[Rearing Stallion] An Open Table with Empty Chairs (Open)

[John Griffin]

John smiled. He was pleased that Oc would show him her shape shifting, and very much curious about the entire Kelvic race. All he had ever heard was that they could turn into animals. He was also pleased when she pretty much talked up his work as a squire. While knighthood may seem glorious to others, in reality it was often boring and tedious.

"Welcome Jilitse, it's a pleasure to meet you," he said, being only mostly honest. In truth, the newcomer weirded him out just a little, keeping her hood forward to shadow most of her face.

"Well, sure it's work, but it's still gratifying. I enjoy practicing with my blade, though I must admit horses are quite uncomfortable to ride." His eyes lit up, "but studying is mostly reading books, which I love. It's all about finding topics that interest you. It turns something dull and unexciting into something that only makes you want to find out more, it drives your curiosity."

Finally the cowled stranger said more than just a few words. "Well, as you heard, I spend most of my time doing things related to being a knight. I like to come here at the end of a five day stint of patrols and relax. The surroundings are lively and sometimes entertaining, and I get a chance to get off my feet and just sit. It's quite enjoyable." He lifted his mug. "The ale doesn't hurt either," said John, with a smile.

[Jilitse]

Turning her attention to the Knight, she asked, "What do you mean?" The Nuit could not understand the human, as he had mentioned a few things foreign to her. "Relax?" Relax meant sleeping, right? She thought, since she did notice the man at the other table slumped, breathing slowly, eyes half-closed and snoring. Perhaps a tavern was a place to sleep for those who do not have a home? Why, Syliras had its own Orphanage for adults! Jil pressed a finger in her lips, appearing to be in deep thought. "Would you mind?" She held out a pipe, implying if any of her companions was averse to smoking.

"Resting is enjoyable, you mean?" She continued, "What do mean when you say the ale doesn't hurt? Is it supposed to?" Having no need to eat, drink, or sleep, the Nuit had forgotten what drinking felt like. She tried to recall... Did drinking ale hurt? She had a small curved smile on her face, for it seemed like it was hundreds of years since she drank mead. Probably back when she was still human. No, she could not remember. John Griffin better explain before she made her own assumptions.

Retracing John's statements she asked, "What kind of topics interest you?" And then to Oc, "How about you, Ocelot? You seemed like you do not like reading, but isn't there any topic you would like, at least, to know about?"

"I love reading mathematics," she offered her interests. She was slowly getting there, steering the conversation into something she wanted to learn about. The question was, how to get the human and Kelvic to talk about their gods and beliefs?

[Ocelot]

"Nice to meet you, Jilitse," came a polite response from Oc. Something about the woman still bothered her, though Ocelot wasn't one to judge. She made an effort to be nice to people, just in case she needed something from them. Better to have a lot of friends than a lot of enemies.

She paused for a moment, brows furrowing as she thought about the newcomer's questions. "Many Kelvics in my pack had human masters before joining us, but I've never had one. I take care of myself, though I wouldn't mind a kind master or mistress," she said with a shrug. "I only left my pack recently. In fact, that's why I came to this tavern. I was looking for company." Ocelot had heard stories of various masters and couldn't help but want to feel bonded to someone that way, though she didn't envy those who had been enslaved. The bond meant much more to her than just finding a companion, and enslavement would be unnecessary if that bond was formed. She forced a smile, trying to focus on something other than those feelings for the moment.

The way Jilitse talked bothered Ocelot. Not in the annoying sense, but rather in the way that the Kelvic knew something was off. While Ocelot didn't understand many figures of speech, Jilitse seemed to misunderstand things even the brunette understood. Oc herself did make her own misunderstandings, though. "Of course the ale doesn't hurt," she scoffed. "Why would it hurt? No one would willingly drink it if it did. The only reason it would hurt is if you chose to do something stupid while under the ale's influence," she stated matter-of-factly, eying John. Why would he state something so obvious? Unless... she quickly realized she had misunderstood again, though she wasn't sure how. She shrugged it off, frowning slightly.

Oc looked down at her lap, frowning even more so. She glanced up at John before allowing her gaze to drift back down, her cheeks turning red. "I can't read," she admitted, embarrassment obvious on her features. "Simple sentences, maybe, but trying to get through a book would be very difficult." She shifted uncomfortably, wondering if all humans knew how to read and write.

Looking back up, she responded to the stranger. "I like learning, don't get me wrong. Just... not from books. I'm interested in Kelvic history, as well as various forms of combat and animals. I don't know much about my own people, save what my family has told me, and I'm not a very good fighter. Animals... well, I like knowing about what I can hunt." Oc smiled, making sure her pointed teeth were shown prominently, as if to emphasize her point.

"Mathematics? Is that like adding and subtracting? I can only do a little of that," came Oc's response, the girl warming to her companions. Despite the odd feeling she still had about Jilitse, she found she didn't mind the stranger's company all that much. "It doesn't really come in handy when hunting in the wilderness," she added defensively, a little worried that all humans could do that, too.

[John Griffin]

This cowled woman is bizarre. More so than that crazy farmer I met earlier this season, thought John. How did she not know what relaxing was? "You know. Just get off my sore feet, let my aching bones rest. Relax."He gave her a queer look, not even close to understanding her confusion. He gestured for her to go ahead with the pipe, "By all means, it's no bother to me."

John chuckled, this Jilitse was quite the character. Was she some sort of religious fanatic, who spent her whole life sheltered in some cloister, dedicated to some god or goddess? John had a proper respect for the divine, and paid personal homage to Tyveth, but such a life was not for him. The knightly path was much more appealing than being some sort of priest or monk. Or nun. "Yes, resting, relaxing. They're enjoyable. Especially after a long couple days on my feet."

John listened to both women speaking of ale. He suspected that neither had actually ever drank any. "No, ale doesn't hurt, and it's not supposed to. Quite the opposite actually. It gives you a nice, fuzzy feeling. As long as you don't drink too much, otherwise you'll be ill." How had he ended up sitting with this pair? Life's curiosities thrilled him.

He warmed slightly to Jilitse when she asked of his interests. His eyes lit once more. "Well, I like history, especially military history. I like to read strategy and tactics, language and literature. And other books, if I can get my hands on them. Manuals on the use of swords, or the care of armor. Things of that sort."

John listened to Oc's answer, bewildered. He had learned to read when he was six, surely a grown women of twenty should be able to read? But then, he led a somewhat privileged life. Others were not so lucky.

"Mathematics? A useful skill. We must learn the basics in the Order, for logistics and the like. Beyond that it's just being able to count how many enemies you have." John grew curious. "What exactly is it that you do Jilitse?" A nun would not have need for numbers. Perhaps she was an overworked store clerk?

[Jilitse]

She nodded as if taking in her companions' answer seriously. "That was very enlightening. Thank you, for I have learned something new again today."

Jil faced the Kelvic, "Have you done anything to overcome your difficulties?" An unsolicited advice, "Maybe you should get a master, a bondmate, which ever title fits your desire, in order to teach you literature. I believe there are a lot of written accounts on Kelvics, and more to learn from those who study them." Specifically the ones who experiment on Kelvic breeding, but she did not want to give too much information. "I find Kelvics to be interesting, mainly because they cross the border between bestiality and humanity. Perhaps not having a bondmate is one of the reasons for your ineptitude?"

She bit her pipe but did not light it up. The Nuit was very still in her seat, and if they observe her closely, they would notice that she was not breathing. But maybe it was just the cloak? Jilitse noticed that Ocelot seemed to think less of herself because of her inability to read. "It is never too late to start learning." She commented, "I had a hard time studying when I was young myself." A short grim chuckle. The Nuit was, of course, more than centuries old. Referring to a time that was well before the Valterrian was considered amusing.

To John, she said, "Yes, I study math in relation to logic. I am studying human behavior in connection with their religion and their relationship with their deities. You can say that I have been trying to find logic in those things."

In order to avoid being suspicious, she ordered a mug of ale for herself. "Would not hurt to try, as you said." She smiled. Nuits, dead as they are, still possess their sensory faculties. They may eat and drink if they want to, although they have no need for it, and neither would they feel satiated. Any form of food and drink will sit in the pit of their stomach (or any crevasses left, depending in the way the body was embalmed) where it will probably rot.

She took a sip of the ale, letting in a very small amount into her mouth. "Hm. I see. That's what it tastes like." At the very least, she seemed like an uptight woman who had never had ale in her entire life. Her poise and posture may imply that she was of the sophisticated class.

Jilitse moved the mug towards Ocelot. "Have it for yourself. I'm afraid ale is not to my liking." She gave the Kelvic a nod. "I suppose it never was."

She found it impolite to ask more about work, when she had heard John said that he had just been on patrol. The Kelvic was looking for company and she was sitting there, observing the two strangers as she played with the pipe on her lips.

[Ocelot]

Oc listened intently as Jilitse talked, finding the woman to be kind, even if a bit odd. "No, I haven't tried to overcome these inabilities," she stated, shaking her head. "Not much, at least. I know enough to read a menu or a sign, especially when it has words I know, and to be able to tell what things cost. Aside from that, it hasn't really come up."

Nodding, she continued speaking, finding the stranger to be rather intuitive, though what she said was nothing new to Ocelot. "Yes, I think it's due to lack of human interaction. I've only been away from my pack for a month or two, and haven't met many others since," she explained, smiling a bit. "You are right, though. Forming a bond with someone who could teach me to read and write would be beneficial," agreed the brunette.

"That's one thing I'd like to know more of, especially since I am Kelvic," she added. "Why can we shapeshift from beast to human and from human to beast? I've heard tales which suggest we were created using magic, by a human. I'm interested in how. Why am I an ocelot when my parents are a wolf and a hare?" She cocked her head to the side slightly, wishing she understood even the basics of her own race. "Why do we feel the need to bond...?" she asked quietly, posing the question more to herself than the others at the table.

Astonishment showed on her face as she heard her two companions discuss reading and mathematics. She felt a bit better, what with Jilitse's encouragement towards trying to learn, even at her age (though she is much younger than she looks), and even found herself mildly curious about Jilitse's study, though the Kelvic hardly understood what it mattered if there was a logical connection in regards to religions and deities. "Jilitse," she began, curiosity taking over, "can you explain what you're studying? I think I understand the basic idea, but... what's the point?" Oc tilted her head slightly, a look of fascination on her face. "I'm just curious," she added. She understood that some people just learned for the sake of learning, but she wondered if Jilitse had her own reasons for her study.

As Jilitse passed her the ale, Ocelot found herself eying it curiously. "Thank you," she said distractedly, investigating the drink. She had yet to have any ale since entering Syliras, and curiosity found her sniffing the drink before her. She looked at it through the glass, noting it's color and appearance, before finally taking a small sip.

The warm liquid gave her a fuzzy feeling, much as John had said it would, though Oc was a bit worried. She had seen drunks on the street and did not wish to join them. "It's nice," she commented, smiling hesitantly, and pushing the glass away slightly in an effort to prevent herself from having more. It was delicious, but the Kelvic didn't think it would be good for her to have too much.

[John Griffin]

John listened politely to the women, sipping his ale all the while. His brow furrowed just slightly when he noticed Jilitse never lit the pipe. Odd. The two females talked about Oc's inability to read, John listening on with an abstract sense of horror. He didn't know what he would do if he couldn't read. So many countless hours spent with his nose in a book, reading of swords, knights, castles, and many other things. It was a travesty, that's what it was.

"I don't know about this bond thing, Oc, but I would be happy to help you learn your letters." There, it was said. If he could help her find enjoyment in books as he did, it would be well worth it. It didn't hurt that he found the Kelvic slightly attractive.

John laughed, "Logic in religion? Good luck. There is some, but there is fanaticism in equal measure. I like to think my own beliefs are logical, but then, I'm no professor in theology or mathematics. I think you'll find a good deal of human behavior is decidedly NOT governed by any sort of logic.

He sipped his own ale as the two tasted at the fresh mug. It seemed as if neither intended to finish it off. John eyed it with a slight sense of longing. He would give it a few minutes before asking if he could have it, just to make sure. Finally his food arrived, a bowl of venison stew, with boiled vegetables floating here and there amidst the deer meat. He took up the spoon provided and was about to dig in before he realized his lack of manners. Looking up he asked, "Do you mind?" posing the question to both of his companions.

[Jilitse]

"Hmm, I try to compare humans and the other races I've managed to come across with. I ask them about their faith and their ceremonial practices, if there are any." She fingered her pipe, blew smoke (but there wasn't any) dramatically and continued, "I'm trying to figure out if gods favor those who embody what they stand for. The followers of Tyveth or Sylir for instance, the Knights. They somehow embrace these gods ideologies and consider it as a way of life."

"So it would be ironic if somebody who liked to hunt animals or kill them for fun claim to be a follower of Sylir and have his gnosis," she paused, bowing her head to Ocelot and John, "I forget you are an animal - partly anyway, and that you are a Knight. Do forgive the audacity, but the message must have come across. It's hypothetical anyway, meaning, I'm still trying to see if its constant among other people and their gods and goddesses."

"Do people follow the gods and goddesses according to their virtue, or do they gravitate to the ones who mirror their inner selves?" She smiled at John, "As you said, there is some logic to it, I'm trying to figure it out." Would she need to be hopeful or desperate for Priskil to show up and meet her?

She then watched the Kelvic as it also had very little of the beer, no appreciation evident in her face. And eyed John, who glanced at the mug as if he wanted to take it. "You do not like it?" Jilitse asked Oc. If she didn't, she would ask if John wanted it instead.

"It seems like you have found someone to teach you," she waved a hand at John, telling him she didn't mind, "If you accept him as your mentor, would that make him your master?" Which was a circumspect way of saying, 'why don't you bond with each other?' An awkward silence would probably follow, so Jilitse tried to volley her eyes between the Kelvic and the Knight.

[Ocelot]

Blushing, Oc nodded at him slowly. "I would appreciate that," she said, smiling slightly. "Though I don't really know how bonding works. I just know that my people aren't generally happy without companionship of some kind. Some of us can't even handle living with other Kelvics." The exact reason Oc had left her pack, though she didn't mention that. Her gaze drifted to her lap, even as she smiled, thinking that bonding with John wouldn't be so bad. He had been nothing but kind to her, and she could respect that in a person.

She glanced at Jilitse, shaking her head. "It wouldn't make him my master unless it's what he wants," Oc commented, looking over at him with nonchalance. "I've never had a master, but my people often do and many don't mind it." A few Kelvics from her pack had joined them after having been released by their masters, either through death or other means. She had heard stories of how they entered their relationship with their masters, and few seemed to regret it, aside from those sold into slavery.

"I would owe him, at any rate," she added, shrugging. It didn't matter much to her, though she did feel that she should repay him somehow.

Ocelot listened to Jilitse with mild interest, though she didn't really understand why any of it mattered. She decided against saying as much, so as not to be rude, but she didn't comment on her questions regardless. Ocelot didn't understand religion, nor had she met a deity, and she didn't know anything about them to begin with.

Glancing at Jilitse once more, Ocelot shook her head. "It's delicious, really. I don't think I should drink much of it though." Following the woman's eyes, she noted the way John was eying the drink. Letting out a laugh, she pushed the mug toward him, also gesturing for him to eat. Only a moment later, a similar bowl was placed in front of her. "Are you going to get something to eat, Jilitse?" she asked, not knowing that the woman didn't need sustenance.

[John Griffin]

John wasn't sure about bonding. It sounded rather...permanent. "Well, perhaps we'll set aside some days to work on your letters and just, um...see what happens?" It sounded as if they were going to go on a date, or something like that. John blushed, and took a long drink from his mug to hide it.

He listened to Jilitse talk of the two gods he revered the most, though one was long dead. "It's pretty easy, really. And less about the gods than their ideologies. If Sylir had been the god of wanton brutality and destruction, the knight would not revere him, since that is not what they are about. We are about peace and civility, so we revere Sylir. On the same note, I am a follower of Tyveth, though I must profess I am not particularly devout. But I hold in high regard the tenants of honor, justice, integrity and truth, so it is only natural that I hold Tyveth in equal regard." He paused, realizing the depth of what he was saying before continuing. "I, of course, cannot speak for other humans, let alone other races, but I would imagine it is the same. Isur like patience and productivity, so they follow Izurith, the god of such."

A smile broke over his face when the spare ale was pushed his way. He downed the original in a few seconds of gulping, and eagerly pulled the second his way. "Thank you," he said, to both women.

He sputtered ale at the mention of being Ocelot's master. "Eh, how I help you with letters, and you show me your shapeshifting thing," he said, coughing up ale all the while. "Then we'll be square."

"So, Jilitse. You never exactly told us what it is you do. Are you some sort of Scholar?"