[Temple Of The Unknown] Undiscovered Secrets (Kynier)

by **Kelski** on June 15th, 2018, 1:50 am

Timestamp 20th of Summer, 518 A.V.

It was a scorcher of a day. Summer was in full swing in Sunberth and everyone baked. The sun was merciless and since it was late afternoon, everything had heated up in the city and didn't promise to cool down until well after sundown.

Kelski wore new clothing, some of the few things she'd ever owned that were made for her. Black pants tucked into tall black boots were belted close to her hips. Instead of a smothering cloak she wore a pale tank top that hugged her figure and clung to her like a second skin. A pair of daggers hung at her hips and a small bracer of daggers crossed her chest that allowed her quick access to a set of ranged weapons if she needed too. Her hair struggled its way free of the loose braid she had it woven into. It fell past her belt and curled at the ends. Strands were free against her face. Light perspiration damped her tank at the small of her back as she slowly and carefully explored the temple.

One thing was clear. There was no sign of her last visit here. She had somehow thought there would be at least a flicker of evidence that the mage had been here and they'd met. It had been a brutal disappointment when she'd found the ruined columns where they'd sat talking in her memory. There was no stirred up dust, no boot prints in the dirt on the floor... only her mind perhaps playing tricks on her.

Had it really happened? The Kelvic Eagle didn't know the fate of man who called himself Kynier. She liked to think his arm had healed well and he was living somewhere in Sunberth, healthy and doing whatever it was he did... content in his life.

It was healing well the last time she saw him but that was so long ago. Half a season had passed. She'd changed. Had he? Kelski couldn't walk these halls and not think of him and of what she'd told him the last time she'd saw him before they'd parted. He'd walked out of her life and she'd let him, knowing it was for the best... knowing the timing was all off.

It seemed that tended to be the way of her life. Kelski only wanted him happy, safe, and .... the rest she shoved down and locked in a little box inside her mind.

She hadn't come here to relive those memories, even though they were shoving themselves at her in an alarming way. Instead, she'd come here because the old temple had fascinated her and she wanted to know more. The Kelvic could feel the power within its walls. It held secrets and she was drawn to them like a moth was drawn to a candle flame.

She stalked through its halls, one foot patiently placed in front of the other, mindful of her ribs which were still impossibly sore. Her face had healed mostly, the broken nose sensitive but no longer swollen and broken. She felt strong, perhaps stronger than she'd been in ages. No one haunted her dreams, waking her to work for a profit that was not her own. Instead she had customers, some that had slipped into the shop even as it was unfinished, asking her to work for them, respecting her profession.

Kelski had even filled out. Living near the sea had its benefits. There was fat fish aplenty that fell to her talons and filled her belly. Kreig had been right, telling her to feed herself to grow stronger. She hit harder, tumbled better, dodged faster... all because she was fed. There were still hollows in her body, but they were fleshing out with muscle. And her skin had an almost luminous glow its former pasty sallow color lacked.

She felt good. She felt alive. And she was proud. So she'd taken a break from cutting her rough stones and had returned to the Temple who's shadows whispered to her that it had lost its name five hundred years ago. That meant it had lived through the Valterrian. And to her, that was all Kelski needed to know.

She walked deeper, guided by shadows that whispered to her even as she slunk forward, trying to leave no tracks and make soundless motions. Kelski even covered her breathing. The urges of her companions took her out of the light and more into Akajia's realm. Kelski kept going... cautious but unafraid. She finally came to a door, a massive one, and in her peripheral vision, it glowed. Looking directly at it, the door seemed fine. But there was a barrier, a shield that halted her forward motion. Kelski paused, reaching it, reaching out to it. It lit up as she touched it, swirling in a thousand shades of blue as she watched. The shadows whispered to her, urgently, but she ignored them. Instead she laid her hands on the barrier - both of them - her fingers out stretched and laughed in joy as the power washed over her, lit up her mark, and the shield dissolved in a burst of powerful light.

Kelski pulled her hands back, inverted them, to stare at her palms. It felt like power was dripping down her body and she loved the feeling. Tipping her head back she laughed, then took a step forward and disappeared through the once-sealed doorway walking into the darkness, fearlessly.

by **Kynier** on June 15th, 2018, 4:05 am

As he stepped outside of Due’s Vestments Kynier was engulfed in a wave of heat. While still unable to physically feel anything after fourteen days, he could tell by the way the air smelled how warm it was, thanks to the humidity. All day he had done very little for physical exertion and attempted to cling to shadows out of the direct sunlight. It wasn’t enough to avoid perspiring as much as he was. To find some form of relief he approached the river and knelt at its edge. Cupping his hands together he collected water, albeit dirty water, and splashed it up on his brow. Washing away the salty fluids already on his brow he sighed. Unable to tell if it was warm or cold, he considered he maybe warmer than he expected.To avoid heat stroke he took a second handful and applied it to his face before standing up and looking around.

Dressed with a fresh new attire of dark high boots with black cotton leggings tucked into them. His cold iron short sword and an extra dagger were attached to a new belt. A cotton shirt of a dull brown covered his chest but had been rolled up to allow his arms to be exposed. The wound to his left arm had been healing well though it was going to leave quite a scar. Since early last season he had gotten into multiple altercations. The clothes he had been wearing were torn and barely holding together. Having acquired a little extra coin he decided to indulge in some nicer clothes. What he was really enjoying was the dark green vest he wore. It had been specially tailored with four concealed pockets. Certain circles referred to the style as a burglar’s vest. In one hidden pocket he kept his lock-picking tools, another had some extra coin. The third held a locket with a braid of hair inside of it. With the increasing heat he had forgone the cloak. Without its extra weight on his shoulders he felt exposed though extra mobile.

His vision panned around until it rested on the temple. A forlorn structure that loomed over all others in the city. Once he had entered to explore the structure, but had gotten a pleasant distraction instead. With the blistering heat bearing down the shade it provided had an extra appeal. Having completed a task yesterday for Doler he had no set plans. Before heading over he knelt by the river again and refilled his waterskin.

As he approached Kynier felt the calming presence of the temple grow. The bustle of the city diminished around the immediate area until it reached a nearly unnatural silence. Even the air was different as he took a deep breath. The foul odors of decay and blood didn’t linger around here. For some unspoken reason the temple had been left untouched by the chaos around it. Time was its only enemy as it slowly corroded the stonework. Walking through the open gateway and into the shade Kynier felt as though Sunberth had been left a hundred mile behind. Silence echoed throughout as he softly stepped through the ruins. With light from Syna leaking through the cracks Kynier was able to see more than he did the last time he was here.

Stone surfaces worn away before shrouded in webs. The ancient depictions and messages lost forever, only to be known by Akajia. Kynier held a long breath to become one in the silence. Meditating on the stillness around him he felt for his djed. Once he found it he uttered the auristic incantation he learned long ago. As djed pulsed through his eyes he began to see the auras around him. To his surprise it didn’t emanate from the stone or rubble strewn about the floor. As a late fall fog an aura hung in the very air of the temple, opaque even to his Sight. Kynier dare not focus his sight on it to gleam its energies. To radiate traces after centuries there had to have been a power he couldn’t fathom that once rested in these halls. Reaching out with a hand the aura swirled around his arm of its own accord. Fear, caution, anxiety, none of these ran through his mind, only calm relaxation.

"So much old power, lost and wasted by thugs and fools."

A pulse like noiseless thunder echoed from beyond causing the foggy aura to flicker. Natural light flashed for an instant from beyond. Kynier quietly unsheathed his short sword. A power had… he couldn’t tell. Either released or activated. No new energies were visible to his djed filled eyes. A quietly as he could he advanced through the temple. As he passed through the room he had met the Kelvic last season he nearly paused to recollect. But now wasn’t the time. Something was happening ahead and his curiosity compelled him forward.

Each step taken was with discretion. Trying to not make any noise to alert whomever lay ahead. No sunlight seeped through to light the way. Navigating by the flow of the aura in the air was taking its toll on him. Kynier’s mind began to ache and his sense of smell had been muted. It hadn’t become too much yet, though he had the feeling he was going to need his Sight again soon. Kynier severed the flow of djed and the aura dispersed in the air like smoke in the atmosphere. Leaving him in darkness he reached out with his hands to the walls for guidance. He had grown more accustomed to listening to his hands touching something during his numbness. Still holding his short sword he used a finger and took careful steps in case he walked into something.

Though his Sight was closed and his smell nullified temporarily, Kynier’s other senses felt a hum of power. Whatever occurred he was nearing where it happened. What little adjustment his eyes could do was enough to see the outline of an open doorway before him. He paused here, feeling every surface of his skin shudder slightly from traces of magic. The strongest sensation came from his gold armband under his left sleeve. Instinctually he rested a hand on it. With his finger he traced the etching of Akajia’s symbol through the cotton. The action was somehow reassuring now as opposed to past occurrences. With a calming breath he flicked the tip of his short sword up and forward. Leading with his blade he quietly entered the darkness before him, hoping he was capable of facing whatever lay beyond.

Ledger Changes: :

by **Kelski** on June 15th, 2018, 4:32 am

The chamber beyond wasn’t what Kelski had expected. The Kelvic thought she’d be walking into a large chamber. Instead, a wide stair that spiraled downward greeted her. It was pitch black and the Kelvic had to reach into the backpack slung over her shoulder and take out a small lantern.

She took a knee just past the barrier and took a moment to strike flint to steel and light the tiny oil filled light. Anything larger and the shadows that flanked her would take offense. Kelski didn’t really need a lot of light to see with anyhow, though she did not have night vision like some creatures did.

The fact was her vision was far superior to humans even in low light. While humans had standard perfect vision at 20/20 an eagle saw things more like 20/4. It was a simple formula… humans could see clearly at twenty feet away, while eagles could do so with complete clarity at a hundred feet away. She could also shift her vision to see things on a mirco level even being far away. The darkness impaired her significantly, but the little lamp helped negate that failing.

It wasn’t a perfect setup, but it was something she was glad she had the foresight to think to include in her backpack. The oil reservoir would last a half-dozen bells especially turned down, but not the whole night, so she had to hurry in her exploration.

Kelski trotted light-footedly down the stairs, circling deeper into the belly of the Temple. The shadows flanking her were curious and chattered in Makath, filling her ears with greeting and gossip. “What was that? That light… it was so beautiful…” She said, asking one of the bigger more vocal ones that had been pacing her since she arrived.

“It is a shield… something mages can build to protect things. To hide things… one cannot just walk through them.” It said breathlessly. Kelski turned her head to study its inky blackness that flickered in and out of existence in the faint lamplight.

“Then how did I get through?” She asked it, curious beyond measure.

“Your mark. There are many paths in this temple, but they are all not guarded for the same reason. This one was guarded against all but Nightstalkers. Your kind is welcome here.” It said simply, having not yet revealed itself to be male or female or even having a sex at all.

Kelski nodded.

She’d felt her mark burn as she’d touched the light. She could still feel the light on her hands and something inside her answering that light. It had wanted to ooze out of her and join the light she touched, strengthening the already woven magic.

Had Kelski been more curious and less nervous about time, she would have stopped and experimented. But as it was, if this was a place of Nightstalkers, she wanted to see why and definitely go where the stairway lead.

It eventually leveled out into a small hall and the spilled out into an enormous chamber. The chamber stretched out in front of her, its boundaries hidden by the restricted distance of the weak lamplight. Kelski would have turned and found the extent of the chamber’s dimensions but something else caught her eye.

Akajia stood before her, as if having stepped out of the shadows and into the lamp’s weak light. The flickering of the little hooded lamp caused the stone of the Night Goddess’ robes to appear to gently ripple as if teased by a wind. Black stone masterfully formed the shape of the lithe woman as she stood boldly in the center of the room. Shadows crowded around the statue, as if in some sort of ancient yet permanent entourage. Kelski studied the Goddesses face for the longest time, then carefully padded forward.

Slowly, ever so slowly, she dropped to her knees. The Kelvic had never knelt a day in her life willingly to her captors in Sunberth nor to the Svefra that took her. But to this woman – the Mistress of Shadows – and the keeper of secrets the Kelvic would. And it was there, lamp set beside her, that Kynier would find Kelski. She was bowed forward on her knees, her hair spilled all around her, deep in prayer as she reverently whispered to Akajia in Makath at Akajia’s feet.

by **Kynier** on June 16th, 2018, 2:09 am

Cautious was his advance. Not using the traditional locomotion of a human’s walk, Kynier carefully placed a foot in front and had the other step up behind the heel. It was a very slow method of movement, but one that was silent and best used for utter darkness. Beyond the doorway his heart beat loudly in his chest. His senses of sight and hearing were both on high alert for any form of stimulation. In the shrouded darkness he forced his breath to be shallow. Fretrin’s words echoed through his memory about the dangers of the dark. Now he wished he had some form of night sight. Unless he dared to venture the mines, there were almost no opportunities requiring a lantern or lamp in the city.

“Turn back if you’re so scared. Anyone with sense would’ve already done so.”

Not him though. Apart from Doler, he had no knowledge of anyone else with magical power residing in the city. If this was an opportunity to find another mage he didn’t want to miss it. He couldn’t think of what else could’ve made such a powerful discharge of magic. In the darkness that had him so on edge was a mystery daring him to find it. Kynier had no intention of revoking the invitation.

As he went to set his foot down Kynier discovered there was no floor to support him. He lurched forward as he discovered the first step. With his other foot he tapped the ground in front of him until it discovered the edge. A staircase? With a hand he reached out for a wall and felt nothing. Then he reached out again using the length of his short sword. Upon hearing the soft tinking sound of steel on stone he shuffled over so the wall was in arm’s reach. Slowly he descended the staircase scrapping his sword tip lightly, listened for each step before dedicating his weight.

The wall was well preserved with a smooth surface. No webs had formed either. Meaning Kynier and whoever else was here were in a section that had been completely sealed away. Excitement rose within him at the prospect. Perhaps there were still some secrets to discover. Something worth preserving for centuries laying in the dark, waiting to be found.

Kynier could see a weak flicker of light coming through the archway at the bottom of the stairs. Taking his hand away from the wall he crept down and stowed himself behind the passage frame. The next chamber was large. Larger than the length of light that lay within. From his position he could see a stone statue standing tall with shadows dancing at its base. Though feminine in design he couldn’t make out any other details. A single figure was bowed before the statue. Kynier looked around to see no one else in the vicinity.

Though his sense of smell had not yet returned, he dared to try his Auristics again. Attempting to slow his heart he meditated with long breaths. While chanting the djed infused his eyes with the Sight. The discomfort from the last use was renewed. A migraine was quickly forming and he struggled to concentrate beyond the pain. The statue itself emanated an aura of unusual color. It was a dark velvet similar to the night sky and it reached out twice as far as what a person’s aura was capable of. The figure kneeling before the statue emitted an aura that was… It looked familiar.

Before the pain became too great Kynier slammed his eyes shut and closed his Sight. If there was anyone else in the chamber they were too far away to be detected. Kynier skulked away from his position and into the room. With long soft steps he approached the figure. Drawing closer he could tell it was a woman. Her dark hair fell all around her face and onto the floor. Kynier noted the dagger strapped to her hip and raised his short sword in front of him. Should she make any hasty move against him she’d have to avoid the tip first. Nearly upon her he angled his body, sword arm in front.

The words she was uttering were strange. To him they were incomprehensible. Yet they flowed from her tongue like a native language. From the reverence in her tone it seemed like a prayer. Kynier gazed back up at the statue. What he couldn’t see before was impossible to be mistaken now. As Akajia’s eyes seemed to loom down upon him he froze in place. Shadows rippled over her stone flesh in defiance of the light. A moment of disbelief took him. Kynier never heard of a location that paid homage to the Night’s Mistress. Now here he was standing within her realm, with a weapon held against a follower of hers, one that appeared more faithful than him. Shame washed over him as he continued to stare.

So many times he had prayed for guidance and never felt her answer. Never feeling a trace of what he now felt in the room. From the darkness all around, he felt watched. Watched by something reserving judgment from a trial he had yet to undergo. The urge to kneel came but his legs refused to bend. Kynier’s breathing became slightly erratic as he stared into her stone eyes.

Why am I drawn to you? He thought. Never before have I felt your presence, and yet it is you that I look to. And still you do not speak to me. Do you not find me worthy? Silence. As always, her answer was silence. A pair of shadows swirled around the brow of the stone face. Kynier wanted to shout at it, scream the anguish of unanswered faith to the stone. But his lungs could not draw the air necessary. Finally standing before her he could do nothing. Kynier dropped to his knees, short sword clattering loudly in the chamber as it fell from his hand. What must I do?

That was the secret that always seemed beyond his comprehension.

by **Kelski** on June 16th, 2018, 4:07 am

The clattering of the short sword bouncing across the stone floor brought the Kelvic out of her almost meditative trance and her communion with Akajia. She leapt sideways, away from the sound, and was on her feet in an instant. Her ribs smarted hard, reminding her they were still damaged, though she didn’t utter a sound in pain. Daggers materialized in her hands, drawn from the brace of them hanging from the leather harness around her chest.

Crouching low, daggers ready, the Kelvic stared at the figure with cold silver eyes. Her frozen emotionless face softened slowly as her eyes roamed the figure on his knees before the statue. She tilted her head, studied his form with her sharp eyes, and sheathed her blades. His weapon was useless across the floor. He looked different in the flickering light of the tiny lantern… almost tormented. It gave Kelski pause.

Kelski rose to her full height slowly. She was not as tall as Kynier; her form slimmer, more streamlined and delicate. But she moved like a fighter, mindful of her ribs, and crossed the space to his side. She closed her eyes a moment, glanced up at The Night Lady, and felt the corners of her lips slightly curl upwards. The smile was fleeting, more of some thanks than anything else. Some of the words she had been speaking were about the now kneeling figure… about his safety, his happiness, and his wellbeing.

A pale hand reached out and gently touched him on the shoulder, long black nails that were more like claws than manicured aesthetics gently ran across his lovely vest. Quicksilver eyes roamed his figure and while she could not clearly see his face since he knelt. However, she could see the sheen of sweat on his neck and the tenseness in his shoulder where she lightly touched him. Her hand roamed further, tracing up the length of his shoulder to his neckline and sliding upwards to his head. The claws were gentle on him, rubbing lightly into the back of his scalp - at the nap of his neck - parting the hair as if they could smooth away the tension there. A slim hip bumped his shoulder as she crowded his space. Kelski felt she had every right to be there.

“Kynier.”

Her singular word was softly spoken, though she did not cease gently rubbing at the base of his neck just within his hairline. Her nails scratched lightly in a gentle circular motion. The shadows of the room crowded closer, all talking at once, testing the mettle of the little hooded lantern Kelski had burning. They wanted to witness this Kelvics reaction to this mage. They wanted to see their connections.

She ignored the chatter and let them talk. The Kelvic cared for them, but did not deny them their gossip.

Even then she could feel the tendrils of a connection circle out from her and wrap around him. It took no special meditation or clarity of mind to sense. Iron will fought instinct a moment, and she did not let them mesh with him. Far more in control of herself than she had been a season ago when they’d been together last, Kelski wanted conscious choices not instinctual acts to dictate her life. She would control herself around him… and could now that she was stronger.

His tension and pain were almost tangible to her. She wanted those sensations gone from him but didn’t know how to evict them from the space around him. In her mind, he was strength and the brightness of keen intellect, not the aura of unanswered questions she felt around him now. Something was wrong inside of him, and she didn’t know what it was.

Kelski said nothing more than his name. She was too busy analyzing in her mind her own reaction to him. She’d always known Kelvics were intuitive, sensitive to emotions, and clever at observing others. But with this man she was more finely tuned than she’d ever been with one of the humans she’d spent time with, both willingly and unwillingly. He was a bright light even in the utter darkness of the temple. And Kelski couldn’t help but feel Akajia had brought them together.

As she stood before Night’s Mistress, the Kelvic stared up at the statue and could see the starry-eyed gaze staring back at her. Silently she thanked the Goddess, knowing much of the blessings in her life came from the Night Mistress’ hands. Her shadows did more for Kelski than any human ever had. And in many ways Kelski owed her life to them. And maybe, just maybe, she’d owe even more than that.

The Kelvic turned her gaze back down to Kynier. There had been a small span of time since she’d first touched him and said his name. She touched him still and finally continued with her words. They felt foreign here, especially in common, but she understood the necessity of it.

“Will you speak of it to me?” She asked quietly, still touching him, still rubbing the nape of his neck. “Maybe I can help.” Kelski had no other words to convey what she wanted to convey. Assistance? Gratitude? Nothing covered what she was feeling. It seemed so wrong that he was wrought with something in this place and in this now when his mere presence filled her with an almost acute sense of completion.

by **Kynier** on June 16th, 2018, 11:55 pm

So enveloped with himself he was unaware of what occurred beside him as he stared at the stone effigy. While the shadows danced and seem to press in on the small light Kynier reflected on his faith. It may have been that his belief was not strong enough. Even here. For he could not see the pieces that the Night Mistress was weaving together. Years had passed as he struggled on his own through Sunberth searching for the secrets that he may unravel them at his own leisure against the enemies yet to come. Working in her realm to merely survive. All the while keeping one secret that his life depended on.

Or was that it? The few secrets he learned had not a rewarding quality to them, deserving a glimpse at the greater view. Each had come with great risk that he had to gamble all on his own. The only thing he could claim was that he was still alive. That’s when Kynier realized it. Akajia had been watching him over the years. She did not reward him with new secrets of value, but safeguarded the one he needed most. Often he felt lucky that no one came across him using his power. That each one that had seen it could not speak with their rotting tongues. The reward for his weak faith had been his life.

Kynier returned to his senses as her hand brushed across his shoulder and her nails gently scratched at his skin. From the tender nature of her touch he knew who it was. As she uttered his name he bowed his head, unable to endure the Goddess’ gaze. Kelski’s nails alleviated the anguish he felt a moment ago and dulled the overgiving ache in his head. Kynier could not muster the tears to match his shame. There was nothing he could hide from the Goddess, so she knew he had been wearing down. Slowly the city’s prejudice was chipping away his determination and will. Preemptively Akajia had sent someone to aid him. One of her chosen, for the purpose of quelling his sense of loneliness. And as he thought he may never find her again, here she was.

Answers he had demanded, only to learn where he had gained the strength to ask the questions.

Kynier raised a hand and pressed it against her back as she continued to scratch the nape of his neck. Fingers softly clawed into her back for assurance she was really there. The tension in his shoulders faded as he leaned slightly against her hip. For a time all he wanted was to savor the feeling. And even as the pain from earlier dissipated Kelski offered assistance.

“You already have,” he said. A sense of happiness filled him so much he couldn’t even smile. Instead he looked up at the effigy. The shadows of her face almost appeared to form a smile for him. Thank you.

Had anyone else in his life asked the question, he would’ve shut them down. He didn’t feel that with Kelski. Their friendship had been formed from honesty. For each time one had confronted the other with a question neither had shied away to conceal their truth. “I can feel her here. For the first time. And in my selfishness, I doubted. I questioned. But now I have seen the flaw of my faith. And have realized the gifts she’s given me.”

Without taking his hand away from her back he stood up. The hand shifted to her shoulder as he stepped back to arm’s length to look her over. The clothes were the smallest change that he noticed. The way she stood portrayed strength and confidence that weren’t there before. Gone were the effects of starvation on her form. And those gray eyes had more steel to them. A smile spanned across his face as he looked at her. Kynier could tell as he looked at her that Kelski somehow earned her freedom instead of stealing it. She didn’t possess the tension of someone on the run, needing to look over their shoulder. To express his joy for her would’ve been impossible.

“Kelski.”

Wrapping his arms around her shoulders he took Kelski in his embrace. Through the caring squeeze of his arms she would be able to tell he missed her. The Night Goddess blessed him with his sense of smell in time to appreciate the aroma of the Kevlic’s hair. After a time he could not measure he stepped back from her, forcing himself to take his hands from her pale skin. With a heavy sigh that failed to wash away his ridiculous grin Kynier glanced around the dark. He tried to think of something to say that would distract him from the emotions she invoked within him. But nothing came to mind. He just stared into her eyes, “It’s good to see you.”

by **Kelski** on June 17th, 2018, 2:28 pm

The Kelvic welcomed his touch. As his hand splayed across her back and he leaned into her hip, Kelski smiled softly. His voice filled her senses as he lifted his head and studied the Goddess figure carved before them. She watched realization play across the shadows of Kynier’s face as he lifted it into her view, gazing at Akajia’s effigy. She did not interrupt him but stood quietly by his side as he worked the words out, filing the space around them with his reality.

Kelski turned toward him as he stood and looked her over. She let him, doing the same with him, making sure he didn’t show any sign of injury on his bad arm or anywhere else. Her name on his lips caused her heart to stop a moment but his sudden embrace restarted it just as easily. His action conveyed more than she could get from any words he could have told her and she laid her forehead on his shoulder a moment and returned the embrace. She ignored the smarting of her mending ribs, in favor of inhaling his scent and soaking in his warmth. The temple was chilled, especially below ground, but Kynier seemed to retain the warmth of the day.

She studied his gaze a long moment and thought it was like silver meeting topaz. The Kelvic almost laughed at herself, being inspired to craft jewelry with real life. She was ice melting into his fire and a piece of jewelry recognizing that was forming in the back of her mind, causing her fingers to twitch with the need to create. Her next thought was of how good the world was with Kynier in it, especially beside her, because all of her troubles seemed to bleed away when such a thing happened.

None of those thoughts were things she chose to voice to him. He knew it already, she decided, watching his transformation before Akajia’s statue. She turned back to it and nodded. “She gives many gifts, Kynier. And she demands much from her followers. But its not something I am unwilling to give. You should consider it as well.” The Kelvic said, hissing suddenly, as the shadows creeped closer, crowding them, wanting more of a show than the pair was giving them. They retreated at the show of her displeasure and she reached down to turn the lap up a bit, brightening the area.

“Every time Syna falls from the sky, Akajia walks softly across the land, searching, and seeking.” Kelski told Kynier, wanting him to understand. “So many people misunderstand her. They think she is a broker or sorts, buying and selling knowledge like a spy. But that is not who she is… and it is often hard for people to understand that and because of it they feel distanced from her.” Kelski said, walking from Kynier’s side to approach the Night Lady’s statue. She glanced over her shoulder at him, snaked a hand out, and pulled him closer until they were both standing toe to toe with the statue.

“It would be more accurate to say that she is The Keeper of Secrets. She collects them and curates them like a museum would. The most valuable ones… the most important ones… she holds close to her heart in vaults where few are allowed to roam. It is only the worthless ones, the secrets that hold less weight that she curates, releasing out into the world. Many darker denizens of Sunberth follow her… those who broker information by earning coin from exchanging it. But they can be so blind to her true nature. It is only those that slowly come to understand the value of holding knowledge close whom she takes an interest in and gives her greatest gifts too.” Kelski said, turning to judge Kynier’s reaction. She kept ahold of his hand, gently running her fingers across his palm. She desperately wanted him to understand.

“Her Shadows are alive, Kynier. Every one of them. And they know things. They can speak. They belong to her as if she casts each and every one of them herself. They speak a secret language and if you make friends with them and hold her mark, you can build relationships with them. I think they are immortal and forget more than we mortals ever could know.” Kelski admitted to him softly.

“And because of them, she sees everything… and is everywhere. And yet… she still has a question that she has not answered. She still seeks something. I do not know what it is. No one does. It is her greatest secret, I suspect.” The Kelvic said, reaching out gently and touching the Goddess’ stone hand with her own. Her action was reverent and almost an act of worship in itself. She bowed her head forward and closed her eyes, whispering a soft prayer that Akajia soon find the answer she is looking for.

by **Kynier** on June 17th, 2018, 11:39 pm

While they peered into each other’s eyes Kynier noticed a thought of amusement run through her mind. He had several questions that he wanted to ask her, but they didn’t feel important now. In this moment he just wanted to lose himself in her eyes. All too soon they had turned away to the Night Mistress. Kelski spoke of the cost of faith, one she was willing to give. Kynier looked up at the statue in thought. Never before had he given any consideration to things he’d be willing to sacrifice himself for. It was something that he could say that he would, but did not honestly know if he could follow through if the time came. Every day was a small struggle to survive. The Kelvic’s life had been much harder than his yet she was ready to give it all. Was he capable of that selflessness?

She hissed suddenly, breaking the ambience he found himself settling into. Stranger than her outburst was that he saw the shadows retreat from her. Eyes narrowing he watched them move along the edge of light for more unusual activity. Kelski continued as though nothing were amiss. When she explained the layman’s perception of Akajia Kynier found it fit his shoulders uncomfortably. From today he hoped to be renewed. Faith was a difficult thing to understand, and often he could find himself over-analyzing it. When she pulled at his hand he did not resist and stood beside her at the statue’s base.

The way Kelski described the Night Mistress was vastly different from what he heard so long ago. An akalak had described her more like a predator from the most advantageous place. Kynier felt himself relating more to Kelski’s rendition. And he could trust in her explanation. Not because she bore the gnosis on her back, but because he trusted her. While her fingers played against the palm of his hand his thumb reached around to caress the back of hers. The feel of the Kelvic’s touch evoked emotions within he could not describe. Strange things that no one else had ever managed to make him feel. Something that he was sure he could become addicted to.

As she spoke of the shadows his eyes popped open. That was something he never would’ve expected to hear. His mind raced around it forming multiple questions that he forced to be silent as Kelski continued. Kynier wondered if Kelski would suffer a repercussion for telling him of the shadows and their language. He wanted to think that Akajia would not be so bitter.

Then Kelski told the tale of the greatest secret that even the Goddess did not know. In truth it sounded almost romantic. Like a tale to allow mortals to relate to her more. A proposition that everyone, everything, was searching for something that they may never find. Akajia would be eternal, and he was sure that she would find the answer she sought. Kelski reached out to touch the effigy’s hand and bowed her head in prayer. Kynier kept a hold of her other hand as she did, waiting for her to finish. One she did he gently pulled her closer and set his side against hers. Readjusting his grip he interlaced his fingers with hers.

“This is unwise. Let go of this attachment.”

Kynier paid no regard to the warning. “Thank you,” he said softly as he gazed in her eyes. “The Akalak that first told me about her gave a different portrayal. By better understand her, I feel I will be more useful to her.” From there his thoughts trailed off. Blood rushed through his heart as he watched the shadows and light dance in those quicksilver eyes. A struggle rose within. To give into the impulses of his physical nature or to keep a respectful distance through sheer will. The latter won out as he sought words to say that would at the very least distract him.

“There were many times when I wanted to do something for you this past season. Whether it was to leave you a message like the ones you had left me, or to find some way for you gain your freedom. To know that doing anything would’ve made matters worse was nearly as unbearable as waiting for the right time.” Kynier repositioned himself in front of her. His free hand rose and tenderly brushed her hair over a shoulder to expose her neck. Very slowly he caressed her neck with the outside of a finger. Kynier knew how protective all creatures were of their neck, yet felt as though he were justified in his boldness to show affection to hers. The pale skin seemed to shine in the light. The valuable yet awful collar that once hid it was now locked away in his home. “I am,” a smile he could not control bloomed upon his face and in his eyes, “so glad to see that you’re free.”

“But,” his lowered his gaze and the smile vanished. “I have to know,” again he met her gaze with eyes laced with stern concern. “If you’re safe. I have to know that you’re in a position to take care of yourself.” As horrible as the collar was it had been a safeguard in its own way. Many times Kynier had witnessed women lose everything in the streets. Kelski was strong, but Kynier felt himself caring strongly for her, and all the emotions that associated with it.

by **Kelski** on June 18th, 2018, 2:21 am

This was so strange to Kelski. She couldn’t describe it nor could she begin to vocalize how she reacted to Kynier or what he meant to her even though they were virtual strangers. Humans were not to be trusted. He was a human. And yet, all of her resolve completely dissolved when he was around. Her lips loosened and she talked so much; she talked too much in his presence. Akajia didn’t strike her down though, and for that Kelski was grateful.

Nightstalkers were the keepers of secrets. They gathered knowledge and horded it like scholars horded books or gangs horded territory. And yet she stood talking to him, telling him of things she should have best left unsaid. Kelski told him things most would consider fantastical and yet he accepted the information from her without a sign of disbelief. It was as if he trusted her completely. It was something she would have not expected. But she understood instinctually it was the same trust she had for him.

He was a warm form against her. His fingers laced tightly in hers. Then he thanked her and spoke of an Akalak who had told him differently. Kelski was not surprised. Akajia was supposed to be the mother of their race, but very few people truly understood her. The Kelvic herself was still learning, still understanding, and sometimes the lessons came slowly. Her mind drifted, peaceful, and she took the moment to just enjoy the peace they shared standing before Akajia’s effigy.

Then Kynier began to speak. Kelski listened closely, remaining silent. He spoke of regret tinged with a bit of guilt, but Kelski knew he did the right thing. Kynier was vulnerable to Darvin, even Jaren for that matter, until he was stronger. She herself understood that clearly, knowing her enemies had far more skill than she did. And that would continue to be the reality until she changed and grew.

Kynier moved to stand in front of her and reached out to touch her neck. She tilted it away from him, exposing the long length of her neck and jaw to his touch, letting her eyes drift closed. It wasn’t submission, for the eagle inside her skin was far too fierce for that. It was acceptance.

Kelski loved the feel of his hands on her, especially this gentle pensive way that was so full of affection. Even though it was only a single finger, it was everything to her in that moment. The Kelvic realized she’d been starved a long time for something besides food and this man offered that thing she lacked to her, gently, and without conditions. And so, she soaked it up, welcoming the affection that she’d never had in her entire life.

But his voice changed and her eyes snapped open. She stepped back at his tone, tilting her head and narrowing her mercurial eyes at him until she realized why his tone had changed. She shifted her vision, meeting his eyes, and then smiled slowly.

“I live in Sunberth. You do as well. None of us are safe.” She said matter of fact. Kelski gave herself a little shudder, like a bird might who was readjusting her feathers, and shook her head. “I can take care of myself, Kynier. I have skills that are wanted. There is work for those willing to do it and I will be fine on my own. It is my hope, in fact, to be able to take care of others. I am free of the Sun’s Birth. I wish it had been by my own hand, but two things happened to make it so. My Master from Lhavit whom I was apprenticed under for a year found me. He sent a payment via the Svefra to free me because he was told I was enslaved. At the same time, Jaren gravely disappointed his father. His father stripped him of all his possessions and coin. That included me. So the timing was good. He took the payment and removed my collar and set me free.” She said, somewhat softly for she wished there was more to the story. She wished she could have told Kynier that she had fought her way free or earned her freedom or even bought her own freedom herself.

But it was nothing like that. She was rescued by a Master who lived clear across the world.

The Kelvic checked her temper and drew in a deep breath. She was still upset at the situation, like her work was cut short and dismissed. Like she had been cast out without a thought. Kelski had wanted to mean something to them. But she was just like a vase or a prized painting. She was art and ornament. She was a sign of wealth. There was nothing to her beyond that to The Sun’s Birth.

The feelings were confusing and utterly ridiculous. She let her breath out slowly and tossed her pile of wavy hair out of her face. “I had hoped for a better story. A glorious fight for freedom or maybe an epic deed that resulted in gratitude and my owner freeing me, perhaps remorseful for all that he’d done. It’s so little, but it means so much. In the end, I was thrown out like the paintings and liquor and other art he prized because it made him look so good. It is not a good feeling, Kynier, being just a thing and not a person.” She said softly, running her hand through her hair, pulling it again from her face. She should cut it, maybe short, so it wouldn’t get in her way anymore.

The Kelvic met Kynier’s eyes. “I mean something to you though, don’t I? Like you do to me. I don’t understand it. I don’t even really welcome it. But it exists. And now I know about it, I spent a lot of time thinking about it. About you. It makes me vulnerable. And you too. We are a weakness to each other, Kynier.” She said, completely ignoring the bonding aspect and the strengths that Kelvics acquire when they link up with humans. Why should she know? She’d never bonded… and neither had he. She’d only had herself to worry about so it was foreign worrying about someone else. Yet she did.

All that and more was in her eyes as she studied him. “I will be a burden on no one. As of now I bring nothing to anyone’s side. They turned me out with very little coin, no home, no direction and not a care that it was so. I’m figuring out life as I go, and I will make lots of mistakes. But I think I’ve found a good strong path, one that will mean I have something to offer another.” She said, thinking of material things, of strengths and the pull that being a business owner in Sunberth would bring. Kelski had no clue about comfort, security, companionship or even love. Things like that weren’t even part of her search image as she hunted for a life she could be happy living.

Besides, in many ways she was a ruined thing, a prey animal that had fallen to many predators. Before anything else, she had to change that… even if it meant killing a few people and calling in old debts.

“Life will test us. This is one of them. I am not sure if it is being so lost or being so drawn to you or being a bit of both.” Kelski said, then opened her mouth to say more. She didn’t though, because the kelvic was too busy moving. She shoved Kynier suddenly, pushing him out of the way as the Goddess Statue moved. It actually moved. It shimmered and it was as if a second statue stepped out of the first. One was armed with daggers, the other with a short sword. Kelski hissed in alarm, tried to get between Kynier and the twin effigies, but the one with the short sword split off and flanked them, facing Kynier.

Kelski was left with the Goddess armed with the daggers, and she was not hesitating to attack. Kynier had his own issues suddenly. At the same time, both stone forms smiled, slowly, secretively, with stars in their eyes.

by **Kynier** on June 20th, 2018, 4:19 am

Though it was through happenstance, Kynier was no less glad she had received her freedom. He understood the appeal of the alternatives she spoke of. To have that feeling of self-worth and accomplishment. Ultimately, everything in the city revolves around a selfish desire. Kynier didn’t think that Kelski fit that mentality. Everyone else sought excess in life whereas Kelski was fighting for things that even he took for granted. Even as she stated facts he already knew, and briefly overlooked, it was comforting to hear the optimism she had as she spoke it.

It was true, she was special to him in a way he couldn’t describe. Often his thoughts would dwell on her when they weren’t otherwise occupied. This stranger before him captivated him so. Even now he carried two items she left for him on his person. Kynier tried to not feel stung when she mentioned how she didn’t welcome her own feelings on the matter. Trust and affection were things she probably offered in small quantity and with extreme reservation. Somehow, he had become an exception to that. Kynier stared in her eyes as she talked of weakness. First instinct was to deny it. No matter what He said, that wasn’t how he felt around her. It was and it wasn’t. What he wanted to think was that she was scared. Not of him, but of the emotions his presence evoked and how they affected her.

Yet he remembered well what she said that night in the park. How she believed the Night Mistress led them to each other. How romantic it had sounded, and now it was impossible to disbelieve. To find each other where they first met and to discover this place. That he would be the one she chose to bond to. The word milled around in his mind, chose. Was that what she was really doing? All his understanding of Kelvics came from her. And she said they were naturally driven to bond. Then what was the real motivator behind their interactions? No answers came to mind, only a dozen more questions. Each of them more insulting to her than the last if he were to ever ask them aloud. The most prominent on his mind, if he was being chosen was it by the woman, or the eagle?

Now she was free and had real choses to make. Kynier could understand that before he was more of an opportunity, not a choice. This direction of thought caused his heart to sink. Now that there was nothing to stop them from seeing each other the hardest questions needed to be asked. Kelski admitted that she didn’t know what his exact involvement in this was. Must I stay away for her to learn? We’ve already sacrificed half a season. How much more until…

Unprovoked, Kelski shoved him hard away from her. Caught completely off guard he staggered away as the statues stepped down from the dais. Statues? The dark stone figures procured weapons similar to their composition. The Kelvic hissed as the statues moved around to their flanks. Kynier found himself against Akajia with a short sword. He felt Kelski at his back for an instant before she pressed against her opponent. He looked across the floor to where his weapon still lay. Shyke! Kynier started running at the smiling effigy as it rushed to meet him. It came with a lunging side swipe. The motion was so large it allowed Kynier to lower his shoulders and roll across the ground beneath the attack. Coming to his feet he ran towards his weapon that was still several paces away. Behind him the statue’s movements thumped loudly but quickly across the floor.

Bending and twisting around as he grabbed the hilt, Kynier turned back to his opponent. She came with a reckless thrust. As Pajalkich had shown him, Kynier took a crescent step back and away. As he did he brought his blade in a circle to hack at the exposed limb. Always destroy their attacking limp if you can. But his blade bounced off the stone with a small spark. The dim light hid any possible damage from sight, though he doubted he had caused any. Taking several more crescent steps back and away to stay out of reach he frantically thought of what he could do.

Stone wouldn’t burn and he had no control of any other elements yet. They were too thick to be broken and too sturdy for him to chip. It moved so fluently and quickly for stone. It also showed intelligence with strategy by beginning with a flank. Kynier remembered another school of magic he hadn’t taken to study, but Bourin had described it to him. Animation. Something had given the statues life and made them golems. The knowledge wasn’t going to be terribly helpful. Kynier didn’t know how the animation worked, thusly he wouldn’t be able to figure out a way to stop it.

“You should’ve stayed and learned more magic first.”

“Again, advice that’s too late to be of any help,” he muttered to himself.

Closed [Temple Of The Unknown] Undiscovered Secrets (Kynier)