PM to join [Zhongjie Warren] The meeting of Dark and Light

[Favchean Hronis]

11th Winter 513

The winter snows had come already, the city of Riverfall dusted with the white powder. Before the season is over there will be more, Chealvan knew it for he had spent his full forty three years here. Moving through the Warren, the market stalls slow and sluggish this early in the morning, Chealvan tilted his head to the side as he perused a stall that boasted 'the finest' in fashion. Chealvan knew that Favchean would disagree vehemently, and was. Rosela from Red Diamond's Fashion had a far keener eyes then these.

The large green man shook his head gently again, letting the dark braid swing from its tightly woven position down the middle of his head. The sides of his scalp shaven clean meticulously, though with the darkness of his green flesh the black hair was not something that stood out. His leathers were old but well cared for, soon he would have to replace them but for now he enjoyed the way the breeches were perfectly sprung to carry his bulk, the way his leather vest hugged his shoulders without being constricting. It was hard to get leathers to fit just perfectly, it usually took time to break in.

He might not be the tallest Akalak, topping out only at six foot five inches tall, he was arguably a bulky one. His arms and legs thick and stout, his Lakan laying against his hip openly noting that he had passed his rite of passages and earned his second name. Today the darker brother was in control, a perfectly coordination between the two souls that was tightly maintained. He was patrolling, now that he had joined the Kuvay'Nas it was part of his duties.

[Lyn'nice]

Lyn'nice meandered through the colorful tents. She wasn't sure why she had come to the market...Maybe she'd buy something. Passing a food stall she had to stop and browse the goods. She wasn't necessarily hungry...But,squid. Lyn'nice loved squid, you could cook it any way you wanted of just eat it raw. She now knew what she wanted for dinner. She moved on humming to herself. Walking along she caught a large number of Akalak smiling at her all because of the plain metal band she wore now. She hated how plain it looked on her. Lyn'nice didn't like over the top fancy flashy things... But this band was just too plain. A simple design would of been nice.. She supposed it didn't matter as the Akalak seemed to notice her regardless. It was like a beacon to them. A clothing store caught her eye next an Akalak man seemed to be browsing as well. She gave him a cheery smile and a wave before she went to browse the selection of dresses on display humming to herself the entire time.

[Favchean Hronis]

Pale eyes scan the Warren, crime in Riverfall was not something that he thought of as rampant but there are those who might try to steal or sneak into their city for reasons other then what would be considered pleasant. A few times the patrols have reported stopping a thief, then there were those men the other night.... Chealvan's face darkened at that memory.

When another body slipped up beside him, the tall Akalak looked over, automatically looking down as he did so. In a city predominantly Akalak, it was odd that his first reaction was to look down but there it was. He saw a pretty Konti, his eyes slipping past the scales that graced her brow, over the fairness of skin inevitably toward her wrist. A Nakivak, and an unclaimed one for if she were under specific contract the band would be gold.

The Nakivak did an important service for the city, and while some -mostly the humans- viewed it with contempt Chealvan and Favchean were in agreement that the ladies who accepted such a contract were a very generous and deserving of much praise.

"Good morning to you." He growled, his gravely bass tones tempered by the quietness he keeps. His dark skin stretched as he smiled, showing off brilliantly white teeth. "Chealvan and Favchean here, I trust you are finding everything you need?" Even though he spoke to her, and kept his attention on her, his eyes continue to slide away to keep an eye on the markets, his mind on his duty still.

[Lyn'nice]

"A good morning to you as well. My name is Lyn'nice." She offered her bangled hand for a handshake it was also the arm that bore her mark of Rak'keli. The mark's opalescent swirls seemed to stem from her band winding their way up her arm. She laughed at his question, "Too easily! I'm tempted to buy so much. It's kinda overwhelming... But I'm sure all newcomers say that, right?" Lyn'nice stopped for a moment, "Umm... I don't mean to seem rude or anything but who am I talking to Favchean or Chealven? I still slightly confused with how that all works.. Like can you just switch at will? Or is there some sort of schedule to it? If it's too personal you don't have to answer." She looked away afraid she may have gone too far with her questions. But if one didn't ask, how would one know? Her attention turned back to the dresses. A few caught her eye. "Hmm.." She mumbled to herself, shifting her weight from one leg to the other. There was a party coming up and none of her clothes would surely do. She wanted lace, she knew that much. No sleeves were preferred too as she liked to show off her healing mark. Nothing too short either... Lyn'nice turned back to the man or was it men she had been talking to. Maybe he'd know what was fashionable. Should she ask? Nah, he seemed busy with something.

[Favchean Hronis]

When she offered her hand he took it, his much larger dark green hand engulfing her slight pale hand. Yet he didn't squeeze or apply more then just a gentle pressure, being infinitely careful with her more delicate hand. His mother had drilled into him to be careful, particularly when he was young enough to have spent most of his time with his father until he learned to control himself. Her questions amused him, his grin speaking of the amusement, as well as his hand tightening just a little on her hand not quite letting it go. "Not rude at all. When we introduce ourselves we introduce both of us... the first name is generally the one you are speaking with. Though the other is always here, " Chealvan waved his hand vaguely near his head, finally releasing her arm to straighten. "It is not unusual for new comers to be confused by the .. uniqueness that is the Akalak."

He continued to scan the Warrens, yet he did not feel the need to rush this conversation. Favchean would thank him later, if he decided to go to the oathmaster, no matter what his thoughts on using Nakivak were. Chealvan wanted the status a son would give him, and he was not going to let Favchean's propriety delay it much longer.

"It is far more structured then I would like.. Favchean is what you would refer to as the light brother.. he lets me out occasionally.." Chealvan gave another grin, this time a slightly darker one but still a grin. "It is a balance that all Akalak must maintain. We are fortunate as our personalities are a good match... most of the time."

Chealvan noted how she began to look over the dresses, and his head turned to the side again almost as if he was listening to something, or someone. "If your in the market for clothing..." He looked at the stall merchant without apology, "You can do much better then this. Rosela, who owns the Red Diamond Fashions, does much superior work then anything you will see down here."

Chealvan grinned at the affront the stall shopkeeper looked at him with, and deliberately turned his back to the man. "I am set to patrol the Warrens, if you would like an escort that is? You said you were new to Riverfall, what brings you?"

[Lyn'nice]

Lyn'nice listened with great interest to who she had learned was Chealvan. "You guys are pretty unique! I won't argue there," she said with a slight laugh. "Well for being the 'dark' brother, you seem pretty nice yourself! You said you get along most of the time... So you two do fight, but all brothers fight! Sisters too!" She knew that all too well herself. Sisterly fights. But, these two brothers shared a body. Lyn couldn't imagine how hard that must be. "Rosela? I believe I've heard the name. But, I've never been there. She's not too expensive is she? I mean if I get a calling from the Oathmaster.. I won't be able to wear it all that long. Unless I get my clothes let out.." She had begun to think out loud. Lyn'nice's bubbly smile returned to her face," You mean it? I mean you're not too busy? And Favchean won't chew you out later?" If the dark brother was this pleasant she wondered if the light brother was all work and no play. "As for why I'm here, it's tradition. My Great-Grandmother, my Grandmother, my Mother, and now me, we all came here as voluntary Nakivaks. We do our term and if we don't find our soul mate or if we have a daughter during the process we return home to Mura. I am one such daughter, my grandmama raised me until my mom came back. Be kinda neat to meet my dad but I don't know anything about him."

[Favchean Hronis]

Chealvan grinned and offered his arm to her, much like Favchean would have. Favchean was the one that was most enamored by the females, the one that was most likely to be gallant and cordial. However Chealvan could act the part, it is not as if he hadn't seen Favchean do it a million times. "Of course I don't mind. I am here patrolling anyway since I am Kuvay'Nas. Might as well patrol with a lovely lady on my arm."

Whether she took his pro-offered arm or not, Chealvan began to walk away from the clothing stall. "Rosela is the best, and her prices reflect it. But do not worry yourself about having to buy clothing to suit you when you are under contract. Akalak's who take up a Nakivak contract take care of the Nakivak's needs while she is under his contract." Chealvan flashed another smile downward at her. "I had never heard of Konti out of the kindness of their hearts taking up becoming Nakivak for the sole purpose to give us children." There was a touch of awe in his tones that usually did not creep into the tones of the Dark brother. No, Favchean would have probably been falling all over himself were he in control, his sense of gratitude for the generosity of the woman was palpable even now to Chealvan. "Most Nakivak's are working off a debt, or fulfilling a promise."

They passed a stand selling fruits, wares that were only of the preserved variety for winter was in bloom now and it would not do to let the fruit spoil. So there were dried figs, dried apricots. raisins, and other bits of selection. "Such is the life for many Konti and Akalak. It teaches strength and independence, but it does hinder the lesson of cooperation and balance when one parent is out of the picture permanently."

[Lyn'nice]

"Psshh, I'm not that pretty... But I'll take you up on the offer." Lyn'nice gave him a grin and a giggle and took his arm. "What's Kuvay'Nas? If you don't mind me asking. It sounds like a title!" She said with excitement. She groaned at the idea of someone having to buy her all the clothes she'd need. "I know that the Nakivak's partner buys what she needs.. But, it sounds like such a bother. I really don't want to have to bug my partner constantly or get on their nerves." Lyn smiled back at Favchean, "Yeah, that's probably why the men at the house and labor office got so excited when I told them. It's no big deal, Konti births are easy. So I'll bear around three sons and see what happens then. Maybe I'll stay longer, maybe I'll go home. I'd like to marry someday so I can't do this forever." "So, do you know your mother? Or is it a loose end like my Father? I DO know my great grandfather and he's an Akalak. Lives in Mura with the family. Stands out pretty bad, a large blue man among small white haired women!" Lyn'nice noticed some of the other people mulling about looking at them with curious looks. Except for the Akalaks who either seemed pleased to see them or a little upset that Lyn'nice's attention had been taken by Favchean.

[Favchean Hronis]

Chealvan noted the attention, but smugly smiled without commenting. Akalaks were growing more rare, each passing generation smaller and smaller, so any potential child are looked at with congratulatory natures. Chealvan moved his free hand over to pat the hand she had curled around his bicep, now he was running on just doing what he assumed Favchean would in his position. Yet when she spoke something caught his slightly pointed ear, and he pulled them to a stop, turning to face her. "Konti births are easy, if the child is Konti. Akalak sons are hard on the body, is why Akalak's are thinning, and why we use the Nakivak system. Akalak sons grow big, they tax the muscles and the very life blood of the mother. Konti have easier time then humans or Eypharians but still.. pregnancy by Akalak is no easy matter. Be careful what you promise Lyn'nice." Chealvan said quietly, not quite sure if she truly understood what she had gotten herself into.

Favchean might view the Nakivak system through rose-colored glasses, but Chealvan viewed it more pragmatically. He didn't disagree with it, but he still understood that women who seemed to do better in childbirth are often...enticed... one way or the other to lengthen their contract. He also understood that once this one says anything about being willing to bear three sons then that would be what she would be held to...even if she found out how hard a son would batter her body.

"My mother and my father are married. She was not a Nakiavak." Chealvan said easily again, turning once more to escort them further, "She came to Riverfall as many Konti do seeking a mate to bear a child with. She met my father, and they were married. Their Chevas mark is so funny, simply because it looks so much like a swirling dagger. She is currently pregnant and come Fall of next year she will give birth." There was a tinge of worry in his tones but mostly there was happiness. If it seemed odd that he was going to have a baby sister or brothers when he was nearing forty fave he didn't register it.

"The Kuvay'Nas are the militia of Riverfall. I am part of the infantry position. It is not really a title. Many Akalak volunteer and do volunteer patrols, some of us who have the appropriate skill sets are tapped to become part of the paid order."

[Lyn'nice]

"I know that Akalak births are harder, but out of the women who can carry them Konti's have it the easiest. When you stop and think about it our two races are the perfect match for breeding. We age about the same and share weird things in common. Plus, I promised my great granddad I'd do this." Lyn'nice turned and playfully poked Chealvan, "So don't give me second thoughts, got it?" She gave him a smile saying I can handle this. "So you'll be a big brother! Congratulations!" She giggled. "Wouldn't it be strange for you to have a sister? However I'm guessing it will be boys. Boy or girl I'd like to meet them once they're born if that's alright with your family. I'm sure your mother could give me some advice on the matter of birthing as well. Because by fall, there's a good chance I'll be taken... So I'd have to wait until my term was over as being around other men besides the one whose term you're on is frowned upon I've heard. So until then I hope to be your friend and hang out from time to time, you seem like a nice guy. I hope my contract is as nice as you."