Closed I'm His Lover...Not His Mother! (Vanator)

[Uopa]

The Fiftieth Day of the Spring Season, Five Hundred and Thirteen Years After the Valterrian

[Uopa]

Peace... ...quiet... ...and a fresh cup of herbal tea. This was all Uopa needed on such a fine, sunshine-filled morning as she lounged across her bed, listening to the sounds of nature that were drifting in from the balcony door. Nothing more. Nothing less. In her book, it was the perfect way to spend the alone time she had been granted. The gods only knew how long it would last or when she would be able to carelessly relax like this again. So she had to make the most of it. Actually, she had to do quite the opposite. She had to do nothing at all. Not move, not speak, not think. Nothing. Just lay here and... Knock. Knock. Knock. "Noooo," she moaned as she tilted her head and glanced down the short hallway that existed between the bedroom and the front door. Oh. Wait... She paused now and listened. The knocking was happening on someone else's door. Thank the maker. Stretching, the Inarta reached for her tea. Bringing it to her lips, she sipped the warm, florally-scented, rejuvenating liquid. The flavor alone was an absolute pleasure, but coupled with the texture and the scent, it became something far more... Knock. Knock. Knock. "Seriously?" she grunted now as she placed the cup back on the small side table and began to pull herself up into a seated position. Hmm... Once again, it appeared that whomever was in the outer hall wasn't looking for her. The knocking was occurring down the hall, closer, but still down the hall. Okay. Where was I? Oh. Right! I was in the middle of doing nothing. Collapsing, Uopa was once again sprawled out, face down, with her hair hanging over the side of the bed. Every inch of her body began to relax. The muscles in her neck were first, then her shoulders, then her back, then... KNOCK. KNOCK. KNOCK. "Go away," she muttered into the cool sheets below her as it now became apparent that the person in the hallway was indeed looking for her. KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK! "I said...go away!" she barked as she rolled over, grabbed up a pillow, and proceeded to toss it down the hall toward the vibrating door. KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK! "Oh, for the love of...fine! FINE! I'm coming! Calm down!" she shouted at the door as she slid off the bed. "There isn't much in this realm that requires this much knocking, unless the city is sliding into the sea or the realm itself is being consumed by flame!" Tugging on the front door, Uopa threw it open, however, she did it so hard that it hit the inner wall and instantly bounced back, nearly knocking her on her arse. "Petch!" she cried out as it clipped her shoulder and sent her staggering out into the hall, into the arms of... Well, hello, she immediately found herself inwardly gushing as her body came in contact with that of the individual who insisted on ruining her perfectly peaceful day. Who do we have here? she continued to gush as her eyes fell upon a ruggedly handsome Drykas. She had a soft spot for the men of the Sea of Grass. Oh, did she ever.

[Vanator]

It was an outside chance, the sketchy details from an inadvertent act of eavesdropping. In the street, Vanator had overheard two Akalak mention a familiar name. They spoke in Tukant, of which the Drykas was woefully unlearned, the mention of bay apartments the only other piece of information he could gleam before the red and blue men slipped into a crowded shop doorway and out of earshot.

The name was Shadowmare, a pavilion of the Drykas of which the Denusk was somewhat familiar. Of late, Vanator had pangs that could be equated with homesickness. He had not returned to Endrykas after the fateful day he was taken by the Zith, over a year and a half earlier. The world had changed since then, there were no Denusks left in Endrykas, or anywhere besides Sanctuary, for him to visit. Vanator had turned is attention to the family that had almost miraculously arrived at Sanctuary. Kavala, Cadra, Larik and Vanator himself all at one time or another freed from slavers and brought to Riverfall.

Even though he had even applied for citizenship in Riverfall, Vanator's soul was desperately Drykas still, and he longed for any word about his lost family or the state of Endrykas. His friends Ronan and Sama'el had not returned, or sent word, no doubt overwhelmed with the duties of the Watch as they worked to rebuild the Web. Perhaps if he found the Shadowmare, he may have word, or even be an acquaintance.

Vanator had sought direction to the nearest apartments, the Baywatch as fate would have it, most likely that which the Akalaks had mentioned. But which door was a mystery. Van was not usually one to go banging on stranger's doors looking for someone, but the temptation of finding the Drykas warranted at least a few knocks and some inquiries.

After only a couple doors, and a helpful lass who Vanator swore was a Dhani, he was directed to an apartment where the man (he assumed it was a man) may have resided. The Drykas' initial rap on the door was dismissed, the second met with a harsh rejection. Now he had them, someone was definitely home. Pushing his luck, Van knocked one more time. The reply from behind the wooden door was more of a rant this time, but drew near, with the promise of an open portal.

Open the door did, then attempted to shut when the opener's ire was vented upon it. The heavy door swung back and knocked the woman squarely against Vanator. Instinctively, the Drykas lifted his hands, catching the careening woman in his arms. The event was startling, but within an instant Vanator found it not unpleasant.

A disarming grin stretched across his face as Vanator helped the woman right herself. Both beauty and wisdom graced her face, a pale cast that had been tinted by Riverfall's sun gave her a slight glow, framed by a deep crimson mane. "I, uh, was looking for someone." Vanator chimed.

[Uopa]

"Looking? Found someone, you have, eh?" Uopa replied and then quickly realized that she was speaking gibberish. "I mean...you know what I mean," she coyly muttered as she took a step back, allowing her hands to drift upon his muscular arms for the slightest of chimes. "Although, something tells me, I'm not the one you're looking for." She stepped back just a little further now and leaned against the frame of the door. Looking the Drykas up and down, there was a part of her that wished she was wrong, however, there was also a part of her - the committed part of her - that was thankful that she was probably right. The odds were, this man was looking for Kanto...or his brother...or both? "So I guess the question remains," she began as she brushed her hair over her right shoulder, "who are you looking for? Perhaps I can help you find them. This place has many tenants and instead of running up and down the hallways, knocking on every door, maybe I can direct you to the correct one." She continued to take stock of the attractive man, wondering what his story was. She couldn't recall having seen him around the city before. She would've remembered him, this she was certain of. Did this mean that he was fresh off the Sea of Grass? He certainly looked windswept and sun-kissed and, well, his scent...oh, his scent. It was - for lack of a better word - intoxicating. Pull it together, girl. Clearing her throat, she asked one more question, "Would you like to come in for a drink? I just made a fresh pot of tea. I believe I may have a bottle of mead or wine, too. You look like you could use a refreshment before you continue on your quest for whomever it is you're searching for." Seriously? I'm inviting this stranger into my home? Have I lost my mind? Kanto will kill me if he finds out! she badgered herself as she waited for his reply. I really am a sucker for these men. When will I ever learn?

[Vanator]

Vanator regained his composure quickly, momentarily distracted from his impromptu manhunt. Indeed, the woman would have been a far better subject to pursue than any long lost acquaintance. Her gaze lingered on him, blue-green eyes that were friendly and open, capturing the attention of the wandering Drykas. Vanator's smile remained, the man finding no reason, or will, to dampen it.

A darting glance assured Vanator that the woman's form was as complete in pleasantness as her alluring eyes and smile, and he cleared his throat and straightened a little when he realized the extent of his ogling. He quickly formulated an answer to her questions.

"Well, I was looking for someone I may know, a Drykas named Shadowmare. Just a curious notion, I heard he may live here." Gold-flecked dark eyes darted to the woman's before glancing up and down the hallway. Her sudden invitation was unexpected, out of the ordinary, and very tempting. It was rather forward, to invite a man you did not know into your home. Though, Vanator suspected few men perpetrated crimes against the women of Riverfall, as precious as they were to the Akalaks. The Drykas very much wanted to join her for a drink, as suspicious as it sounded. But it could be couched with the intent that she may be able to help him find the Shadowmare man.

The perpetual smile curled at one end, almost boyishly. "Yes, I would love a drink." He replied, no doubt taken by attraction to the woman, but not without a measure of wariness. He was no spring pup.

[Uopa]

"Shadowmare?" she questioned as she motioned for him to follow her as she slipped back inside the apartment. Bending, she retrieved the pillow she had tossed earlier. Paying attention or not, this caused her guest to come up short in the narrow hallway that they now occupied. "Oh, sorry...I, uh, wasn't really expecting any company today, so...let me just tidy up a bit," she explained as she stood erect once more, mere inches from the Drykas, and whipped the pillow back through the bedroom door that is had flown through. Motioning to a small seating nook, she offered, "Please, make yourself comfortable...and tell me a bit more about this man that you're looking for...as I fetch us those drinks." She then disappeared around a corner, but it was fairly obvious that the home was not expansive. She was still within earshot. What does he want with Kanto? she wondered as she gathered two glasses and two bottles. Although, maybe it's his brother he's after... "Does this Shadowmare have a first name?" she questioned as she returned and proceeded to position herself facing the main door to the apartment, just in case this situation turned ugly. Not that she was expecting it to, but better safe than sorry. Plus, if this man was looking for Kanto and it was for a not-so-favorable reason, she could warn him if he returned home early. How do you get yourself into these situations? she mused as she lifted the bottle of wine, uncorked it, and began to fill one of the two glasses. "I just realized, I don't even know your name," she remarked as she reached for the second glass. "I also have no idea what it is you would like to drink." She motioned to the two bottles before her, one of which had a wine label on it and the other a marking for mead, before offering, "I also have hot tea. Oh, and, Uopa." Okay, handsome stranger, what's it gonna be? she thought, before realizing...Oh! Shyke! "Uh, that last offering is my name," the Inarta was quick to correct herself as a slight blush played across her cheeks, "not a refreshment, nor an option." And that, that right there, is exactly how I end up in these messes with these men! she admonished herself as she reached for the full glass, allowing the Drykas to help himself.

[Vanator]

The redhead passed back through the door, and the curious Drykas followed, probably too close, for when the woman halted to pick up the pillow, Vanator nearly lost his balance when he stopped, narrowly avoiding an embarrassing collision between his pelvis and her rear. The man recovered his composure quickly, hoping she did not perceive the narrow miss. When the Inartan stood, still well within his personal space, Vanator allowed himself a whiff of her scent, pleased with aroma that lifted from her silken hair and smooth skin. This too, he hoped evaded her notice.

Vanator nodded and took a seat in the nook, casually surveying the woman's apartment. The decor was simple but tasteful, not as unkempt as she made it sound. From around the corner, his host inquired about the name of the man he sought.

"Well, I am not looking so much for a particular man, just one of that family name. I am only an acquaintance with some of them, from Endrykas. I am just looking really to learn about how things go there." Van stopped there, not ready to reveal his hope to learn something about his missing family. "I remember a few of the names, Rolan, Jarvis, Kanto...and, uh...Quilum?"

The woman strolled back into the room, and Vanator watched as her light cheeks turned crimson at her indavertant offering. The man smiled, amused and for a moment indulging himself in considering the prospect. Being invited into the home of an attractive woman, and one of his generation, certainly allowed for the mind of the lonely Drykas to wander. But he soon relinquished his reverly, realizing he should offer his name.

"Vanator Denusk." He returned with a broad grin. "Thank you for your hospitality, Uopa." he added, taking the bottle of mead and pouring himself a glass. He raised the glass to take a swallow, his eyes remaining on Uopa, sitting back and allowing himself to relax. "So, do you know anyone by that name around here?"

[Uopa]

"Perhaps I do, Vanator of the Family Denusk, however, forgive me if I am not so forthcoming in the particulars, for one of the names you just mentioned is, well, he's known for his troublemaking. What's to say you are not here to knock him back into last season for some wrong doing?" The gods only know what Quilum is up to at this very moment, she pondered as she twirled a lock of hair between her fingers. It would suit him right if I handed him over to this man. Although, Kanto wouldn't like that very much. The Inarta sipped her drink now and regarded the man sitting across from her. Could she trust him? Perhaps. However, should she trust him? Well, that was yet to be seen. He needed to provide her with a little more information before she disclosed who she knew and how she knew them. "So, tell me, Vanator, how long have you lived here in Riverfall? It seems strange to me that you would be here and not out on your Sea of Grass. I know how dear you hold your land. There must be something very important here to take you away from one of your greatest loves." Another sip, a few more glances, and she was up. "Forgive me. I'll be back in a chime," she informed him as she dashed for the door to her bedroom and then for the door to her balcony, which she had left ajar. As she was sitting, chatting with the Drykas, she could've swore she heard the giggling of her nephew, just outside, which meant that Kanto was nearby, too. For some reason, she felt compelled to warn him of their unexpected guest, regardless of the fact that there didn't appear to be any source for concern. At least none that she was aware of at this time. Just a quick look. Nothing more. Stepping out onto the balcony, she quickly scanned the immediate space around the apartment, only to come up short. No little boys. No Drykas. Well, none that mattered to the Inarta. Okay. Time to calm down. Returning to the inner chamber, Uopa took her seat, lifted her glass, and nearly spilled the entire vessel's contents as she suddenly became aware that Kanto's dagger, with its intricate knot-work design, was resting on the shelf just a few feet above the seat that Vanator currently occupied. "Sorry. I, uh, I thought I left a sheet on the balcony...to dry...and I could hear the wind picking up. I didn't want it to drift off...if it was out there...which it wasn't. So. Uh. Yeah. You were saying?" she concluded as she finally took a sip of her wine. Seriously. Calm the petch down.

[Vanator]

A spark lit in Vanator's gold-fleck gaze as the woman revealed a nugget of information. He was at the right place, the Shadowmare is connected to this place, or this woman, somehow. But Uopa was a cautious character, and Vanator gave her credit for her wariness. In fact, the hint of a game ensued, in that the Drykas would have to garner the trust of the Inartan woman in order to gain her cooperation. The man nodded his head slightly, eyes slipping shut and opening, acknowledging the wisdom of his host's trepidation. Van lifted his glass and took a long sip.

"I respect your...caution. I assure you I am not here for revenge or vindication, I do not know these men that well." His smile remained, disarming and polite.

Vanator studied the nature of the woman sitting across from him, her gaze, the set of her mouth. Uopa was assessing her guest indeed, measuring his trustworthiness, and more, from his own physical characteristics and movement, just as the Drykas was of her. The attractive auburn-haired woman posed the first of her inquiries. It was rather personal, considering the mere chimes they had known each other. Yet, Vanator, as he reclined comfortably, mead in hand, felt inclined to answer Uopa's question.

The Drykas' hesitation lost his audience to some sudden urgent matter, as Uopa wisked herself away into what he believed was her bedroom. Vanator watched the slightly opened door for her return, for a moment at least, before his gaze turned to studying the contents of the chamber. Another sip of mead later, the woman reappeared, taking her seat. Vanator caught the blue-green eyes fix for a tick at some space above his head, immediately followed by a near fumble of her glass. Uopa explained away her brief disappearance, one which she did not owe her guest, nor did she deliver in a particularly believable manner. Suspicion rose as Vanator detected a lie. Were they alone, was there someone in the other room? Was a Shadowmare in trouble, a fugitive, hiding in this woman's apartment?

Vanator tried to conceal his speculation as his polite smile returned. He resumed his attempt to answer her question, his awareness now keen, eyes avoiding the desire to dart periodically towards the bedroom door.

"I actually live at the Sanctuary, a couple miles outside of town. My sister runs the place, I have come to help her. I do make frequent trips into the grasslands though, I cannot stay away." His smile broadened. Recent history was complicated for Vanator, and hashing it out with a stranger, no matter how appealing she may be, did not seem appropriate at the moment. "But I have not been among the pavilions, or in Endrykas for nearly two years, due to some unforeseen circumstances. This is why I seek the Shadowmare, simply to hear word of our people, or the fate of those that I know."

Van's eyes fixed on Uopa's, looking for her reaction, trying to determine the nature of the anxiousness the Inartan tried to hide. They were lovely eyes, he noted, and not unpleasant to plumb. Another sip spilled down Vanator's throat, warming his belly. "How does one of the eagle people find themselves so far from their mountaintop? Surprisingly, you are not my first Inartan...to meet. They seem to be like mizas, they travel." A wry curl touched the corner of Vanator's mouth.

[Uopa]

"Well, that sounds like a valid enough reason to be here and not there," Uopa sincerely remarked as she shifted in her seat, attempting to get comfortable once more. "Family is important. We should do what we can, when we can, without delay. Although, that said, my family, my parents in particular, were a little hasty when it came to helping me. That's how I ended up here, many years ago." Leaning forward now, she took a moment to refill her glass. Once full, she reclined and returned to her explanation. "I was a wild child. I'll admit that. They couldn't handle me. But, honestly, what child doesn't cause their parents grief at one time or another? But instead of trying to move me in the right direction, to mold me, to take the time to make me a better person, they shipped me off." She sipped her drink now and wondered if she should refrain from consuming much more. Her lips were quickly loosening up. The liquor was clearly taking its toll or, perhaps, she was just starting to realize that this man was truly not a threat. On second thought, probably both. "I came to live with my aunt and somehow, just somehow, she was able to do what my parents could not. She took me under her wing and helped me to soar to new heights. She didn't take shyke from me, but she allowed me to be me...within reason." Uopa smiled now, more to herself, thinking back to those early days. They were tough, but well worth the struggle. "Just listen to me, going on and on. I'm probably the most boring Inarta you've ever met," she suddenly announced. "Speaking of which, who is this other you speak of? Tell me more about your sister, too. I've always wanted to visit the Sanctuary, but haven't had the time, even in these many years, to make the trip." Somehow, she had managed to avoid the man's initial question regarding Kanto...or his brother. Instead, she was able to direct the conversation back to his acquaintances.