Some Like it Hot, Others... go to Avanthal.

[Sairque]

5 Winter, 510 AV
Grandfathered
Tag: Cheshire, Fenilen, others upon request/invite

Spirits much rejoiced by the wanton play in the column of fire, Sai and Catabasis lazily circled down to find a spot to land. It didn't take Eagle eyes to realize that with every pass of his massive shadow over the animals roaming free in this area of the city, the creatures became further and further agitated. The people did, too, but Sai expected them to use their intelligent faculties and calm the petch down. And not get hurt by the panicking animals while they were at it.

All right, love, let's get this over with, she suggested vaguely, but he knew she was referring to their dramatic descent; a level of excitement she could have lived without tainting their arrival. It made those weapons and soldier-types heading their way seem all the more unpredictable. Fenilen Ruin, if you didn't warn anyone about our arrival, I'll throttle you.

The polar bears look kind of tasty, Catabasis suddenly cut in, earning a snort at the unexpected mirth. Had it been just a day before, Sai would have worried that he was going to act on the observation and have himself a lunch. The trek from Denval to Avanthal had not been easy nor fun nor plentiful.

The wide swaths they cut round the column of heat abruptly tightened, Catabasis' wicked beak turning toward the ground in a severe angle. His shadow became a thin blur over the buildings and scurrying forms below, calming the animals but exciting the people further. Tighter and tighter they wound, until Sai gritted her teeth against the heat beating in on them from the blaze, flattening herself against her bonded's back in an attempt to escape. The fiery red streaks in his feathers took on an insidious glow under the combination of weak norther sun and billowing flames.

Abruptly, they were just above the ground and, of all maneuvers to pull, Catabasis cut back over the blaze, flames licking his talons, and flared out his wings to catch as much of the updraft to slow their momentum to a crawl. It worked, but Sai could smell the tinged feathers as they swooped and stopped with one elegant hop. Certainly not the first time they'd come a little too close to the heat, lava vents happened to be a favorite method of ascent, but they had the capacities to handle accidents in Wind Reach. Here, who knew what kind of medical attention could be given a massive Wind Eagle? Catabasis, unconcerned, lifted himself to his full height and gazed down upon the nearby folks with wise golden eyes. Fear, awe, adoration, malice, swords, slavering polar bear jaws, he took it all in, nothing was too small or quick for the gaze of an Eagle that could spot a mouse sunning itself ten miles away. Abruptly he flared out his wings, enlarging himself by tenfold, and preventing anyone from entering what was clearly to remain his space.

Sai, meanwhile, the small bundle on his back, prayed to all the benign and good willing Gods that they wouldn't both be killed out of fear. After he'd folded his wings again and swiveled his head around to asses the threats, the mute black Eagle bowed rather gracefully and allowed his Inarta to leap to the ground below. Falling through the air with practiced ease, she was pint sized compared to him. Upon hitting the ground, rather hard, the red head rolled and easily popped back up onto her feet, and it became clear that she was, in reality, small compared to most things. She had not a sword strapped to her hip, nor a bow slung across her back. Her brown bryda billowed around her legs, gathered into knee high winter boots, the waistband hidden by the thigh length riding coat. In the heat of the blaze, she quickly unbuttoned the coat, revealing...a creamy white midsection and a lovely pair of breasts swathed into a single piece of brown cloth. Next she pulled off her cap, letting blood red tresses fall to mid back, and then she unwrapped a multitude of scarves from around her face. And then she was done undressing herself for the people of Avanthal.

Here someone important comes, Catabasis told her, though whether it was someone just trying to enter his circle of space, or someone just showing up, Sai had to look around to find out. And where was Fenilen!?

[Fenilen]

Of course, the people of Avanthal were just a small bit alarmed when they noticed that a giant bird was circling overhead, a sight they had never seen before, considering that Fenilen had landed outside of the city's perimeter and entered through the front after a short (depending on how one viewed it) hike. Needless to say, the news spread like wildfire, and it wasn't long until an exasperated Vantha was bursting into the glassworking studio, informing its pair of occupants that there was, indeed, a giant eagle circling above them.

That was all it took to remind the redhead within. Today was the fifth of Winter. Today was his rendezvous day. Without even a glance or a request for permission from Faycia, he was out like a shot, sprinting as quickly as his legs would carry him, which was surprisingly fast. Faycia's demand for him to stop meant nothing to him. It didn't even process in his mind. He slipped into his Katinu while he was running, a feet in and of itself, and his boots found their way onto his feet while he hopped across the shop, still making forward progress. A moment later, he was outside, feeling the cold biting at his face, but that was of the least of his worries. One thing bit at his mind. Was this rider Sairque, as he had wished for, as he had pleaded for, or was it another rider, one that he did not wish to socialize with? He could only hope and pray to Priskil around that it was the former. The normal timidness that surrounded Fenilen were gone. He barreled through crowds of people, giving only a quick sorry in Vani before going on his way. It probably didn't help his reputation as a foreigner, but that was besides the point right now. The point was getting to the rider.

Soon, he achieved just that. In a few moments, conveniently, just as she was wondering where he was, Fenilen burst around the corner at a full sprint, spotting her before she spotted him. Though he couldn't recognize her at this range, he could recognize the eagle. He would know Catabasis anywhere. Brief memories of flights within the grasp of his enormous talons returned to the forefront of his mind, but not for long. Soon, all that mattered was one thought.

She's here.

As he closed in, he didn't say anything, too obsessed with reaching her to formulate anything within his head. Soon she was just a few meters away. His arms opened, and as he collided with her, they wrapped around her, twirling her in a flurry of limbs that soon brought them both to the ground, her atop him. This was the only place in Avanthal where there was no snow, so they laid together in the dried grass. It was only after a few brief seconds of having his arms around her that he managed to speak, hiding to the best of his abilities the tears that had been streaking down his face from a mixture of the cold wind in his face and the sheer emotional surge from seeing Sairque. "I missed you," he whispered, "I missed you so much," the second statement was more of a choked sob. If she took the time to look in his eyes, she could see the truth and conviction behind these statements. He really had missed her.

But now they were together again, if only for a few fleeting days.

[Cheshire]

It was not a normal occurrence for large shadows to roll across the span of Avanthal. Yes, on occasion there were a few Talderian birds of prey who felt the call to glide over the snowy sky but they never circled. That signified a hunt was brewing. That or the creature to whom the shadow belonged intended to land. The first person to take notice of the strange happening was Farren Frostfawn, the strange man who did not speak unless it was to animal. He was alarmed although not as much as Daluna Coolwater had been when he whispered the happening to her. It did not take long for the people of Avanthal to take notice of the shadow and there was a bustling whisper rolling through the city. What was going on? The Vantha felt a prick of fear as they watched the dark shape roll across the snow. The animals were directed toward the stables or into shops and homes while the children and cubs were ushered into the nearest building. They could not take the chance of the Talderian bird taking one of the youth away into the skies. The people of Avanthal were not aware as to where the creature would land but Farren knew. He was a little too skilled in animals as many of the others in the city might say. The menagerie laid quiet and in the midst of the shopkeepers Kayin Frostfawn, leader of the Frostfawn Hold. He had been visiting his younger sister Reikanni when the commotion began. Only Icewatch patrolled the streets now. They were ready to take down the beast if needed and if it was sentient, try to reason with it. When the beast, or better yet, the bird landed in the menagerie the members of Icewatch bolted at the chance to figure out what the creature was. Jedara was at their head, Senari her bondmate close at her side. Her eyes glowed a fierce magenta as she neared the creature. She was a bit surprised to see the strange Inarta who had been staying with Skyglow shoot past her though. "Fenilen, you know…" Her eyes widened when a girl stepped off of the giant bird's back. The girl had the same fire red hair as the Inarta. Could they have been related? It was obvious in Jedara's eyes that she was a bit wary of the new woman. Vantha were very hospitable people but she was trusted by Morwen to protect the city to her death. Icewatch stood behind her simply waiting for her call. Her eyes burned a deep mahogany color as she looked at Fenilen. "You knew this woman was coming and you did not bother to inform anyone? Look at the city! Everyone has panicked! How dare-" Her angered speech was cut off by another voice. The voice of Kayin, her husband. "Jedara, do you not know who this girl is? She is an Inarta Eagle rider. The Inarta seems to know her. Give her a chance. If she is hostile, take her out. Give me a moment to see though." Kayin was more agreeable than his wife and it was clearly visible at times. He walked toward the woman, his eyes a friendly light blue. He was intrigued by the bird and less by the fact that an Inarta had landed in the city. He had always dreamed of seeing a Wind Eagle but circumstances had never allowed him until this day. "Hello Miss Inarta. That is a beautiful bird you have there. What is it's name?" He was utterly blown away at the sight of the bird. Such fiery avian beauty could have only come from Wind Reach. "What brings you to Avanthal? I'm hoping not a circumstance where the bears need to get involved I hope." He held a hand out to the woman with a smile. Looking sideways at Fenilen he shot him a wink. "You have angered the ice princess little Inarta. You better hope I can calm her down or you might have Senari clawing at your door tonight." He was kidding and it shined through in the rich pink color that glittered in his eyes. Although, Fenilen might not have been able to pick up on that.

[Sairque]

Sai took in the Icewatch, head cocked to the side a bit and a lopsided smile curling her lips, like it was everyday that foreign guards surrounded her in a more hostile than welcoming manner. It wasn’t, but the uncertainty of the situation pumped enough crazy through her system to delight in the thought of an all out fight. Oh the boasting that could be done, one unarmed woman, fresh off a hellacious five day journey, against a city’s worth of guards. And Polar Bears, too.

Those are mine, Catabasis cut in facetiously, and Sai got the image of a Bear and whale baby meal. She could practically feel the way his throat expanded in readiness for swallowing chunks whole. He shifted behind her again, stepped forward to loom behind her. The shadow engulfing her added a nice touch, though, the still air here on the ground practically smothered her in heat, not to mention the huge fire merrily crackling away to their right.

Framed by the thick columns of his legs, gouges appearing in the ground in the wake of each shift of those spear-length talons tipping them, Sai’s brilliant yellow eyes swiveled to the feisty brunette woman leading the charge.

Fine, I’ll take her.

You will probably have to go through the fellow at her side first.

He’s the chivalrous type?

Bonded.

Married?

Unknown, but they are bonded as Aidara and Sira. Sai stared at the two as they neared.

But instead of a vigorous tussle of arms, or even wits, Sai got Fen. On top of her. Everywhere. Gangly man-boy everywhere. The nutrient deprived grass beneath them crinkled, the smell of ash increased, and Sai lost her cap and scarves. He’d bowled her over quite succinctly, and it was only the look of utter adoration and relief in his teary little eyes that kept her from grabbing whatever was closest, in this case a small rake for cleaning up droppings, and beaning him in the head with it. She suffered his attentions, clung to like dried bird droppings to a rock. In the back of her mind, Catabasis practically sobbed with stilted amusement.

Petching bird, she growled mentally. I’ll get you back for this.

She waited for him to cry himself out, flapping her hand against his side in an unskilled attempt at comfort but managing to sound terse yet sincere in her own assurances of missing him as well. His awkward soul, the blatantly soft and tender core that somehow evaded the tempering of the volcano, seemed just as precious now as it had before; as though months hadn’t passed. So the Flightleader made the entirety of the guard wait. After all, one Inarta was immeasurably more important than the entirety of Avanthal.

“…has panicked! How dare-” some shrill voice screeched out, and Sai belatedly realized that it was abusing Fenilen. The gangly man found an elbow in his sternum, the quick-release-button, if you will, and his arms empty of wiry Rider. Sai flowed to her feet, bright green silk scarf wrapped ‘round her right fist and snapped like a whip. It happened to provide emphasis for the man’s final words instead of cutting through the conversation rudely. Sai’s eyes blazed every bit as fiercely as the shrill tart’s, chin lifted, the lines of her sinewy body budding aggression.

Stop, Catabasis’ order reverberated through her mind, deep like a great wave in the sea, forceful given the ease of communication between them, but necessary to drown out the single-minded anger Sai was prone to. The Eagle picked up the variations in the man’s stance, his eyes, the expression on his face, vastly different than the attitude wafting from the shrill woman or her bonded. He had as much curiosity as the shrill one had anger. It all transferred between them in the blink of an eye, Sai only glancing back at her magnificent companion because she’d belatedly noticed Catabasis had moved when she’d moved. Yep, Fenilen was tightly pinned within one iron strong foot. They could leave at any moment; with that convenient updraft right next to them it would happen quickly, but it shouldn’t have to come to that.

The first insignificant mutterings were ignored, and Sai focused on the only words that mattered. The situation had taken on a whole new light. Yes, they had randomly dropped into the city, apparently unannounced, but they were greeted by nothing except soldiers, Fenilen had thrown himself at her to get away from these people, the lady deferred to did nothing but scream aggressively, and the one man that spoke to them did so in a mix of frivolity and threats.

“I’m hoping the bears can sprout wings should they attempt any involvement,” a dark brow twitched emphatically, her common accented by the elegant song of her native tongue and untainted by the wind-chapped damage to her lips, a product of exposure to the elements. “Or do you regularly train against Wind Eagle battle tactics?” It twitched again, Sai’s vibrant eyes narrowing. “Perhaps Senari should take a look at our claws before putting his anywhere near one of my Inarta.” Sai suggested with a look directly at the man-bear in question. The physical reaction to having one’s name spoken had been tell-tale to the Wind Eagle. Catabasis, prudently, did not move his polar bear length talons, doing so could be misconstrued as supporting his feisty Rider with an attempt at intimidation. Unfortunately, flower colored eyes meant nothing to the native of a land unfrequented by Vantha; even less to someone that had dared trekking across unknown tundra in the fierce frozen months.

Her eyes swept over the area, taking in the buildings, the occasional face peeking out, the police force, the leadership. Perhaps her perceptions were colored by the blue paste she’d been forced to eat over the last three days, perhaps her reactions were fueled by severe lack of sleep. Perhaps the Inarta were just an over-confident, recklessly brave and blunt race. “Our people do not appreciate losing as valuable a member to our community as Fenilen will be and has been. Knowledge of your city will not feed a single soul during these barren Winter months. The ink in the pages of his book will not provide garnish enough to entice a single citizen no matter the state of our famine. His glasswork would have commanded enough to help feed us through trade, and he does not need to learn that from you. The knowledge he brings us does not do a single important thing for any one person living in Skyinarta right now. People will die because we agreed to his expedition; those lives exemplify the significance we hold in bridging the gap between our peoples,” Sai’s hard song-like voice stilled in the fire-tinged air, the Flightleader looking over her shoulder to beckon Fenilen to her side, and consequently out of his loosely constructed prison. This was not an invitation to interrupt her, however. Those blazing yellow eyes of hers brooked no argument.

The lad’s exodus from Wind Reach had been a battle for him, but he’d not had the ear of the city’s influential minds. Not that many of the hardheaded isolationanist Inarta could see past the here and now. Diplomacy was a word that found no definition any Inarta could understand or apply, and for Sairque the cold hard reality of the situation seemed as good an introduction to this situation as any.

“If this,” a sweeping glance and a motion at their current stand-off, “is what Fenilen has found within your walls, then our attempt has reached its conclusion.”

[Fenilen]

He felt Her warmth against him, contained withing his arms, pressed up against his chest. She bore the heat of the mountain within Her small, wiry frame, the heat of the mountain that he had missed for so long. He could smell Her scent, and he did just that, letting it fill his nostrils. He could feel Her hair falling over his face, tickling the sensitive flesh. Words could not describe how much he had missed Her over these weeks. Words could not describe the feelings he felt now that She was with him for these next few days. Her next action, however, suggested that She was not as thrilled to be in his presence as he was to be in Hers. He found her elbow buried within his gut, something that caused him to recoil ever so slightly in shock. His hands darted to protect the area from further assault, and in that brief moment, Sairque had slipped away from him. Just as he rolled over onto his stomach, so he could push himself up to his feet to stand next to her, he was denied even that small pleasure. Catabasis flew down from above, bringing his massive weight down upon him, pinning him to the dead grass beneath. A small cough escaped his lungs in a delayed response.

Fenilen, to say the least, did not feel comfortable beneath the massive eagle's talons. For the second time in a few minutes, the memories of flights dangling from his grasp were brought to the front of his mind, and this time, there wasn't exactly anything positive to save him from them. Instead, he did the only thing he could in this situation. He struggled, albeit covertly, to free himself from his talon-barred prison. Lanky arms squirmed within his pen, while his feet kicked up and down at the ground helplessly. Trapped beneath his claws, struggling for the breath to fill his lungs as he lay on his chest, Fenilen could do nothing but beat himself mentally as he listened to Sairque. What was she saying!? She was digging them both into a hole! If his arms were free, he would have brought one rapidly into his forehead. Instead, all he could do was sigh and plot out how to fix the mess she was unwittingly creating in his head, and map out all of the lessons he had to teach her about the Vantha and their oddities, things like the colors of their eyes, things that he would have noticed and she had missed.

The moment the prison around him loosened, he took his chance, springing out from it with frightening speed. He scurried to her side, elbowing her in the arm just as she was finishing, shooting her a harsh glare, likely one harsher than she had ever seen from him. It was quickly followed by a few words in Common, directed to the Vantha surrounding them. "If you'll give me but a moment," with that out, he turned to Sairque, meeting her eyes harshly. Stern words flew from his lips in Nari, something that only they could understand. "You are tired and not thinking as properly as one should. You have traveled for days. These people mean no harm, they only wish the safety of their city while their Goddess-Queen is away. Now, please, let me do the talking, before you make this any worse. Jedara is not a patient woman, nor is she a kind one. I bear no love for her in my heart, nor for her monstrous hound Senari, whom I hold no doubt mauls innocents for his own sadistic entertainment. He is a bird-eater, in every sense of the word, but that is aside from the point. I have missed you and the sharpness of your tongue immeasurably, Sairque, but now is not the time to draw blood," with that, he turned, every bit the spitting image of his Flightleader father as he looked at Kayin before him.

"I apologize on her behalf," Fenilen said, nodding his head ever so slightly. "A part of my visit here is that someone checks on me on the fifth of every season. I was to exit the city to make the fire for he, but the city is closed in Winter. She was forced to land here. I only realized this last night, my apologies for failing to communicate it," he then added, in a hurry, one might see it fit to point out. "She is my personal friend. She will be staying with me and eating off of my plate. She will be of no hassle to anyone. It is either the both of us for tonight or neither of us for forever. That is a choice for you to make with your lovely Jedara, but as you make it, think of the things I have brought, the extra hands I have provided, the extra glass that has been created by my hand for this city. That is not something that should be dismissed lightly because of one simple event," with that, he folded his arms across his chest, feeling the fire assail his back with its oppressive heat. Everything reminded him of Skyinarta today. Just one of those days.

"Diplomacy," he said simply to Sairque in Nari, turning his head to smile wanly at her. Exhaustion, while less extreme than hers, was evident on his face. It was hard for him to be strict and stern and harsh, to pretend to be his father, to act like a different person. That wasn't him. Not in the slightest.

[Cheshire]

A deep mahogany burned in Jedara's eyes at the Inarta's words. It was quite gutsy to land in a city and immediately start to mouth off to the woman in charge. Senari stood at her side, a low growl emitting from his throat. "I could take down-" Jedara placed a hand on the Kelvic's shoulder as a sign for him to halt his words. She knew she could not say much better than him but she would not darken the name of Avanthal and Morwen because she and her bondmate were a bit off put by the fiery haired girl. "I'm afraid you are judging things a little too quickly Inarta. What have you seen that is not to your liking? The snow? We cannot all dwell in volcanos." Jedara looked back to her troops behind her, waving them off with a flick of her wrist. "Return to your posts, there is no danger here." Icewatch dispersed in response to her Vani leaving Jedara, Senari, Kayin, Fenilen, and Sairque in the empty menagerie. Kayin was the first to speak up after Icewatch had left. He felt the need to preform a bit of damage control between the two women. He knew his wife was not going to back down to the Inarta and from what he knew of the Inarta, this woman would most likely not back down either. His glance shifted to Fenilen. "Thank you for your apologies Fenilen." He smiled at him, hoping to offset some of the anxiety his wife might have instilled in the man. "Anyways, lets head to the barracks. I'm sure your friend would like to leave the cold for a bit." Jedara shot a glance at her husband, her eyes a striking green. "Kayin, she could be trying to take over the city for all we know." She spoke the words in fiery Vani. Kayin's eyes turned a warm gold as he looked at his wife. "Just worry about the city Jedara. If this woman turns out to be a threat I'll take responsibility of her." After the short conversation in Vani Kayin motioned for the two Inarta to follow him. Jedara and Senari were already heading back to patrols and were mumbling to each other in a very angry sounding Vani. "Don't worry about them too much. They get a little hot headed when Morwen is away. They really are a kind pair. They just have a lot of things on their minds." Kayin knew that the excuse might not help too much. Inarta were very work oriented and they might see Jedara's work as her task that she was supposed to do regardless of the pressure. "Anyway, I am Kayin Frostfawn, leader of Frostfawn hold. The woman who was barking at you was my wife Jedara. The man next to her was her bondmate Senari, a dire polar bear Kelvic. Both are in the city's watch, Icewatch. They protect the city and the lands around it." He felt like there was more he should say but first he needed to get Sairque into the barracks so she could warm up. "Right now we are heading to the barracks. It is the headquarters, in lack of a better term, of Icewatch. Don't worry about them getting a bit territorial. They won't bother you if you are with me." There was only the issue of the bird left. Where would they keep the eagle? "You are welcome to keep your feathered companion in the stables if you like. I feel bad that we do not have anywhere more suitable for him. I can assure you that you would be able to see him whenever you wanted though." Maybe if the woman was staying long they could build a more permanent covering for the great bird. "How long do you intend on staying? If it is long I can speak to Iceglaze Hold, our city's builders, and see if we can get your friend a more comfortable place to stay." Once at the barracks Kayin led Fenilen and Sairque into the dining hall. Scattered among the tables were a few Icewatch members but more so polar bears and cubs. Some were in their natural form eating with their claws and teeth while others ate in their more Vantha-like forms. "Pardon the cases of nudity. The barracks are the bears' home and so they are not required to wear clothing if they do not feel the need. If this makes you uncomfortable we can take this meeting to the Luminary Commons. The food there is just as good." The last thing the Vantha wanted to do was offend the newcomer. "By the way, what is your name. I would feel bad if I had to call you Inarta again in lack of knowing your name."

[Sairque]

Sai jerked her gaze to Fen when his lecture began, but as she didn’t need to be told how she was feeling very deliberately she turned her attention back to the trio in front of them. Fen continued on, but the Endal heard not a word of it. Patience to handle insubordination and audacity was in short supply, the only thing that stayed her hand from back handing the boundary-obliterating Fenilen was that he was the entire reason she’d come. And that there might be a teeny tiny soft spot amongst the granite of her heart for the blubbering lad.

And then the boy continued in this vein, making Sai deeply regret not putting him in his place. Apologizing on her behalf? Like she needed a deserter Avora to speak for her. Staying with him? Eating off his plate? The suggestion that she could not be of enough value to feed or house dug into her skin, burned through her veins and eventually found a nice little place to wait. There would be time enough to set the glassblower straight.

Pride pricked, pride plucked. A crooked smirk tugged at the corner of her damaged lips, a condescending smile cast at the ‘snow’ the shrill woman suggested. Her tongue waited in peace until the guards filed out, aware of dynamics if not diplomacy. A condescending snort heralded her retort. That is, it would have had Catabasis not stomped on her deliberately inflammatory remark. As it was, she settled with rolling her eyes at the shrill woman as they moved to the man with sense. She would set her own hair on fire before doing as the man suggested and leaving with him, if it had meant backing down from the challenge in Jedara. Fortunately, Jedara left at the same time and released Sai from the stand off her pride required. Kayin knew what he was doing.

Falling into step with him, Sai made Sure Fenilen was coming along as well. Absently, she handed him the yellow scarf, freeing her hands. The rest of her garments remained scattered at the feet of Catabasis, who settled in, folding himself down onto his legs and laying his head down near the fire like a great dragon protecting his hoard. The reassurance of character Kayin supplied regarding the departed pair did little to impact her perception of them; mostly due to the knowledge that people had to show their character themselves before it should be taken as fact. She fully understood the stress of responsibility, of trying to do the best job possible. But sometimes the wrong people were put in charge.

Inflamed attitude finding peace in the easygoing manner of her new host, Sai nodded along with his run down on the situation. The barracks amongst Jedara's minions didn't sound particularly comfortable, but there was a reckless edge that looked forward to mingling with the soldiers. She assumed that they were like the Endal: in charge, smart, capable, the best of the city. It made sense that she would be taken to be amongst them. Though fatigue quickly rushed like lead through her limbs in the comfortable presence of Kayin, the Endal tried to make note of their path.

Stables?

What? Sai asked, mind muddling through his mental state before realizing he was talking about her conversation and nothing near himself.

With horses? Do I get to eat them?

Sairque abruptly took Kayin's elbow and pulled them to a stop even though her unsteady limbs protested the firm move. Glazing yellow eyes met his soberly. "Catabasis has had nothing to eat but a few foxes for the last three days, he won't mind sleeping in the stables if they're big enough and it's understood that he can come and go as he pleases, but he will eat your livestock without being fed a proper meal first. He could probably eat three or four large game animals right now, so if he's left alone to sleep for the rest of the day he'll go hunting at dusk and can take shelter with no risk to your animals upon his return." No, it didn't occur to her that they would include the meals for a bird with a forty foot wing span in their hospitality. Surely something of value would have to be traded to make up for the loss in product. "We'll only stay for a few days in the hopes that we make it back before the worst of the blizzards start. I've brought my bow to go out with your hunters," Sairque told him with a curt nod as they entered the hall. She had to eat, too, after all, and would prefer something prepared by chefs in trade for her kills.

Two things happened as the door swung shut behind them and the trio found themselves wrapped in the stifling embrace of safe temperatures. First, Sai jerked the long mountain-goat skin katinu from her shoulders and handed it off to Fen. The coat was heavy with moisture, a constant and unwelcome companion during the last three days. Second, she bent forward to unlace the knee-high boots that had just started thawing in the blaze of the bonfire. Unkempt braid dangling, she worked steadily on the thick leather laces with uncoordinated fingers. "It's so hot in here, Kayin, I might just join them," she responded not-so-facetiously, glancing up at their host and trying to muster a smile. "Would that make you uncomfortable?" By the time she'd loosened the boots, not going to far as to take them off, the expanse of exposed skin along her midriff, back, shoulders, arms and face had flushed a bright red in an attempt to regulate her temperature.

“My name is Sairque Catabasis, flightleader.” Eyes sliding off her host’s, they skimmed over the diners, perhaps at a later time they would be interesting, and zeroed in on the food. Saliva flooded her mouth, and the smell alone nearly made her leap across three tables to get to the nearest plate, a meal that happened to belong to an eagerly dining bear. Being mauled was an acceptable trade for a few mouthfuls. She could get a few in and maybe scamper off before being too badly hurt. Even so hungry she would gladly eat more blue mold paste, it didn’t occurred to her to ask for a plate of her own. She’d provided nothing to the city, it would be irresponsible of them to feed her at the expense of their own citizens.

[Fenilen]

OOCSorry this is so short and blech, Fen's just sort of being the awktarded third wheel right now. >>

The moment the coat hit Fenilen, he shot Sairque a dirty glare, one she likely did not see. Without regard for it, he threw it at the nearest rack, not even glancing over his shoulder once to see if it had decided to stay on said rack. He couldn't help but laugh to himself as he heard Sairque hinting at how she needed to provide for the city in order to be fed for her short stay. He remained silent, however, electing to inform her of the city's lack of castes and lack of forced contribution after they were freed from Kayin's little tour, or whatever it was he was giving them both. He remained silent as he walked behind the pair, tired eyes focused on Sairque's exposed form. It was only when he noticed her focusing on the food that he sprung into action. No doubt, she was starving, but her Inarta-brashness would get her nothing here. A quick pair of steps brought the lanky boy forward, between Sairque and Kayin, where he spoke with exceptional speed in Common.

"Sir," he began, reaching down into the confines of his Katinu, "Sairque has been flying for three days, and a flight diet is... less than satisfying, if you remember how I was when I first arrived. If we could hurry and retrieve some food, that would be best," with that said, a golden miza and five silvers found their way out of his shirt, where he extended them to Kayin. "For her food, whenever we get there," he added, falling back to Sairque's side when they switched hands. Quietly, he spoke to her in Nari, not turning his head to meet her, as to avoid bumping into something in the crowded building.

"This is an odd, odd city, Sai," he said softly, holding out another Miza. "Everything is based on these little coins, coins which aren't even Pinions, not on contributions to society. If you have the proper coin, you can buy something from someone. When we get back to my room, I'll give you a few so you can buy somethings while you're here. Your Endal status means nothing to these people," then, perhaps more for his own reasons than to give her the coin, he took her hand in his, placing the Miza in her palm. He held onto her exposed hand for a long while, taking in the Warmth that her hand was expelling in an attempt to regulate the temperature of her body. It was a long moment before his hand finally parted with hers, and when it did, he said nothing of it, simply staring wistfully above them, silently agreeing with Kayin's statement that they could be territorial. He could feel the gazes bearing down on him now, the gazes of Kelvics whom had seen him not a day before when he entered the barracks in search of Kaivanna.

Judging by the way he felt some looked at him, he wasn't exactly wanted back. Judging by the way they looked at him, they were with Them, and They were just waiting for him to leave Kayin's protection, so They could strike at him and Sairque. He would not allow Them to do that. Subconsciously, his pace brought him a little closer to Sai, while his wistful gaze turned into one of silent, ever so slightly terrified alertness. It was a little too apparent he wanted to get out of the gazes of the Kelvics as soon as possible.

[Cheshire]

It was a relief to Kayin to see both his wife and the fiery Inarta back down from their little tiff. He had heard of the quick tempers of the Inarta before but he had never seen one first hand. Strangely enough their resident Inarta was nothing like the Endal. He seemed shy, quiet, and quite passive. Even in the presence of Sairque he was shadowed by the girl's words and actions. It made him wonder a bit about why Fenilen had left Wind Reach. Was it because he was so different from the other Inarta? He had not met many other Inarta, a fact that made him a bit disheartened as he looked upon the two red heads. Maybe they were similar to Sairque in their temperament. In that case it was no surprise that Fenilen had left! Kayin's eyes turned a bright yellow when Sairque grabbed his arm and told him of her avian companion's big appetite. Before he was a worker for Icewatch he was a Frostfawn, their leader no less. Their livestock were just as big a part of the hold as the Vantha were. He nodded to the girl. "Of course. I've heard a bit of special ways Inarta talk with their eagle companions. Feel free to tell your friend he is welcome to hunt in the wastes or the reaches as much as he wants. Of course, he is does not feel up to it we can try to find some food for him. Granted, food here is not in the best supply. I think it is a fair trade off if you offer your hunting skills while you are in the city in return for food and lodging." His eyes turned a warm red as he looked at the girl. It touched him to see the girl care so deeply for the bird. She was much like a Frostfawn in that way. They honored the connection with animals like they did with people. "I have heard Endal and their eagle companions are very good hunters. We really can use all the help we can get for food. Of course you are welcome to take the remainder of the day to rest." When Fenilen held out his hand to offer Kayin his Mizas the man pushed his hand back. "Keep your money Fenilen. Your friend will earn her keep. A woman who can stand up to Jedara clearly has to be a wonderful hunter." He smiled at the two of them and motioned for them to follow him into the barracks. Once inside, Kayin chuckled at the woman's remark. "I am sure your nudity would not bother the bears. Icewatch is used to seeing them in the nude but I cannot say the same for Inarta." He thought on the comment as a pair of unclothed children ran past, clearly on their way to cub training or maybe on their way away from it. "The barracks are more of a place for Kelvic so nudity is not too unheard of here. I cannot promise you will not get awkward stares or glances though. Usually only the bears are naked." When Sairque and Fenilen were situated in the barracks Kayin lead them down a hall to the mess hall. He gave Sairque a kind nod, his eyes shifting to a calm lilac. "It is a pleasure Sairque. Flightleader? Are you in charge of the Endal?" He motioned to a tall blonde man sitting at a table near by to come to his side. He whispered to the man before he nodded and walked off. "Arzan will get you some food." He motioned to the man as he ushered the Inarta to a table. "I am Kayin Frostfawn, leader of Frostfawn hold and head of the Kelvic division of Icewatch." He was not sure if the girl knew of Icewatch prior to her little squabble that day or even what a Frostfawn was. "I assure you that Icewatch is not as nasty as your first impression might be. They were truly only getting hot in bothered for good reasons." His eyes darkened to a honey gold as he looked at the woman. "Think about it like this. Thanks to you, we will be better prepared the next time an Endal comes to our city. I truly feel bad about it." Soon after the group sat, Arzan returned with warm food for Sairque. "Don't worry about your keep for today. There is plenty of time to hunt tomorrow. For now, get your strength back up so we can take on the Reaches in the morning. There are some big beasts out there." He thought on this fact as his eyes took on a bright orange hue. "I imagine you have some interesting stories to tell about your journey and your home. Do you mind sharing? Vantha are known for our storytelling. You can even say that is your form of payment for the night. A good story for a good meal."