[The Trough] A Very Big Day [Closed]

[Kashik]

The tent flap was pushed aside, and a tiny, dark, teal-eyed woman burst into the room, breathless and grinning merrily. She wore simple brown leather pants and a sleeveless white linen shirt to ease the heat of late Spring, and her riotous black curls were tied back in intricate braids. Though it'd been almost half a season since she'd given birth, she seemed not to have taken too much weight in it. Always a small thing, her curves were a bit softer now though her arms were just as muscular now that she could get back to her spear training.

"Tell me I didn't miss the petching party!" she yelled, laughing brightly and gazing around the room to see who was here. Denen, who she would forever count a friend. Sam'ael, who she knew only casually but who'd been nice to her. Vanator, who got a wink, and some girl beside him who looked awkward and out of sorts. And then her eyes fell on Eldon, and her grin somehow grew ever more spectacular.

"You old piece of shyke!" she shrieked, and with a dizzying laugh she launched herself across the tavern and straight at him - and he'd find himself tackled to the floor much like when they were children. Didn't seem to care that they were on a floor in a tavern, surrounded by people who might not approve. But then, Kashik never had. Arms went around him and she hugged him tightly. "Happy birthday," she muttered against his throat, and if she was a little overcome with emotion, well. She hadn't been sure he would live through this past season, and she didn't really have the words to tell him how glad she was that he had.

[Eldon Sunkiss]

Eldon grabbed Sama'el and aggressive embraced him, perhaps just to show that his strength had completely returned, which he was certainly proud of. "Ah, Sama'el, it's been too long. Feels like ages since I initiated you. How goes it? I trust you are keeping yourself safe and strong? I'm going to release you from our agreement now. I know you are stronger than any other I've met in reimancy. You do what you must, when you must do it. I can't expect to treat you like a child when you have proven yourself more a man than most my age, even myself." Eldon grinned as he lightly patted Sama'el on the cheek with a cupped hand. He was absolutely ecstatic at that moment. His hand run up to Sama'el's head to offer a quick violent shake-down before moving on. "Ancient isn't far of for yourself little brother. Don't think me so fragile just yet." There was a room full of people that was here for him. Eldon stepped past Sam and to Denen once again. He already greeted him, but he felt something was bothering him, so he decided to embrace him again and kissed him lightly on the forehead before pulling away. His hands moved up to sign a simple phrase. "Stay strong." And with that he moved away to once again leave Sama'el and Denen to discuss. Eldon lifted his head as he heard a voice call out. A familiar voice, one that wasn't stricken with sorrow or worry. Kashik barged into the room, offering a glance to everyone in the room, and before Eldon could walk over to her to give her a hug, she darted across the room, tackling the Sunkiss to the floor. He probably should have seen it coming, but somehow he thought aging would cause her to drop their standard greeting. No, she was the same girl as always. Eldon was taken down with surprising ease and with the wind punched out of his chest as he hit the grass. He wheezed frivolously behind an unmistakably massive smile, and spoke once his air returned to him. "Thank you for coming. I've got so much to say tonight." When Eldon was finally allowed to stand up again, he got to work brushing grass off himself and looking at his friends. "I don't know about you guys, but I need a drink. Let's feast." Eldon chuckled heartily as he took a seat by Vanator. Looking at him, yet not speaking. It was obvious he was a little worries, scared even, of telling them what he had to. Especially Kashik, she would be confused, perhaps devastated. "Thank you Van."

[Denen Sunsinger]

Denen offered Sam a soft, understanding smile, followed by a nod. He knew of Dymphna's wedding. Of course. News traveled quickly in the Opal Clan. He wanted to offer comfort of some sort. It was what he did, and he knew--rather well, in fact--what it was like to watch the person one loved begin their life with another. But he knew he shouldn't think about that now. It wasn't fair of him. This wasn't about him. He needed to be a friend, and not... He bit his lower lip, his face flushing as Eldon kissed his brow and signed to him. He looked down. Be strong. It was so much easier to say than do. When Eldon's attention was redirected, he turned his attention to Sam, placing a gentle hand on his back. "Sit with me," he signed. "It's been a long time since we ate together." His hand moved to his friend's arm, and he led him, quietly, to sit, so that they could get something to eat and simply enjoy one another's company. They could talk later, after the party.

[Sama'el Sunsinger]

There was so much Sama'el wanted to say to his cousin, wanted to ask, but this was his party and he was a whirlwind of energy even though Sama'el sensed something that wasn't being said, that gave him pause, that made him worry. He didn't really get a word in edgewise before Eldon was off with Kashik and Vanator. "I love you, brother," he said quietly, but the birthday boy probably didn't hear it. Denen, on the other hand, most probably saw it on his lips, and sensed his worry too. Denen knew him rather well. All that talk, it troubled him. His lambent gaze swung back to Denen, who urged him away. Sama'el let himself be led for once by the boy who wanted to be his. Soon enough they had food in hand and were sitting, eating together.

[Edalene]

Eda's eyes flickered towards all the groups. There was Denen and Sam, in the corner, now eating together. She smiled slightly, though wistfully. She was glad Denen had gotten the courage to talk to him again. She knew how much Sam had meant to him, and knew just what he still did. She was a little jealous, though, if she was honest. She could have had such a close friendship with Denen, if Sam was not there. Eldon came over briefly, and Van sat watching. Hastily, she poured herself a mug of ale to look like she was doing something and not just creeper staring. The mug was full before she almost realised it. She looked carefully at the golden brown colour of the drink. She had never really drunk steadily, only sips or two of her father's. She had never had an entire mug on her own before. She cast a look around the place, as Denen and Sam sat together, Eldon and a darker skinned woman hugging and Vanator happy with his own drink. No one was really watching. No one really cared. She took a deep breath, then hastily drank as much as she could in one gulp. She spat it all out again, gasping and coughing. The ale had been sweet first taste, but then it burned hard as it ran down her throat. Clearly that was not the way to go about it. She coughed, thumping at her chest, her cheeks flaming red if anyone was watching. She didn't dare to look around to see if anyone was. Simply too embarrassing. Eldon moved over to Van, and Denen and Sam were sitting together. Kashik would presumably sit with Eldon, too. She had never felt so out of sorts. Maybe she should just leave. She looked down carefully at the ale in her hands and was startled to feel her eyes tear up. She was crying? At a birthday party? She took a deep breath. Why was she crying? She didn't really, honestly, have many friends. She surveyed the party, looking around. Quietly, she slipped into the seat on the other side of Vanator. She still held her ale, and looked down into it."Hello," she murmured. "Sorry, Van. I don't mean to interrupt your conversation. I ... just don't have anyone else to sit with." Lifting her head, she smiled carefully at him. "Don't mind me. I'll just sit here. You can talk to Eldon and ... that lady." Turning her eyes down again, she looked into the brown reflective surface of the ale.

[Vanator]

Vanator greeted Edalene with a smile as she sat across from him. He had seen the girl bravely take the ale, also witnessing from the corner of his eye the spray of amber foam that she spew out. He also saw the tears threatening to start. "You are most welcome to join me Eda." Van remembered the first time he had met the tall, thin teenager. She seemed small compared to the broadsword she carried. It was only a couple seasons ago, but he could see the maturity in Edalene's face and wondered what she had experienced since that day. He gave her a wink. "That lady," he glanced down as Eldon and Kashik embraced on the floor, "happens to be my wife and the mother of my child. Only Kashik Denusk would be so bold as to roll around on the floor with another man in front of her husband." He spoke the last words loud enough for Kash to hear, adding a hearty laugh and downing a swig of mead from his mug. Kashik had finally revealed to him her history with Eldon, and the man's feelings towards her. But Vanator had come to know Eldon, could not help but like him, and did not feel threatened by the reimancer. As Kashik let Eldon up from the floor, Van reached out and gave her a sound smack on the arse. "Glad you made it my darling, why don't you get yourself a drink." He smiled again at Eldon as the man took a seat next to him and clapped him on the shoulder. Sunkiss tried to conceal his anxiety with a grin, but knowing what Eldon intended to do, the undertow of concern and worry was apparent to Vanator. "It is my honor, Eldon Sunkiss." He replied under his breath. "You are following your heart, do not fret."

[Kashik]

Vanator's wife gave an undignified shriek when he smacked her ass, and then dissolved into laughter as she ruffled his hair. "Don't get all surly with me, husband. I've been cooped up in the tent with the babe all season, you're lucky I've still got all my clothes on. So!" she laughed, planting a foot on the bench between Vanator and Edalene and then, with a twist, collapsing into a seat on the table so she could face Eldon, Vanator, and Eda all at once. Easier than finding a chair, anyway.

"Oh, dearest, let me save you from that vile drink," she said with a look of deep concern as she tsked to Edalene and gently pulled the tankard of ale from her hands. She tipped it back for a long gulp, grinning over the edge of it. "Truly awful stuff," she said, taking another sip. "I wouldn't want to burden you with it. The wine, though, is much better. Someone bring this lady a glass of wine!" she shouted out to the servers. "Shame on you, letting a pretty girl go without wine! I'll have your balls for breakfast!" she yelled with another bright laugh.

Finally, finally, she curled her legs under her and settled down, the tankard clutched possesively in her hands. "All right then," she said, eying them all with a bright turquoise gaze. "Out with it," she said to Eldon. "You've the look on you as if you've something to say and don't want to get around to saying it." She knew him too well, at times, though it was a finer line to walk now than it had been when they were children.

[Eldon Sunkiss]

Eldon had gotten himself his own mug of ale, and only glance at Edalene from over the rim as she spewed her drink into the air. He was chugging the drink, uncommon for him (unless he was dared or pressured into it). Once the drink was polished off and he felt a great deal more courageous, he stood from his seat and placed a hand on Vanator's shoulder. He didn't want to, but both Sama'el and Kashik noticed something about him was up. He couldn't hide it, even though he wanted to save it for after the party, small as it was. "I don't want to say it." Eldon nodded, agreeing with Kashik. He cleared his throat, smiled awkwardly, and glanced around the table to make sure everyone was watching him. "Friends, I have something I need to say. I don't want to do this, but I must. I'm leaving Endrykas. I'm leaving the grasslands." Eldon's hand tightened on Vanator's shoulder briefly as he cleared his throat, offering a swift nod to confirm what he said already. "I can't stay here. I am not the type of Drykas that should be remaining. I am the head of a dying pavilion, husband to no woman, father to no heir. I wish I could place blame on my father's death, but the truth is that it is not this alone that has opened my eyes. I am restless and cannot be happy here, not now. Vanah and I will leave soon, and someday I hope to return and see you all." Eldon took a deep breath, the scent of food and drink no longer teased his appetite, and even though he was hungry enough to eat before, he couldn't even pretend to consume anything. He wanted to leave then, to avoid the questions, comments, their concerns or demand explanations. Eldon sat back down in his seat, his eyes just staring up at Denen and Sam. There was so much unfinished business that he had failed to take care of.

[Denen Sunsinger]

There was a pit that settled in Denen's stomach as he watched Eldon's mouth. A feeling of some sort of self-imposed impending doom loomed over his friend. Eldon was slipping from them. Bit by bit. He could see some of that wonderful light slipping from him, and no amount of stitching or herbs could cure it. Eldon was beyond his reach. And then, he spoke, and Denen felt ill. A trembling hand sought Sama'el's wrist, as if to ask if he'd misunderstood what was said, but his eyes never left the Sunkiss heir. Eldon was leaving them. He pushed thought of food and drink aside. Why had he called them all together only to tell them this? Could he not have told them individually? He wasn't even sure of how to react. There were so many promises made and shattered all at once, and Denen wasn't sure of what to think or do. His hands slipped into a his lap, and for a long while, he sat there, motionless and silent. To Denen, the world outside of the Sea of Grass was frightening and unknown. Oh, they risked death daily, but the Drykas were strong. Even their weakest knew how to survive here. But beyond? How did Eldon intend to make it? Denen swallowed hard and pressed his elbows to his sides. He could feel Eldon's eyes on him, but he could not meet his gaze, nor bring himself to speak at all.

[Sama'el Sunsinger]

The wrist that Denen clutched was suddenly cold, the face Eldon saw stricken. One could imagine dire things coming to pass, but it wasn't the same as feeling them punch one in the gut, a sucker punch from a trusted friend, a brother but for one link in the chain of blood that separated them. It felt like the world fell out from under his feet, but he merely sat down, too hard, eyes on the grass as soon as he realized he wasn't going to find anything in Eldon's eyes to dispel what had been said. Decided. He hadn't even mentioned to Sam that he was considering this. There had been talk of revenge on the Zith, which Sam could understand, could help enact. But this, he could not help Eldon leave. Young Sama'el had been ripped from the Drykas herd; he could not understand how a man would leave it of his own volition. For it was one thing to outride, journey far from Endrykas only to return, but the way Eldon said it made it sound so final. He hoped to see them, but he hoped to see them abroad. "And what of..." He stopped, trying to work around a painful knot in his throat, tears and betrayal choked down. He took a steadying breath, then looked up, eyes dry, dark eyes opaque where once there was a soul brimming with life for all to see. "And who shall look after the Sunkiss pavilion in your absence?" he asked.