Private Tales Secret Serenity

[Caliane Ruinë]

Minardil
The base of the Spine

​

Minardil was a beautiful town that nestled not far from the beginnings of the Avariel territory. It started on the fringes of the forest and finished partly up in the mountainside where the goat herders and shepherds kept their flocks and huts. It was a town owned by elves, secret friends of their winged brethren who lived above the clouds and who kept their secret well. And today there were more than a few Avariel present for it was the towns Spring Festival and a few had brought gifts in honour of their ongoing friendship between the two peoples. The houses were decked out in flowers and colourful ribbons were strewn across the streets from building to building. Music played and children ran laughing through the street. So far were they off the beaten track they didn't often get visitors - not that they would be turned away today. It was simply the fact not many but elves would be able to make the treacherous footpaths up this far, nor probably feel the need to for there were plenty of taverns and settlements closer to the main roads travellers were wise to stick to.

After the events that had unfolded in the ruins of the city with the shadowy fiend Anur, Caliane had begged leave not to join Lazule in returning to the tower of his father. Her friend had seemed to understand; she would not be welcome there. Erën, too, had seemed loathe to go but also... not to come with her. This time it had been Caliane who had offered her understanding; the vision had haunted them all and though they had spoken of it she could see in his eyes that he was still reeling from what it could possibly mean. She hadn't wanted to pry, had left him to his troubles on his own. It sat uncomfortably in her to do so but at times you needed to let your loved ones be. It also meant Caliane had the time to reflect upon her own feelings after the vision.

It seemed only logical she would seek the safety of her people for such contemplation.

When Cali had been asked to attend the Spring Festival of Minardil she had been hesitant but now that she was here she was glad of her mothers pestering. Her gaze sought her now amongst the crowd but she couldn't find the Avariel with wings of much like those of a peacocks in the crowds of people. She was in no rush. Instead she let the steady flow of people, smells, sounds, guide her towards the large circular centre of the town. It was almost impossible to make out the mural that usually resided here for it was covered in petals and people dancing. A smile creased her cheek as she watched them, Avariel and Mindaril's together and at peace. It was this that she longed to see everywhere. A soft sigh and she began to ease her way around the gathered crowds who were sat on blankets or small tables that had been pulled out by restaurants for visitors to enjoy their meal in the sunshine. A murmured hello here and there was ushered to Caliane. The young redhead had been well known before her departure into the outside world but it appeared the stories of Bhathairk had travelled even this far.

To her father.

A grimace disrupted the flow of happiness for a moment but she pushed the thoughts of that discussion to the back of her mind. He had important business in Thyasari and had been unable to attend. It was just as she had caught sight of her mother enjoying a glass of wine with one of the Elders from the town when Zandeer appeared in front of her.

"A dance, Lia?" he swept an elegant bow and held out a hand. A last glance to her mother but she seemed content where she was so she slid her hand into her friends grip with a courtesy of her own followed quickly by a laugh. He wasted no time in pulling her into the swirling mass of bodies and the music was all she needed to remember the steps. It was a lively tune and her breath was soon coming quicker, her cheeks flushing with the exertion. There were more than a few people whose heads turned to the pair as they passed, laughing as they were. Two friends who had known each other since before they could remember; it was a close bond and it showed. Caliane was twirled and the skirts she wore fanned out around her, offering a quick view of her long legs before being covered once more in the deep blue gauzy material. The back of her dress was low leaving the expanse of her back and wings on show, but also the scars from her time in captivity. Someone had attempted to pile her unruly red locks up into a loose bun but strands and small curls escaped here and there. It was nothing formal, nothing overly beautiful, but there was something about it on the young Avariel that turned it from a simple sweet spring gown into something mesmerising.

The dance came to an end with one last twirl and she ended it with her back to her partner, her gaze finding another's.

A familiar one.

 

[Eren'thiel Xyrdithas]

​

It was an odd feeling, even before arriving, to be around so many elves again. They were not his people, not Aeraesarian - but that familiar way would undoubtably be perpetually present. That ancient, quiet wisdom of age old blood. Timeless in the eyes of Man and Dwarf. Even trudging through the path, one less traveled, he could feel the prosperous peace that came from their gathering and stretched out into its surround. Even before Minardil was in within earshot or view, he knew he had arrived. There was another, more intimate familarity here - the one he had followed after, and he knew the presence well.

Following their encounter with Anur, Erën had been left... troubled. Even in his waking hours, dark dreams had crept into his mind, and they were, at the time, far too difficult to discuss in great detail. He indeed had needed some time alone, to try to make some sense of it all. Even now, the thought still made him reach to his chest, and even to his neck... he felt...the desperation... for something... more, than just he. It, too, was a familiar feeling. This too, had given him reason to reflect. Though... certainly not without the promise to return - in time. Anur's magic, as much as it had plagued him, would be far from his undoing.

Parts of him believed what he had seen and felt... parts of it he even wanted to. But it was difficult to trust all he had seen - they were machinations beyond any of his most terrible dreams, at least before.


And soon, the journey made shorter by his descent into his thoughts, the way before him became clear. Mirandil stood up before him, and its beauty reminded him of his own home - or at least, what once was. He admired it for a time, his eyes rising up as it ascended the side of the mountain, and then his eyes carried on past toward the clouds. Then, he continued on his way, approaching on foot. He had done so for some time now, weathering his boots and spliting them. His cloak was torn and frayed. His clothes, though clean, were likewise worse for wear. But the elven leather was robust, and held its feature well despite its duress.

As he came near the town, he reached for his hood and let it fall, bowing cordially to the attendants stationed there to greet him and whoever else made their way here. His left hand rested on his chest, and the blackened armour attracted their eye as the pull of his arm revealed the sword at his side. But his demeanor, as well as his heritage, seemed to be enough to garner him entry without any incident... or perhaps they had been expecting him? Either way, any impression of him was not betrayed by them, and he took it as only the natural way of elves - not so distrusting of their own kind.

So in through the streets he went, admiring the colours of the festival, losing himself in the sound of sweet music and soft elfsong. For too long he had been in the company of others, and while those of them he called friend were nothing less than honoured in his mind, and word of them - their kin however, often not. Here however, he felt - hmm. Even over all this joyful noise, there was a distinct sound that fell upon his ears. He turned to look. The sight of an unfamiliar set of wings drew his eye, and then, a set quite the opposite.

Even as someone approached him to speak, he waved them away, his eyes not wavering from their diligent scan. Almost of their own accord, his legs started forward. He searched through the growing crowd of the square. The music grew louder, and the people danced and sang and laughed.

He began to feel strange...

It was so unlike the Aeraesarian people to move so freely, and sweetly. To converse in such ways so fervently, as these people did. They were always so rigid, and precise. Even the warmth of the Soul Forge had been a fleeting one, different than this, despite whatever connection it had afforded them. That which he felt here sought to sink into his very bones, it was as real as the wind in his hair, or the sun on his skin. But it was the cold that he was most acquainted with... much moreso than the warmth of kindness he felt here.

And then finally, his eyes found her spinning through the crowd. There was a rush of elation he felt at the sight of Caliane, and he urged to step forward. But, he hesitated. He watched as she danced as the others did, sang and laughed... all in the embrace of one of her own. It was joyful. But the elation sank into thought, and he found his mind racing. Certainly, the lump that grew in his throat was not jealousy... surely. No, but just rather, an observation - one he did not fail to recognize, that at least as far as his eyes could see: she was happy here. With her people. Something he knew in his heart was right, and good, and it did please him to see... but it was something he dreadfully knew he was now without.

So when her eyes met with his, he was uncertain exactly what expression he displayed. He blinked, and tried a smile.

Caliane Ruinë ​

 

[Caliane Ruinë]

When their gazes locked it felt like the music became muted. The memories of the vision filled her and clouded over the here and now for a moment. The pain of losing him, of losing a future, and the war inside her about whether she should tell him what she knew. The images passed by her in seconds but it felt longer than that and she realised with a start all she was doing was staring at him with the same cocktail of emotions he was staring at her with. His smile drew out her own, hesitant and shy yet her eyes burned with unbridled joy at seeing him here of all places.

Caliane took a step towards him but she was stopped by her hand being caught and she half turned back to Zandeer who was glancing between the two with an obvious look of distrust. The music drowned out her words so they wouldn't reach him and the way she was stood meant he probably couldn't see her face, but he was afforded view of the other Avariel's face and his reaction. Mild surprise from the man with wings of midnight blue with flecks of lemon yellow and he raised his gaze to meet Erën's. His brow furrowed and his lips pressed into a thin line before there was a nod and he said something in return to her.

Then she was free and moving, finally, towards him through the crowds.

It dawned on her as she murmured apologies to couples she slipped past and through that the pair hadn't had a chance to be on their own since their time in the meadow after dealing with the Wendigo. Since then their meetings had always been surrounded by blood and pain with no chance to just... talk. She was still unsure about what had truly happened to him after the battle in the orc city and she had a million questions burning in her mind.

But they all left her in that moment. Her steps grew quicker now there was no people between them and then a small skip of a jump and she threw herself at him, her arms coming around his neck and her body pressing tight to his. Her face came to bury itself in between the curve of her own arm and his neck. For a moment Cali just breathed him in, reminding herself that her vision was not set in stone and he was very much here and very much alive. It eased a pain inside of her she hadn't realised she'd been carrying. Then slowly she pulled back, released him from her crushing hug and spread her hands along his shoulders to smooth the rumples out his his clothes. How to even greet him after everything they had been through?

"Hi," her eyes finally raised to meet his again and gave him another sweet smile.

 

[Eren'thiel Xyrdithas]

While his mind wished for him to go, he found his feet planted. Stuck at the edge of the square, he could only look to her in wonder. He'd feared that with all his distraction lately, that maybe he'd have lost track of her, or she may have moved on. He even thought it possibly better if she had - for her sake, to be rid of him. But the moments which passed between their gaze seemed to rise and fall, churning in and out of his mind to reveal only one thing stayed constant. Selfishly, perhaps, he was happy to have found her again. More than happy.

She stepped, and he saw her hesitation - not her own. The other, expressing an obvious concern at the sight of him.

He relaxed himself, and turned his eyes to Zandeer. His gaze had turned hard, but only so much in an acceptance of station and a... understanding. Erën did not often suffer challenging stares without roiling in his own defiance and contempt - but in this instance, he did. Instead he returned Zandeer's gaze and nod with one of his own, then ignored him completely as Caliane finally drew near.

His foot budged, then moved. He stepped, and then again. Then her arms slid around his neck, and his came together aboved her waist, linking just below her wings. And he too, pressed into her. His whole body almost shook, and no doubt with her arms hooked over them, she could feel his shoulders drop as he let out a long sigh, pressing the side of his head against hers. Many things came to his mind, all the things he wanted to say flooding through his mind and avoiding his lips, swirling back down. For now.

As she pulled back, at first he did not let her - only briefly. Of all the things that had been on his mind of late, it was her memory that had guarded, and kept him. He held her closely, even tightening

But he had to let her go of course, and so he did, allowing her the step back. One of his hands rested yet on her side, and the other armoured hand dropped away. He breathed in a deep breath, and when her eyes met with his again they'd find his soft smile,

"Caliane," he nearly whispered, his voice almost caught. He inclined his head.

Caliane Ruinë ​

 

[Caliane Ruinë]

It felt like they stood alone in the eye of a storm for a while and she did not care. She did not care that they might be in the way or that people might wonder who he was. Her eyes drifted from his to the feather she had returned to him and that hung in his hair. Slowly she reached up and ran a thumb down it and her smile only grew. Well, that explained how he had been allowed into the town. From there her hand drifted to his cheek, her thumb running over the sharp high cheek bone on his face and then she could bear it no longer and rose onto the tips of her toes to claim his lips with hers. It was not the sad and desperate kiss of a woman who was dying, it was vibrant and full of life and joy and... and so much more that words could not even begin to explain. It echoed in her wings which began to light with that internal fire though it would of course feel cool to his touch.

When they broke apart for air if nothing else she bit down on her lower lip and then touched his cheek again as if not quite believing he were here with her.

"How...?" her voice was faint and then Caliane was shaking her head, the loose tendrils that escaped the bun flowing with the movement as she sought to clear her mind enough to at least ask one question. "How... did you find this place?" It was not a well known town and the Avariel frequented it for that reason and that reason alone. As she spoke the spell began to break and she became more aware of where they were and who was nearby. Namely her mother. Her hands drifted down to take his in hers.

"Are you thirsty? hungry?" she pulled him from the edge of the dance floor where they were getting in the way towards one of the shaded and less busy establishments that ringed the square.

 

[Eren'thiel Xyrdithas]

The feather...

... during his battle, in the ruins of the ancient city. He remembered reaching for it, and the dread he felt from its absence. The pit of that loneliness, ebbing at him. Such a simple thing to misplace - but not an easy thing to lose. His struggle, being taken, that must have been it... But she had returned it to him. And with both sorrow and joy he had once again accepted it - now far more careful to hold it close, just over his heart. A simple spell bound it firmly to his locks, enmeshed together, as though indeed part of him.

As her hand caressed his skin, instinctually he pressed into it, his eyes piercing deeply into hers. And then without thought, as she leaned to him, he did to her, and met her kiss with his own trembling embrace. His hand at her side pulled her tightly. Though it was soft, and sweet, what she offered to him through it was too poured from him, and when they parted his broken breath followed.

His hand touched her cheek, faintly. Heavily.

"How... did you find this place?"

A smile, and his head dropped some. He turned his head for a brief scan to his one side, the his eyes drifted back to her.

"I had only but to seek you," he teased.

After their experience together, her exploration of the Soul Forge with him - perhaps to her sharing of her Soul Fire with he, on now more than one occasion. He could... feel her. It was vague, but he had known in his heart which way to go.

He grasped her hand, and followed to where she led - enjoying the shade she brought him to.

"Are you thirsty? hungry?"​

He nodded, and then had the notion to examine himself more closely. As well as he had always kept himself, he certainly stuck out in this crowd of jubilee and grace, like a dreary splotch across a vibrant painting. A small frown, but he shook it off and replied, chuckling, "I... have not eaten in days."

 

[Caliane Ruinë]

"I... have not eaten in days."

His admission won him a disapproving frown cast over her shoulder as she led him through the people but the crowd earned him a moment before a verbal telling off. Murmured apologies as she forced her way through but nobody seemed to mind, it was but the way of things at a busy festival such as this. Erën received more than one curious glance but the hesitation was gone now it was clear whose guest he was.

The establishment Caliane guided them to was at the corner where a road branched off from the square up towards the mountain. There was less of a crowd here and the tables outside were under the blooms of a cherry blossom that had burst into its full pink glory. A couple of waitresses bustled about from inside of the little cafe to deal with the customers who chose to sit outside. Spotting a table with two seats pressed together with the backs against the rough stone of the building Cali bee lined their way there. Perhaps unlike anywhere else the seats here were all made with wings in mind taking on a crescent moon appearance and their purpose only becoming obvious when Caliane herself sat and her wings folded more naturally over them than they had the chairs in the rest of the world. A small discomfort she went through regularly but never complained about.

They weren't sat for long before a young elvish woman appeared with menus and passed them to the pair before disappearing back inside. Cali barely gave it any attention, turning to look at him, her hand still had yet to release his and she held it in her lap now with a frown.

"You should be taking care of yourself, I would not have left you if..." if you hadn't wanted me too.

 

[Eren'thiel Xyrdithas]

Led in under the shade of the cherry blossom, his eyes rose up and almost sparkled at the sight of them. He remembered colours like this in Sharyrdaes, long ago. But none of those were quite as beautiful as the petals he saw fluttering in the breeze overhead. The smells that touched his nose prompted a deep breath, and an ease washed over him. He ignored the awkward looks his appearance beckoned for, and instead kept his eyes now again on her, following her without any reluctance. But it did comfort him to be in a lessened crowd, preferring a more exclusive interaction out of the pan of so many unknown eyes.

He did note the shape of the seating - and her obviously much greater comfort in resting in them.

Before he sat, he did remove his cloak - his hand leaving hers only briefly before returning to hold hers tight. He laid it over the seat of his chair, and sat, and the relief he felt from doing so was quite evident. With closed eyes let out a light huff, and then turned a pleasant, brief glance up to the waitresses before turning to Caliane - smiling at her gentle scolding...

But she need not finish her thought.

I would not have left you if...

"I'm sorry," he leaned in, and pressed his lips again his cheek and whispered, "only so I could better understand, did I go. The things I have seen - we have seen..."

There was a brief sadness that came to him, but with a breath he forced it away, "... the things I felt, Caliane..."

He'd just moved back to look her in the eye again, when someone approached - almost startling him. In her presence he seemed to falter in his awareness - something he would need to be more careful of. Though this place was benevolent and peaceful to her and by proxy he, that did not negate the possibility that someone else, or something else, could interfere. He highly doubted any such instance in this case, at this time, but still - the anxiety remained. He could not be so careless...

But of course, it was only one of the fine attendants of this establishment, one which he quite enjoyed the aesthetic of. It was very much like home just here, under the pink of the cherry blossoms. She inquired for their drinks, and Erën blinked at her realizing he had not even glanced at the menu.

Hmm...

Looking almost lost, he turned to Caliane. Maybe she had a good suggestion?

Caliane Ruinë ​

 

[Caliane Ruinë]

Regret flooded her when he apologised; she had not sought to make him do so nor make him feel like he even had to. Of course she understood - at least, as much as she could understand when it wasn't her people she had seen being slain by her own hand. But the pain of the memory of losing him was enough to give her some idea. The kiss on her cheek eased the guilt somewhat and her eyes closed at the sensation. His whispered words though sad were a caress against her skin.

... the things I felt, Caliane..."

It took restraint for her hand not to flutter to her stomach; the feeling still haunted her like an echo at night sometimes and that had been a happy thing to know. Her face was an open symphony of sympathy and a desire to help him, her hand tightened over his and she opened her mouth to say something when the waitress approached. She closed her mouth, the thoughts halted, and offered the woman a breezy smile instead. There was a brief pause when she waited to see if Erën would order for himself but when he did not she rallied to the challenge. He needed food and water and she cared not if he didn't like her taking charge.

"Just bring a jug of lemonade please, Leila, and one of the Hunters Platter and a Flaerino," the girl returned her smile and bustled off with the menus. Caliane tracked her movements back inside before returning her gaze to Erën.

"If you came looking for me, does that mean you... are ready to talk about it?" her words were hesitant and kind. She wouldn't make him plunge back into those thoughts.

 

[Eren'thiel Xyrdithas]

He almost did breath a sigh of relief, but instead gave a nonchalant nod to the waitress, Leila. He had no idea what the Hunter's Platter was, or what a Flaerino was, but merely the sound of it all was enough to make his stomach rumble. Lemonade he knew, and was likewise excited for. Compared to the last few weeks, this was like paradise.

"If you came looking for me, does that mean you... are ready to talk about it?"

"With you," alone, "yes."

He looked out to some of the patrons, and others passing by. The diversity was of course, quite difficult to miss.

"Avariels and Elves side by side..." he joyfully declared, "I did not think such a place existed."

He turned back to her, smiling. Perhaps he wasn't so out of place after all.

Caliane Ruinë ​

 

[Caliane Ruinë]

The way he moved the topic on made it clear that here and now was not the right moment to discuss them so she let the subject die. Instead her gaze followed his to the people in the square. From their seating area they still had a good view of the dancing and festivities. For a moment she just enjoyed the view too then glanced back to him.

"Minardil has been an ally of Thyasari for centuries. One of the Elders here went to collect the bodies of the children when they were deposited in different territories," her voice was soft but there was a warmth to it. The gesture of kindness and love for the Avariel and their loss was an honour that was still respected.

Before she could continue the waitress appeared with another girl and laid out the assortment of drinks and food. The Hunters Platter turned out to be a pile of different spiced meats, cheeses, fruits and small slivers of pies. The Flaerino was another platter of food but this time sweet treats of delicate cakes and pastries in an assortment of shapes and sizes. Two plates were put in front of them and their glasses filled with lemonade before the rest of the iced jug was set on the table too.

"Thank you," the girls both smiled, gave a slight bow and left them to it. She picked up some of the bread in the basket that had been delivered and smothered it in some butter and meat.

"I want it to be like this everywhere," Caliane sighed wistfully, her gaze once more returning to the festivities.

 

[Eren'thiel Xyrdithas]

He hummed solemnly at the mention of their lost young, lifting his chin as he felt the humbling awareness: the time lost, the opportunities stolen. So in the breadth of time following he respected the somber silence for the tragedy, and the honour shown in its midst. He too reflected on things closer to his own heart: a kindred loss, a fellowship of dread. But indeed, the sorrow fled in the presence of such permeate joy, creeping through the streets, flowing through the air.

"Thank you,"

He looked down at the platters, unable to stifle the entranced stare. Had he less class he'd have licked his lips, unsure of exactly where he would like to begin. The lemonade. And refreshing, just could not describe the sensation. But he managed to maintain his composure, and drink tastefully from it.

"I want it to be like this everywhere,"

"It has been done here," he said, setting the cup down, "in time, the world will see the truth," he reached for some fruit, "as I have."

He knew there was more to his words than simply speaking them into being, much more. But the last thing he was going to do was seek to hinder her hopes - he too hoped for prosperity, for all their kinds.

He thought then, looking around, that while he may have been reluctant to speak - it was unfair to place her under the same veil so hastily. He took the bite sized fruit and ate, enjoying the sweet taste, briefly. He looked down, unsure of how to approach... these situations so... vocally.

"How.. are you?"

Caliane Ruinë ​

 

[Caliane Ruinë]

Caliane watched him curiously as he ran his eyes over the food she had ordered. It was a small joy of hers to see others enjoy some of her favourite things like these treats; they were hardly made like this or found elsewhere in the world. In a way it was similar to how she had enjoyed sharing the feeling of flight with him but on a much, much smaller scale. She propped her elbow up on the table and then leaned her cheek against it as she watched what things he went for whilst chewing on her own food.

"I do not think everyone is as open minded as you," the Avariel gave him a half smile but it didn't quite reach her eyes. She had been beyond her home for nearly eight months now and in that time she had learnt that the world was not as kind as she had hoped. "We will see though, I will try," the same determination she had expressed before in their little bubble of oasis a few months ago.

She had just finished her slice of bread and meats when he asked her such a simple innocent question but it still made her grimace a little and the food went down with a stale taste. Caliane took her glass and sipped on the tangy juice as she thought about what to say. Lies were unacceptable with him even if they would make him feel better.

"Better," she couldn't meet his gaze as she picked at a piece of cheese. "The Healers here gave me a full bill of health I was just... drained. From the Amalgamation and then... Lazule," her hand came up to rub against her chest over her heart. The memory of it was always at the surface of her mind and welcomed her when she slept. "My father heard about what had happened in Bhathairk and was... less than impressed. It has brought attention to our kind, let people know we exist still and put their way of life in danger. He does not wish for me to leave but," a deep sigh that lifted her shoulders then let them drop. "It seems the Council do not agree with him; it has put him in a foul mood with myself and my mother," another sip of the lemonade and she shook her head. "I'm sorry, you do not want to be bored with the politics of my people."

 

[Eren'thiel Xyrdithas]

His eyes watched her features with care as she spoke. He winced, hearing the pain at the mention of their friend's name, seeing her hand come over her heart. His hand came to her shoulder, resting gently there as she told to him the troubles their recent trials had caused for her, even here. He gave a gentle rub with her sigh, nodding his head just so, then turning his head away.

His eyes looked out, but they fell not on anything to be seen here and now. Memories, of his time as a father, brief as it was. But he did not look on in sorrow and grief, only a watching. A remembering. His head dropped, considering how he - in her fathers shoes - might have felt. To believe so whole-heartedly in what you knew to be best for his daughter, and have it vetoed by the Conclave. A grimace, a spark of betrayal at only the mere thought of such a thing.

He turned and smiled, "there has been nothing yet about you that has been... boring."

He moved to fix himself some bread and meat, mimicking what she had made. His movements were slow, and diligent - but not obsessive with the food. No, instead the wheels of his mind had begun to turn, rapidly now. Mention of their battles of late stirred the emotions once more, and though while she had talked he had done well to subdue them, in the following reprieve they began to well within.

He swallowed.

"Fathers often..." he paused, looking for the proper words - difficult as they were, however simple they may be...

He himself had believed whole heartedly that it was best for him to continue his appointment, and entrust his daughter to the care of his dear friend, and the whole if his people in Sharyrdaes. Though certainly, he could never have imagined the tragedy that would come from this... miscalculation.

But it was a mistake he had made, and carried with him. Every day.

"...only want what is best. Even if they are..." his nose drew breath, then, "...wrong."

He could not hide the grief in his voice, though for her sake he tried. He truly did. But the softness, that near inaudible wavering. That quiet sigh. He looked to his food, and took a meager bite.

Caliane Ruinë ​

 

[Caliane Ruinë]

The touch on the shoulder was soothing and her wing gently moved to brush against his back in response before dropping again to just above the floor. A simple gesture but an intimate one for an Avariel. His comment about her not being boring brought out her smile despite the troubled expression she had been wearing a moment ago, like the sun appearing from behind the clouds. The stress of the situation melting away as she began once again to enjoy the atmosphere around them and him. Him being here, seeing a little more of her world.... it meant so much to her.

Until she caught the sombre expression on his face.

"Ah, Hbeebti," Cali hadn't thought until she heard the sadness how words of her father would stir the grief in him. She had expected outrage, in truth, that someone might keep her locked away but he showed understanding instead. Her hand came up, found his cheek and then she leaned over to graze her lips to the corner of his mouth. For a moment she rested her forehead on his shoulder. No words would provide comfort for the loss of a child; her whole race had isolated themselves from the pain it tore through a whole community. It echoed even now and nobody was alive still from those days.

"This place is not one for sadness, not today," she sat up and gently ran her fingers over his cheek once more with a soft smile. "Which is why we left him in Thyasari to brood on his own," there was warmth in her tone even as she said it, the love for her father undeniable despite their differences.

"What do you think?" she gestured to the food instead, turning conversation to more pleasant things. "I wasn't sure what you might like so the platters seemed best."

 

[Eren'thiel Xyrdithas]

A joyous sound came from him then. Word of how they'd banished her father to Thyasari was certainly something he could also see to be a punishment wrought upon him with some of the behaviour he was known to exhibit - a thought he would likely entertain with no one else. He looked to her, smiling at her joking - it did his heart good to know that she harboured no resentment toward her father for his, however foolish, discontentment. With what he knew of her, he imagined him too, an honourable and benevolent sort.

He was still stifling a chuckle when she regarded the food, and he could only shake his head in a sort of disbelief, "it is all wonderful," he said, a pleasant release in his words. Truly, it was wonderful. And not simply because he was hungrier than he had been in quite some time, but what she said was certainly no lie. There was no room for sorrow in this place, not here, not now. Only joyful rest, and fellowship, and love.

All inklings of the past left his mind, any semblance of grief departing.

He lost himself looking at her, finding himself quieted and humbled in her presence. Even in such a casual dress it was as though a perpetual aura had wrapped itself in the space around her, heightening the colours - small details in her hair, almost glowing in the light trickling through the canopies overhead. Locks that had fallen loose, laid lightly over her shoulder. Her skin, which looked healthier than last he saw, far more radiant than he remembered last - the distance from the plights of her captivity widening. But still, he had seen the scars on her back - felt them even. And those, could very well remain for the rest of her days...

But even they told a magnificent story to him - one of such horrible terror that had tried to steal that most precious, an ordeal that would no doubt have destroyed any lesser creature. And lesser person. But she - she did not succumb to the grief of that tragedy, though at times in the short span that he had known her, he could see she wrestled with.

If he could... he would help her to lay those foes to rest.

But for now, he found himself fixing something together, and though most of the food was foreign to him he simply... felt to try something... interesting? So he took a piece of a thin, crisp bread, and placed a piece of cheese atop it. Next he took a couple of the smaller fruits, they looked like grapes to him but... hell, it'd been 300 years since he'd seen one. But he was certain from when he had tried them they were at least, similar. So carefully, he sliced a couple of them in half, and with the same knife dug the center out - an almost transparent little mass. And he placed it atop the cheese, and gently squeezed it down. Juices ran from the halved fruit, and when he lifted the knife a little jelly was left atop the small arrangement. What it was? He had no idea. So he tried it - and pursed his lips approvingly.

"Here," he said, passing her the second of his two little creations.

Caliane Ruinë ​

 

[Caliane Ruinë]

He seemed to approve of her method of punishment for her father and she watched the storm clouds disappear from his face. It was a rare sight seeing him less troubled recently so she revealed in it, shared in his smile when he informed her of his opinion of the food. Her eyes once more drifted to the dancers and her lips twitched as she caught sight of Zandeer with a small child who had obviously demanded a dance from her prince charming. He danced with her upon his feet but she could see the desperation in his eyes for a parent to step forward and free him.

As she was watching she could feel his eyes on her and slowly her gaze slid back to him.

"What? You're staring, is there sugar on my face?" a small laugh as she began to wipe at her cheek and lips. She had a horrible habit of getting the soft powder from the delicate cakes everywhere. When he smiled and went about assembling his curious creation she rested her chin again in her hand and watched with fascination. She would never have thought to do that with the grapes and when he offered her the other she was eager to accept. It was rare to find new things in a place she had known for so long and it excited her.

Caliane raised her gaze to his as she leaned forward, one hand coming up to cup his hand before she delicately bit into the offered treat. For a moment all she could do was shut her eyes as the burst of flavours rolled over her tongue, eyebrows drawing down into an expression of pleasure. A soft noise from her throat emphasised her opinions and then she, still having a hold of his wrist placed a small kiss to the inside of it where the softer skin was.

"Delicious," she opened her eyes, a playful look dancing there.

 

[Eren'thiel Xyrdithas]

"What? You're staring, is there sugar on my face?"

No... no that's not quite it.

He enjoyed sharing with her like this. It was easy to forget even where he'd been just hours ago, trudging through the winding path while his legs ached from the tireless pace he'd maintained. His eyes followed her, and he felt a pleasant warmth. His eyes softened, his lower lids raising just some, and their sides tightened with his jaw.

"I am glad you approve," he said, his words fell quietly, with a gentle restraint, pull her chin upward whilst he bowed his head down to hers. With his finger under her chin, he stared into her eyes...

When he looked at her now, he remembered their night by the fire, when he had shared with her the fullness of their people's most sacred place - the collective of the Soul Forge. And now it, a most intimate part of his being was simply... gone. He still struggled with its absence, but over the following weeks he had grown accustomed to the emptiness of it. But... it was not something he could find himself as content with as he had once imagined he could be. He felt... alone...

But not here, looking into her eyes now.

"Caliane," he started - clearly foregoing his desire to remain quiet, "everything has changed..."

He went to turn away, but stopped - but he hid any remorse behind a false, weak smile, for a moment. And then he did turn away some, just looking past her, "...I have been forsaken."

Caliane Ruinë ​

 

[Caliane Ruinë]

"I very much approve, of it and of you," the playfulness in her gaze transferred to the curve of her crooked smile as his fingers came under her chin and tilted her face upwards. He lowered his face and for a moment she shut her eyes, enjoying this moment of bliss and anticipating the touch of his lips on hers. Yet it never came. Her name, a caress in itself, spoken from his lips but it held a note a touch wrong for the mood. Or at least what she had perceived as the mood. Her eyes opened, a faint line marring her forehead as her eyebrows pulled together a little in a questioning frown, wondering what it was that had put the emotion back into his voice.

For a moment she was confused at his words; nothing had changed between them as far as she was concerned. Caliane pulled back a little as she ran through her mind what he could possibly mean; had he found another or decided that their two peoples could not work together? Then clarity with his final words and the confusion melted away. Anur's words came back to her.

"I..." now this time her hands came to rest over his, entwining their fingers. "I know - Anur told me," a small grimace. "From how he described it you were not... Forsaken... he pulled you out. He said it was to save you, from... from I assume that thing in the vision."

 

[Eren'thiel Xyrdithas]

He nodded. He too had thought of the gravity of what they had seen, and that... well, with what Caliane had just said, and Anur's plan to use him to fuel the Ancient Dweller into warring with this creature, then...

In either case - he had indeed been forsaken. Not by his people as a whole, as he had so drearily first believed, but by the very heart of his people: the Conclave. If Anur's words were true, and this demon of the ancient world had been called forth by the folly of their leaders, then it was even far worse: they had all been forsaken. But whatever would prove to be true, he did not condone the actions of his former master nor would he forgive them. It was a foul thing he had become, and once more it had plunged his friends, and he, in mortal danger.

As he sat here with her, running his thumb just gently against her held hand, he began to imagine...

Since that day, during their battle with the Amalgamation, he had been forever changed. He had felt it... the moment the sword broke, the burning in his neck... but the connection faded slowly. He denied it at first, but deep within his heart he had known. And then it was gone, left in ruin, as though swept away like ash in the evening breeze. And then the night had set on him, and they came - forcing his hand to slay them, drowning his heart with grief... Lazule's father... and then Anur… it seemed, too difficult for him to imagine fighting that thing he had seen in that vision.

He wanted to believe that, the shadow that had grasped him, and claimed him - that it was nothing more than a lie... and even if it was not, there was no way that he would ever let what had transpired in that false future to occur in his truth. He would not. Be. Beaten. Sitting here now, he felt that, quite strongly.

"There is no creature on this world who has bested me yet," he teased, his eyes displaying a similar, uncharacteristic gaiety - raising a brow and inclining in his chin, "I intend," he smiled, almost deviously, "to live forever."

It was strange, even if it was only a silly joke. He'd never once entertained such a thought before.

Caliane Ruinë ​

 

[Caliane Ruinë]

Did she tell him?

Caliane pulled her bottom lip between her teeth and bit down hard as she debated it in her mind. It had been the question which had been plaguing her dreams and her thoughts for days now. There were gaps still in her memory from the weeks she had been in Sleep, when Lazule had informed her she had apparently blown a door off its hinges. She wondered, too, what things he had seen or had to do that she had missed in those times. He had brought the topic of discussion up and it felt the natural time to ask rather than bring it up later and yet his words now made her feel like he wanted to dismiss them again.

"Erën, I..." it was on the tip of her tongue, her gaze raising to meet his. But she saw the teasing smile, the confidence in his eyes. She looked away awkwardly as her courage failed her, focused instead on the crowds of people who were enjoying the sunny day and festivities on offer. The redhead closed her eyes briefly and took a deep breath before opening them and returning her gaze to his. "I really hope that is true. As someone who has now had the misfortune of being rammed through the heart I can attest it's not a pleasant experience," a faint smile then she looked back down towards their hands. She drew them up and placed a kiss to his knuckles.

"Is there a way to find out if what he showed is true... if that monster is really in the world? You know what Lazule is like, you won't be able to stop him trying to slay it sooner or later."

 

[Eren'thiel Xyrdithas]

With their hands drawn up to her kiss, he leaned his head against her for a light touch, "no... not pleasant."

Those final breaths however had been... interesting.

​

"Is there a way to find out if what he showed is true... if that monster is really in the world? You know what Lazule is like, you won't be able to stop him trying to slay it sooner or later."

He breathed a brief laugh, "yes... Lazule is as stalwart a warrior as I have ever known. There is no doubt should that... thing, exist - Lazule will find it..." ...and I would ride at his side...

He thought for a moment, his eyes falling to one side, and then rolling around to the next and his head canted some that way, "perhaps there is a way..."

There would always be a way. Even if it required him ride into the tortured lands themselves to find out the truth. But... he found it difficult to believe the things Anur had showed them as any kind of truth or reality. He imagined it all some devious plot to set him against the Order, and it against him. Whatever had been done, the damage was dealt - and the evidence of it lie in some clearing, by the creek side, somewhere farther behind...

"... but for now, I know only this. I am no longer a Sword of the Order. They had sent my own against me, and I was forced... to slay them."

He held his head high.

He almost refused to admit, but he knew it in those last moments that something had been twisted in their hearts... that there would have been nothing, even the decree of the Conclave that would have set Aidathin and Te'leis against him so fervently. But... could he task himself with this one more challenge...? To take on whatever evils that Anur showed - whether it be the truth or just a guise hiding some other devious plot of the Fell Elf's?

Not. Right. Now.

"If what we were shown is true... then I know that I am not powerful enough to defeat this foe. But... I will prepare myself, should the time ever come.

But... in the meantime..."

His tone found a listlessness, almost floating away as he turned back to the table and reached for his drink, "... no evil would be wise to challenge us here," he drank, "I have noticed a certain way in which he had been observed..."

He had not been blind to the apparent oddity of his presence - and his association with her.

Caliane Ruinë ​

 

[Caliane Ruinë]

His breathy laugh made her smile in a shared humour at the thought of their friend and his dedication to the cause. After seeing his father and mindset though, she understood it a little more. She also now understood the weight her answers had held for him all those nights ago when they had first met and it had been debatable whether or not he would kill her so soon after her captivity. He didn't need to finish his sentence, her sentiment was the same and it showed in her green eyes: and she would be there too. Till the end.

Caliane watched him as he spoke, leaning back slightly in her chair too to get the full measure of him. He seemed... not content but accepting of what had happened. He had made some sort of peace with his new position in the world or at least that he was in this new position even if perhaps the questions of how he existed in that reality were still up for debate. Slowly she nodded her head, more to herself than in affirmation to anything he had said. Simply in a sign she understood and agreed with his current assessment. If there was only one positive to the vision it was that it had given them some form of warning and perhaps this creature didn't know about him.

A tiny upper hand but one nevertheless.

Not that she enjoyed where the conversation was turning. Her cheeks began to take on a faint dusky pink hue and she let go of his hand to busy herself with her food and drink, popping another small cake into her mouth so that for a moment she wouldn't have to speak.

"You are not Avariel and you are not Minardil - we haven't had an outsider here for a long, long time," and they had ended up joining the community in the end. Had sworn to keep their peoples secret. "I'm sorry about Zandeer - the man I was dancing with," she slumped slightly back in her chair. "He is my closest friend but he shares my fathers views on outsiders after the Incident," meaning her captivity which was probably clear from the note of pain on the word and the way she rushed on wards. "I have told him about you, which is why he didn't protest any further. I think the others here are merely curious about you being...with me," her eyes flicked to the feather in his hair. "And why you wear my feather."

 

[Eren'thiel Xyrdithas]

He too sat back, noting Zandeer's apparent affinity for Caliane. One that he of course, could hardly blame. And too, he supposed to behold one who you had no memory of, no reference for their character, how they would behave - who they were. As a friend he would expect no less, and though the challenge he felt from the Avariel's stare was crushed in his mind under his confidence, he respected it all the same.

But it was unfortunate that the sins of some few... likely humans or the like no less... would sully the image of even he: one of shared, ancient ties. But at least he was welcome enough to enjoy the assorted foods before them now, which he had continued to pick away at all the while.

"I have told him about you, which is why he didn't protest any further. I think the others here are merely curious about you being...with me," her eyes flicked to the feather in his hair. "And why you wear my feather."

Almost without thought he reached to it, somewhat startled. He had not considered that perhaps... he should not have displayed it in such a way here. He'd grown quite fond of her, and that blatant declaration that hung in his hair had been... not forgotten, but not considered. He did not imagine that it would perhaps draw to him - or her, unwanted or... unnecessary attention. Internally he cursed himself, knowing full well that she had endured well enough trouble.

"Should I have...?"

He almost moved to tuck it away - but he did not. It was far too late for that by now...

He remembered...

"If you ever encounter another Avariel, you show them this and they will offer you aid without hesitation. All our wings are unique so they'll know who gave it to you,"

Indeed, he remembered what she had told him. But at that time, by the fire, he never did imagine himself coming to a place like this. Perhaps meeting another, abroad throughout the land was one thing - but perhaps here like this it meant something else.

He thought that their looks had been charged with a little more than mere curiosity. They had been measuring him, and even now he felt as though they still were - though there was no one staring or otherwise encroaching that he could tell. But the thought unnerved him to a degree, even though at the same time he felt an acceptance: in the better of his days, should one have simply strolled into Sharyrdaes he too would have likely done as these people had - likely even quite a bit more.

He felt a light uneasiness, "... is it wise for me to be here? I do not wish to be the cause of any trouble. As you say... it has been a long time. Perhaps it has not yet been long enough...?"

He certainly hoped that was not the case, or that at the very least it would not be for long. Though his interest in garnering the respect and friendship of the Avariel people was no longer bound to his dedication to the Order, he still felt that their continued isolation would be a detriment - as it had been with his people, who left themselves to suffer their decimation during the Eventide alone.

"I wish to stay..." he reached for her hand, "...but, I would leave if it would be best. I could..." his eyes searched as he wondered what he could do in the interim - whatever that meant. But he found it difficult to bring anything to mind.

Caliane Ruinë​

 

[Caliane Ruinë]

For as long as she had known Erën he had been so calm, collected. Sure of himself in a way she wished that she could be. Caliane had always assumed it had come with the years of knowing ones self and the world with the thoroughness of someone who had walked it for centuries. So to see him so flustered and uncomfortable was... adorable. She hadn't thought it was possible yet he had been here less than an hour and her people had stripped that all away and left him as nervous as a young boy. When his hands reached for hers she entwined their fingers and a bubble of laughter escaped her. Her wing brushed against his back in caress and her spare hand came up to his cheek, though it shook with her laugh.

"No, no, no," Cali tried to get her laughter under control but her features still showed it; the glint in her eyes, the way her tight lipped smile brought out the dimples in her cheeks. "You're more than welcome here - at the very least you are proof I'm doing a good job in reaching out to others in the world. It's just... I believe it is more due to me than you. Ah I have never had to explain this to someone before," she mused and let her hand drop from his face, covering his hand in both of hers and giving it a gentle squeeze. "You'll notice even here only a few people have feathers from Avariel. It's a... it's like a rank. There are connotations further by whose feather you have as well - Avariel who are lower down the social ladder it is not as... hm," no that wasn't right, it was still important just not as important. For a moment she wished she had his abilities like he had shown her in the Soul Forge - to be able to connect her mind to his so he could understand what she was trying to say. She was so bad at explaining these things and she felt like she was making it only more confusing for him. "They want to know if you're worthy of wearing it, why I gave it to you. I'm sorry if the attention is making you uncomfortable." she glanced down to their hands and then began to laugh again.

"Though I doubt even hiding it would have helped much after the kiss," given whose daughter she was that would have caused a stir even if it had been with another Avariel. But with an outsider? It was going to be a piece of gossip that spread through the community like wildfire. To her mother, soon, most likely. Her wing rested along the back of his chair like a soft weighted blanket.

"If it does bother you we can go and find somewhere less people know me," there was no question about her staying behind whilst he left in her mind. Not after he had sought her out for comfort.