Open [Sanctuary] Crackling fires and warm bodies.

[Adrien Dair]

91st Fall, 514 AV. Night

The Rhino walked into the Sanctuary trailed by the traveler with his dog and the Konti. The place he had called home for almost a season now and the place his bond had happened. The season seemed to come and go in a flash to him. Everything coming and going so quickly that he felt he need to grab onto something now before it was all gone. "How about we have a bonfire?" he said looking at the other two over his shoulder. The snow coating the ground hiding the tracks the had just made as the walked towards the Sanctuary.

The Kelvic thought it would be a great idea a place to gather everyone together and sit around the fire. Telling stories about the seasons past or just talking in general. Anything that would cause them to spend more time together and not forget about how important things like family and friends are. He opened his thoughts up to Kavala. Knowing that she would feel him coming back, know he was once again home in the Sanctuary. Their glorious snow battle playing again in his head and him burying Aoren in the snow. A huge smile spread on his face as he turned around to face the two. He knew Eselle knew were things nodded at the two. "I'm gonna go find Kavala and the twins. We can meet here or the commons which ever you prefer" he said. "I'm probably gonna change to." He looked down at his clothes and boots that had been soaked from their journey home in the snow. He wanted to spend more time with Kavala around others. Wanted to share a really happy moment with her and his friends. He felt that tonight might be the night to tell them.

He nodded and turned off. Walking towards the tunnel that lead to the Within. He would wander through the halls. Searching for his bond mate and the twins as he went. Making his way to his quarters. He felt that they would ether run into each other on the way or she would let him know where she was. Ether way the Rhino was focused on getting warm clothes and then hunting her down. He made his way into his room and began to disrobe. Throwing his bag on his bed and kicking his shoes off. He searched through the wardrobe, looking for the least worn down clothing he had and the warmest. As soon as he was dressed he would head out in search of Kavala again.

[Kavala]

The Konti was with the children, all of them, playing a game with the ones old enough to do so and cradling Ia’del as Ralac laid out on a blanket, already sitting up and already playing with smaller toys – carved things - that Aweston had made him. He was busy waving a horse around and making it jump a ring that had other colorful wooden rings carved onto it. Ia’del was quietly watching her mother as she supervised Tasi and Lilian chasing an oversized walrus’s stomach around the Sea Cave. The thing had been inflated and the two children had paired off, inventing some sort of game as they went.

Kavala was singing to herself and her daughter, quietly remembering the words to a song about winter finally coming.

“Trees bared to winter's touch
By winter's breath laid bare
Leaves whisper of winter's heart
Of winter's heart they share”

The little girl laughed, hands fisted in her mother’s hair, as Kavala danced her around. Cadra sat on a blanket next to Ralac and watched the Konti with her daughter, so alike the two were even in Ia’del’s frailty. Kavala surprisingly was not a soprano. Instead her voice was richer, like warm chocolate, and her clear high alto filled the Sea Cave, unaccompanied by music though it should have been..

“Upon the floor red, copper glow
In waning sun, cold winter's hold
Whisper leaves, the story told
Of winter's heart laid bare
Tell it swiftly, in the fading glow
Ere all be covered in winter's snow”

She sang with her throat contracted, her chest supported, and danced around slowly, twirling her daughter in her arms and giving her the illusion of flying. She had ever reason to celebrate. The far end of the cave was entirely filled with hay piled high and compact, more than enough to see most of the horses all the way through winter if there was never a clear dry day enough to turn them out. There would be good weather though. There always was following and preceding the worst. That she had her family here, most of them at least, and the twins were still alive, both the young set and the older set from Vanator’s blood spoke well. There was nothing worth building for, nothing worth protecting, if there was no one here to protect.

She even had someone new, someone unexpected, that had walked into her life abruptly when she’d least wanted or needed him. But he was here now, going no where, and Kavala couldn’t help but think the army was gathering for a war. So instead of letting that worry permeate everything she was, the healer celebrated the peace of the moment, and continued to lift her voice in song.

“Tell it softly, speak it low
Ere all things cease to grow
Tell of autumn; brooding, dark
For she made winter lonely, stark
Speak of summer; distant, cold
For on her winter has no hold”

The dance continued, as too did Kavala’s voice filling the massive cave. Adrien, if he opened himself up to it, could feel her joy, and almost hear the singing as she danced with her daughter deep below. The earth held no concern for Kavala. It was her friend and if the truth be told about it, the stone around her sang to her in a way that a fellow mage might become uncomfortable with. She was the fortress as much as it was her. She’d built it, only with the start of a small cave for inspiration and a cliff that was perfect for sheltering a small compound.

They’d taken over and their needs had grown. And following that, The Sanctuary was transformed into The Within and The Above. Walls protected them. Stone buildings housed them. And if there was trouble they could always shelter below. Kavala drew out the next stanza because the children were screaming in laughter, having trapped the ball in a corner and each trying to kick it out without kicking each other. The Konti waited until the ball was free and breathless children were at it again before she twirled with Ia’del once more, and added another verse.

“Whisper of spring; haughty, lout
For winter's end she brings about
FIENDS! FOES! FELL and FOUL!
Soon to be swept under winter's cowl
When Sun is gone and Moon is dead
Winter's tale shall know no end
For winter first did come
And by winter all will be undone
Tell it softly, speak it low
Ere winter's breath covers all in snow”

The Healer turned Dreamer turned Warrior and yet all three at once laughed and kissed her daughter and spun about once more. She ended her final spin up by a huge pile of firewood as the last notes of her song died out. The pile was the one that was always restocked as part of the staff chores, so they would have an endless supply of pre-dried heat. There she looked up, noticed the audience, and grinned.

“Why hello!’ She said softly, flushed from the singing and dancing, and also slightly embarrassed.

[Caelum]

Autumn had been long and incendiary. Rising winds had caught Caelum in their grip and fanned the embers of a dark desire into full conflagration. Their phantom firelight seemed to still echo over him as he watched Kavala sing and dance with her daughter. The laughter of Lillian and Tasi reverberated through the sea cave and Elise cast him a sloe-eyed smile as she passed the shadow he slouched in to spill toward Ralac and Cadra. The former slave’s dark blue eyes were alight with unexpected and rare happiness and she looked around for the familiar figure of Larik. “Ellie! Ellie! Watch!” Lillian called to Elise right before kicking the inflated walrus skin against the wall. It bumped back to roll toward Tasival in a successful move. Elise applauded before dropping cross-legged to the blanket beside Cadra. Caelum cast a long, low look at the kelvic man coming down into the sea cave Kavala was greeting. He had seen him around the Sanctuary, of course, but then Caelum had not been around so much himself of late save to sleep most nights or to come in to help with a particularly difficult veterinary case or, of course, to drop off and collect his daughter. Throughout the season Kavala or Aweston would find some various chores accomplished before they could get to them or a basket full of colorful squash left for Cadra in the kitchen. Little gifts of assistance or substance, very often filling some need or another, including a whole collection of brightly colored, soft wool blankets stacked up in the common room when the weather turned colder. These were the evidence of his passage and presence, and now he studied the newcomers to the Sanctuary and to their lives with careful eyes. A familiar, loose hipped amble carried him out of the shadow of the cliff wall and toward the others. He walked wearily, but thanks to the grace of both Syna and Rak’keli was otherwise healthy and unharmed. His wore his favorite, soft riding leathers and a long sleeved tunic, untucked, with a cableknit sweater the color a sea at storm. The sweater was at least as old as the rest of him. In the skin of long dead Drykas ankal, the dreamwalker cast a curious smile to Kavala and aimed himself at the pile of wood. “Does Ia’del like to dance?” He inquired, warm and amused. “Just think, Kavala, we could start our own troupe of players.” Lillian loved to sing and play the lute, after all.

[Aoren]

91st of Fall, 514

.

The chill of Winter clung to Aoren’s bones even after he’d changed out of the cold, wet clothing from the early morning romp through the snow. It was something that would take a little getting used to especially when he’d come from a warmer, more humid climate. He hugged the long jacket of his attire more closely to his frame as he passed into the warmth of the indoors. He had yet to relocate from the Alements tavern in Riverfall proper to the living quarters at The Sanctuary. He had made up his mind to stay one last night at the tavern in the city before packing up and bringing all of his belonging to what he hoped would be his home for a long time to come. At his side padded his ever present and faithful hound, Isikai. The black Bozderon and Zypherian mixed breed had taken a liking to the Konti woman, Eselle. He walked between the both of them occasionally earning a pat on the head from Aoren for acts of playfulness.

“I think a bonfire sounds like a bright and warm idea.” Aoren chuckled walking in step with Eselle. Aoren was dressed in somewhat nicer attire. Draped over his shoulders was a sleeveless long jacket dyed black with red at the shoulders. It trailed all the way down to just about mid-calf. The shirt he wore beneath it was long-sleeved to make up for the lack of sleeves on the jacket. It was black with red trim, the high collar rising up to conform to Aoren’s neck comfortably. His trousers were a charcoal color matching the calf-high black boots they were tucked into. Around his waist was a red and black sash to keep the shirt from billowing out. It was a stark contrast to the colors that Aoren would normally be found wearing. He tended to keep to simpler shades following more earthy pallets. The clothing was tailored to Aoren’s form complimenting his trim, athletic physique. With his hands clasped behind his back he glanced at the Konti beside him, to Adrien he nodded.

“Ha! Go get changed! I'm sure we'll meet up with you just fine.” Watching the rhino Kelvic trot off to get changed and into something more comfortable Aoren spoke to Eselle.

“You spoke earlier of perhaps reading the cards? Fortune Cards, then?” Aoren hadn’t much experience with fortune telling. He could see where reading omens, searching for truth behind veiled hints from the world and portends toward disaster might be useful but it had never captured his attention. He knew that it wasn’t a particularly uncommon craft as he’d heard of several fortune tellers around Syliras and even in Zeltiva. He would listen to Eselle politely, very much interested in what she had to say in the art of reading fortunes before they were once again joined by Adrien. Aoren would nod to the Kelvic giving him a smile before accompanying them all down into the interior of The Sanctuary.

The sound of a voice singing filled his ears. It was a pleasant voice rich like honey and warm like the glowing embers of a fire. It took him a moment to realize that the singing was coming from Kavala. As they passed into the Sea Cave he heard song, he heard the laughter of excited children, and with a fluttering in his stomach, he heard Caelum. Aoren couldn’t quite describe it but the mere presence of the man awoke something inside of him. Like the song that reverberated off the walls of the inner most parts of the Sanctuary, Aoren felt a song within him equally joyful and melodic when around Caelum. When their small party came to a stop to be greeted by a slightly flushed Kavala, Aoren tried to keep the smile from creeping across his lips. It was nice to see her surrounded by her children and lost to a moment of bliss in the company of her family. Upon meeting her gaze he merely dipped his head. Isikai, heedless to any sort of social norm, immediately made his way over to the children playing with the inflated walrus stomach.

Aoren wasn’t worried. For his size, the dog was rather gentle and friendly when it came to interacting with others. No doubt he would, in but a few moments, find himself subject to all sorts of antics involving several attempts at riding atop his back. The Drykas man inclined his head to Kavala in greeting as was his way. Like a moth to a flame he drifted over to Caelum coming to stop just beside the Ethaefal. Aoren lingered very close but refrained from touching the Ethaefal though he didn’t want to. He still wasn’t entirely certain how comfortable the guarded man was with him and his affections. So he took it in stride and with as much grace as he could. He wanted Caelum to be comfortable on his own terms. Upon seeing a bright eyed girl that practically radiated curiosity and energy Aoren couldn’t hold back the chuckle that escaped his throat.

“This must be Lillian.” Kneeling so that he was on the same level as the young girl Aoren extended a hand to her.

“Pleased to meet you. Your father has told me much about you.”

.

[Xira Hezmek]

Autumn was dying and winter budded beneath it, aching to break free. The towers would change and the first fall of morwen's heavenly entourage would be vindicated. The ride back was beautiful, frosted in snow and cold in a way that Syliras usually was not. Snow, the Windrunner horse, steamed and puffed as the courier maintained his position astride her back, not without difficulties of course. Nearly a year and he still had trouble staying on her delicately built back.

The chill had finally gotten to the courier. He had put off these purchases for a long time. More concerned with his work than his own well being. It was after recovering from a sickness that he had finally gone to get some warmer things. It was evening by the time he returned to the Sanctuary, his home, at to the people he cared about both new and old. It was nice to be warm again. Xira had not even left the shop without changing from his simple clothes to his new winter clothes. He now owned several warm woolen trousers in a range of colors, cut in what the vendor had assured him was the latest style. He had woolen shirts now, a black, red, white and blue beyond his plain shirt that he had to wash so often to keep clean. Even a reversible cloak of white and black and a black cloak that had many pockets lining the inside. Among others of course, all stored within his great saddle bags or on his body.

By the time the courier had Snow stabled and his excess purchases stored away the sun was gone and the cool, winter air at its most still. He puffed steamy, hot air into that stillness and drew his new warm, black and white cloak closer to himself. In the night he would have been difficult to see if Leth had not the malice or perhaps benevolence to mark his dark form against the stark white slow. The denizens of the Sanctuary were winding down, chores that needed doing now completed and the people were slowly dispersing. Xira caught up with Aweston and asked, "Something up?"

The man nodded, "Overheard Eselle say there was going to be a bonfire in the Sea Cave. Kavala, Cael and some of the newer additions whom you've might not have yet. Come on, we can go together." The courier looked quizzically at the drykas, unsure who Eselle was but nodded. He had been away far longer than he liked. When he wasn't working and building up his buisness he often had his head to the ground gardening. People came and went without him ever noticing it seemed. It was a shame, he enjoyed meeting new people... though since fall started he had certainly drawn into himself.

The trip to the Sea Cave was made in a comfortable silence. Both men enjoyed the company of the other and had no need to fill it with needless chatter. Xira respected the work he did in the stables, respected the care he gave Snow, his beloved horse. They strode side by side as others made their way into the cave. Xira immediately picked out Caelum and Kavala, their little ones playing and apparently having a good time. He noticed with pleasure the face of a new acquaintance and fastly forming friend, Aoren and what he suspected was his dog. Apparently they had arrived behind Aoren and a konti woman.

The courier stood to one side, neither intruding nor imposing his presence upon the gathering. He kept his arms in his cloak, holding it about himself for warmth as he shuffled along. It was nice to be around people again. Nice to not be working, traveling, always on the move. Even if for now he remained an observer, quiet and withdrawn it was enough. He waved to Kavala with a smile, unsure if she even saw him come in. So much was going on even with their small group. He then settled in near Cadra and Elise, watching the children play their game.

"Who is that fellow over there?" He asked Cadra in a lull of her conversation wtih Elise. She smiled and turned to Xira, "Really, Xira? You need to work less and socialize more. That is Adrien, a new Kelvic, Rhino."

"Rhino?"

"Yeah, big sort of scaley animal with horns. Not nearly as terrifying as it sounds."

Elise cut in, "You should ask him to change some time, that would be easier than trying to describe it. It is native to the plains I think, really unusual." Xira nodded with a soft smile and then looked over at the man curiously.

"Rhino huh?" He said to himself softly.

Ledger:
- x GM for reversible cloak white/black
- 38 SM for 4 wool, Superfine dyed shirts, Black, White, Blue, Red ( 1 SM * (8+1.5) a piece)
- 76 SM for 3 wool, superfine dyed trousers, Black, Grey, Blue ( 8 SM * (8+1.5) a piece)
- 3 GM for 3 Wool, llama scarves, Black, White, Red (1 SM * 10)
- 10 GM for Cloak w/pockets, Black (Robe, pockets altered to be a cloak) (7 GM *1.5 for alterations)

[Adrien Dair]

He met back up with his friends. Smiling at the both of them as they made their way down to the sea cave. The joy of Kavala in his heart and mind as they walked. The singing voice echoed into his ears causing him to smile wider as they walked into the cave to see everyone who was there. The singing Konti in front of them. The embarrassment on her face caused Adrien to chuckle. "I didn't know you could sing."

He moved past Aoren and stood closer to Kavala. Looking down at La'del in her arms with a smile. He brushed her cheek with his finger and laughed when she reached up to grab it. Adriens eyes rose up to meet Caelum as Aoren went over to interact with who Adrien could only assume was Caelum's daughter or was related to him in some form. Adrien smiled a friendly smile at Caelum and nodded him a greeting. The Kelvic had only seen him in passing. Never actually talking to the man. His gaze turned away from him as the ball came bouncing towards him. He scooped it up as Tasival came bounding towards him. Adrien chuckled and stepped forward scooping and lifting the toddler up. A giggling fit as the toddler was lifted into the air. Tasival had stolen the ball from Adrien. "You are getting so strong my little friend. Soon no one in Cyphrus will be able to stop you" he said. Placing the child down he turned back towards Kavala. Tasival running after the ball again, Adrien stepped closer to her and looked at the others in the group.

"We were thinking of having a bonfire. Everyone should join us. Perfect for the weather and a great chance for people who have yet to meet." he said looking towards Caelum again. "I am Adrien Dair. I've been trying to help Kavala with a lot of the projects she has. Building wise anyway."

He eyed the logs and then looked around the cave. "We could do it here. Protection from the snow and anything that could happen at night." Kavala would feel his want to share the night with her among the others. His want for her to join him by the fire and the closeness and cuddling that could ensue after. He turned his gaze to Cadra, almost asking her to chime in with his eyes. Cadra smiled at him. "I think that would be fun" she said. His eyes landed on the man who had settled beside Cadra and Elise. He studied him for a moment. He did not recognize his face and could not recall seeing him around the sanctuary.

[Kavala]

Kavala smiled at Caelum and laughed as she glanced down at her daughter who was grinning like a fool after having been twirled around and sang to by her mother. “Yes, I think so. Wouldn’t anyone want to be twirled and sang too? I know I would.” The Healer said, twisting back and forth a few moments to keep the momentum of the little dance going. “I think she does indeed.” Kavala said again, staring at her daughter and then looking up at Caelum with her eyes shining. “We could have our own troupe. Lillian is having a good time with the lute you gave her. She’s learned a few more songs or made them up. I’m not sure which.” Kavala said, laughing and walking back over to the blanket. She gently sat Ia’del down on her bouncy seat and picked up her brother. Ralac looked stoic, unimpressed, and only warmed up when Kavala planted kisses on him and then swung him around as well. The boy was larger than his sister, looked a good two to three months older, and was far heavier than the dainty Konti infant.

But for all that one was an Akontak and one was a Konti, they had a similar appearance. There was a softness about their eyes and a strength of their face that united the three of them into a family regardless of what anyone else might say.

When the others joined them in the Sea Cave and there was a noise about having a bonfire, Kavala nodded and went to return Ralac and his brother to their blanket. She noted how nice Aoren looked and that he had a glow to his face that she hadn’t noticed before. The Konti wrote it off as something from the cold and perhaps that the first snow of the year that had been predicted for later had arrived earlier than expected. She had no qualms about doing the work, piling up the wood, and getting a bonfire started. The cave was a perfect setting and empty this time of year from animals. The vast storehouse of hay was up in the elevated chamber, far out of the way of any dangerous fires. “I like the idea too.” Kavala said, offering Aoren a smile and then bending down to briefly greet his dog Isikai before she started to get the bonfire put together. Isikai wasn’t alone in terms of canines in the cavern. If he rooted around he’d find a pile of Imperial Watchers, tired from being chased and overly played with by the children, all laid out asleep. They came in inky black colors marbled with white.

Aoren’s dog was with the children, but the children were with Kavala, so she had no qualms about opening herself to the dogs emotions and getting a sense of what was going on with the creature. She’d seen him around some, but only brief glimpses and she wondered about his personality with the children. He was a happy dog, she noted, loyal to his devoted human friend and careful with what he considered the human pups. The Konti almost smiled, letting her gift open wider. The dog was excited because his master was excited, a sensation coursing through him that was recognizable. Kavala glanced at Aoren, raised an eyebrow, and shook it off. Nothing was amiss, and it was none of her business. But she couldn’t help glancing around and speculating.

She returned Aoren’s greeting and watched him deliberately casually wander over to Caelum. A smile creeped onto her face. Usually it was Caelum orbiting towards others because of their needs. It was nice to observe someone else reciprocating the motion only for the privilege of standing in Caelum’s light. Lilian, however, had other ideas and was on Caelum like stink on a skunk. He’d been so busy with Alements lately, that he hadn’t been with her as much as he’d felt he needed too when they first brought her home. Family was family, and Lilian being only a child had bounced back and settled in surrounded by so much love and deliberate caution. Having a father, albeit adopted, with a Ranuri mark was a bonus for the man knew what she needed even before she needed it and that had sped up Lilian’s healing. It had also helped Elise who was oddly enough present in time for Larik to wander along and quietly join her. Kavala wondered at that and all but smiled when she decided it would be a good match if it came to pass.

Kavala chuckled at her own thoughts and then got busy hauling wood and setting it up into a burn pyre in the middle of the cave. It was chilly still, being at the edge of winter, with a storm definitely crawling up to knock on their door somewhere around midnight. So she decided to set the pile high and make many trips, because while they were together, they needed to celebrate peace while it lasted.

Xira’s arrival made Kavala smile and she returned his wave, bypassing another trip of wood for a quick hug. “You made it back in time for a bit of a gathering. Glad to see you safe.” She said, kissing him on the cheek and happily drawing him into the crowd. Cadra helpfully took one of his other hands and together they took him from being aside the group to being full fledged a part of it. “I’m almost done piling up the fire. Can you get it started?” She asked Xira, intending to make a few more trips. Then if anyone’s here you don’t know, we’ll introduce you around.” She said, heading off again to get more wood.

She was dressed in her leathers, despite being at home, which meant she’d been out on the grass working earlier. The Konti had moved part of the herds inland because the storm was predicted only along the coast, and had penned up all the rest of the horses in barns above. There wasn’t supposed to be wind, not tonight, just a steady heavy snowfall that might cause issues to folks trying to get to and from the city. And as usual, she was fully armed with mostly daggers, minus the double bladed longsword and crossbow that were neatly stacked along with her tack in the barn above where she’d turned Ghost loose. There was no danger in the Sea Cave, at least none she’d ran across, but the Konti was always cautious and always felt safer with a few daggers about her even while at home.

Kavala left Xira and Elise talking, though she couldn’t quite hear the topic, and watched Larik hover just outside the torchlight. She detoured his way, gave him a fast hug and a ruffle on his head, and asked him to help Xira get the fire started. It was a large enough bonfire that one man lighting from both sides would help the fire catch faster.

Meanwhile, Adrien was busy moving about, greeting the infants and telling everyone what was going on. Kavala smiled at that, thinking he was a good host naturally. Within just a short time, he had everyone on the same page and focused towards what was going on. The one thing she worried about was Caelum’s reaction. The Eth didn’t know she’d found herself bonded to a Kelvic whether she liked it or not and she wasn’t sure how he was going to react to Adrien. Adrien wasn’t exactly common, though truth be told none of them where. They were a cave full of lost souls coming together. This gathering would be good for them, strengthen them, and perhaps change them in ways she didn’t know.

“There might be even more people showing up. I’ve taken on some new people. Chalce was up showing them around and said she’d be down with some food for us, something she picked up in the city.” Kavala said, hoping that Chalce brought extra, not only to introduce the new gardener and blacksmith, but in light that everyone was here they’d need a party catered. The Falconer had a way of things though and a sense of timing, so she was sure things would work out. Without a doubt, there would be wine even if she had to break into the stores. An evening wasn’t complete without it.

[Caelum]

A smile stole across Caelum's mouth when Kavala mentioned how much Lillian seemed to be enjoying her lute. It was a small but incredibly important piece of joy that eased something in him that had grown tight and cold through the season. Today was the eleventh anniversary of his fall, the closest thing he had to a birthday, and he did not want to feel the cold tonight. This smile still lingered when Aoren arrived and he looked the man over with an automatically accessing eye, first out of a healer's habit but that quickly became something closer to admiration. A breath was drawn in as he felt the seer's desire, and the nature of it made Caelum's smile grow bemused. Aoren just wanted to hug him. "Hey," he greeted, quiet and easy, and ended up dropping a warm hand to Aoren's shoulder when the man crouched to greet Lilian. He squeezed lightly before taking his hand back and disconnecting himself from the compulsion and immediacy of ranuri that physical contact caused. It was just habit, but the sheer fact that he'd reached out in the first place spoke volumes to the initiated. "How-do-you-do," Lillian squeaked swiftly when she found herself on eye level with a new adult. Caelum rubbed a hand over his mouth to hide his smile sharpening when his daughter stared at Aoren's face and the shining gnosis mark of Rak'keli upon it. Her eyes were blue and wide as autumn skies. She stole a glance up to her father and hopped a step right over to lean against his legs, wrapping one arm about him and clutching at the worn leather of his pants. Her eyes never left Aoren though. "Aoren, this is my daughter, Lillian," Caelum murmured, humor a thick, rich spread through his occasionally strange accent. "Lils --" One hand brushed light as a breeze over the loosened but intricate braids wrapping her head Drykas-style. "This is Aoren. He's a very good friend of ours." "Safe?" Lillian asked, and craned her neck to look up at her father. "Yes." Caelum nodded. He hesitated, listening to her want, then added, "You can ask him. It's okay." "Why do I got bubbles in my head?" Lillian promptly asked Aoren, looking back at him. She unhooked one of her hands from Caelum in order to lean forward and reach for his face, as if she might touch her little fingers to the Rak'keli gnosis mark there. "This isn't Ava. This is her sister." Ava, Lillian said, because four year olds totally could give wise goddesses of great and far reaching power cute nicknames. Lillian's lily of Avalis was emblazoned on her left shoulder, currently out of sight due to the long sleeves she wore. Caelum just watched, waiting with interest to see how his little seer got along with Aoren. When Adrien approached, dark eyes lifted from this meeting to make their study of the man. He had watched as Adrien played with Kavala's children, greeting the twins with a familiar and warm air. It had made Caelum's eyes narrow and his smile to curve in on one side with something remarkably like suspicion. It wasn't that there was anything wrong with the way Adrien interacted with the babies and Tasi and Shay. It was that he interacted at all. Since the twins harrowing entrance into this world, Caelum had been very involved in their lives, and indeed in the lives of all Kavala's children. They were as much as part of his family as their mother was, and cared for as deeply as he cared for Lillian. He had spent first treacherous season of Ia'del's life carrying her around, tucked up in a sling against his heart, whenever Kavala could not so as to mind her struggling lungs and be immediately at hand to restart her breathing. He spent hours and hours with Shayru teaching him how to use a knife and deflect blows with his hands, and long afternoons with Tasival learning how to cook together -- much to Cadra's amusement -- and trying to teach him some of the more playful secrets of the art of intelligence work. Relac he sang to because he had decided that the baby was the only person who didn't care how terrible he sounded and he would bang his hands and bang wooden bowls against the floor or a table and laugh, and laugh. Caelum felt altogether proprietarily towards these children, regardless of what anyone thought of it or the assumptions some people drew. So he gazed at Adrien silently, and he studied him and his strength and maybe wondered if there would come a day when he would have to defend his family from this man. It had happened before. Caelum would stop it from happening again if he could. The silence lasted merely a few seconds, however, and long training woke a fresh smile on his face for Adrien when introduced himself. It was warm and seemingly easy even if it had an element of reserve to it that had not been present a minute ago. "It's nice to meet you, Adrien. I'm Caelum." And he didn't explain who he was or where and how he fit in here at the Sanctuary. Any brief explanation wouldn't do it a service. Besides, he was a secret-keeping sort, and was only as open and inviting as the world allowed him to be. It tended to take a lot to really get to know him, and few were ever let completely in. But it was not impossible. Guarded was a good word. Glancing down at Aoren and Lillian, he added. "This is my friend Aoren Skycrown and the little bit here is my daughter, Lillian." Around Adrien he noticed Xira and his smile broadened again. He had missed the courier this long fall where both of their respective businesses had prevented them from spending a great deal of time together.

[Aoren]

91st of Fall, 514 AV

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Aoren watched Isikai sniff at Kavala’s hand before accepting the greeting she offered allowing his head to be pet. When the Konti woman had finished the dog turned his attention to the children rather enjoying the attention he received from what Aoren could tell. He watched as Isikai playfully nudged one of the boys at Kavala’s side only to get tackled and collapse in a heap of fur and flailing arms. Part of Aoren winced, tensing as he was worried that if things got too rough either the children or Isikai would get injured. He was then reminded of the fact that he was surrounded in the interior of an animal center with two very skilled and accomplished Healers. He was pulled from his attention on his dog when he received a squeeze to his shoulder. Without hesitation, Aoren reached up gently squeezing Caelum’s hand in return before releasing it.

“Hey.” He glanced up at Caelum smiling at him before being introduced to Lillian. The little girl was without a doubt one of the most adorable things he’d ever seen. Her wide blue eyes were filled with curiosity and wonder that pulled at Aoren’s heartstrings. He felt a warmth spread out from within his chest and radiating outward. In addition to the gentle nudging he felt at being in the presence of other Healers, Aoren felt the call of the Seer’s Lily as well. He smiled at Lillian laughing pleasantly at her beautiful innocence.

“No! I’m not safe at all! If you’re not careful, Lillian I might just swoop down and tickle you!” Aoren leaned forward wiggling his fingers pursing his lips making the silliest face he could imagine before breaking out in a wide grin. To her question the Drykas man could only blink at her before a bout of laughter took hold of him. It was not that what she had said was funny, it was the manner in which she said it.

“Well, Little One, you are most certainly right.” With his left hand Aoren pointed to the sigil sprawling across the right side of his face. “This is where Rak’keli kissed me.” He poked his cheek.

“Right there.” Giving Lillian a smile he then held up his right hand for the little girl to examine. There upon the back was the unmistakable mark of Avalis. The Seer’s Lily emblazoned upon his flesh glistening with a sheen reminiscent of starlight.

“And this is where her sister, Avalis gave me her gift as well.” Of the people in the room only three knew of Aoren’s gifts as a Seer but he couldn’t bring himself to keep that a secret when faced with the unbearably irresistible onslaught of Lillian’s cuteness. As Lillian took hold of Aoren’s hand examining his mark with the intensity of a little scholar the man could only smile. He was smitten. One hundred percent, undeniably smitten. His attention was redirected to Adrien as the Kelvic approached them. With his free hand, Aoren waved at him before becoming completely absorbed in and wrapped up in being attentive to the little girl in front of him.

“Adrien and I have met.” Cobalt eyes caught grey-green and Aoren winked at him. Perhaps it was Caelum’s tone of voice or maybe just because he made a point to pay attention to Caelum in general but he noticed a guarded note enter the Ethaefal’s demeanor.

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[Xira Hezmek]

There was no fire yet, but being brought into the circle of friends was like a fire unto itself. The courier was warmed by the welcome and his soft smile grew, hardened like stoney res upon his face. He closed his eyes and relished the simple hug from his friend Kavala and nodded, "It is good to see you safe too, though I know that there is no safer place where you and your friends are." He said, taking a breath before continuing, "I can get her lit, just a moment, Kav. It would be grand to meet all these new faces. The Sanctuary has grown, it always seems to be." He only paused for a moment to talk with Cadra and Elise before he went about helping Kavala with the actual bonfire.

He then knelt by the pile of wood and fished out his fire starter. Temur always maintained that it was best to keep a knife, a means to make a fire and a bit of rope or thread on one's person at all time. Such habits were hard to get rid of consequently and it really took no time at all to get the stacks of wood lit. The key was to stack the wood in such a way that the fire's heat could escape, otherwise it would smother itself. So within moments the bonfire was reconfigured into a cone. It would not be unlike a chimney. Admittedly, it was only with Larik's help that the cone could have been maneuvered in the first place and it made it much easier getting the fire started with him on the other side. He struck the flint with his steel to make a spark and only after a couple tries did the tinder take and a gentle breath made for tender flame.

Good thing he had his fire starter... he had forgotten on how to make a fire without it. Temur would have had such a look of disappointment if he knew.

"Here we are, now to just get the rest of the logs build up" He started taking from the gathered stack and set each log around the cone, stacking them up in a geometric shapes as he extended it outward. For now the fire was just starting to get a foothold in the cone, but soon it would grow large and consume the outer edge logs. He and Larik stepped back as the sudden light and heat warded them away from the edge, the Kelvic smiled and Xira mirrored it. "Good work my man" The courier told the eagle, "Thanks for the help."

The two chatted for a moment, catching up. It went along the lines of how the other was doing and just how well they were doing. Xira brought up Larik's handiwork with teaching Kavala how to be an eagle and how well that seemed to be progressing. Larik brought up Xira's delivery service and how well it seemed to be doing. Xira then slipped his Tiger hook swords from off his back, out from under his cloak and showed the pair to his friend. He Explained it was something he got only days before when he met Aoren, the fellow over yonder. All in all, it was friendly, cordial and enjoyable for both parties.

In the midst of his chat with Larik caught Caelum's eye and he inclined his head, giving him a wide smile and simply acknowledging his presence as a greeting... as menfolk seemed hardwired to do. Later on they would catch up... but from what he could see, he had his hands filled with that lovely daughter of his, Aoren and the new fellow Adrien. For now he contented himself with the easy going conversation he had with the kelvic eagle.

Cadra then came by and whisked away Larik's attention for some task or conspiratorial effort. Xira turned to the fire and smiled, stretching out his hands to the fire. So warm. The winters in Riverfall were so different. Possibly not so cold, but a dry winter kept the effects at bay. Snow storms and chilling frosts tended to make a big difference in the city of water and arboreal beauty. At this point Xira was so lost within himself that he was caught off guard when the children's ball veered off and bumped against his leg.

"Woah, careful there. Wouldn't want this to get in the fire." He gave the little ones a warm smile, which was met with a somewhat defiant gaze of the young Tasi. He boldly stuck out his hands and the courier good naturedly tossed the ball to the young Akontak. Who naturally scampered off to get Lilian to rejoin his game. Adorable child, strong willed, like his mother, he reflected and nodded to himself. Good traits in a lad.

He turned back to the fire with a grin etched into his face. He so enjoyed his home The Sanctuary.