Fable - Ask Point the Scythe

A roleplay which may be open to join but you must ask the creator first
Zephyrine

Zephyrine

Recreator
Dreadlords
A town devastated by a storm was no small feat of destruction if Initiate Zephyrine Caddel had to be deployed to see to it's recovery efforts. The Recreator en route, along with another Initiate. Worry gnawed at her. The first time she had rebuilt a whole village, her energy levels were depleted for a week, recovering for almost two weeks after. Granted, she had come a long way since then, worked on her power and strength.

They were to rest at an inn located in Vel Lameus before moving onward to the town called Avenell, where the oat pastures thrived and sourced the great city with grain. It was there that great tragedy struck. Only a few hours from city boasting the finest cuisines, the weather looked bright and clear. No sign of storm or wind had been seen this side, as if it passed around the city altogether.

"If you're peckish, we are staying the night in the best place possible for a feed. Best not too stay out too late. We leave before dawn so you better be dressed and ready in the morning." The Dreadlord looked at Zephyrine, as if she were the one they should worry about. Tawny eyes stared back, impassive, until the Third Rank Dreadlord looked away and dismissed her and the other Initiate. She was surprised Kor was called onto the mission, but this mission was not expecting action other than helping rebuild a town, and that was certainly something the blind Initiate could help with. Repent sat at his shoulder, looking around and still gave the red head Initiate some pause.

"Be back here before supper. We eat all together. This is my unit, my rules. We're not going to coddle you if you drink yourselves deep into the piss."

Zephyrine pressed her lips together, stifling the biting words she wanted to voice but that would only invite a conversation. Not one she was willing to have. No, she had other ideas, and Kor beside her, there was an excitement waiting to start brewing inside her. They were dismissed, and naturally, she hooked her arm in his and pulled him out the door.

"Kress, I have always wanted to come to Vel Lameus." She said as soon as they were out of earshot.
 
It had been some time since Kor had been assigned a mission, his punishment for diverting from his last deployment to seek personal gain had lasted longer than he'd expected. So, he found himself quite unable to complain when he was informed it was merely to support Zephyrine in her reconstruction of a ravaged town.

You wouldn't think him thrilled by his expression, however, blank and unreadable as ever. The boy stared forward at the wall ahead of him, eyes empty and pale while the black bird on his shoulder cocked his head between his fellow Initiate and their Dreadlord Handler.

"Be back here before supper. We eat all together. This is my unit, my rules. We're not going to coddle you if you drink yourselves deep into the piss."
Repent's feathered head appeared to tilt at the directive, and beneath his hood, Kor's brow quirked up simultaneously. He'd no desire to dine with the oaf, and he doubted Zephyrine intended to follow the order either. He was thankful, that such a mundane assignment had at least been with her. She was different. Unlike the others. It was why Kor considered her a friend, and perhaps his only.

That he thought of her in such a way was the only reason he did not recoil from the sudden touch on his arm, a blast of stimuli in the dark world that was blindness. Kor knew Zephyrine's touch, had learned to differentiate it from any other, and willingly turned to follow her as she tugged him outside.

"Kress, I have always wanted to come to Vel Lameus."

Kor's eyes followed the sound of her voice to look at her, merely out of courtesy, and he nodded his head gently. Repent launched from his shoulder, cawing as he soared up to stretch his wings.

"I've heard you say as much in the past. I admit ignorance as to what makes it any different from everywhere else, though..." The blind initiate rolls his shoulders and takes in a deep breath of the evening air, letting it out in a long sigh. "I've a hunch you intend to enlighten me, though..."

Zephyrine
 
"Because, Kor, after the slop we get fed at the Academy, our taste buds are going to be spoiled here." She grinned, excited and comfortable enough to let it show. He would hear it in her voice, helping him dodge the crowds by loudly asking people to clear a path, or simply lightly standing her ground and making oncomers dart around the two.

"I brought some of my allowance I have been saving for a nice lunch today. At least we get that before continuing our journey in the morning." She was thinking of buying sweets and nibbles to take back to the Academy, something for Larkin, something for Thraah... and maybe something for another certain someone. Heat rose to her cheeks, but only slightly. "Proctor Urahil told me a lot about this place. She got to spend a few months here couple years ago, and spoke of this lovely little restaurant. They have cuisine famous from all over the continent, and Epressa as well. Desserts change every month or so. I cannot wait to see what they have today."

Not many would know Zeph to be a sweet tooth, but ever since her return from Vel Castere, she had put on some muscle and her apetite asked for more substantial meals. It kept her healthy, energised enough to do her early morning runs too. Sometimes she even finished the day with a casual run, but today she will spend the day with her friend. Of course, the city was filled with a lot of people, but she intended to be the guiding hand to Kor while they got this reprieve from the Academy. "Anything you're curious and want to see while we are here?"

Kor
 
Taking a culinary tour of the city wasn't Kor's idea of a good way to spend the brief downtime they had before the next leg of their trip, but it wasn't as if he could pull away from Zephyrine, lest he wish to be lost within a sea of noise and bodies without Repent on his shoulder.

"I don't eat the Academy food if I can avoid it," Kor grumbled behind her, stepping quickly to follow her eager pace as she ushered him through the busy streets toward whatever morsel had indivisibly caught her attention. "In the summer I hunt my own food, as much as I'm able. Elsewise I have one of my companions swipe something a bit more quality for me from elsewhere."

Kor was probably the only Initiate that had sampled nearly every restaurant Anir had to offer by way of his little 'food-delivery' service, though he'd kept the process under wraps until now.

"Though I suppose there's something to be said for freshness." He conceded as they passed an open air diner serving piping hot meals. He couldn't see it, but the scent was intoxicating.

Not long ago, he wouldn't have been caught dead in the open like this. If he needed to travel, he could do it away from the crowds, with his eyes in the sky helping to guide him along. Ever since Zephyrine had returned from her trip, however, she'd taken an active role in forcing him out of his comfort zone, drawing him to places he'd otherwise avoid.

It was annoying, if not also slightly flattering.

"I'll overlook your choice of words in that question..." He chided gently, "And confess I've no clue what this place has to offer. I doubt anything that suits my interests..."

Zephyrine
 
Zephyrine rolled her eyes, something she had begun to learn to do in his presence, although Repent had oftentimes caught her doing so.

"Yes, I know. I can be so cruel." She snorted.

There were some looks their way, but Zephyrine did not make eye contact. She was on a mission, eager to get to the restaurant and line up. After a few more minutes, in one of the busier areas of the city, Zephyrine came to a stop with Kor, joining the surprisingly shorter line than she had thought. Of course, they had gotten there at a good time, as they waited, more and more patrons filled the space behind them.

"Well..." She let go of his arm, but kept near enough that he knew she was still there. What did she know about Kor? The boy she had been getting to know for the better part of a year... and she did not know if there was much else to him. "We can wander the market? One of the best places to get fresh produce and ingredients."

He hadn't shared her light enthusiasm at the thought of sweets, and so perhaps taking him to watch the confectioners make hard candy or other sweet treats would be difficult... as he'd need Repent to actually see.

Zephyrine deflated a little, at a loss.

"Well, we can just retire to our rooms and wait until dinner?" Which was at least seven to eight hours away. She wouldn't mind waiting in her room... maybe she would practice creating more weapons... or something...

Kor
 
There were many things that Kor had taught Zephyrine about being a warrior since they'd met. Training her to hone her skills beyond what her classes had allowed had been the impetus for their entire relationship, albeit one with mutual benefit.

Zephyrine, however, had opened Kor's eyes to lessons of her own. In being with her, Kor found himself being taught how to be human. Far more than he'd ever considered himself to be. He'd always vehemently dispelled the notion that he needed such emotions and sentiments as their peers carried, and yet... she'd rubbed off on him.

Only several months prior, Kor wouldn't have noticed the defeat in Zephyrine's voice as she released his arm. He wouldn't have felt the disappointment in her tone, as she deflated from excitement and elation to a morose, melancholic surrender.

Most of all, he wouldn't have felt guilty over it even if he had noticed. But he had, and he did.

This was, for whatever reason, important to her. His unenthusiasm, genuine as it was, brought some level of sadness to her. Was that not what guilt stemmed from? Blame? He was still connecting these feelings, these emotions...

He spoke without thinking.

"Take me somewhere." Kor blurted, nearly stammering. "Show me why this place excites you."

Zephyrine
 
A smile found its way onto Zephyrine's face, appreciative of him trusting her. She knew he was only being nice, something she did not expect him to be on her account. It was rare for them to even get free time on a mission, but the travel up to Vel Lameus had been made on good time. She had only heard about the great city, never having been able to see it until now.

"Well... we can go to the bakery at least." They had passed one, and the scent of freshly baked bread and pastries had wafted even well after she had passed by. Zephyrine took his arm, gently guiding him away from the line and back where they had came from. Two minutes later, she opened the door and helped Kor through before letting him pause to take it all in.

The smell was like any other bakery, but Zephyrine knew the taste would be unique than what they had been served in the past elsewhere.

"Vel Lameus is known for their food, and that means growing their own crops and such. They aren't afraid to try something new or to bring the tastes of other places here for us to enjoy. It's become a real craftsmanship the whole process of creating the food right up until it reaches your plate."

"Initiates? Well, always welcome." A man spotted them as he walked out from a door, a basket of fresh bread in one arm. He crossed the shop front to place it on the shelves, before turning back on them. "Here. Have a taste of this. We differ from other bakeries here because we look at using ingredients from other cities. Ever heard of Valenntenia? No? Well," He grabbed two pastries and wandered over to Zephyrine and Kor, the former helping guide Kor's hand to take the sweet treat. "They are known to have the sweetest and smoothest lemons in Arethil. Their climate and their history in growing this kind of lemon is a secret, and the family that owns the largest farm with these lemons cut us a deal here in Vel Lameus."

Zephyrine listened, smiling to herself as she bit into the lemon creamed pastry, sharing her delight and shock at the sweetness but iconic lemon taste. She was no fan of citrus usually, but when prepared like this? "That is lovely!" She remarked, a hand over her mouth as she turned to see Kor.

Kor
 
Kor did his best to listen to the culinary lesson Zephyrine provided him. To say he was interested in Vel Lameus' commodities would be a lie, but he was not above allowing himself to learn for the sake of learning. It seemed to make her happy, anyway, and he preferred that Zephyrine over the bitter girl he'd met many months ago, even if he'd likely deserved that chilly reception.

The scent of the bakery had indeed tracked them for quite a distance, and it was so distinct that Kor wasn't sure he wouldn't have been able to find his way back there on his own. Still, he followed his friend's lead and allowed himself to be assisted into the building, albeit with some reluctance in his movements.

If he'd thought the smell outside of the bakery was powerful, the aroma of baked bread within the walls of the establishment was nearly overpowering; blindness had left Kor with a keenly sharp set of his other four senses, and he could pick out every ingredient, every flavor and spice being used in whatever was being handed to him now.

Unlike his Boundless comrade, the baker had not earned the privilege of Kor's ear and was thusly ignored. He did not need to be told it was lemon; he could smell it just fine. Weighing the pastry in his hand to get an idea of the size of it, he brought it up to his mouth and took a small bite out of the side. It was rather tart and sweet, as he'd expected, though the texture and the spice was something he could have predicted with smell alone.

It was... nice.

Kor heard Zephryine say as much beside him, followed by a swath of silence. Likely they expected a comment from him as well, he supposed. "Pleasant." He muttered, taking another small bite and closing his eyes. He'd agreed to join Zephyrine on her tour of the city, not to be a sociable person to anyone but her.

Zephyrine
 
Zephyrine did her best not to snort at his chosen comment, but decided not to keep their visit long. She went ahead and purchased some small treats to feed her and Kor the next day, deciding to buy more on the way back through after their mission to take back to the Academy.

With a basket tucked in the crook of her arm, she looped her other one back through Kor's arm and directed him towards the street, this time walking slowly.

"It kind of reminds me of Vel Zrada, where Larkin and I first went on mission." It was told to her that had been where she was born, but her return there did not give her want to find the family that gave her up for coin. "There's a richness here, or perhaps I like it because it differs to Vel Anir or Vel Castere."

She had always thought herself a better taste with food than having an eye for artistry, but creating a window for Thraah in her small room had proven she had a natural talent for such depictions. Zephyrine slowed before a shop front, seeing the rings and other metals crafted.

"I have an idea." One that would commemorate the pact three of them took for their future. "Very quick visit inside." It would certainly eat into her expenses, but she had no use for the small fortune Proctor Caddel had left her. This would at least be something worthwhile.

"Do you like rings? I was thinking of getting three signet rings done, a raven carved into it. An ode to you, the one responsible for getting the ball rolling."

Kor
 
There was a closeness to this, Zephyrine's arm around his, leading him through the busy streets of the city as though she'd done it for their entire life. Nobody had ever been this comfortable around him, had paid such little mind to his imperfections and disabilities. It was almost enough to make him feel remorseful for how their first meeting had ended.

Perhaps it would have, were it not for the added bitterness that burned at the back of his throat as she described more cities. Anir, Castere, Zrada. All places he'd been, but none of which he could ever experience through anything but the eyes of a bird. Truth be told, he'd never really cared about that before, but hearing Zephyrine talk about it...

He was jealous.

"Sometimes, I do wish I could experience things with such vivid flavor as you and Larkin. It's disappointing, that places and things you describe so colorfully reaches me only as bland and colorless."

She stopped, and for a moment Kor worried perhaps he'd ruined her mood once again, even though that had been far from his intent this time around. Opening his mouth to attempt a correction, she spoke before he was able to, leading them off to the side, towards what he could only assume was another shop.

"Do you like rings? I was thinking of getting three signet rings done, a raven carved into it. An ode to you, the one responsible for getting the ball rolling."

An ode to him?

An ode?

What did he feel now?

What was the twisting of his organs in his body? The unease in his head? Power and respect had always been his goals. To control all life, to make any beast he wished fall under his command, to claim the freedom to do whatever he wished. To have symbols of loyalty worn by others, the idea should have pleased him.

So why did he feel the need to protest?

"No. Not an ode to me. The rings should have three small symbols. A Raven, a Lute, and a Double-Ended spear. I may have started this, but the two of you have made it worthwhile."

Zephyrine
 
Surprise found place on her expression, but she did not brush off his suggestion either. "I like that..." His memory of the weapon she preferred to fight with did not go unnoticed, as it deserved a smile from Zephyrine. "Something for each of us."

She led him into the shop, letting the door close softly behind them both as she took a moment to look around. It was small, but there was no one else inside. "Hello?" Her hand patted Kor's arm after linking again. It became normal for her now, to be that guide for her friend. Where he could not have the eyes of his bird, Zephyrine wanted to lend him her own.

"There's three large glass cases in the room. A desk at the rear of the store, and it looks like this is where the --- oh!" A woman comes out from behind a curtain and comes to stand behind the desk, smiling at the two.

"Hello, welcome! What can I do for you both?" Her blue eyes glance between them. "Promise rings?"

Zephyrine's head tilted, her voice carrying her innocence of what the silversmith meant. "Oh, no."

"Oh, I see now." She laughed, "Initiates. Suppose you want some rune work on some jewellery? Speed? Strength?"

"I was hoping to commission you for three rings. Signets. One, a raven, another a lute, and... a double ended spear." Zephyrine led Kor along with her to approach the desk. "We are graduating soon, and my friends and I want something to commemorate our time spent together."

"Double ended spear? I don't know---"

It was typical of her to use her magic as a source of answer. She produced a smaller scale model of the spear she loved to use, and placed it upon the desk. She kept a small smile, turning her head towards Kor and murmuring to him what she did so he knew what was happening.

"Ah, I see... clever trick of yours."

Kor
 
Zephyrine's in-depth explanation of things was appreciated, even if it perhaps went above and beyond what Kor needed. Though his eyes didn't work, he could shape a room in his mind with far more than sight. There were other clues, that the senses he did possess picked up on. The way sound echoed off of the walls, the smell in the air, the temperature... all were tools he could use to orientate himself.

Still... it was nice to have the extra help to save him the effort. As she taps his arm, he allows her to loop around it again without complaint, just as a boisterous and bubbly voice calls out from one side of the room, eager to help any prospective customers.

Kor lets Zephyrine handle the talking once more, equally missed by the shopkeeper's initial insinuation. Why would one signify a promise with a ring? The entire point of a promise was that it was a verbal contract. At that point, sign a piece of parchment.

It wasn't until Zeph explained that they were soon to be graduating that Kor flinched a bit.

That hadn't been the initial plan, not from the very beginning. Kor had always intended for them to leave the Academy before that day came-- an act of defiance and independence as they broke the chains that tied them down. Initially, Zephyrine had been supportive of this plan, but lately she'd begun to show reluctance.

He didn't like it, but he understood. Zephyrine had begun to make some connections with their class. She'd forged some bonds and accomplished academic feats beyond He or Larkin. It was easy enough for them to leave early, but Zephyrine... she desired the finish line, the closure that came with Graduation. Ultimately, he'd agreed to adjust the plan.

But it still felt strange.

"Also, I require a silver chain." Kor added, reaching into his coat and pulling out a slip of parchment, placing it on the counter. "These are the measurements. I do not require an ornament of any kind on this chain."

There was something else he was working on, something for another...

Zephyrine
 
She wondered if Kor could sense the surprise on her face, and how it came in the form of an amused smile as her tawny gaze narrowed with that initial surprise that he had a slip of measurements for a chain at the ready. "The rings, we are not impatient. I understand such design and crafting will require time." Zephyrine just hoped it would be before Graduation, before the Boundless were untraceable.

She did not tell Kor or Larkin, or anyone that associated with her that she spent so much time contemplating leaving Vel Anir while she trained in Castere. Her mentor and their Lieutenant graduated together, and no matter the trauma and breaking of their souls they went through, they were still together. It reminded her of the adoptive father, the one she took his name. He and his twin brother made it alive before his twin died to an elf ambush.

It meant something, to graduate. It meant freedom earned. Of course, sje had been ready to leave, perhaps risk being hunted down, but for Zephyrine, it was one last time she would know sje accomplished something after her sixteen years living at the Academy, becoming a weapon.

"The chain will take me a few days. Got other orders to do."

"Well, we can give you a week when we ride back through here after our mission. Is that suitable?" Zephyrine lifted a brow.

"Aye. The rings may take some weeks... a month if they're being delivered back to that Academy of yours."

Kor
 
It didn't particularly matter to Kor the timeframe for either item. It would be nice to receive the order before Graduation, but being unbound as they aimed to be, nothing would stop them from descending upon Vel Lameus to take what they'd requested at any later date.

No, the future was the last thing on Kor's mind. For the first time in his life, it was clear, with a purpose defined and visible even to the blind boy himself. Once the gates of the Academy left their view for the final time, there would be no more missions, no more orders, no more structure forced upon him, like a doll for the rich and powerful to direct where they saw fit.

They would be free, to fly as far and as fast as they wished, just as the birds did.

That he had waited this long was primarily as a favor to Zephyrine, who wished to end her time in Anir with the triumph of Graduation. Kor did not share in her desire for that finality, but he respected it.

"See that it is done." He spoke rather gruffly. Then, perhaps feeling the daggers from the woman's eyes, he smirked as he turned back towards the door, marked in his head now that he'd loitered about in the shop long enough. "At your convenience, of course."

Walking back out into the busy Lameus streets was still a bit overwhelming, but Zephyrine did not let him be lost for long. He again found her arm, and tilted his head towards her.

"Any other stops you intend to make before we retire for the evening?"

Her sweet tooth was sated, and a treasure in the making. What else could she need?

Zephyrine
 
As Kor turned around to leave, Zeph quickly counted out her gold coins, but the lady accepted a decent amount for a deposit and trusted her to pay the rest when they came back for the silver chain. A piece of parchment was then written up, and Zeph could not help but smile reading it as the silversmith wrote out the order.

Zephyrine Caddel
Three signet rings
One silver chain --- with measurements
Lute, Raven, Spear
​
Zephyrine made her way back to Kor's side, tucking his arm into her own and grinning.

"We could stock up on some food and snacks so we can eat a small dinner with the group and slip away sooner?" With Kor in tow, it was the perfect excuse for them both to retire early. If she had been alone, she had no doubt they would have insisted she join and probably bore her with their war tales. "Repent would love some berries, right? We can get him some berries."

Of course, she wouldn't be the one feeding them to the raven.

Kor
 
It struck Kor as amusing just how quickly Zephyrine had learned how to sell ideas to him. Even if he'd been looking forward to dining with the rest of their group, which he definitely wasn't, the offer of a treat for his Raven would have been a tempting lure towards changing his mind.

A smile rested on the corner of his lips as he turned his face slightly in the direction of her voice. He was far from the type to admit it, but this companionship... it had become something he was quite fond of. Zephyrine pulled him from his comfort zone, but did not force him.

"I suppose that might be pleasant. Yes... then we can go somewhere less crowded, and I can recall Repent to feed him." The black bird hated busy crowds, and while he would come to Kor if truly needed, he was skittish and did not follow commands as well. "I can show you what I intend the chain for as well, if you so desire."

It wasn't ready yet, but Zephyrine was one of the few he would trust with the knowledge of his latest craft.

"Do you have a vendor in mind for the food?"

Zephyrine
 
Her hand patted his arm, smiling despite his inability to see her do so. "I guess you can say that I am rather curious of what you would need a silver chain for."

She then voiced her uncertainty of where to get some decent meals, but suggested they wander a little and see what they discover. Zeph put her voice to use, raising it to deter crowds from stepping in front of them or asking people to move out of their way, and one look back would result in the Initiate to glare. It was an easy expression when it had been her reliable defence before allying with Kor and now staring down anyone that dared to get in their way as the busy crowds were looking for their dinner plans.

In the corner of her eye, she spotted a small courtyard, and a singular cook waiting for patrons. Curious, she slowly murmured to Kor they were going to change direction.

"Are you open?" She asked tentatively, her voice the most polite she had ever sounded.

"Yes, I make a creamy soup... no bells or whistles, just things made from the garden I grow myself and meat from dedicated farmers." The older man gave them both a warm smile. "But it is a quiet time. I usually end up with stragglers later in the eve. Interested?"

"It's quiet enough and deserted that Repent could fly down. What do you think, Kor?"
 
Creamy soup didn't sound like anything more delectable than was served at the Academy, certainly not exotic, but Kor wasn't picky about his food. That, and traveling arm in arm with a woman shouting at everybody who moved too close for her comfort did well for their space, but not so splendidly for his eardrums. Yes, he nodded in agreeance, this would do, if only for the reprieve it offered.

"Yes." Kor responded in the man's direction as he reached out to find a seat. "I'd also like a bit of bread for my companion, if possible." Repent would lament the lack of something more hearty, but he would just have to deal with what he had, for the time being.

Pulling the necklace of whistles he wore from underneath his shirt, the boy brings one to his mouth and blows, sending up a call that summons the Raven in only a matter of seconds. The bird perches on his shoulders and flaps his wings irritably, obviously unhappy with how long he'd been out and about.

"I know..." Kor spoke softly, gently to the bird like one would do to a crying child, with reassurance underneath every word. "We'll be finished soon, I promise."

Zephyrine
 
Nerves filled her at the sound of flapping wings, but Zephyrine found herself forcing to settle as soon as her brown eyes fell onto the raven.

Five minutes later, steaming bowls of soup and fresh bread to share were placed on their table. The old man returned with some meat off cuts, and nodded to Repent. "Fine bird you have there. Loyal, they are."

Zeph smiled and uttered a soft thank you before looking to the soup bowl. It was not truly what she expected, something more thicker and creamier, but what there was thin noodles and vegetables in a creamed soup. It all smelled amazing, and Zephyrine found herself hungrier than she had been all day.

Not taking the time to let it cool, she was impatient as she picked up the chopsticks provided next to a fork and began to eat. The beef was thinly sliced, but cooked through in the creamy broth, and was so tender and full of flavour in her mouth.

"Kress, Kor..." It was all she could say before taking another mouthful of the dish.

Kor
 
Kor quietly paid his attention to Repent until their food arrived, signified by the sound of bowls hitting the counter and the wafting warmth of the expertly prepared soup pulling his mind away from his bird. It was the words of the old man serving them, though, that drew his blind eyes to the face he could not see.

The expression that crossed Kor's lips seemed to shift between disgust, contemplation, and contentment; The very notion that some common folk could understand the bond between he and his flock was initially appalling beyond the boy's comprehension, but he could not claim that the man had spoken a lie. Just because his was a unique relationship with the creatures did not mean others could not comprehend it.

Kor nodded, a small smile briefly flashing across his lips.

"Yes." He concurred, "They are."

Repent did not wait for Kor's permission, however, to indulge in the meat cuts the man had brought out for him. The raven hopped from his master's shoulder and trotted across the counter to the cuts, pecking at the slices with a pleased caw.

Kor himself spun in his seat to face the pleasant smell, and reached his hand down for his utensil before scooping up a mouthful to eat. Zephyrine's expressions weren't an overreaction, even by Kor's admittedly haughty standards, the dish was divine. He closed his glassy eyes, soaking in the flavor with his tongue.

"I suppose it was worth the trip after all." Kor admitted to his partner, "This is masterfully done, old man."

Any other time, being called such a thing would have sounded like an insult from Kor. This time, though, it was said with admiration. If anything Kor admired the elderly fellow for his skill despite his age.

"What do you call it?"

Zephyrine
 
The old man smiled, not at all offended by the young boy.

"Ramyun. Where I hail from, we like to add some spice to it. It warmed the warriors especially, and helped them keep focused."

Zephyrine slurped on her noodles, trying not to be so loud about it, but the old man caught her sheepish expression. "Enjoy, girl! In my culture, we appreciate hearing one enjoy a meal. To delight in making noise like that means you are enjoying it!"

"It is really good!" She smiled behind a hand covering her chewing mouth.

Zephyrine looked to Kor, laughing a small beat before nodding her thanks to the old man as he made his way back to his wok and gave them some time alone. She watched as Repent slowly took his time on the off cuts of meat, and she herself found herself not in a hurry to finish.

"You know, Kor, I am glad they asked you to come on this mission. I... like that we can experience something outside the walls of the Academy. Kind of like... a taste of the future." She spoke softly, but she knew he would hear her. "I feel like we should see as much of the cities in the territories as we can before we... are no longer welcomed here."

And that thought had saddened her. There had been a change in her since coming back from Vel Castere, but Zephyrine was still adamant on joining Kor and Larkin on their planned exile come graduating.

Kor
 
Kor wore an idle smile as Zephryine failed to contain her hunger to the point of making audible sounds. It was almost endearing, how eager she was. He couldn't say he blamed her, though; This 'Ramyun' that he slowly sipped on was delectable, something he'd be interested in learning to make himself once they'd departed Anir.

"The spice is what I enjoy most about it, I think." He concurs, "I'm far too accustomed to blandness. Sometimes I forget sustenance can be more than just that." His own fault, admittedly. Kor often became so absorbed in whatever it was he was doing that he placed simple pleasures on the backburner. After a moment, he heard the departing footsteps of the old man, and a brief quiet settled over the stall, save for the muted sounds of eating.

Then, even those waned.

Kor pulled the lip of the bowl away from his mouth, looking over towards the seat beside him. Had Zephyrine stopped eating? He hadn't heard her leaving as well. The boy's mouth had only just opened to confirm she was okay when she spoke up.

Her voice was soft. Pleasant. It caught him off guard, both hearing her speak so gently, and the sentiment she expressed to him. Kor found himself no longer eating, his eyes trained on some part of Zephyrine he couldn't say for certain, just peering into that black void, following her voice.

"Zephyrine..." Kor muttered as she finished, shaking his head a bit. "I know you are conflicted. I know that you have grown fonder of this place than you expected when we made our pact. If you'd chosen to pull out, to abandon our plans... I would not hold it against you." Kor had somewhat expected it, especially after he'd witnessed the growth she'd experienced in Vel Castere.

"But you didn't. You've remained by my side. For that, I'm more thankful than I perhaps express properly." It wasn't as though he was particularly skilled at manners. Still, he did bow his head slightly to her now, and even Repent looked away from his snack to caw over to the woman. "And I feel I should remind you... when we leave, our wings are spread to carry us anywhere. Should you ever wish to return, to see these places once more, then we shall."

Then, a smile.

"The trick is not getting caught."

Zephyrine
 
Kor said:
If you'd chosen to pull out, to abandon our plans... I would not hold it against you."
Click to expand...

Zephyrine steeled herself.
She would stay. There was one place she had felt safest, a security and surety she had never felt in her life. Vel Castere, the Dragonsbane Squad led by Lieutenant Black, Zephyrine felt so welcomed by them in her month there. The forge, Kress, it had made her feel useful, more able to hone her craft by hand and by magic.
"The trick is not getting caught."

She laughed, a polite chuckle as she brought the bowl to her mouth and slurped at the broth. "We all have outgrown Vel Anir and the future it holds for us." There was still a world out there for her to explore. She had hoped they could first travel to Elbion, to see how magic in another city was used. And then travel across to Epressa, to see the Steppes and the Valen Wilds. Perhaps even make the trip to the Spine.

None of that she could do as a Dreadlord of Aniria.

"We should go to Elbion. There is so much there I would like to explore... I just don't know what yet."

Kor
 
"Elbion?" Kor quirked a brow, Repent tilting his head curiously in time with his master. "I've considered it. If you seek knowledge in the traditional sense, there are few places better suited. While I may not enjoy the setting of a city, I admit the temptation of nosing about that College is an alluring one." He'd much rather start in the Falwood, perhaps take a trip to the Spine, but that was his preference for nature over civilization, a preference he knew his compatriots did not necessarily share with him.

"I understand that you're giving up more than me. You've gained that which I have not in these last few months." Kor idly stirred the rest of his ramyun, his dull eyes closing as he allowed himself to speak more freely than he was usually willing to. "I must confess, when I heard of your success at Vel Castere, how you thrived in the forge... I became jealous." It had taken him some weeks to identify the hollow feeling in his gut as the days had passed without her, and the realization had been a sobering one. "You'd found your niche, a place to belong, while I still hid away in my den, tending to the only creatures willing to consider me a friend."

He took another bite, savoring it, and trying to ignore the wounded pride that came with the admissions he now made.

"I was filled with a bitterness, certain you'd leave me behind. I devised a plan to sever our ties when you returned, to spurn you and push you towards your new friends, as far away from me as possible. But by the time you finally did come back, something had changed."

Finishing his ramyun, Kor gently placed the utensil in the empty bowl, dabbing at his lips with a cloth from his pocket.

"I found that I'd missed you."

Zephyrine
 
Her hand reached for his after he put away his cloth, squeezing it. Repent could echo the vision of Zephyrine's face softening to a frown; something between saddened and heartfelt. "Kor..." Voice soft, she looked to his face and tried to brighten her expression. "I thrived there because I got to learn about the labour and skill that came with crafting weapons. I wouldn't have enjoyed myself if it hadn't been you to push me to learn more beyond the Academy."

And sure, there was always going to be plenty more for her to learn after they graduate, and perhaps a loss of potential by not pursuing a position under Lieutenant Black's leadership, but she was going to be there for Kor.

"I'm glad you missed me." She grinned now, letting go of his hand after realising she may have crossed a boundary there. "Because you're gonna have to get used to it in the future. I think I might take up as a mercenary for hire to earn us some coin. No offense, but you or Larkin wouldn't make great bank as one, unless I train either one of you."

Which could take years. After going through the Academy, she doubted they would want to put themselves through anymore lessons and training.

Kor
 
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