An Unlikely Reunion [Kavala, Vanator]

by **Vanator** on August 3rd, 2013, 8:27 pm

It hurt, it was perplexing, irritating even. The cursory conversation seemed almost ridiculous in light of the stunned state of Vanator's mind. To have Sybel just appear, and the two of them pretending, poorly, to ignore the olidosapux in the middle of the room. At the arrival of the Benshiran, Kavala has managed to paint it over...no, Kavala was sincere in her welcoming. The Konti did not bear the same grudge as her brother, or maybe, Kavala just understood better, understood why Sybel had to run. Afterall, she had been compelled to leave Endrykas too.

Once he had dutifuly assured their guest had what she needed to bathe, Van nodded and turned from the room, allowing the wayward Benshiran the privacy of her bath. But once outside the entrance, out of site of the bathing pool, Vanator stopped. He did not turn around, he simply stood, listening. The Drykas heard the subtle brush of her garments as Sybel disrobed, the soft tinkle of water as she stepped into the bath. Then, Vanator heard Sybel's desperate words. The sound of her dismay made his heart ache, melting the hard wall that went up at the sight of her. The jilted fiance wrestled with his angst as his soul remembered how he had longed for a life with the desert girl.

With a shake of his head, Vanator quietly continued down the hall, out of sight and earshot of the bathing chamber, and leaned against the wall outside his door. Deep in thought, arms crossed, head lowered, Van lifted his head when Kavala appeared.

by **Kavala** on August 5th, 2013, 2:11 am

Barefoot, she walked silently through the stone halls, only coming to a halt when she met face to face with Vanator. Her brother was tall, far taller than the Konti, and tense. So tense, in fact, that the healer stopped well before his personal space. She reached out a hand to stroke the wall to her left, as if taking comfort in the stone. She stood in silence before him for a full chime, maybe ten, before she said anything at all. When she did speak, her voice was quiet.

"Life is too short to always dwell in the past. Living in the now is one of the most important things we can do, Van. Sybel always lived in the future. It was one of her biggest problems. Maybe after all this time, she's learned to enjoy 'now' and not be so afraid of it. Don't hate her. Not, at least, for being who she is. She's alive. When a great many that we love has died, that is a lot to be thankful for. I know she hurt you. Life hurts. But... " She paused. Kavala didn't know exactly what had transpired between Sybel and Vanator, though a lot of it could be inferred.

"But live in the now...." She said, meeting his warm gaze. Then she infolded him in a hug. She refused to ask him how he was or what he wanted. Kavala knew that Vanator hadn't had time to process any of those emotions yet. She simply wanted to be there for him if he needed something to lean on... a bit of sanity in a world suddenly gone insane.

by **Sybel** on August 6th, 2013, 1:57 am

Sybel dressed slowly, feeling sluggish. It would be difficult to face them again. She felt refreshed, which was a relief, but the time was drawing nearer to explain. What had gone wrong? What had truly happened? Sighing, she raked a hand through her waterlogged mane. There was a time and place for all things. She just wished she had a say in it.

She paused near the door however, recognizing the lilting cadence of Kavala’s voice. Catching the tail end of it all, tears forced their way to her eyes. Again. This was becoming a rather tearful evening for the three of them, all things considered. Sybel mopped herself up and walked out with dignity, feigning surprise at the sight of them both.

”Hey,” she said softly, smiling. Where would they go from here? The questions stuck in her mind. Kavala really did retain that gentle heart she loved so well. She had an endless stream of questions for them both, but maintained sheepish silence instead. What could she possibly ask? ’Hey, which way to the part of the compound where I can quietly hang myself in shame?’

Which was a stupid thought.

”I hope I’m not interrupting anything…” She trailed. ”Thank you so much for your hospitality.”

by **Vanator** on August 8th, 2013, 5:29 pm

Vanator, lost in thought, was only became aware of Kavala's presence once she appeared next to him in the hall. His sister offered no words for the longest time, but her presence was a comfort. It helped that Kavala knew Sybel as well, understood the nature of the woman. Kavala knew her brother too, very well. When she did speak, her carefully chosen words were crafted from experience and wisdom and no shortage of love for both the man and the woman caught in the awkward moment.

Vanator lifted his gaze from the floor. He nodded slightly, dark eyes finally meeting the bright glance of the Konti. Van had learned, or was at least in the process of learning, to put the past behind him. Coming to Sanctuary had been a rebirth for him, a fresh start after a life that had turned nightmare. Kavala was right. Regardless of what had happened, Sybel was a soul from a past that was now nothing but lost souls. A living connection to the memories of what life had been. For that, Vanator would welcome her. Not only for that, but because he had loved her, and damn Hai if he didn't still.

Soft footfalls again echoed off the stone walls as Sybel approached. Vanator looked at her, the tears mopped up but her blue gaze betraying her sorrow. Still, she mustered a smile. The Drykas glanced over at Kavala, fixing his gaze on hers for a moment before looking back. Sybel no longer bore the smell of sweat and leather and horse, not unpleasant to the Drykas, but the aromas of the soaps clinging to her were no less pleasing.

Vanator offered Sybel a small smile. "You will stay with us for a while, won't you?" He asked, the offhand question more of an invitation, and an extended laurel of peace, to the humbled guest. A hand lifted to rest on her shoulder, just a moment, before returning to his side. The shock of Sybel's appearance had waned with the passing chimes, and the comfort of his sister. Maybe this was what was supposed to be, for reasons he didn't yet understand. But he would not punish Sybel. Sanctuary was a place of rest, refuge and healing. Perhaps that was what the Benshiran needed. Maybe it was for his own that she found her way here.

by **Kavala** on August 8th, 2013, 8:36 pm

Kavala took a deep breath, then a second one, and then finally a third. She was a third wheel in this reunion and knew it. Kavala turned, slipping away from the pair and opened a door that was off to one side in the long hallway. It revealed a sodalite decorated room, flowers and linens already laid. There were space enough for Sybel and her things, of which Kavala had laid out on the chest at the end of the bed.

Kavala said very little, knowing Sybel needed to rest and Vanator needed to get used to the fact that Sybel was around, back, and alive. The Healer needed to get used to it as well. She paced quietly past the pair, nodding good night to them. "Cadra will have breakfast ready in the morning at first light. Follow your nose to find it." Kavala offered, passing up the hall and turning to the left. She went to check on the pile of kelvics that was probably occupying her bed and surrounding her son... leaving the two alone for the evening with only a brief uncertain glance backwards.

by **Sybel** on August 13th, 2013, 4:48 pm

Her voice stuck, trapped somewhere at the base of her throat. She stared helplessly as Kavala walked away. She wanted to chase after her, call her back – she’d seen Vanator more recently than her, even! She’d traveled all the way to Mura twice just to seek her out. But it was apparent they’d have to speak later, lest she embarrass herself again.

”Of course,” she managed finally, punctuated by a weak smile. She felt very much like a herd of glassbeak had run right overtop of her. Sybel slowly drifted over to her new room, surprised to find it festooned with her favorite color and gemstone. She’d remembered. Sentimentality was in no short supply, it seemed. Damn that Konti! Kavala was too stubborn to be denied.

She blinked. ”How lovely,” she remarked, wandering into the room proper. ”Thank you.” It was a sincere thanks, one smacking of love. Her watery smile morphed to a grin. ”They say a Denusk never forgets.” As illustrated by the wall-hangings. ”She remembered my favorite color.” Sybel turned to face Vanator. How desperately she wanted to be back in his arms. But instead she could only feel pain, the pain she caused him.

”Vanator…” She bowed her head, lips parted, eyes dancing away. ”I am in your debt.”

by **Vanator** on August 16th, 2013, 4:15 pm

Of course she would stay. Both Kavala and Vanator would have insisted. Yes, the sight of her opened a closed wound for Vanator, but it also set a spark to a heart that had been lonely and uncertain. Sybel had meant something to both of the Denusks, and regardless of what they would have to overcome, the Benshiran would not be sent away.

Kavala ensured she did what she could to make Sybel feel welcome, setting up a room for her. Van's sister excused herself, casting an uncertain glance at her brother. Kavala had imparted her advice, and left Vanator to his own means of handling Sybel's presence. Turning back to Sybel, the Drykas followed their guest to her room, several steps behind. He leaned on the door frame, watcing as Sybel inspected the specially appointed quarters. "No, we do not easily forget." The comment slipped, its obvious reference instantly regretted. "Kavala was very fond of you, I am certain. We all were." The man added with a weak smile. He still loved her. The depth of the hurt gave testimony to it, as did the desire for her to stay, in spite of the hurt.

It was hard for Sybel too, Van could all too readily see it. Her demeanor was contrite to the point of self-degrading. Vanator could have made her to suffer, to milk her exposed humility in order to gain recompense for what she had done. But he was not that kind of man. Too few were those left in the world whom he loved, and who loved him. Sybel would not be punished for following her heart. It would not be easy, but Kavala and he had been at odds at one time too, and now they were closer than ever before. If he gave it time, and Sybel did not flee again, maybe at least they could become friends.

"You owe me nothing. Sybel. Get some rest, I will see you in the morning." His gaze lowered, and Van turned to return to his room.

by **Sybel** on August 23rd, 2013, 2:16 am

"No, we do not easily forget."

She winced, though he scrambled to amend it. No, they did not forget and for that matter, neither did she. Vanator’s mouth twisted up at the corners feebly. It looked more like a grimace than a smile. Sybel simply mirrored his expression, able to do little else. She thanked him already; what else could be said? For the first time in what seemed an eternity, she was absolutely lost.

And he said she owed him nothing. How that remark stung. It was the lash of a whip, biting through bone, licking spitefully at the marrow. How could she do such a thing? It was he that owed her nothing. Every action of the past seemed so foolish now. But he turned and she drank in his retreating form, hand itching out to call him back, to feel his embrace.

Instead he walked away. And slowly – very slowly so did she, hangdog, retreating to her beautiful azure bower.

As she entered, the door swung behind her. Sybel melded her back to the wall, sliding against the grooves, unable to stem the tide of her sorrow.

She wept for the very second time like a true Benshira. She wept with shame and regret.

by **Magpie** on September 20th, 2013, 1:47 pm

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Sybel :

Vanator :

Kavala :

Notes :

If you have any questions or concerns about what was awarded, please don't hesitate to PM me.
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Closed An Unlikely Reunion [Kavala, Vanator]