[Syliran Fields] Harvest Helper (Jeremy)

[Orin Fenix]

Orin Fenix Food Equals Love 15th of Spring, 515 AV Orin had been walking for several bells. The twenty-five mile walk from Stormhold Castle to Mithryn Outpost was a lot longer than he had given it credit for, especially without a horse. Also, there had been damage to the bridge that was the quickest route from the citadel to the fields. Normally, the sunshine and fresh air would have been a balm to Orin’s nerves, especially after the winter and having to be kept cooped up in the admittedly claustrophobic walls of the fortress city. However, today he was simply filled with a lingering feeling of dread. He really didn’t want to return to place he had once called home, seeing as the bad memories far outweighed the good. However, Remi and Ser Kevith had gotten wind of the flooding that had managed to not only wash out one of the bridges over the Avitar river, but also had jeopardized the spring planting. Knowing that Orin had grown up as a farmer’s brat, they had assumed Orin knew how to work the fields. Despite Orin’s protests nothing had seemed to change their minds. They had told him last night after the evening diners had all gone that they wanted him to go help, and would let him out of work for as long as it took, with full wages and maybe even an extra compensation. Since Orin was practically broke and the two tavern owners wouldn’t take no for an answer, Orin found himself on this road. Also, Orin was well aware that if the harvest didn’t come in this summer and fall, his own livelihood and maybe even his life would be in danger. After all, one couldn’t possibly cook without any food to cook with. So, for a wide variety of reasons it was in Orin’s best interest to help. He had woken up before dawn, as was his custom. Rather than training in the pits as he normally would, Orin had set off. With every step, his fear had grown, not knowing the reception he would get. Finally, he arrived. Circumventing the walls entirely, Orin made his way directly to the fields where he could already see farmers digging channels to divert all the extra water. Luckily, it was finally warm enough to be outside without a cloak, so Orin didn’t have to worry about storing that somewhere. As Orin stepped onto the rather soggy and muddy earth that the fields had become he couldn’t help from grimacing. Obviously, the damage was as bad as had been reported. While Orin didn’t know much about farming from a technical standpoint, he did know that this much water damage would make it impossible for seeds to sprout. So he trudged doggedly forward, not wanting to look at the muck that was coating his boots. The farmers’ figures grew larger as he approached. A few glanced his way, but the majority was too focused on their work to acknowledge his presence. Standing there uncertainly, Orin wasn’t sure whom to approach. He didn’t want to disturb anyone, especially strangers, but there didn’t appear to be anyone who was obviously overseeing the work. Suddenly, Orin thought he spotted a familiar figure. Squinting, Orin stepped forward to get a better look. It looked like the hawkish man Orin had met briefly at Sayana’s party. Orin remembered going up to him after hearing that he lived in Mithryn. Orin couldn’t remember his name at first. James, John? No! It was Jeremy. For lack of any better plan, Orin began marching towards the taller man. Drawing near to Jeremy, Orin cleared his throat politely to announce his presence. ”Uh, hi, Jeremy is it?" Orin crossed his fingers and prayed he got the name right. Otherwise this was going to be incredibly awkward. "We met briefly at new years, m’name’s Orin if you forgot it which you probably did.” Coughing nervously, Orin scanned the rows of fields stretching off into the distance. ”So, are you here to help? I wasn’t sure who I was supposed to talk to but I’m here to volunteer my services. Maybe you could point me in the right direction? I’d really appreciate it.”

[Jeremy Casing]

The farming community seemed to be haunted by problems, in Jeremy's opinion. If it wasn't wolves killing sheep, it was snow melting and flooding the fields. The Kelvic had earned himself something of a reputation amongst the farmers. They saw him as a nuisance usually, someone who appeared at the edges of their plots and criticised how they treated their sheep or organised their vegetable plots. But other times, he had actually been of a beneficial service, and so they tolerated his presence. Most of them appreciated that he was trying to help. But Jeremy's angular face and how he carried himself made others dislike him instantly.

This latest challenge was somewhat unfamiliar to him, though. He had no real understanding of irrigation, or how water behaved in such a system. The farmers - those who disliked him, especially so - watched as the Kelvic received orders for once instead of doling them out. "What's wrong, feather boy? Can't talk to water?" One of them jeered as Jeremy plodded along the squelching field to his latest post. He ignored their jibes, having grown use to such idiocy as a child. You won't be laughing when all your spring seeds have gone to rot," he thought smugly.
Jeremy approached one of the kinder farmers, who appeared to be digging a trench across the middle of his field. The old man stood up straight when he heard the sucking and sloshing of the Kelvic's approach. "Thank the Gods you're here, Jeremy. I've been needed a piss for half a bell." The haggard old man handed Jeremy his spade with no further word, but he gifted the Phylornurist with one of his best toothless smiles.

"Thanks, Harold." Jeremy muttered despondently, "all we need is more liquid in the field." He began to pick at the soil with his spade, following the three-foot long trench that Harold had so far made. The farmer was already heading back in the direction Jeremy had just arrived in, back towards the Mithryn post itself and more importantly, towards the closest chamber pot. He waved the Kelvic goodbye and left Jeremy alone with his thoughts.

Jeremy watched as water began to slowly filter into the trench he was making, draining away from the immediate vicinity of the field he stood in. He edged along the trench, keeping to a depth of approximately one foot. He could have been there for five chimes or five bells; Jeremy only stopped when he heard someone say his name. Surprised, he glanced up, leaning on the spade and investigating the face of the newcomer. He recognised the male, but only when Orin explained himself did Jeremy remember where from. "Oh, of course." He nodded, throwing the male a male, "I left relatively early in the night, but I remember."

The party had been a little chaotic for Jeremy's liking, full of people who seemed to know each other already. But this male - Orin - had been one of the few people Jeremy had actually socialised with that night. As far the Kelvic could remember, Orin had been as subdued as himself. "Ah, of course. Yes." He indicated to a spare spade that lay in the wet soil, "I thought Harold would come back, but apparently not. You could help me dig out this trench, if you like." He indicated eastwards, the direction in which his trench pointed. The action was pretty redundant in truth, and Jeremy's hand felllimply to his side, "we're heading in that direction, to drain out this field and the others beyond it."

What was his latest new years' resolution? To make conversation with people, not just give them orders. Might as well try to keep to it, he decided tiredly. "So, did you enjoy new years?"

[Orin Fenix]

Orin had obviously come up on Jeremy unawares, if the startled expression on the man’s face was any indication. It was good that Orin had reminded Jeremy who he was, since the puzzlement on Jeremy’s face faded quickly. Orin was happy that Jeremy remembered him, or, if he didn’t was at least polite enough to pretend he had. It wouldn’t have been at all unusual for Jeremy for have forgotten Orin. They’d only had a brief interaction before the party started getting frantic and started descending into chaos, and Orin only recalled whom Jeremy was because the man had mentioned he was from Mithryn. It really had gotten rather mad towards the end there. Not the good, everyone’s having fun chaos. More like someone is about to die type of chaos. Orin had lost track of Jeremy at some point, but apparently the man had made his escape well before any of the insanity occurred. ”It’s probably good you got out.” Orin tried to keep his voice non-committal. He wasn’t particularly in the mood to recount the events that had happened.

Orin glanced down at the ditch that was spanning part of the way across the field. It was filling with water as they went, so presumably it was doing its intended purpose of drainage. At least, Orin hoped it was supposed to be a drainage ditch. Taking up the spare spade that Jeremy had pointed to, Orin made a face. This was the type of thankless, boring, and backbreaking work that he’d fled from when he went to Syliras in the first place. Yet, here he was, as if none of the past season had happened at all.

At least no one had recognized Orin. It wouldn’t have at all surprised him if some of Orin’s old nemeses were still floating around. After all, Orin hadn’t been gone for that long. Luckily, he hadn’t been detected. There would have been some ugly words at best and blows at worst if he had been seen. Orin imagined that the resentment, assuming people still remembered him at all, would have festered and gotten worse over the last season.

Still, with the sun shining and the fresh spring air all around, Orin banished all those negative thoughts. It wouldn’t do to dwell on them and chances are it wouldn’t be an issue. Orin carefully stepped over the trench until he was opposite of Jeremy. Seeing where the other man was tossing his dirt, Orin starting digging. He timed his strokes so that only one of them had a shovel in the ditch at once, since he didn’t want them to get their tools tangled.

The two of them made good progress for a while, sitting in a companionable silence. Orin was debating whether or not to break it. Orin’s track record with making small talk wasn’t great though, and he didn’t want to disturb Jeremy with his prattling. However, Jeremy solved his dilemma by speaking first. And his statement caused a laugh, which Orin was proud to say, held only a hint of hysteria in it. ”Well, no I don’t think that I would exactly say that it was all that fun for me, although I don’t know what you think of is a good time. First off, I was working so I wasn’t expecting to be interacting with that many people and socialization isn’t a strong point for me, although I’m working at it I really truly am.” Orin honestly didn’t know where to start recounting the events that had taken place. ”Well, I don’t know when exactly you left, but there was a whole lot of weird stuff that happened. We almost had multiple fights break out because a Zith showed up and then everybody started taking sides and it got really ugly looking for a while there but thankfully it was resolved, not, well, peacefully but without bloodshed. And then there was this completely random pregnancy announcement, apparently Sayana is having Aren’s baby and April, I don’t know if you met her, is having Garland’s baby who you also might not have met.”

Orin gulped, but continued on with the tale. ”But that’s not even the worst part. See, there was this murderer who showed up and was acting all normal, but he left behind his contract and I discovered it. Unfortunately he saw me with it and basically assaulted me and I fell and hit my head and got a really nasty concussion that required healing. I blacked out at that point so I don’t know what happened after that. Next thing I knew was that I was in Soothing Waters.” Orin realized his tongue had gotten the better of him again. ”I’m sorry I tend to ramble a lot when I talk I’ve been told it’s annoying and hard to follow. We don’t have to, you know, converse if you don’t want to.” It would probably better for both of them if Orin kept his mouth shut. Orin didn’t think Jeremy particularly wanted to know Orin’s life story. Even if Orin had made a vow that he'd try to be more outgoing and not just hide in his shell anymore.

[Jeremy Casing]

Jeremy remained patiently silent as Orin delved further into his explanation of the New Years' party. His expression, though he tried to keep it neutral, would every so often betray his true feeling. A pregnancy, a murderer, a Zith: the party sounded like a novel to Jeremy. Or a poor joke. "Well." He replied shortly, after Orin had finished his detailed description of the events of that night. The Kelvic took a chime to process the entire tale, before finally shrugging his left shoulder and pulling a face that said: it certainly ain't my cup'a tea

"Sounds... eventful." He spoke cautiously. Although Orin had voiced his own dislike of the party, Jeremy still did not want to be unnecessarily rude. The hostess had, in all fairness, been impressively warm and welcoming to the awkward Kelvic.

They fell into casual silence again. Whilst Jeremy continued to plow and plug into the soft ground, his mind searched for a topic to discuss. Orin seemed to be like Jeremy: not purposefully unsocial or rude, but awkward and uncertain around other people. The Kelvic wondered whether the other male felt that same mixture of discomfort and longing when with others. Perhaps not. It was Jeremy's inherent Kelvic instinct drew him towards people, seeking that bond that would finally solidify his existence. His personality, though, and his gnosis, seemed to disagree with this predisposition.

Raising his spade, Jeremy started to pull at the wet soil once again. But something stopped him. He stooped down suddenly, his fingers prying away at the drowning blades of grass as if he was searching for something. And then eventually, with a successful little humph as he stood, Jeremy straightened up. His hands were cupped together tightly, as if he was holding a handful of water and did not want any to leak out from between his fingers.

With a glance to Orin that could almost be described as shy, Jeremy explained himself. "A ladybird." He stepped towards the human male, tilting his clasped hands forwards to reveal a red and black insect that was a little larger than a pinhead. "We could have killed her."

The bug skittered around in Jeremy's palms, each minute step sending silent messages between the two of them. For a chime, the Kelvic appeared to be lost in their conversation, but eventually his amber eyes glanced up to Orin to translate. "The flooding has drowned many creatures. And plants, too of course." His miniature companion had now found her way up to Jeremy's elbow, and appeared to be running across the top of the buildings that formed the uppermost part of his gnosis mark. In a flurry of wing and black dots, she was gone.

[Orin Fenix]

Jeremy seemed to simply soak in the news of the party and didn’t seem to mind terribly that Orin had gone off on a full on babbling streak. Orin was grateful that the man responded sparingly and with rather non-committedly. Orin just wanted to forget all about that night and lose himself in this work right now. Of course, when Jeremy remarked that the party sounded eventful, Orin had to snort. ”Eventful is not the word I would’ve chosen. No I think I would’ve gone with dangerous or stress inducing or one of the worst night of my life. Not the worst mind you but people scare me at the best of times. Not you personally of course I mean that you’re probably great, and it’s all on me anyone, I’m the weird one, the odd one out. I just don’t get how people’s minds work really, I suppose.”

Of course, that was a terribly embarrassing fact to reveal to an almost total stranger. Orin blushed and ducked his head hair falling across his forehead. Orin pushed it out of the way distractedly. He should probably cut it before it became too long, but it could wait. As long as his bangs weren’t long enough to get in his eyes it wasn’t too much of a bother. Orin wasn’t one given much to grooming or improving his looks so he basically just hacked his hair off whenever it got past a certain length. Some men were given to styling their hair but Orin had never seen the point. After all, it wasn’t as if Orin was actively seeking anyone for romantic or even baser purposes. And, even if he was, Orin was under no illusion that his mediocre looks and his terrible social skills made him entirely undesirable.

Orin had just dug up yet another hole that made up the larger trench that was forming. He was about to swing his shovel into the damp soil once again, but Jeremy had paused and was bent over, rooting around on the ground. Orin leaned his spade against the ground, where the tip sank in slightly crossed his arms against the handle and leaned on it. His muscles were protesting the unfamiliar movements and Orin was happy to break for whatever reason. He’d completely forgotten how physically difficult manual labor on a farm was and Orin was already regretting his decision to come out here, not that he’d truly had a choice in the matter.

Planting the shovel more firmly into the dirt, Orin walked over to see what exactly it was that had caught Jeremy’s attention. It was a small but beautiful red and black round insect. Orin had seen them about before but had never really paid them much mind. This time though, he actually looked at it. The antennae on its head were waving and occasionally it flashed its wings to catch its balance. Mostly, though, it climbed sedately up Jeremy’s arm, it’s black spots showing clearly against the red wings. ”It’s beautiful. And I’m sad to hear that these floods have been so devastating. Up in the castle we don’t get much beyond rumors. The Order tries to keep a bit of a lock on information because they don’t want people to panic. I only find out because well, The Rearing Stallion, where I work needs to know what foods are available and also Ser Kevith owns it, so the Knights approach him and his wife for advice and aid a lot.”

Orin shrugged. He mostly kept his head down and out of sight when it came to dealing with the Order. Usually any attention was bad attention from them. Orin liked quite a few members individually but as an organization the Order was often awe-inspiring and frankly a little terrifying. However, his thoughts were interrupted when the insect crawled onto a strange mark on Jeremy. Orin pointed, brow furrowed. ”What’s that there? A tattoo?

[Jeremy Casing]

The Kelvic released another throaty laugh at the chef's description. His opinion of the other male was swelling more and more as their conversation developed. What did his Jeremy's mother use to say when two people were alike? Like two peas in a pod.

"You think you're weird?" Jeremy scoffed as if the very idea was out-of-this-world unthinkable. "I conversed with a thistle for the best part of a bell yesterday. But when I saw a farmer I knew approaching, I hid behind a pile of horse manure. I'd have switched to my feathered form if it hadn't been so obvious." The shovel in Jeremy's hand landed in the wet soil with a particularly loud slap as he recalled the events. The farmer in question had been one of the most difficult ones, who mocked Jeremy at every available opportunity and enjoyed to make the awkward young man feel as uncomfortable as possible. "People are difficult." And then he glanced to Orin sheepishly, biting his tongue, "most people, anyway."

Jeremy returned to his shovelling, glancing backwards every so often to check that the trench was in a straight line. Their progress was slow but steady. Already the two had made impressive amounts of progress across the field. At the question about his gnosis mark, Jeremy smiled fondly, without thinking. The mark was a point of huge pride for the Kelvic. Without it, there would be close to no purpose in his life. "It's a gnosis mark from Caiyha. I met her as a boy and she gifted me with it." He extended his arm so the male would be able to see the intricacies of the mark in more detail. "It means I can communicate with animals and plants."

He stretched his back with an appreciative groan and click of his joints. Then Jeremy recalled something Orin had mentioned earlier. "Are you a chef? I remember at that blasted new years party that someone mentioned you'd made all the food." Jeremy had never visited the tavern in Syliras, though he knew it was hugely popular among visitors and residents alike. Alcohol was not his thing, and he always questioned the quality of the meat served at such establishments. It was easy to conceal cat or dog meat in a pie described as horse or chicken.

[Orin Fenix]

Orin was glad when Jeremy actually laughed at Orin’s opinion of the party. It was heartening, both because Orin got the sense that Jeremy didn’t laugh much in front of strangers and because Orin didn’t often make strangers laugh. Still, Orin’s cheeks remained a bit flushed, although Orin ventured a shy smile. He didn’t often get the chance to talk to anyone while he was working. Usually it was either too hectic in the kitchen for Orin to get much talking in, or, more often than not, even if Remi and Rondo were discussing something Orin was too unsure of his position to join in the conversation. So being able to just speak his mind was a refreshing experience for Orin. It wasn’t as if Orin got to do it that often. And besides, Remi and Rondo were not only Orin’s bosses, they were also significantly older than him. Most of the other employees of The Rearing Stallion were female. Sayana was turning into a good friend although she did have a rather maddening habit of teasing him because she seemed to love to see Orin blushing. But she was still a women so Orin automatically was minorly uncomfortable around her. So this male bonding time, while unusual for Orin, wasn’t exactly unwelcome. In fact, Orin found himself warming to Jeremy. That, of course, meant his tongue lost any semblance of control that Orin may have had on it. This was usually the point where people started shying away, unable to put up with Orin’s constant stream of words.

Orin raised one eyebrow at Jeremy’s declaration that he was also a bit odd. And it certainly sounded as if he was. ”Well, I’m with you on hiding from that farmer and I wholeheartedly agree that people can be difficult. I mean, some of them are awfully nice but it’s hard to discover which ones without a lot of pain and heartache first. I am not the biggest fan of the folks around here, yourself excluded and I should really watch how loudly and where I say that shouldn’t I? Don’t want to get myself or more importantly you in trouble.” It was true though. The residents of Mithryn Outpost were undoubtedly good people but even they needed someone to take their frustrations and anger out on. And Orin had often been a convenient target, being fatherless and a community burden and not fitting in to boot. Orin had gotten more than his fair share of beatings, both physical and verbal, and he had no wish to get another from the rather closed-minded farmers out in the fields. So Orin lowered his voice a little bit hoping to remain beneath their notice. ”I mean, I don’t talk to plants much, well not that’s not true I talk to the herbs in the kitchen all the time. Doubt it does much but make me feel better though. And let’s see I talk to the ingredients I’m cooking with a lot but most of that is so I remember the recipe. I talk to the furniture in my room because there’s nothing else to do most nights, and recently I got a cat, Ginger’s her name so I talk to her now. And you must think I’m a crazy person and I swear to you I’m not it’s just I get lonely sometimes y’know?” Orin was mortified and quickly ducked his head down and got back to digging. He couldn’t believe he’d just admitted that to Jeremy. He didn’t want or need anyone’s pity and he didn’t need friends either. Orin was doing just fine on his own and though he’d admit it might be nice to have some company every once in a while he didn’t want Jeremy to get the impression that Orin was desparate.

So Orin worked on the ditch without saying another word for a while. His muscles were definitely aching from the repetitive and tiring motion of unearthing dirt. There was also a nagging question on Orin’s mind from Jeremy’s earlier statement. Orin thought he’d been listening but there was a strange comment in there that Orin couldn’t figure out no matter how he picked it apart. And though Orin had wanted to give the man space from Orin’s rambling, Orin’s curiosity won over his common sense, as it almost always did. ”So I don’t mean to be rude or anything and I’m almost certain I just heard you incorrectly but feathered form? What do you mean by that? I mean it just doesn’t make any sense to me and I’m sorry if there’s an obvious answer that I’m just missing somehow.” It was a rather odd thing to mention. Orin hadn’t heard anyone use it before in his life and had no idea what it meant. And Orin hadn’t been gone from Mithryn for so long that the language should have changed all that much.

Orin’s jaw dropped when Jeremey casually mentioned having met a goddess and being bestowed with her mark. It was the stuff of legends and yet here Jeremy was toiling in a field alongside Orin who could be described as one of the most ordinary people in the world no doubt. ”You met Caiyha? Like, the actual real life Caiyha? That’s, well, that’s incredible! It’s like a fairytale or a fable and I am so honored to meet you. I actually cannot get over how incredible that is. I honestly thought those rumors that gods and goddesses marked people were just that, rumors, and not really true.” Orin’s voice initially came out as a squeak until it dropped into a more normal registering. Continuing more boldly, Orin began pelting Jeremy with questions. ”Any plant or animal? Well I guess that whole thistle story had a whole new meaning and Priskil preserve me you must think me an awful idiot for everything I told you earlier. So, do they answer back? I mean I guess they do otherwise there wouldn’t be much use in talking to them in the first place. Do the people around here know? If they did I can’t imagine they would or should give you much trouble, but from your earlier remarks it sounds like they do and I’m sorry if that’s the case. And I’m sorry if this is personal but, well, how did it happen? I mean, you met a goddess!” Orin’s words came out in a jumble but hopefully Jeremy wouldn’t get overwhelmed and would be able to figure out just what exactly Orin was asking him. It was probably one of the most exciting moments of Orin’s life.

However, his babbling was interrupted by Jeremy’s question about Orin’s own life. Orin took a moment to catch his breath and let his brain catch up to his mouth. ”Me? Not sure why you want to know anything about plain old me but yes I’m a cook. I work over at The Rearing Stallion, finest tavern in Syliras. We serve only the finest quality food and drink none of that slop you get served over at the other establishments. So if you ever find yourself by Traveler’s Way pop your head into the kitchen and give me a yell and I’d be happy to serve you up something special.” It was true. One of the few joys in Orin’s life was cooking for those he considered his friends. Cooking in general made Orin happy but being able to not just impress those close to him with his skills but also bring joy to others was perhaps the best feeling in the world for Orin. So what if his profession wasn’t flashy or exciting as so many were, if Orin could make the world a better place through his. ”Oh and yes, I did cook for that blasted party as you called it. Sadly I think my food got eclipsed by everything else that went on that night. At least no one died although I swear it got close several times.”

[Jeremy Casing]

Oh, Jeremy did know. He knew that feeling of loneliness all too well.

As a boy, he had been horribly bullied for his gangly and awkward ways. Despite his childhood being so short on account of his race, it had nevertheless been a painful time for the feathery Kelvic. "I understand." He replied solemnly, trying to convey a sense of comfort to Orin, but not being sure how. Jeremy had spent many days feeling lonely, wishing for the company of people. But of course, upon finding someone to converse with, the young man would feel painfully awkward and uncomfortable. It was a vicious circle.

He completely empathised with the other male, but felt no pity towards Orin. The two of them were obviously similar in that sense, but Jeremy was still wary. A slip of the tongue could sour a conversation quickly, and he did not want to burn any bridges between himself and Orin so soon.

"Sometimes I feel as if I'm..." His voice trailed off and Jeremy tried to consider how best to word his thoughts, "impossible." He finished the sentence in a final matter, pleased with his word selection. "Part of me desperately wants to find people. But the other part is almost fearful of people. They're so unpredictable." Throwing Orin as appreciative smile, Jeremy continued, "and as you say, there's no way of knowing who's worth your time without suffering to some extent."

Jeremy began to plow the ditch again, working in silence but with an intense look on his face. He was concentrating on doing a good job for the farmers, to try and win more of their trust and respect. But the Kelvic was no field hand, and his wiry form was not built for long-term physical labour. Soon he began to wince and sigh, his muscles burning and bones aching. When Jeremy paused to stretch his back, his joints snapped and cracked loudly.

"Oh." It was his initial reaction to Orin's question. He assumed that people instantly knew he was not human - strangers had noticed before now, and seemed to delight in telling him. You ain't like us, are you boy? was how one particularly difficult farmer had worded it to Jeremy. "I'm Kelvic. My other form in a Gyrafalcon." He extended both arms outwards, holding the spade in his left hand and gesturing with it, "Big bird, with a wingspan this big. If you've seen a white hawk-like bird flying about, it's probably me."

The ability to fly, in the form of a bird, helped Jeremy with his work as a Phylonurist. He could not only travel far distances much quicker, but he could also keep a sharp eye on the goings-on of the immediate area much better. Just the other idea he had noticed a group of teenage boys throwing rocks at sheep. When Jeremy had dropped a wet fish onto them, the lads had ran off screaming like girls. It had been a particularly comical way to defend Ciayha's domain.

Again the Kelvic smiled as he spoke of his gnosis and Goddess, "Yes. I met her in real life. She's incredible, really." His eyes seemed to glaze over in the way other men's did when they spoke about their lovers. Jeremy's admiration of the Goddess seeped out of his skin, dripped of his words. "I was a boy when I met her, in the woods outside Sunberth, where I was born. I was in my Falcon form, and I saw--" for a tick his expression darkened as he explained the initial start of his story, "-- I saw some boys I knew hurting animals. They had killed a duckling and injured a swan. I just... I saw red. I've never been as angry as I was then. So I dived down, and attacked them." He shot Orin a guilty look; his golden eyes hard but creased with worry. If the human male was ever going to divorce himself from Jeremy and their potential friendship, it would be after hearing this part of the tale. "After that, I flew away from the city and into the woods. I was so ashamed at what I'd done, but... not that I'd done it. I was proud in a way. I had defended the animals and done my best to stop them from being hurt. I was in a tree when a woman spoke to me, and said she knew what I'd done. That was Caiyha. After a short conversation, she touched my arm - by this point I'd turned back to my human form - and next thing I knew, she'd disappeared. And I had this." Again he extended his gnosis-marked arm. The swan and duck had no left the lake and seemed to be grooming each other on the grass.

The Kelvic finished his story with a wistful sigh. How he wished he could see Caiyha again! In those nights where he doubted himself as a Phylornurist, Jeremy wanted nothing more than to seek out the Goddess and converse with her again. Sure, he prayed to her. But this was nothing compared to being face-to-face to the deity.

"I think the food was the highlight of the night." Jeremy replied earnestly, moving their conversation forward. "The bread and cheese in particular was amazing. You're quite the chef, in my opinion." Jeremy grinned at the memory that doughy bread, the creamy cheese. In comparison to his meagre meals of unevenly cooked meat and raw veg, Orin's banquet had seemed quite the luxury.

[Orin Fenix]

When Jeremy offered his understanding to Orin, the feeling in Orin’s chest was indescribable. It was a good feeling, sure but Orin didn’t quite have the way with words that others had and he didn’t know what to call it. Happy didn’t seemed to be enough and ecstatic was too far. Maybe content was the correct word. Regardless, Orin was pleased with Jeremy’s response. It was simple, but it meant a lot and Orin felt that there was a lot more behind those words than what Jeremy had said. In fact, Orin hesitated. He wondered whether sharing a bit of his own past and history might be a good idea here. Normally, Orin would never even consider it. But Jeremy had done Orin the courtesy of sharing and it would be good to get better at revealing his inner turmoil. Besides, Orin had been able to help someone, Isolde, just by telling her she wasn’t alone and explaining his own troubled history and what he’d learned from it. Orin didn’t want to assume that Jeremy’s childhood in Mithryn or elsewhere was as turbulent as Orin’s was but that was the distinct sense Orin was getting. Hopefully if Orin broached the subject cautiously and carefully then Jeremy wouldn’t take offense. For once, Orin was actually thinking before speaking and choosing his words. ”So I told you or I guess you must have assumed I grew up in Mithryn and I did. And I’ll be the first to tell you that while I’m lucky to be alive and whole it wasn’t the easiest childhood. I don’t need sympathy or pity or anything like that. It’s all behind me now and I’m stronger now because of it which is all anyone can ask. But the one thing I hated was that all the people of Mithryn, who are honestly good people, were horribly closed-minded about me and my situation. And because they couldn’t fit me neatly into a category or put me into a box that fit their standards they lashed out at me because of it. But I forgive them their prejudices and their fear because their not worth my time. Although I will tell you that it doesn’t make me all warm and fuzzy inside when I come back for a visit.” Orin hoped that Jeremy wouldn’t take Orin’s efforts to establish a connection between them amiss. He’d ended on a note of levity since that seemed to work well for others when they were talking about their deep emotions and didn’t want it to become a big deal.

Orin threw another clump of dirt over his shoulder with a groan. They’d been working for what felt like days but Orin knew it was only a few bells, if that. Still, his arms and shoulders weren’t happy with this work and made no attempt to hide this fact from Orin. Orin just gritted his teeth and kept on digging. He figured that once they’d made enough progress or it was time for a break Jeremy or one of the other farmers would come over and let him know. Until then, Orin wasn’t going to let his discomfort show. Focusing on the conversation as a more than welcome distraction. He frowned just slightly at Jeremy. ”I mean I get the not wanting to be around people. But I don’t know, I guess the way you phrased the being around people bit, made it sound a bit more than the usual pull of needing company. I’m probably reading too much into this aren’t I? After all I’m hardly qualified to comment on the intricacies of human personalities now am I? I barely know myself.” Orin laughed and though it came out slightly bitter, it was still funny, the idea that Orin of all people would try and understand how people’s minds worked.

Orin had to stop and stare at the revelation that Jeremy was a Kelvic. And not just any Kelvic but a bird. And not just any bird but a gyrfalcon. Although Orin would be the first to admit that he didn’t exactly know what a gyrfalcon was. Orin’s jaw had dropped and his eyes got big in shock. But it was a good surprise and Orin immediately launched into a series of questions and comments. ”That’s, well, frankly I just honestly have to tell you that’s incredible. You can fly? That’s probably one of the most awesome things I’ve ever heard. And I have to know since I don’t know anything about Kelvic really, other than the animal form what else is different? I mean that’s a big one so I would think that’s enough but I’m sure there are others, I mean, correct me if I’m wrong. I can’t get over how amazing this is. You might be just about one of the most interesting people I’ve ever met, hands down. Maybe you could show me your moves, I mean, flying some time? I don’t know much about birds though I would love to learn.” Orin’s words came flying out of him. He was thankfully able to keep from stumbling and mumbling and although they were all in a jumble Orin managed to keep them relatively manageable. At least, when compared to other such instances.

And when Jeremy retold the story of his meeting with Caiyha and how he’d attracted her attention Orin’s admiration for the man grew even larger. ”I would be jealous but it’s just so incredible, I mean, you are. I seriously don’t think I’m the type of person to attract even the smallest of divine attention but you, well I wouldn’t be surprised if you got another visit from Caiyha.” Orin thought that the way Jeremy had handled the brutes was brilliant and Orin decided he should tell the other man that. ”And I for one am inspired by how you dealt with that nasty situation. I mean, I like animals even if they don’t always like me much, well, practically never, but I would never ever condone torturing one. So you most definitely did the right thing there.” The mark was beautiful, with not only a pool of water that Orin would almost think he could dive into, but a lifelike swan and a duck that Orin could have sworn were moving, although it was likely just a trick of the light. Orin had to steel himself not to reach out and touch it. He didn’t think Jeremy and his fragile and budding friendship would survive such an action. And the joy that Jeremy clearly felt when remembering his meeting with the goddess was infectious and Orin felt a smile drifting onto his own face.

Orin had to laugh when Jeremy complimented his food. ”Well I didn’t have all that much to do with it, but I’ll thank you kindly. I don’t know if I would call it a highlight though. No I think that would have to go to the pregnancy announcement. Or maybe the almost fight that broke out. Or the second confrontation that almost also turned into a fight. Or the third one. Yeah, I definitely would think that the food was the last thing on most people’s minds that night.” Orin tried to keep his tone as light as possible. Everyone had survived and they’d all had at least a little fun and met new people. So Orin guessed that he should consider that quite the success. And Orin had mostly recovered although he still work up from nightmares of seeing that murderer's face before him. Orin was just trying his best to put a positive spin on that evening, or, at least, not dwell on it unless he had to.

[Jeremy Casing]

"Yes!" The enthusiasm behind Jeremy's reply to Orin's personal history even surprised the Kelvic himself. After blushing and swallowing awkwardly, Jeremy continued in a more... humane tone of voice. "That's exactly how I feel. They're good people, as you say, but... They don't always appreciate anything that's different." The Kelvic paused momentarily to stretch his arms and spine again. He did not want to intrude on Orin's past, or ask unnecessary questions, but he felt that he needed to convey at least some sense of understanding. So Jeremy threw the human an empathetic look. "I always feel they're judging me in what I do, even when I'm trying to help them. And then everything else that I do, like how I spend my free time, is regarded as utterly bizarre." Stiffly, he began to dig again, "so I understand that you may not always want to return here."

He sighed with frustration, but not towards Orin. Jeremy almost always felt that the farmers of the Mithryn did not want him to be around them, that they would prefer it if he left. But his role as a Phylonurist begged him to stay, if only to be within close proximities of Syliras in order to work his Caiyha-blessed job in the city. And then there was his paid employment, to handle and heal the animals of the farming community. If he just up and left, how would they fair? The farmers never mistreated their animals, but they simply just didn't understand their behaviour as well as Jeremy, or how to heal them.

Orin's reaction to his admission of being a Kelvic overwhelmed Jeremy. For a tick, he had no clue how to respond. Much like his gift from Caiyha, people were usually intrigued by him, but never so positively. For one, the Kelvic actually felt a glimmer of pride about his race. Nevertheless, he held up a nervous hand and shook his head minutely. "I'm really not that interesting," he said, with a shy smile.

He began to explain the ways of the Kelvic. "As well as having our animal forms, we Kelvics seek out people. Or rather, a specific person, who we call our bondmate." Now he paused, feeling that all-to familiar build up of embarrassment that came with what he said next: "I've never had a bond mate, so I can't describe exactly what it feels like. But... it gives us a purpose. We strive the make their lives better and easier in anyway we can." That yearning for another person would always be impossible for Jeremy to explain, like how difficult it would be to describe to someone how to breathe. It was instinct, part of his very self. And yet Jeremy had failed in this regard; he had no bondmate, and had never had one before. Perhaps this was how unmarried romantics felt - this comparison made Jeremy shudder.

He was keen to move the conversation, more to protect his own ego and sanity than anything else. The desire to bond with someone would never leave him, not until he met that special individual.

"Well, I certainly thought the food was the best part of the night. And it was at the forefront of my mind. At least, it was a close second to me thinking 'who are these people and why, oh why, am I here?'" He chuckled to himself, shaking his head as he recalled the chaos of the New Years' party. "So if you dislike big gatherings as much as me, how do you spend your free time?"