Timestamp: 33rd Day of Spring, 514 AV
Vanator had given much consideration to the matter. He had tried to set aside personal emotion and make a sound decision. He had consulted with Kavala on several occasions as they discussed Reven and the manner in which she had blossomed since coming to the Sanctuary. Of course, she needed to know. The Kelvic was his bondmate, his love, and she now knew that he commanded some measure of magic. But the discussions between the Denusk siblings went further. Reven was bound now to Van, and if they were going to be together, the Kelvic needed to be able to hold her own. Trouble always seemed to find Van and Kavala, or, they always seemed to find it.
Reven, in her cougar form, was well able to defend herself, powerful muscle, sharp teeth, razor claws became a formidable defense. But the incident in which Reven was nearly kidnapped compelled Vanator to insist she find ways to defend herself in her smaller, human shape. Weapons were part of that. But the Denusks were growing in power, power that extended beyond even this plane, power that would draw enemies. If Reven were to remain at Vanator's side, she must be ready for foes beyond the pale. More than claw and blade, she would need. Vanator wanted to give his bondmate the power of Reimancy. It was a dangerous thing to embrace, and he had to make sure Reven understood the risks. In the end, it would be her decision.
The Drykas had selected a moonlight night. He did not tell Reven his plans, only that he had a surprise for her. They enjoyed the evening meal with their friends and family, Vanator sharing knowing glances with Kavala. Then he invited Reven to share a bath, and the bondmates washed each other, relaxing together in the warm water. They would be going outside, so Van had Cadra bring in one of her simple light sundress for Reven and a pair of cotton pants and shirt for her father. The feline Kelvic hung them on pegs on the wall of the bathing chamber and slinked out.
Once they had bathed and toweled off, they massaged scented oils into each other's tanned skin, leaving an aroma of spices lingering between them. They slipped into the clothing Cadra had left, and Van took Reven by the hand and lead her, barefoot, down to the Main Sea Cave. Aweston, at Vanator's bidding, had lead Sirroco down around the beach and left him in the cave for Van. Flashing a smile at Reven, Vanator scooped up a pack laying nearby, slinging it over his back. The Drykas vaulted onto the strider's bare back, and extended a hand down to the Kelvic. He hoisted his lover onto the horse to settle in front of him. With an unseen command, the stallion trotted out through the open cave gate and out onto the moonlit beach. Van's hands laced around Reven's waist as Sirroco turned and began to walk up the beach, away from Sanctuary and Riverfall.
The breeze was cool but not cold, tugging at their damp hair and their lightweight garments. Vanator leaned his head forward, avoiding the whipping mane of the Kelvic, and kissed her on the cheek. Van was already stirred, a reaction he could never hide when they were that close, He did not try to conceal his arousal from Reven, hoping it hid his plans, and the subtle apprehension he felt regarding what he would propose.
"I have some place to show you." He whispered in her ear over the sound of the surf. They rode for several chimes, their bodies swaying together in sync with the movement of the horse beneath them, a dance that came second nature to the horse lord. Eventually, they came upon small waterfall. The stream of water that plummeted down from higher in the cliff was not wide, and only appeared when the region had seen a lot of rain, like that Spring. The water had digged a small channel in the sand and running to the sea. Behind the small falls was a cave, little more than a depression in the cliff wall, but deep enough to offer some privacy behind the curtain of the falling water. "here we are."
Vanator slid from the back of the strider then reached up to help Reven dismount. She didn't need his help, teh cougar girl was lithe and athletic enough to bound from the horse herself, but Van had learned a measure of etiquette, and offered the assistance anyway. Again, taking his bondmate's hand, Van lead Reven behind the falls, a subtle mist coating them as they slipped behind the water, leaving beads of moisture on their oiled skin. The moonlight was diffused as it passed through the rushing water, leaving the cave with only the dimmest illumination. The Drykas slipped the pack from his back and reached inside, pulling out something long, the light too faint for Reven to identify it.
Then a small flame appeared. It danced above the tip of Vanator's forefinger, casting an orange glow upon his features as his eyes lifted to Reven. A wry smile curled at the corner of his mouth as the flame bent and reached out to a torch in his other hand. The flame ignited the torch, the larger flame throwing its warm light to the walls of their private rocky room. the flame on his finger was extinquised and Van thrust the torch into the sandy floor, where it stood.
"That is what I want to talk to you about." He settled to the ground, sitting cross legged, and patted the sandy floor in front of him, indicating the Kelvic should join him, sitting across from him.
