra he said "No, i do not have any questions at the moment. The few i had have already been answered, for the most part. While i have enjoyed our meeting, I'm afraid that its about time I get going. We should meet again, perhaps the 70th of spring, but if you find a better time you can find me easily enough".

He bowed at the waist, in a humorous attempt at formal behavior. As he turned to go he stopped so that his back was not yet to Svasra. He turned his head a wicked grin, or perhaps a devilish smile, and said "Oh and i figure i can leave you with this riddle, so that you can figure out my goddess's name".

"She comes and goes with the changing of the light,
She is the master of secrets and ruler of the night"

Then he turned and continued on his way, until he was lost from sight, like a shadow in the night.

Note:Dragul speaking in common