ghosts that we knew.

by **Caelum** on January 20th, 2014, 6:32 pm

"I do," Caelum promised. "As much I am able."

He stretched his arms above his head, elongating his spine, before bending over to dust the palms of his hands against the ground. He was letting his muscles warm down from their bout, feeling all of the aches and bruises. He exhaled slowly and slid his left foot out into a lunge, easing the burn of muscles. All the while, he took sideways glances at Vanator, feeling the silence as it settled around them, and the nudging of all that went unasked.

Turning his thoughts over in his mind, Caelum unraveled back to his feet and shook himself off. In the back of his throat, he tasted blood that wasn't his, blood that hadn't been shed tonight, blood. Always blood. He had not been altogether surprised to find it here, at the Sanctuary, after having navigated through a storm of it.

"You think what you desire is sick, and that therefore it makes you sick," he spoke finally, soul snagging upon needs that surrounded Vanator's darkest ones. He enjoyed cutting women, was aroused sexually by blood. "That isn't right. This world we live in cares nothing for our thoughts, for ambitions and desires. Trust me on this."

Irony illuminated his smile and he tilted his head toward the gated entrance to the Within, feet turning lazily in that direction. He knew their battle was done for the night.

"The only thing the world cares about is what we do with our thoughts, how we approach our desires, where we aim all the arrows of our ambitions. I can assure you that there is no sin in thinking a thing, nor is there a sin in wanting. The origin of your desire may be wrong, Vanator, but it in itself doesn't have to be."

There was a great deal more that Caelum could say, but there were also trusts on him he did not want to accidentally break. He knew more a small thing or two regarding Vanator's sister and, further, he could see how these things colored the tangle of the pavillion's protection in their Ankal's eyes.

by **Vanator** on January 22nd, 2014, 4:33 pm

As the ageless being in Drykas guise shifted his lean, corded body into graceful stretched, Vanator paced several idle steps, observant eyes scanning the open area and surrounding buildings. It was an unconscious habit, always assessing his environment, noting the status of every door, open or closed, every mundane object and the reason it lay where it did. His nostrils flared, catching the scents of Sanctuary. One gust of the breeze would bring in the earthy aroma of the horse barn, a sweet smell to the Denusk man, while the air wafted from the bird mews was much less pleasant. A sudden shift in the wind brought in a cool, salty cleansing of his palate.

The silence was broken by Caelum's voice in a tone that lacked judgement. Vanator knew instantly to what the Eth referred, answering his own inquiry regarding the penetration of the man's Ranuri. Vanator could have felt violated, for the depravity of his unwilling perversion was one that carried much guilt, and thus hidden away in the deep places of his soul. But Caelum's wisdom revealed a willingness to disregard Van's affliction, or rather, an admonishment that there was a line between thoughts and the actions they inspire. Condemnation fell upon those without the discipline to refrain from acting upon their sinful desire.

Vanator watched Caelum take the first few steps towards the entryway before turning to accompany him. Words were hard to assemble, in light of the revelations between the two men. Caelum was unlike any man he had ever met, and as complex as one would meet. How great the weight the Eth must carry, not only his own burden, but that of those around him. Yet, the healer could be as humble and down to earth as anyone.

There was much more to be said, it seemed, but it would wait. Both men knew it was enough for the moment. Vanator simply lifted his voice, keeping it close between them. "I am glad you are here, Caelum. You seem to...fit here." Vanator fell silent for a moment as they passed into the tunnel to the Within. "Thank you." He spoke, the small smile audible in his grateful tone.

by **Nyxie Nadira Draer** on April 11th, 2014, 4:45 am

Caelum :

Vanator :

Notes :

If you have any questions, concerns, complaints, etc about your grade, drop me a PM and we can most certainly talk it out.
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As always, stay awesome!

Closed ghosts that we knew.