Closed You Really Want to Come? [Dragul]

[Svasra]

Timestamp: 88th of Winter, 512 AV

"I can't believe I'm doing this," Svasra murmured as she paced a short line outside of the Snowsong Hold. Her feet tapped down the snow, footprint over footprint in the same rhythmic pattern. She was really leaving. She would finally tell Dragul, this very day, the moment he walked up, she wanted to come with him. "Of course, I've known for a while, but now ..." It's unavoidable. She was out to buy ... farewell gifts. It was a fairly short list, only two things, but she hoped they would even be found within the city. It would take some hard looking to find such a specific paint color and just the right string of bells. Would they even like them?

Svasra was acutely unfamiliar with the process of leaving her hometown, and wondered if she was even to give such presents to the friends she'd made. She felt she found leave something with them though, as she became unaware of when she would return ... what an odd thought. Today, she would visit the places of Avanthal, and buy her little gifts, before truly focusing on the process to leave. She had to cherish these moments, after all, they were closing surprisingly quickly.

She found it almost funny, in its own way. How when she was little, Svasra would run around this town, this one town in the middle of the snow, and knew she would live here, find love here, have children here. Yet, now, Svasra found herself leaving. For what? Even she didn't know at this point. Find that old kindle so long ago? Did it even exist, all the way then? She was not a child, but she was not a woman yet either. Svasra still doubted she could call herself such in the little oblivion she was aware she lived in. How would this journey change her? "I pray to Morwen it's for the better."

Now, was Dragul lurking around the corner, or would he approach her directly for once in his shadowy little life?

Note: "Vani"

[Dragul]

Snow. Another day of waking up to endless white landscapes. How strange. Considering Dragul was the last person who would blend in, or fit in for that matter in this harsh landscape. He wondered what whispers were circulating, or rather had been circulating around the town in regards to his business being there. Perhaps the shadows would elicit him that information, and preferably before his departure, which would be soon. He also wondered how much interest the Gods and Goddesses had in those marked by others of their kind. Was Morwen wondering the purpose of his presence there? Who knew.

Questions aside, he ran a hand through his hair, and proceeded to leave his humble abode atop the snow. He was too meet Svasra today. Yet another endeavor of friendship forging, and subtly convincing. Yet, as he thought about all those times that had come before, he wondered who was trying to convince who now. Did he need her, or did she need him, or...did they need each other? He shook off the notion for later contemplation.

He casually made his way to where he was told to meet Svasra. He wondered if he would sneak up on her again, and maintain his secretive demeanor. It made him let loose a low chuckle, like that of a child who'd succeeded in enacting a prank.

As he rounded a corner he noticed Svasra pacing back and forth. She hadn't quite noticed him, and so he returned calmly and coolly back behind the corner. He watched her, debating how to get at her without her noticing him. It was as he debated this childish method that he came to a realization. Perhaps...he shouldn't this time.

He wasn't sure why the thought inhabited him. In fact, it was just something that he knew was the right thing to do. It was so much like...that day when he'd met Akajia, and when he'd first met Svasra. It was a strange sensation, and sense of certainty.

Stepping lightly as he could, but without being evasive Dragul made his way toward Svasra. Arriving before her he smiled playfully, and turned his head in all directions. "Hello, and good day. So, what awaits us today?".

He tried to stretch a little and in the process cracked his back, which made him realize that perhaps his bed had not been as comfortable as it had seemed last night.

[Svasra]

As if called by her very thoughts, a certain dark Akalak appeared in the corner of her eye, walking forwards with that uncannily light step of his. Svasra stopped pacing as she looked up to meet Dragul’s bright blue gaze, finding the fact his eyes stayed one colour exotically captivating. He greeted her with a smile and inquiry of their direction today, always willing to follow her direction for their adventures. It was a sweet gesture, she had to admit. “Hm,” Svasra huffed, having not given much thought to where she actually wished to go other than ‘see the sights’ and get to Frozen Falls Marketplace. There were many alluring aspect of her beautiful city, which would be the places she would seek today? “We have many, many things to visit.” She grinned a tilted smile at her companion, seemingly testing if he was up for seeing Avanthal with her. Always testing, always teasing, such was their friendship it seemed. Hm, friendship. Was that the first time she named it such? What else would it be though, with Dragul’s ever amount of patient with the young Snowsong, and the amount of trust Svasra found herself placing on the man.

“Mirror Lake,” Svasra began, nodding to herself as a list began to form in her mind. “Perhaps, ah, not to …” Svasra’s brow furrowed as she struggled to come up with the word she needed, sliding her feet along the ground as she gestured, “ah … on ice … moving …?” She waved her hand dismissively a moment later, continuing, “I never really enjoyed it.” Her voice lowered as though such thoughts were blasphemy, but Svasra had to say skating was not the most thrilling aspect of Avanthal for her, much more enjoying the storytelling in taverns and around the fire, riding horses and watching painters in the boardwalk. Her thoughts went to locations once more, and she frowned in thought. “The Sculpture Yard … The Crystal Hall.” Looking at Dragul, Svasra smiled, adding for his benefit, “They are known for their beauty.”

Speaking of beauty, Svasra knew another place where they had to pay visit, especially if she was unsure when she would see such again. “The Aurora Showcase. A place for um, artists to show work.” Tilting her head, Svasra glanced at the sky to estimate the time, knowing bells became blurred when busy. “Marketplace … Afterwards, my parents, ah, invited you to come with us to the Smoldering Embrace, and Kaliara Observation Deck.” As she started walking, Svasra turned to Dragul, asking, “Anyplace, ah, you would like to see, also?”

Note: "Svasra speaking Vani, Svasra speaking Common"

[Dragul]

Dragul secretly smiled as Svasra ran awkwardly down her list of places to go on this pleasant day. He was glad however to see that she was fighting back against what he had first thought of as her nervousness towards taking steps outside her home, for outside the sheltering walls of her home there will be many decisions that one has to make; some harder, some easier. It seemed though that Svasra was doing more than errands, and in fact it was as if she was hoping to capture the memory of her home in this day, so as to not forget it when she left. He had done something similar, but it had been a much briefer viewing, and there was no one else with him then, except for Snowfall.

He nodded in approval of all the places that she suggested that they go, for a tour of a city is never a thing to be denied. He even laughed a few of the times that Svasra talked to herself or found herself at a loss for words, simply cause she looked rather adorable.

When she asked him if there was anywhere he desired to go he wasn't sure. He was content with following her while she enjoyed herself. He would be the one more than likely to lead once they were out of the city, either together or alone. However, there had been one place that he hadn't yet gone to. However, he wondered how Svasra would take the suggestion, hopeful not the wrong way, but then again judging her responses would tell him some things about her. "Well, there is one place I have wanted to go. The Makutsi Springs, if that is possible. I would love to relax a little".

The suggestion enticed him, for he had never experienced the delight of a hot spring before.

He raised an eyebrow when she said that her parents had invited him, but then again he imagined they had wanted to get to know him. It made sense, one does not simply let their child wander off into the world with a stranger. However, they would be more speculative of him than Svasra was, and he wondered just how far he could deceive them.

"Well then with our list in mind let us set off".

[Svasra]

Dragul mentioned the Spring, but had little else to offer in the sense of direction, letting Svasra once more take the lead. It seemed Svasra would be following his lead once they were out of the icy city, so she appreciated he was willing to follow her around within it. Pausing, Svasra tilted her head slightly to meet Dragul's sharp blue gaze, their depths hiding something. Always hiding something.

They had only met, what felt like, a handful of days ago. Gotten to know each other slowly, with brief meetings, and a lot of trust. What had gotten Svasra to so explicitly put so much faith into this tall Akalak, who gazed down at her without ever making her feel inferior? Was it that he had been willing to intervene on her behalf when faced with a few rowdy Avanthalians, though he had not even known her name? The fact that he listened to every word she had to say, and seemed to appreciate what she told him? Or was it simply that Svasra studied the tall man, and even with his secrets, felt oddly safe.

She didn't know a lot about fate, or destiny, or things being pre-written in the snow. Svasra couldn't say if she was supposed to leave with Dragul, whether it was something that was to happen since the dawn of time, or whether it was something that she had to discover herself. Yet, even now, looking at the Akalak with that gaze that reminded her of ice, Svasra knew that it was right. This is who she would travel with.

Maybe they would die on this journey. When she left this Spring, it might be the last time she saw her family, saw the snowy city and see Morwen walk among them. Oh yes, that thought scared her, and it made her want to run into her parent's arms like a small child and never leave. However ... there were horizons that didn't have the Icewall Gates in sight. Birds big enough to ride. Nights without the painting of Morwen. Spires made of material that looked like glass. Cities of stone. Places where she wouldn't have to wear a coat. Svasra felt a small grin grow on her face as she looked at her companion. Perhaps he thought her odd to just stand there staring at him for these chimes.

Yet, it felt right. Svasra knew this was not the city she was to live in, whether it be destiny, or the very truth in her blood. There were too many cities to explore, too many skies to see, and too many stories to learn. "Someday," Svasra finally said, blinking her ever-changing gaze. "We ... we will have a story. Worth telling, by the fire." Together. She was leaving, but, she would not be alone.

Taking Dragul's arm, the Snowsong smiled and began to pull him (as much as a girl two feet shorter could pull a man of his stature) towards Mirror Lake, a light bounce in her step. Let Dragul swim in his mystery and shadows, one day it would simply be another story she would know.

Note: "Svasra speaking Vani, Svasra speaking Common"

[Dragul]

Dragul waited vigilantly as Svasra seemed enraptured by her thoughts. He could only guess and wonder at what myriad of creatures were stirring therein, plaguing her with fear, anxiety, joy, and sorrow, etc. Either way the day would go probably without any disturbance. The real day to await was still yet ahead, and their departure would be simple enough, but he wondered when would be the first night for the young Vantha to shed a tear for all she was leaving behind.

His own contemplation was thrown astray as Svasra broke free from her own. She seemed somewhat resolved, and in fact delighted. "Yes we will have a story to tell, but it will only be as grand as we make it".

She then quickly took him by the arm, which he was unaccustomed to, and led him on their way. The whole display was rather amusing, given the fact that she was about 2 feet shorter than he. Either way, they moved about, like a pair of good friends, which he also found he was unaccustomed to. Svasra was practically skipping, and he wondered what was giving her the spring in her step. Perhaps she had just finally cast caution to the wind, and let all the cares in the world bother her naught.

Shortly they arrived before Mirror Lake. He admitted that it was a grande sight. He couldn't believe for a second that he wasn't staring at water, but sure enough it was frozen solid, all the way down he had been told. Such a marvelous feet, and a testament to the skill with which people were capable of. It also stirred in him the wonder of what powers they could be turned into for combat, but that was contemplation for a quieter night, alone, around the campfire.

He would have skated, had he know how, or if he'd the time to learn. However, such was not so, and Svasra seemed in a hurry as it was. He thought perhaps he'd try it on his return trip back through these regions. He laughed. Would he ever return here, and would Svasra do the same, or would they find a place out there respectively. Hard to say. Fate and Destiny are fickle things.

A short while passed by, mingled with simple chit chat, as they left arrived at their next destination. Twas the Sculpting Yard, or so Svasra informed him.

[Svasra]

The man came with her willingly, noting their story would only be as they fashioned it. Letting out a small laugh, Svasra agreed as she pulled him towards the Lake, talking aimlessly. Svasra ignored any glances they caused, Vantha turning to see the little Snowsong tugging an Akalak two feet taller to follow. Were they friends? Lovers? A strange foreigner running into the friendly Vantha hospitality? Svasra cared naught for their opinions, and only knew that Dragul and her were leaving. Together!

Arriving at Mirror Lake, Svasra took a small breath, venturing close to the ice. People skated in circles, a few doing tricks Svasra always admired. It was like dancing on the smooth surface of the Lake, kept frozen and solid with the diligent work of the ice-reavers. Kneeling, Svasra removed a mitten. Though she felt the bite of the cold weather, she gently touched the surface near the edge, unconsciously aware of the strength it held. It wasn't a matter of safety though, as she closed her eyes. The strength of the ice blossomed in her mind, a comforting presence and awareness of the solidity. It was simple, obviously present, and complete. The practice was soothing, a popular outlet to stress when Svasra felt tried. I will miss this, she lamented silently, rising as she looked at the Vantha skating so carelessly. She wondered if any of them wanted to leave ... A small smile drew her lips upwards, Probably not.

Their next destination was the Sculpture Yard, where the Djed Storm was felt quite keenly. It used to be filled to the brim of wondrous pieces of art, where the Vantha could come and seek the past inspirations and meet minds that followed the same artistic paths. Now though, it seemed desolate with its bareness and some sculptures that were being worked on even now by Ice-Reavers to restore to their former glory. Though the pain of the lost beauty, Svasra came to visit all the same. "It ... is not as it used to be," she said quietly to Dragul as they ventured in. Svasra would love to wander around the park and seek all the hidden sculptures, but time would not allow today ... today she would seek a very specific artwork. "The ... storm, ruined a lot."

Walking past the structure of Icestone that offered a vantage of the entire park, Svasra ventured towards the back of the park where a large sculpture stood. Morwen in a surreal icy beauty stood to watch over the park, though her features were marred, lines not as pristine and crisp as they were previously. She stood outside of the gate, looking at the other saddened sculptures of the leaders of Icewatch. "This is ... Queen Morwen, though ... in its, um, current ... state. Does little - little justice," Svasra explained, tilting her head upwards to look at the softened features of Morwen. "Ah, what shall you do when you return, Queen? Will you bring us altogether?" she asked softly, frowning slightly. "Do you watch us even now as you travel the world? I'm going to walk your footsteps, and explore the world, Queen Morwen. Will it be as beautiful as this city? Will it be anything like your city, Goddess?" she continued, falling into Vani from habit. It felt wrong to speak to her Queen in the harsh language of Common. The lyrical language of her people seemed much more suited for the presence of Goddess Morwen, the gentle and fair ruler of Avanthal and Winter. Taking a breath, Svasra took a step back, and smiled. "I'll return, Queen," she said, nodding. It is not just you I leave behind.

About to leave, Svasra paused as a soft noise filtered over the park. Looking behind her, Svasra recognized some Snowsong youths, their sweet voices drifting towards as they walked towards the sculpture of the Yard. By the dried tears down the youngest one's cheeks, Svasra guessed they sought comfort in Morwen's presence after some bullying due to the blaming of their Leader.

"We have secrets more ancient
then the ground ..." They arrived at the Gate beside Svasra, staring at the artwork.
"We have tales bigger
than our bears and gates." Svasra smiled at them, and touched the shoulder of the small girl who sung so diligently, joining in.
"Guarded in our swirling eyes
keep from prying stares." The five girls cast a surprised glance towards her, but seemed to recognize her from the Hold as they smiled and fell into note with the young woman.

"On this snowy earth
walks our beloved queen
Who has lived lifetimes
midst the heaven's stars
She who brings the shine
within the ice

"And the grace of the snow
The secret of the lights
that remind us of her gaze
Forever on the icy city
of the beloved
of the Vantha

"Avanthal that belongs to
the painting of the stars
the touch of frost
and the smile
of Goddess Morwen." As their voices faded away, Svasra turned towards the youths.

"Remember the pride of Snowsong, who has the sweetest voice, and the finest tune," Svasra said gently, laying a hand on the little girl's head. The little one offered a small smile, nodding, her friends hugging her tiny frame. An extended arm invited Svasra to join, which she leaned down to wrap them all in a comforting embrace. "No matter what Layota did, you are not to blame. None of you," she said firmly, touching each shoulder. Looking towards Dragul, Svasra grinned. "He may look a bit scary, but deep down inside, he's just a fuzzy polar pup," Svasra whispered to give comfort to the young Snowsong who eyed the large man warily. They giggled, and nodded, waving as Svasra moved off.

Their next stop was the Crystal Hall, a place that though was not the most wondrous without the sunlight, still offered a lovely view of the city. It offered warmth to those unused to the chill of Avanthal, and a meeting place that was hard to miss. After all, it was the only building that had more windows than it had walls. Climbing the steps, Svasra did not plan to stay long, since Dragul could always get warm in the Aurora Showcase. The young woman bounced onto the main level, humming the tune to The Soul of Ice, another popular song that reminded her of Jesslyn who had a habit of humming it as she painted. The view was always breathtaking for Svasra when she looked out of the windows, a small smile present as she paused at each end to look in every direction. There - there was the horizon she was going to see!

After a short stop in the Crystal Hall, it was a shame the sun was not shining today, Svasra led Dragul to the Aurora Showcase. The pride and joy of the Skyglows, who filled this art studio to a surprising capacity. She had been here many times, yet it never got tiring to see the same artwork repetitively, as she just found something new to appreciate about them each time. It really was quite nice. "Ah, this is the beauty of Skyglow."

Note: "Svasra speaking Vani, Svasra speaking Common"

[Dragul]

They stood amidst the Sculpture Yard, and all the bareness that lingered therein. While some statues were being worked upon other spaces were vacant. Yet, many vacant spots had likely once held statues, and beautiful works of art. Svasra seemed to briefly mourn as they entered, and he figured that the Djed Storm would have had the same effect on others all across Mizahar. However, it seemed that Svasra had brought him here for the viewing of a specific statue that still stood. At first he did not recognize the figure, but Svasra soon enlightened him. So this was Morwen. The Goddess of Winter.

The statue looked weathered, and by more than just time. While they were admiring its remaining majesty Svasra-without notice-seemed to switch to Vani, and embark upon a inner monologue. He pieced together a few words, but mostly her constant reference to Morwen, her Goddess. As Svasra finished her inner monologue and made to leave, they heard the soft tones of someone else filtering into the area. He looked around curiously, as a group of young girls came to the statue, singing a song he couldn't quite understand. They were crying, and he assumed by the way that Svasra began to treat them tenderly that they had been bullied and that she knew them. She even sang with them, and it was a lovely melody that even he couldn't deny.

Then he noted the curious but uncertain looks cast his way from the girls. He imagined they were afraid of him. However, Svasra said something to them that he couldn't quite hear or understand, and the girls and Svasra giggled. They ran off, and with their departure, he and Svasra departed in turn. He wondered what she had said, perhaps a joke at his expense.

From there they journeyed to the Crystal Hall. Through the windows he glimpsed the city from a different perspective. The amount of windows was rather ridiculous or staggering. He could see the horizon looming beyond and wondered where their journey would take them, and what challenges awaited them. So many things, that one mind couldn't contemplate it all in such a short time. Svasra hummed a tune to herself, and he wished that he could understand the tune in its full splendor. He realized he desired many things that he hadn't realized.

Their next stop was the Aurora Showcase. The outside while magnificent, was far different from the inside, which was littered with artwork and rooms. Svasra was right, this was indeed a beauty, and one to be proud of. "Indeed it is rather spectacular". He was sure that if he had more time, he would have sneaked in and studied the secrets of patrons whilst they went about their work, but that time was not available now.

From there they journeyed to the market. He looked at the various wears, wishing that he had the money with which to purchase a few more...practical tools. However, his coin purse was a little lighter than it had been when he had lived comfortably on the outskirts of his homeland. He wondered what Svasra wanted to get from here, or if she was still sightseeing all the things she would be leaving behind.

Either way his thoughts seemed flustered, weighed down with all the prospects and concerns of the journey yet ahead. It had been easy thus far, alone, but with another that would be a different challenge altogether.

[Svasra]

Storyteller NotePrices agreed with Noblesse ^^

"I'm here to find ... something special," Svasra said briefly, looking around herself in the Market. "Silarial ... a close friend, and ... Jesslyn," Svasra explained as she walked through the stalls. A few were local around Avanthal, selling their wares proudly as they called in Vani to the Vantha that milled about. A few other traders had much more odd looking stalls, from lands close and from very far, speaking a mix of poor Vani and broken Common as they displayed their exotic products.

Svasra drifted towards the more foreign traders, waving away some more pressing traders, and craning around a few heads. "Look at that, metal bells," she heard one say with a touch of envy. Though her purse felt a bit light, Svasra wriggled her way forwards, looking at a small sash of bells.
"Bells?" she echoed, and a seasoned trader turned to her. Seeing the interest, he grinned and nodded. Shaking them, the made a gentle ringing sound, clear and pure.
"Brass, m'lady. One gold miza. Good deal, yes?" he said in broken Vani, though Svasra understood the accented words well enough.
"Perfect!" she chimed happily, handing him the money with a grin. Silarial would make good use of these, she thought as she skipped towards Dragul, ringing the sash of small steel bells as she went. "Look, for Silarial!"

Buying something for Jesslyn proved to be much more of a challenge, as Svasra knew first-hand how many colors the painter owned. Which would be anything different? She had no idea how big a paint brush should be, or if she could carry a canvas .... but the woman at the stall that sold painting supplies was more than happy to 'help'. "A present? Oh my, well these are just new. Feel the tips, precision and beauty in one stroke." Svasra barely looked up, feeling that precision was not something the blind woman aimed for in her paintings. Scanning the colors, Svasra squinted to peer at them, one in particular catching her eye.

It was a shade of purple, deep and with just a touch of an ashy tone. "Radiant as the sky," she murmured, remembering her words that day when she had painted with Jesslyn. Svasra pointed to it, inquiring the price.
"Two gold mizas," the woman said after a moment of looking over the young woman. No doubt the innocent wide gaze of the Vantha raised the price. Though she was about to pay, Svasra paused and frowned.
"I got a string of metal bells for less than this small pot of paint," she noted with an arched eyebrow. The woman shrugged.
"Purple is hard to make, and easy to mess up when mixed as this one is. The labor put into it more than justifies the price." Svasra had haggled before though, and hoped to get the trader down more.
"What about ... eight silver mizas," she offered, knowing it was much too low. The woman only laughed. "One gold miza, even."
"I have many customers, why should I sit here and barter?"
"Because my money would just go to someone else, even if it is only one gold miza," she said with a shrug.
"You're cute, Snowsong, one gold miza and two silver."
"Ah, fine," Svasra said, handing over the money and carefully taking the pot of paint.

Returning to Dragul, Svasra smiled at the tall Akalak. "Find anything good?" she asked, though the young woman didn't see any purchases. "If we stop at home, I can put these away. Then we go to Springs, yes?" Svasra didn't leave much room for input though as she bounced away to her Hold, obviously expecting Dragul would come along.

Note: "Svasra speaking Vani, Svasra speaking Common"

[Dragul]

Svasra briefly explained what she needed to do at the market, and before another second fluttered by, she was off. He contemplated following behind her with an equal pace and interest, but he decided against it. He barely had enough money as it was, and there was very little of what remained that he could spend. Most of it was more or less food money for when his supply ran out on the road. Still he did his best to occupy himself.

He perused the various merchants, but whether they could tell his monetary state, or if they just felt threatened by his air and stature, they seemed not to try and pitch to him their wears like they did to others. He was not put off by this, and gave it little thought. However, he did do well too keep an eye on Svasra so that nothing of ill will befell her in the market place.

In doing so his eyes caught on the wavering forms of shadows that were littered about where they were cast. He wondered in a place as bustling as the market what the shadows could talk about. So he decided to chat amongst them until Svasra was done.

However, despite his initial desire it seemed that his favor with some of the shadows in Avanthal had yet too reach a point of trust, or whatever shadows based their friendships on. Still he managed to find one that had something rather humorous to tell him. He tried his best not to look crazy, talking to a shadow in a crowded area. "So, what can you tell me of the people going to and fro?"

The shadow said nothing.

"Oh come now surely a shadow as staunch as you, and clear of sight, shall know of great treasures".

This time the shadow did respond, but not with what he had expected. "Hmm, a thief inquiring of thieves. Oh yes quite a few there are. Amongst the vendors, and charging such prices. Do you not see it clear thief?"

He looked at the shadow, and a tiny burst of laughter escaped his lips. That was far from what he had expected, but worth it none the less. He wondered which of the vendors, or how many, were charging outlandish prices for their wares. However, before he could contemplate this line of inquiry further, Svasra came bouncing out from the market crowd. She carried with her a few gifts. "No nothing that suits me".

Before he knew it she was off again to her hold, and thereafter they would venture to the springs. The trip to her hold was swift, for she only needed to drop off the gifts, and then they were journeying to the springs. He imagined that Svasra wondered what his intentions were in going to the springs, and in his head the thought was quite simple. He wanted to take a dip, even if it was only for a short while.

They arrived at the Springs and he had to admit that they did look rather inviting. He remembered from what he had heard that he should avoid the one spring, that was some portal or something, strange. He turned to Svasra "I wish to take but a quick dip". With that he found a place to change beyond Svasra's sight, and slipped in so that Svasra wouldn't see him naked, unless she had peaked at him.

"You are free to join me, and if we need to hasten our departure just let me know. I have just never had the chance to experience a spring such as this".

Dragul speaking Common, and Makath, and the Shadow speaking Makath