The sun was up in the air, the air was fresh and a nice breeze was flowing in from the mountain side. Nyx was swimming in one of the few lakes there was around. Not to mention the waterfall above that made this spot just lovely.
The young undine was having a good time and was relaxing, laying down under the sun on one of the rock that stood out of the water. His long aqua hair drying in the warm of the sunlight. He let out a sigh, it was all so peaceful.
It had been a while but, he would finally be leaving his riverbank. He wanted to explore the world, to live outside of the water. Of course things would be difficult and been away from the water would probably be scary, but if he didn't, he knew he would regret it.
Some fish were moving around his spot, looking at him while he was lost in toughts, his eyes drifting toward the sky. He couldn't wait, but he had yet to move from his spot. The first steps were the most important and he knew that...once he would be gone, there was no turning back.
Calen was exhausted. It felt like he'd been walking for days. Finally though, he arrived at the shore of the lake.
He hadn't been to this place in years, but if he remembered correctly it was a relatively safe place to stop and rest for a while. Nice, quite, secluded, so no one was around-
Or that's how it had been before. He blinked as he moved closer to the lake, catching sight of the form on the rocks. A person? They seemed fairly prone. Unconscious maybe?
"Hey." He gave a soft whistled and waved, letting his travel pack drop to the ground. "You alright out there?"
When he heard the sound of a voice. He had not hear any footsteps, but then again, he was daydreaming, he jumped out of surprise and fell into the water. Disapearing out of sight. He could hear his own heart beat going really fast.
Eventually calming down, he re-surfaced and looked over at the man who had appeared. His hair now flatten on his head as only the top of his head could be seen. It was a human...a male human. He looked very pale and exhausted.
The young undine eventually rise up to half his torso, he wasn't wearing anything either.
-aH...hmm...I'm sorry...you scared me there...I didn't tought there was anyone around...-
He said. Closing in to the side of the lake to take a closer look at the man.
"Oh, shit-" Calen started forward, then saw the young man resurface. Well, at least he hadn't accidentally drowned someone.
He snorted quietly and moved closer to the edge of the lake. It took some effort, but he managed to keep his eyes focused up rather than down. Gods I hope he's at least wearing smallclothes...
"Sorry, didn't mean to startle you," he said easily, planting his hands on his hips and rocking back on his hips as he reached the edge of the water.
He shook his head.
-That's ok...I was lost in toughts...-
He let himself sink down into the water, so only the top of his shoulders could be seen. He was looking at the man with curiosity.
-Your...from the land correct?-
He asked. This might seems like a strange question, but to the undine, it was different. Reaching for the edge of the lake, his hands lifting him up toward the man.
-What are these?-
He asked, pulling on the man's clothes. He had never seen them before and he wonder if it was part of a human skin.
"Ah, yes," Calen said slowly, tilting his head at the strange young man. Then he jumped back slightly, batting his hand away as he tugged at his clothes. "Oi. Buy me a drink first, would ya?" he said with a slightly awkward little laugh, giving the stranger an odd look.
Nyx looked at the man with his deep blue eyes.
-Is it curtesy to buy a drink to someone to ask a question?-
He wasn't much aware of the human way of living. And such a thing suddenly strike him. What would he be doing once he was out there, with other humans. He knew nothing of them.
He looked at the man for a moment, then went back into the water, disapearing once more for almost a whole minute. Eventually coming back to the surface, he was holding what seems to be a buck made of wood and nicely refined. it was filled with a crystal like liquid.
-There is your drink...now can I ask you a question?-
He said, handing the drink to the man.
"Hey, where are you-" Calen frowned as the boy- man?- dove away. He flopped down to sit on the shore, then started a bit when his new acquaintance suddenly reappeared.
"Well, uh. Thanks." He took the drink and sniffed at it warily. "You don't have to...do that. Get me a drink to ask a question I mean." He arched an eyebrow and gave him a crooked smile. "I just meant maybe don't pull on clothes like that? Might give people the wrong idea."
This was confusing.
-Clothes...those are not your skin?-
He said. So he didn't had to give a drink to ask a question, well that was a relief, because he was wondering just how many drink one could take before been full and the young man had a lot of questions. The drink smell like flower and a bit salty.
-Oh...I'm sorry, I forgot to introduce myself, my name is Nyx! Nice to meet you!-
He said, smiling at the man.
Calen laughed. "No, it's not my skin," he chuckled. "See?" He pulled his sleeve back to show how his shirt wasn't actually attached to his body.
"Nyx." He gave him a small smile. "Nice to meet you. Name's Calen." His eyes flicked over Nyx curiously. "You a nymph or something?" he guessed. It wouldn't be the strangest thing he'd ever seen.
Nyx looked curiously at the clothes, as it wasn't attached to the man's body, he opened widened eyes, looking impressed.
-I see...-
He was wondering if he would need some too. Hearing the man's name, he smiled some more and answer his question.
-I am a undine...I think sometimes your people call us fairy of the water...or something like that...-
His hair were stil flatten on his head and the edge were mixte with color like red and blue.
-It's my first time seen a real human...-
He wanted to poke at the man and see what he looked like under his clothes, but he tought that it might be rude of him. As much as he was curious, as much as he was scared to go too far.
"I see." Calen offered a friendly and encouraging smile. "I've never met one of your kind before," he murmured, leaning forward with some interest. Smiling going crooked, he added, "I take it you've never met one of mine?"
He nodded. He was leaning on the edge of the lake, looking up at the human in front of him.
-Yes...and well...you see..I want to see the world and travel...but...I know close to nothing to the outside world...-
He admitted, blushing a bit and scratching the back of his head. He wonder if he would appear strange, most likely. Looking back at the man, he lift his hand toward his face to touch his skin. Unlike him, which had no other hair then on his head, there was some on the man's face. it felt a bit rough but soft at the same time.
Tough he quickly pull back.
-ah! sorry!!-
Calen flinched back from the touch slightly, startled. "Yeah, ah- that's not really something humans do. I mean, not when they've just met," he muttered.
A smile curving his lips on one side, he added, "I probably do need to shave though, huh?" He reached up to scratch his chin, feeling the stubble.
He tilted his head.
-Shave?-
He wasn't sure he understood. He shook his head.
-Then when do humans touch each other?-
He was curious about all of this. Undine didn't meet with each other all that often, they lived in their river and took care of the wild life there. He had no idea how his words could be misunderstood.
-Undine rarely see each other...but when we do, we communicate by touch...-
"Well, some humans do that," Calen tried to explain slowly. "But usually only those that are close. Friends, family, that sort of thing." He tilted his head. "Make sense?"
He wasn't sure he understood, but he nodded.
-Friends...family...I see...-
There was just so much he wanted to know, but he had no idea where to begin with. He was wondering if he was bothering the man.
-Then if I became close to you...like a friend...I could touch you?-
He asked, somewhat with hope in his voice, tilting his head as well. His curiosity was a bit hard to handle, but he tought to himself that he had manage to contain himself a lot so far.
Calen snorted quietly and gave him another crooked smile. "Well, yeah, maybe. I suppose," he said. "But you can, like- shake hands with people you don't know all that well."
Realizing he might not know what that was, he added, "Like this," and reached out to take his hand.
Nyx reached out for the hand. His own skin was pretty soft, almost silky.
-Shaking hands...even if were not close...got it!-
He would probably be shaking the hands of everyone he would meet from now on, but that was to be seen. He smiled, shaking Calen's hand.
-There is just so much I don't know about...I wonder if I'll be alright...-
He pondered outloud.
Calen sat back and cocked his head at him. "Well, where do you plan to go?"
-I don't really know...all I know is that I want to see the world! -
He said, smiling.
-Can you tell me about it?! What should I know? Do I need clothes like yours? Is it hard to walk on legs? -
So many questions rushing trough his head.
"Whoa, whoa, slow down," Calen laughed. "First of all- yes, clothes are usually a good thing." He thought for a moment, then held up a finger. "Don't go anywhere."
He stood and moved to where he'd dropped his pack, then returned with his extra change of clothes. "Here, try these on."
Nyx followed Calen with his eyes until he came back, holding a set of clothes for him to try on. That would be a first. He smiled, like a child who just received the toy of his dream and push himself out of the water, revealing the rest of his slender body, in all it's...nakedness.
Something that was easy to notice, was that Nyx was barely standing on his own two feet, he rarely went out of his river, so walking on two legs was also something new. Unaware of the uneasiness it could cause, he took the clothes and unfolded them, trying to figure out how to wear them.
Ending up with trying to put the pants over his head.
"Oh, gods."
Calen decided laughing was his best option. He'd met a few nature spirits before, so he was at least semi-familiar with their apparent distaste for clothing. That didn't stop him from blushing a little as he moved forward.
"No, that's not- here, those go on your legs. Like what I'm wearing, see?"
It was so easy to make a mistake with humans. Nyx blushed heavily and slowly try putting the pants on like Calen was. Hardly balancing himself while on one feet, he eventually manage to put them on and with a sigh, he let himself fall on the ground.
-That is much harder then I tought!-
He let out, scratching the back of his head, but at least now he wasn't completely naked. Even tough the pants were kind sticking to his skin since he wasn't dry when he put them on. Now, the shirt. This time, he took the time to look how Calen was wearing his before putting it on.
This time, he manage to succeed. he gave Calen a smile, proud of himself.
"There, see?" Calen smiled and clapped him on the shoulder. "Not so bad, right?"
Whole trying to move in them, Nyx manage to fall a couple of time. It wasn't all that comfortable, but it seemed this was the price to pay to walk among humans.
-Ehh...well...I'd rather not wear any...it feel strange...-
He said, while clinging to Calen, his legs still a bit wobbly. but despite the difference in size, they did look good on the undine.
"It'll just take some practice," the mage assured him with a quick smile. "Probably."
He grasped Nyx's arms lightly and guided him back a few more steps, feeling rather like a parent teaching a child to walk.
While trying to get the hang of his feet. He asked.
-So hmm...Calen...why are you so deep into the woods?-
He asked, looking at how his feet were trying to get one in front of the other and not instinctively trying to swim. But still holding to Calen's arm, even tough he felt a bit embarrassed
He shrugged. "Traveling. Looking for work. Thought I'd make for Arca, but I needed a place to take a rest. It's a bit of a trek from here."
Slowly, he released the water nymph to stand on his own feet. "There you are. See, not so bad!"
He had to get use to it. Standing on his own two feet. But he was determine and he had to do it. The undine started to walk around, testing his legs without support. It wasn't easy but he eventually got the hang of it.
-I see...is Arca one of your human city?-
He asked, finally able to walk...almost properly. He hadn't try to run yet. He smiled, apparently content with his progress. Then an idea crossed his mind.
-I know! Do...do you think I could accompany you there?-
Calen nodded. "Yes, it's a city. One of the bigger ones in Serendipity."
Then he tilted his head, considering. "Well...sure, I don't see why you couldn't come along," he decided with a small smile.
Hearing the man's answer, Nyx couldn't contain his joy and jump into Calen's arms.
-Thank you!! thank you!! -
He wouldn't be alone for his trip. It would be less scary. Suddenly remembering, he stepped back.
-Ahh, sorry!!-
He joined his hands together, all happy and smiling. He was sure that with Calen's help, he could manage himself. At least, much more the if he was alone.
"Oh, hey, uh- that's alright." Calen awkwardly patted his back and gave him a quick smile when he stepped back. "I'm still gonna need a day, maybe two, before we can really set off."
Nyx smiled shyly and nodded.
-There is plenty of food around so..you can take your time to rest...-
He said, nodding. Looking at him he was really cute, his smile was so innocent.
"Right. Well. Enjoy your...new clothes. I'll just- set up camp, I guess," Calen muttered, rubbing the back of his neck as he backed up a few steps.
Nyx nodded, looking at the man while he set up camp. Eventually sitting down to look at him set up his camp.
-Can I help with something?-
He asked, as he observe him with great curiosity. Looking at the different items.
Calen glanced at him. "Ah- no. That's alright." He flashed a quick smile. "Nothing too difficult needs to get done."
And he didn't really feel like explaining how to properly set up a camp just then, though he was sure he'd have to get around to it eventually.
The undine nodded quietly. The day was passing by and the sun which was high in the sky, was slowly beginning to set in the distance. Even tough he might not notice, he was trying to learn from everything the man just did.
His hands sometimes replicating what Calen had just done, tough without whatever it had been done with.
-Can humans sleep in the water?
It was only natural for him, but he wasn't sure about humans. They were so different and fascinating.
He laughed and shook his head. "No. Well, I suppose we could, but it wouldn't end well. You can't breathe underwater."
-I see...-
That meant he couldn't really show him his own home. But he could probably describe it to him.
-Well..I know you live in house, we have house too! Their made of corals and shells! -
He started explaining how they used the natural environment to make their home and how they decorated them with shells and small pearl they would find along the river. They would varie according to season and where they were located.
Noticing that the man had not touche the drink he had brought him earlier, he wondered.
-You did not like it?-
He tilted his head and listened as Nyx described his home with interest. Then he started a bit and glanced at the drink.
"Oh, right." He smiled sheepishly. "I actually forgot about that."
Calen wasn't an incredibly trusting person, but he highly doubted the undine would try to poison him. He lifted the cup to his lips and took a cautious sip.
The drink felt very refreshing, it had a soft taste of mint and salt, which was actually a good mixte. It did feel a little strange to an unused tongue, but the taste of berries did cover well.
-We use white berries, they grow at the bottom of rivers...-
He explained. He was all smile, his long aqua hair were now dry and more fluff then before and showing a slight glitter to them.
Calen arched his eyebrows and took another sip. "Yeah, it's not bad," he said with a small smile, nodding.
-Right! right!?-
He smiled some more.
-Also, sharing this drink, the Aloka, means that you are Akin...hmm...I think it means friends for humans...-
Even tough he didn't knew much about them, he had heard certain things. So sometimes he might be a little off.
"Akin, huh?" Calen smiled at him again and leaned back, bracing his hands on the ground behind him. "Alright. I guess we're...companions then."
He'd been traveling on his own for a while, ever since his last job. It would be nice to have someone along for a while.
-Actually, I would need to drink from the same drink to settle that...to make us Akin...-
He explained. Akin meant loyalty toward each other, it was much more then just been aquaintance. And such thing he explained to Calen. As he explained, he was playing with the clothes, trying to get use to them.
Calen frowned slightly. "Well, I'll get you to the city. Show you around a bit. But other than that, I can't really promise anything."
He nodded slightly. He understood that perhaps, he would become a burden, and it was by mere chance that they had met. But at the very least, he could get to the city.
-I understand...-
He said, tough a bit sadly, he wasn't one to easily hide his emotions, he never had too. Night was falling and the stars were slowly showing up. Nyx could see in the dark, but what about humans.
"Right. Well, um..." Calen rubbed the back of his neck. "I should probably grab some shut eye. You, uh- you gonna sleep up here?" he asked, reaching for his bedroll.
Nyx shook his head, he could sleep in the river, one last time, before heading out. To be honest with himself, he was scared despite his curiosity and wish to travel. The outside world seemed just so scary.
-I'll sleep in my river one last time...-
He said, almost frightened. He gave a smile at Calen and got up, turning around and walked to the river, he undressed himself before jumping into the water and disapearing in it. Calen could follow the glow the undine skin was making underwater while at night. Various color and scales could be seen as he went further deep down and even his light couldn't be seen anymore.
"Right. Well, G'night, then," Calen said with a smile and sleepy wave. He curled up into his bedroll and closed his eyes to sleep.
Night fell over the forest and the lake. It was very calm, at least in the beginning. A few hours after Calen had gone to sleep, growl could be heard as silent paws walk toward the bedroll in which Calen was sleeping.
The silhouettes of wolves could be seen walking around, silently making their way up. Until one of them howl.
Calen woke quickly. He didn't move, just froze in his bedroll and waited, hardly even daring to breathe.
The wolves kept walking around, circling the man, there fangs shining under the light of the moon, like silver blade. But something seemed to keep them from attacking, even tough they were now growling and making more noise, snapping their fangs and scratching the ground.
That's when Nyx's light could be seen, getting out of the water, he lift himself up, his expression had changed, he looked more determined then the innocent expression he had before. He was fixed on the wolves as he moved forward and the water of the lake behind him lift itself, rising from it's hole and crashing along the small shore toward the wolves. They stood their ground but eventually, as the water reached them, most ran away before the undine power.
-Back off...I do not wish to harm you...but I won't let you devour that human...-
He said. He sounded more feral then before. The water was now surrounding Nyx's body and he send spike of water at the wolves. But one of them manage to get trough the wall of water and snapped at Nyx's neck, which fell to the ground along with the remaining water.
-Aaaarrrghhh!! -
He screamed in pain. Sending another wave of water at the wolf, the remaining ones ran away. The young undine fell to the ground, holding to his neck.
Calen snapped up. He threw his hand out and shouted wordlessly. A jet of ice shot from his fingertips at the retreating animals and he hurried to kneel next to the undine.
"Here, let me look," he said, keeping his voice calm and steady. He covered Nyx's hand and tried to get a look at his neck.
Nyx was letting out cry of pain, tears rolling on his cheeks as he hold to his neck.
-H...hurts...-
He mustered. Blood was coming from under his hand, as you finally manage to get a look, you can see a deep bite into the undine's neck and blood pouring out of it.
"Alright. Keep still, shh, shh." Calen laid his free hand on the nymph's back and stroked soothingly. Calling on his magic, he sent a quick stream of power through his fingers to the undine's wound.
Ice wasn't great for healing, but at least the cold was enough to stop the bleeding.
"I'm gonna get something to use for bandages, okay? Just hang on a second," he said softly, brushing Nyx's hair to the side.
He kept crying, he wasn't use to pain and it was the first time he was ever attacked...or at least wounded this much. He could feel Calen's hand on his back, it was calming, but the pain was still hitting and he was slowly losing consciousness.
He felt the cold running to his neck and a wave of fear took him, he had no idea what was going on and more tears fled from his half closed eyes, out of panic.
-h...hur...*sob*-
He eventually lost conscious in Calen's arms. His breathing getting slower.
"Oh shi- no no no, stay awake- damnit!"
Calen twisted to grab for his pack and fished out a few lengths of bandaging. He wrapped the cloth around the boy's neck, murmuring soothingly all the while.
"Okay. You're okay. C'mon, kid, wake up..."
Managing to stop the bleeding with the cold and the bandage, the wound still run deep and would most likely take some time to heal. As his breathing slowly returned to normal, it took a few minutes before he would finally open his eyes again.
-.....Ca...len?-
He called in a roughen and low voice. He seemed to have difficulty speaking, he looked up to the man.
He let out a sharp breath of relief and shifted so he was holding Nyx up a little higher. "Thank gods. How you feeling, kid?" he asked quietly with a small smile.
He felt strange, he couldn't feel much of his neck and it was a really disturbing sensation. His blue eyes locked to Calen.
-I'm...not sure...y...your not hurt...are you?
He whispered, his head leaning on Calen's chest, his hair falling over his face. The bleeding had stop but it was clear that Nyx shouldn't be moving for a while.
-I'm sorry...-
He smiled reassuringly. "I'm fine. You should probably rest a while."
Calen shifted to lay the slightly smaller man on his bedroll. "Here. I know it probably still hurts, but try to get some sleep, okay?"
Nyx's scales were shining slightly, even out of the water, making beautiful patterns on his skin. He tried to nod but it was painful, so he stood still, now lay down and eventually closed his eyes.
He hoped the wolves wouldn't attack again. He was worried, but the blood loss was heavy and he felt tired from using his power.
-...thank...you...-
He manage to whisper before falling asleep again.
Calen stayed awake, on watch. He shifted a little closer to Nyx protectively and waited. He'd gone longer without sleep, it didn't bother him.
Night passed, in the mids of the night, Nyx had been instinctively looking for warmth and ended up closer to Calen then before without even realising it or even waking up.
Only when the sun finally rose, did the undine opened his eyes again. The pain in his neck wasn't gone, but at least it wasn't bleeding. He looked around, confused.
"Hey there." Calen smiled at him and ruffled his hair lightly. "How ya feeling?"
-My neck hurt...but...I think...I'm ok..-
He said. His voice was still soft but not loud. Speaking too much seemed to be hard for him. He gave a feint smile as Calen's hand ruffled his hair.
-Your...ok? Did you sleep?
"Sure," he lied with another smile. "Can you move your head? Try twisting your neck for me- slowly, mind you!"
He tried to do as told, but he quickly wince and stopped moving. The wound was deep, even tough the ice had stopped the bleeding for now, once the effect would be gone, it would probably bleed again.
-I...I can't...-
He said sadly. He looked disheartened as he understood he was probably just a burden by now.
"Alright, just lie still." Calen frowned. The kid needed a real healer, but the nearest town was miles away.
"Here." He touched cold fingers to the bandages. "This may hurt a bit, but it'll keep the blood flow slow so it'll clot, alright?"
Nyx barely moved, but manage a very small nod. If only he could have fight off the wolves properly, this wouldn't have happen, and now here he was, down and helpless.
-Are you...going to leave me here?-
He asked, worriedly.
"Oh, hey." Calen frowned and leaned over him with a water flask, slipping his arm under his shoulders and holding him up so he could drink. "Course I'm not. What sort of jackass would just leave you here like this?"
He gave him a quick smile, trying to be reassuring.
He blushed. But it was true that he didn't really knew the man, nor anyone else for that matter. He manage to drink a bit, but it was hard to swallow and the wound kept pulsing in his ears.
-Thank you...-
He said weakly. The change of clothes that he had borrow was laying a bit further from them, it had been washed up near them when he had called forth the water and now they were almost dry.
-Then...what will you do?
Calen scrunched his eyebrows as he considered that. "I'm gonna try to find you a real healer," he decided after a few moments. "There's a little village a few miles east, if I hurry I think I can be there and back before nightfall."
He looked around. "Okay. I'm gonna try to figure out a way to set you up somewhere safe, alright?" She smiled again, giving the kid's hair another quick ruffle. "You're gonna be fine, promise."
Nyx looked worried. Could a human heal a undine? He wonder, but he wanted to trust that man and nodded once more. Nyx was too weak now to even try anything, he could barely move and using his powers the night before had taken it's toll.
-I'll wait then...-
He said softly. There were a few spot around the lake that looked more comfortable, but apart from that, there wasn't much and it was mostly an open field.
"Alright. Brace yourself, this may hurt." Calen slipped one arm behind his shoulders and the other under his knees to lift him.
"Huh." The undine was much lighter than he'd expected. He tilted his head consideringly. "Actually...maybe I could just carry you into town..."
The undine was indeed very light, unlike human, their body density was much more lighter then them. He winced a little as he got into the man's arms.
-Am I not too heavy?...-
He asked, looking a bit worried.
-If so...shouldn't I...wear some clothes then?-
He had undressed the night before and didn't had quite the time to put the clothes that Calen had loan him back.
Calen smirked. "Yeah probably, despite how much I like the view," he teased lightly. "Here." He knelt and gently propped Nyx up against his pack, then handed over the change of clothes.
Nyx blushed heavily at the teasing. And it took him a good 2-3 minutes to get the pants on because his moves were slow and he had difficulties standing with his neck hurting so much. But eventually, he had the pants on and he was giving up on putting on the shirt. The pressure it would put on his neck was not exactly attractive to him.
-I think...I'm ready...-
He said, looking up at Calen.
"Alright." Calen gave him a reassuring smile and picked him up again, shouldering his pack as he did. "Put your arms around my neck," he encouraged. "It'll keep you more secure."
He did as told, passing his arms around the man's neck and holding on to him. Trying his best to contain the painful look he had on his face. He was glad to be light and not weight much, otherwise, he probably would have had to wait all alone here.
-Thank you...I'm really happy...-
He said, all honestly.
"Hey, no problem. Just try not to strain yourself, alright?" Calen said lightly, trying to keep his voice calm and casual as he set off.
It would be a couple hour walk to get to the nearest human settlement.
They had to walk trough the forest for a long while. Nyx stayed quiet for most of the road. He looked tired, even tough he wasn't walking and blood had started to show trough the bandage.
He eventually closed his eyes, resting his head on Calen's shoulder as he was carried in his arms. Until they finally came across a small village. It was nothing near a city, but it seemed lively. They got there when the sun was at his highest point in the sky.
Calen and Nyx got quite a few stares as they entered the town, but he ignored them.
"Hey." He flagged down the nearest person who looked like they might be useful- a woman putting her laundry out on a clothesline. "We need a healer, ma'am."
"Oh!" Her eyes widened and she nodded quickly. "Right this way." The woman led them to a smallish home toward the center of town and knocked on the door. "Darren? Some people out here need help."
He looked down at the younger man in his arms and offered an encouraging smile. "How ya doing, kid?"
Nyx head was still resting on his shoulder, but he was still conscious, he opened his eyes slowly.
-I'm ok...I think...-
He said. It still hurt and the bandage was now completely red, but Nyx was reassured by Calen presence and it was enough to encourage him at the moment.
-And...I'm...not a...kid...-
He added. He started coughing a bit and winced. His hand tighthened at Calen's clothe. He hoped that healer could help.
Calen's arms tightened around him a bit and he frowned in worry. "Sure you're not," he said easily, wiping the frown away and replacing it with an easy smile.
The healer- Darren- opened the door and took one look at them, then nodded. "Bring him in."
Calen followed him to a cot tucked into a corner of the small house and laid Nyx down carefully. The healer set to work, brisk and businesslike. "What happened?"
"Wolf bite."
When he left the warmth of Calen's arms, Nyx panicked a little, but he knew he was still close, right? His vision was a bit blurry and he had difficulty making out what was going on. He felt hands on his neck, taking off the bloodied bandages. The wound had re opened but at least it wasn't infected.
-It's deep...-
Darren said. He got to work, he would need to stitch it and quick, which he did as best he could, while Nyx was letting out tears of pain, trying to hold in the screams of pain that wanted to burst out of his lips.
-H..hurts!!...aaahh....*sob*...huuurt....-
He let out, shivering from the pain.
"Shhh, shhh." Calen took the undine's hand and squeezed lightly. "I know, but it's gonna be okay. Promise. You're okay. Shh..."
He continued murmuring soothing nonsense under his breath, watching the healer as he worked.
The healer was working quickly and was efficient, but there was just so much he could do with such a wound. He manage to close the wound finally and cleanse it before putting new bandages. Once that was done, he left the bed side and started mixing some ingredients together and put it in hot water, then made sure it was cold enough for the undine to drink it.
-Drink this...it should relieve the pain a bit...-
Nyx barely opened his eyes, unsure, but eventually drank it. Only reassured by Calen's words. The pain diminished and he closed his eyes again.
-He'll need to rest for a few days...I'm surprised he made it this far...he's not human is he...?
The healer asked Calen.
He shook his head, settling to perch on the edge of the cot. "No, he's not." He sighed and rubbed at the back of his neck, frowning down at Nyx.
The healer looked at Nyx for a long while, then eventually said.
-Well..I did what I could, all he can do is rest...I won't charge you for today...but you'll have to go to the inn...I don't have that much place either to treat other patients you understand...-
Calen frowned slightly. "Hey, look- can't I stay with him? Kid's pretty much alone without me, I think he'd get nervous."
He gestured to his pack and added, "I won't take up much room, I can just sleep on the floor or something. I don't mind paying."
The healer looked at him for a moment, then eventually sighed.
-Fine...as long as you don't make too much noise either...-
He added. He went away to take care of other patients. Nyx had fallen asleep, his breathing was a bit more regular then before and his expression show that he was less in pain.
Calen let out a sharp, relieved breath. "Thanks," he said with a smile and a nod, then set about rolling out his bedroll and collapsing back to- finally- get some sleep.
Days would pass. Nyx was sleeping, sometimes he looked in pain, but it quickly subdue thanks to the concoctions the doctor was making. Soon, the wound looked almost completely healed and Nyx was allowed to leave.
Sitting on the bed, he looked at Calen. He was happy and grateful to him for all he had done.
-Thanks for putting up with me...really, if there is anything I can do to repay you...-
He said, blushing a bit and looking at Calen with kindness and gratitude.
Calen spent the days Nyx was recovering in and out of the healer's home, performing odd jobs around the little village to earn some extra coin while he could.
Perching on the edge of the cot, he waved the undine off. "Don't worry about it, really. Just watch yourself from now on, okay?" He grinned and reached over to ruffle his hair.
The undine nodded slowly. He'd be more careful from now on. No more trying to fight wolves head on like this. He got up and stretched a bit. The healer had given him some spare bandage in case anything happened, but the wound was pretty much healed.
-Then...we can go back to traveling to the city right?-
He said, looking at Calen while he ruffled his hair. Somehow, he came to like it when he did that, it felt like some kind of affection. He didn't dare yet returned it, he wasn't sure if this was close enough or not.
He arched an eyebrow. "Yeah, sure. As long you're feeling up to it," Calen said as he stood. He held his hand out to Nyx. "What do you say, kid?"
He took his hand and nodded.
-Yes! Of course!-
He seemed to have regain his enthusiastic self and some energy. The healer had done a really good job. Tough he would need to wear the bandage for a few more days, at least, he could turn his head and move properly.
Calen laughed. "Alright, let's get on the road then." He bid farewell to the healer, dropping a handful of coins onto the cot as they left.
He shouldered his pack and waited on the little path that led through town. "Now if you start getting tired tell me, don't try to tough it out," he told Nyx firmly, arching an eyebrow.
-Ah...ok...-
He said, nodding. He wasn't completely used to walking yet and he was barefooted, but he would learn to deal with it in time. He was ready to set out for their adventure and this time, for real!
He smiled, all happy, ready to walk by Calen's side and to head into the world.
He laughed again and ruffled Nyx's hair. He really couldn't seem to help it, the kid just brought out a protective side in him
"Alright, here we go." He set off, gesturing for the undine to walk beside him.
His eyes flicked to the younger man's feet and he frowned. "We're gonna have to get you some shoes."
Nyx started walking by the man's side, smiling like a child who was about to received a gift for his birthday. So far, the forest wasn't all that unfamiliar but he rarely had the chance to look it from so close.
-ahh...are shoes clothes too?
He asked, as he looked at Calen's feet, seen how he was looking at his.
"Yeah, it's what you wear to protect your feet." Calen lifted a foot and wiggled it around to show his well worn boot. "Makes it easier to walk long distances."
Nyx looked at it with an amused smile. It looked funny.
-I see! -
He paused as they kept walking, for now, his feet were fine, they were walking in soft ground so it wasn't too bad.
-Calen...I...you know...I'm really happy to be with you right now..-
He blushed a bit, smiling at him.
The mage gave him a quick grin. "You know, you're growing on me, kid," he said lightly, throwing him a wink.
Nyx wasn't sure he quite catch what the man meant, but he had the feeling it was a good thing. They walked for a log while, until they reached another small lake. The undine gladly put his feet in it. He was getting a bit tired, they had been walking for a few hours already.
-Can...we stop for a little while...I have to admit..I'm a bit tired...-
He said, tilting his head on the side, his hair brushing across his face.
Calen paused and easily flopped onto the shore of the lake. "Sure." He glanced up. "Sun's going down anyway, we may as well make camp here for the night. Not like we're in a rush."
True, they didn't really had to hurry.
-Why don't you swim with me a bit heh? -
Nyx suggested. Since they would make camp and they were near a lake, might as well take a swim. Taking off his pants, he jumped into the water, making a nice splash and came back at the surface with a blissful look on his face. There was nothing better then water.
-C'mon! He he!-
He said, inviting Calen to join him in.
Clane laughed and shook his head, but relented, "Well...why not?" Chuckling, he stripped out of his shirt and pants, leaving him in his underclothes, and waded much more sedately into the water.
It was nice, the coolness of the lake against the tired heat of traveling all day. He watched the undine with a small smile, charmed by how happy he seemed.
In the water, the undine couldn't be more free. His body itself was screaming to swim and so he did. Splashing around some more and eventually disapearing underneath. When he came back, it was as if his whole body had become water itself as he wrapped around Calen with a surprise attack.
It simply felt as if a wave had suddenly splashed against Calen and Nyx reappeared a little further away, laughing at the now completely wet Calen.
-Sorry! hi hi...I really couldn't help it!-
"Oh-!"
Calen glowered, then laughed. "You wanna go, kid. Fine, let's go." He raised a hand and twitched two fingers. About a foot of water around Nyx froze into a ring of ice, momentarily trapping him.
He smirked. "Your move, nymph."
-Ahh!! That's cold!-
He let out, but then his body melt into the water and he disapeared again, this time, swirling around Calen's feet, he made him slip into the water. Underwater, all Calen could see from the undine was his eyes, mixing well with everything else since they were blue but also some glowing scales,showing up the undine location.
"What the-!" Calen swore as he stumbled, trying to scramble out of the water but just ending up on his rear in the shallows.
"Unfair!" he laughed, staggering to his feet and shaking his now sopping hair. "I'm mortal, I don't have fancy tricks like that."
Nyx made it back to the surface, all smile as he slip into Calen's arms with a grin.
-But you can make the water freeze! How is that fair?-
He said, laughing, his hair falling on each side of his face while his blue eyes locked onto Calen's. He had regain a more physical form that could be touch so to keep it ''fair'' with the man.
-Can all human freeze water? Or is it like a specific thing?-
He wondered.
"Oh..." Calen blinked at him, suddenly very aware that the undine was unclothed. "Uh, no. Not all humans can do that. It's a mage thing. Ah, that means a human that can use magic," he tried to explain.
-I see! A mage can use magic...a bit like undine then! -
He said, not much aware of his own nakedness in the water as he smiled some more. He was learning again and he couldn't wait to learn more.
-what else can you do? Show me!-
He asked, enthusiastically.
Calen laughed and took a small step back. "That's really it, for me at least. I can conjure and control ice, can't do much else."
He held a hand out and summoned a sheet of ice into existence, willing it into a crystalline shape. "See? That's it."
Nyx was still impressed with it. He could control water but he certainly couldn't create it. He smiled looking at calen.
-That is still very impressive!-
He said. He fell on his back and let himself float for a moment in the water, he looked so happy while in the water, it was as if there wasn't a care in the world for him, nothing to worry, water was friendly. He started to hear his stomach growl a little and blushed.
-Oh...I thin I'm hungry...-
He said. It was true he hadn't eaten much in the past few days because of his wound, but now, he was hungry and he could eat.
Calen laughed. "Alright then. C'mon, let's grab something to eat."
He climbed back into dry land and started to rummage through his pack, eventually coming up with some travel rations.
Hm. They would definitely need to hunt or something soon.
Nyx climbed on shore as well, stretching a bit, curious about what humans were usually eating. Himself often eat berries, fruits, and things of the like.
-Hmm...is something the matter?
He asked, as he looked over Calen's shoulder.
"Hm? Oh, no. It's nothing." He waved him off, handing over a few strips of dried meat and some rather stale bread. "Just thinking we're gonna need to stock up on food soon... Sorry about this, by the way."
He shrugged and offered a slightly sheepish smile. "Travel rations are never the best, but it's better than nothing."
Nyx looked at the food, something he had never eaten before.
-Maybe I could get us some berries...and some fish...-
He said as he eyes the bread with curiosity. He took a bite and was a bit confuse but didn't comment. The dried meat was a bit hard to masticate but he manage to do so.
-It's not so bad...-
He said, smiling at Calen. And shared food always tested better. He got up and walked to the lake.
-Alright,Let me get some for you!-
He jumped into the water, once again, disapearing. After a couple of minutes, the undine resurfaced, holding small white and round berries in one hand and tree lively big fish in the other.
-Think it's enough?
Calen glanced up as Nyx resurfaced. "You really didn't have to do that," he said with a small smile. "But thanks. Here, I'll build a fire and we can cook those," he said as he gestured to the fish.
-Cook? -
He looked at the fish, they were fresh, why should they be cooked? But if it was how humans ate them, why not. He got out of the water and brought the fish over, once again, not caring much about his nakedness and sat next to Calen. He put the berries down and waited for Calen to make said fire.
-I usually eat them fresh...-
Calen glanced at him and wrinkled his nose as he built and lit a fire. "Well...you're welcome to eat them raw, but I'll be cooking mine," he muttered, using a thing stick as a spit and spear one of the fish to start roasting it.
Nyx looked at him, a bit surprised. He lowered his head, as if he had done something wrong.
-....Did...it looked so weird?...-
He asked, looking at the remaining fish in his hands. You'd rarely see a fire underwater. He was effraid he had made Calen angry so he spiked the fish on a stick like Calen had done as well and put them over the fire.
He snorted quietly and shook his head. "It's just different than what I'm used to, kid. Doesn't mean it's weird." He didn't want to teach the kid that humans would ostracize him for being different.
Though unfortunately, that was probably the truth.
-Tough....If I am to travel into the human world...I suppose I'll have to adapt myself right?...-
He said, a bit more quietly. He went back to put the pants on, this time without problem and sat back, tilting his head as he watched the fire burning the fish. He wonder if he would make it. It sounded difficult to start with, but the more he learned, the more it sounded...complicated.
"Adaptability is good," Calen noted with a nod. "Particularly if you do what I do, travel a lot. Different cities and countries all have different rules, and you've gotta know how to handle yourself to fit all of them."
-That...really sound complicated...-
Now he was sure, he wouldn't be able to handle it all by himself. He would need help, but just how far would Calen allowed him to follow? He hadn't notice but his fish was all burned up now, he had no idea just how long it needed to be cook to be good for a human.
"Hey, easy, kid." Calen chuckled and pulled the fish out of the fire. "Here, split mine. I think yours might be a little...overdone."
He smiled at him as he split the fish and handed him one part of the spit. "You're gonna be fine, Nyx."
Nyx nodded, trying a smile.
-Thanks...I'll do my best..-
He took the fish, looking at it, warm and cooked, like Calen had said. He took a bite. He was surprised, it wasn't so bad. Sure, the taste wasn't the same but, it was something else. That same light appeared in his eyes as he discovered something new.
-It's...actually not so bad!-
He said, smiling some more. Regaining a bit of his happiness.
"Right?" Calen looked at him and laughed. "You're getting skin around your mouth," he teased, swiping his thumb against the corner of his lips.
The young undine blushed a bit, licking the corner of his lips, making sure there wasn't any left. Somehow, he really felt at ease with the ice mage, even tough they not known each other for very long yet.
-I feel at ease with you, I'm really happy that we met! Also, you saved my life, thanks again, I'll find a way to show you my gratitude.-
He said, nodding, while taking another bite of the fish.
Calen waved him off. "Don't worry about it. Couldn't just leave you there, could I?" He smiled and ruffled Nyx's hair again, then paused. He drew his hand back slowly- he really needed to get out of the habit of doing that.
Nyx smiled a bit. The breeze was warm and was growing colder as the sun was setting upon the horizon.
-It's really is better when your not alone...-
He stretched a bit, yawning. He would get use to this, eventually.
Calen shrugged, clearing his throat and setting about rolling out his bedroll. "Yeah. Sometimes. But- I dunno, sometimes it's better to be alone," he muttered without thinking.
Nyx looked at him curiously, wanting to say something about that last comment, but slowly shook his head.
-Well...good night then...I'll be in the lake...-
He got up, walked back to the lake, took off the pants that he fold and jumped into the water, disapearing under it's surface.
"Ah- good night," Caleb called after him, shaking his head with a crooked smile.
"Odd kid," he muttered to himself as he curled into his bedroll to sleep, dampening not the fire with a bit of earth.
Night passed without problems, by morning the fire had long gone into ashes. The sun was rising in the horizon and birds were chirping. It looked like today would bear some fine weather, there was not a single cloud in the sky.
Not a sign from Nyx, perhaps he was still sleeping. The pants were still fold near the edge of the lake.
Calen woke early, as he usually did, and stretched as he clambered to his feet. "Oi. Nyx." He turned in a circle, searching the lake when he remembered the undine had gone to sleep underwater.
It was very calm and only the wind coming from the east came to make the man shiver a little. A bit later, as the sun was touching the water, Nyx woke up and slowly rose to the edge of the lake, half his body still in the water, he looked over at Calen.
-Good morning!-
He said, smiling softly.
The mage gave him a quick nod. "Morning. Why don't you come on out and get something to eat?"
Nyx nodded as he got out of the water and put back the pants on. Since he was wet, they were sticking to his figure, somehow making it more revealing then it should have. He went to Calen's side and sat next to him, stretching a bit and yawning.
-Did you sleep well?-
He asked.
He shrugged, exerting a little more effort than usual to keep his eyes on the kid's face. "As well as I ever do on the road. You?"
-Ok I guess...it's not easy to sleep out of your waters...-
He said softly, but then again, a smile on his face.
-So, what's to eat? I still got some berries from yesterday!-
He said, handing them to him. White small round berries, they didn't look like much, but it seemed like Nyx was very fond of them.
"Well, there's what's left of the fish," Calen offered. He glanced at the berries and took a handful. "What are these, exactly?"
-Alright..-
He said, nodding, then explained what those berries were.
-They grow at the bottom of rivers and lake, their salty berries, most people don't even know about them, but they are quite tasty!-
He said, while putting some into his mouth. He munch a little and swallowed.
-Delicious! Were in season after all!
Calen took a cautious bite. "Oh hey. Not bad," he noted with a nod and a smile. "You eat these a lot then?"
He nodded.
-Aye, that and fish mostly...-
He said. He was glad Calen liked it. The taste was both sweet and salty, it sure was different from the usual berries they would find in the woods, but it had it's charm.
-I suppose we should be moving soon right?-
"Yeah, if you think you can manage it," Calen said as he stood and stretched with a quick nod.
The young undine nodded. He got up, stretched a little with a smile.
-Alright! Let's go!-
He said, ready to get on the road, tough he still had no shoes, they would certainly reach another village eventually.
Calen chuckled a bit at his enthusiasm and shouldered his pack. "Alright, alright, keep your shirt on," he said with a crooked grin as he set off, expecting the water nymph to fall in beside him.
-But I don't have a shirt! Tough...-
He said, as he followed Calen at his side. Today was a good day, it was sunny and the breeze was fresh. They walked for a while, the path became more clear as they got closer to civilisation, even if it was only small villages.
Reaching what seems to be a small mountain village, Nyx looked at it, this time, he could enjoy the view.
Calen laughed again and couldn't stop himself from ruffling Nyx's hair. "It's an expression, kid."
When they reached the village, the mage slowed down a bit. "Here, hold on a moment," he said, taking the younger man's arm and pulling him back slightly. "I'll go get you a shirt." He glanced down. "And some shoes."
-Ah...ok...Thank you!-
He said. Probably, it would be better if he didn't show up just yet, after all, he was a bit on the non human side. His hair would most likely be what would attract the most attention. He decided to sat on a rock and wait for Calen to come back with said shirt and shoes.
Calen was an expert at blending into an unfamiliar place, and it was easy for him to slip into town and purchase what he needed. He even managed to charm the address of a decent inn out of the sales girl who was running the shop.
With a wink and a smile, he left to creep back to the outskirts of town and find Nyx. "Here you are," he said brightly once he'd located him, tossing a folded shirt and a pair of soft leather shoes at him. "Come on, get dressed and we can get a proper meal and beds."
Nyx was waiting for the man to come back. He would be getting in his first human village and he was excited. Well, it wasn't exactly the first one, but this time, he would see and hear, so he was happy. He wondered how people would react when they see him.
A little later, Calen came back, tossing him shirt and shoes. Nyx took them, unfolding the black shirt and put it on like he had been shown. Not making any mistakes this time and glad he had improved a bit. The first time he tried to put the shoes on, he put them wrong, left in right and right in left, until Calen told him and after putting them on the right way, he got up, ready to face the human world.
-Alright! I'm ready!-
He said, all smiling.
Something about the younger man's enthusiasm was catching. Calen smiled and put an arm around his shoulders. "Alright, come one then," he said as he set off back into the village.
With the man's arm around his shoulder, Nyx couldn't feel more happier. That was a sign they were getting closer and that made him somehow blush a little.
As they got to the village, Nyx was amazed by almost everything he saw, from the chicken to the horse. The houses and other buildings. The people as well was intriguing. He looked at there clothes, so they were really all wearing them and of all kind of color, tough, most of them were in brown and black. Some had green or red.
The female didn't wear pants tough and he was intrigued.
"Alright, kid." Calen stopped in the village square, leaning back against the wall of a nearby storefront. "What do you want to see first?"
There were a few things they needed to get- a horse seemed like a good idea, for one thing- but they weren't exactly in a rush, and he was perfectly content to let Nyx dictate where they went for a while.
Looking around, Nyx was so excited, he didn't knew where to start to begin with. He looked at Calen, unsure.
-Well...I have no idea what there is to see in a human village...so I'm a bit lost here...what do you suggest? You said earlier that we could get a proper meal...I have to admit, I am a bit curious about that!-
He said, smiling at the taller man. His green hair falling over to one side of his face as he tilted his head.
The mage chuckled and nodded. "Then a meal it is." He clapped Nyx on the shoulder and steered him toward the door of the inn he'd gotten the address for earlier.
"Hello." He greeted the proprietor with a nod and a smile, keeping his hand on the undine's shoulder in a protective sort of gesture, not wanting him to wander off. "We'd like a room for the night, and a meal please."
Nyx looked at the inside of the inn, tables and chairs, all those furniture were unknown to him so he was curious, but thankfully, Calen was stopping him from doing anything weird, keeping him close as the innkeeper looked at them with curiosity, well, mostly at Nyx.
He looked like a kid in a toys store. Nyx kindly smiled at the innkeeper.
-Hi, good day to you sir!-
He said. The man smiled a bit awkwardly as he returned to his kitchen after giving a key to Calen. They sat at one of the table and waited.
-There are so many things here...what is this?-
He ask, pointing at the clock on the wall.
"A clock. Helps us keep time," Calen explained, waving and smiling to beckon one of the serving girls over. She placed two drinks on the table and he thanked her, then took a sip.
"Oh." He grabbed for Nyx's. "Um, maybe we should have you stick with water, for now. Alcohol might not be a great idea if you've never had it before..."
Nyx nodded.
-I see, so you don't use the sun...but these things...interesting..-
He said, looking at the small needle moving. When drinks were put down on the table, Nyx was about to take his but it was soon grabbed by Calen. The undine gave him an interrogative look. He chuckle a bit.
-Why not? Is this alcohol thing dangerous? I don't understand...-
He said, tilting his head on the side.
"Well, it, ah- it lowers your inhibitions," Calen tried to explain. "A little bit isn't all that bad, if you're used to it. It can actually be kinda fun. But I think if you're gonna try it we should start you off with something easier than this ale. It's pretty strong."
-Oh...I see, then it's a bit like that mixture the faun make sometimes!-
He said, smiling. But had never had any from humans, so if Calen thought it might be too much for him, he wouldn't insist, but eventually maybe.
-Alright, then maybe something softer to start...anyway, there is a lot I want to see so, I don't really mind.-
That's when the meals came in, a warm soup, some bread and chicken.
Calen smirked at him. "Alright, we'll get you something to try sometime. Eat your food." He tucked into his own meal.
Nyx nodded and looked at the food. It was his first time eating such a meal. Well, he had tasted the bread from Calen back then, but this one looked...somehow a bit more fresh. So he started with that. Putting it in his mouth, he took small bite to taste it. And it was really good.
It was funny to see how his expression was changing from each bite he took. Showing without any remorse how he felt about the food. He didn't seem to like the soup that much, clearly showing it and not taking a second take. While he did love the chicken a lot and didn't leave a single trace of it.
-So many different taste....hmm...and the bread didn't taste the same as yours...but it's the same thing...how funny...-
Calen grinned. "That's because mine was travel rations, and incredibly stale. This stuff is the real deal."
It was great to have real food, and he gave a soft groan of appreciation for the taste.
-I see...so you can't always have real food then...hmm...-
That was yet another interesting fact about human food. Nyx never had to think about how to bring food around since he had never traveled before. That would have to be taken into consideration. He waited for Calen to be done and smiled at him. He was looking at the man with a happy smile as that was how he felt by his side.
-So...Calen, do you have suggestion as to what to do next?-
"Well..." He tapped his fingers on the table and scrunched his nose up as he thought. "There are some things I should get before we head out of town. Up for a little shopping?"
Nyx wouldn't have been happier. He nodded.
-Sure! And if I can help with something, please tell me!-
He said, smiling.
Calen chuckled and reached over to ruffle his hair. "Alright then, c'mon. Let's get going." He stood and gestured for Nyx to follow him to the door.
Nyx nodded, ready to explore the town.
-Ready!-
He said, smiling as he followed the man outside. Once again the sun was shining on them.
-Where are we going?
"Figured we'd look at the stables first," Calen said with a nod in the direction of the long building. "You ever been around horses before?"
Nyx shook his head. He didn't even know what a horse what, tough they might have seen some on their way, he couldn't recall.
-I haven't, what are they for?-
He asked, tilting his head.
"Well, they could help us travel faster, for one thing," Calen mused as he guided them toward the stables.
"That's a horse." He clapped a hand to Nyx's shoulder to hold him in place as a stable hand led a large bay gelding out to pasture.
Nyx opened widened eyes when he saw the horse. They were huge creature, no wonder they could carry people. He was impressed but not effraid.
-Wooaah....-
He let out. Thanks to Calen, he was hold in place, because he wanted to touch the animals. He was excited with this new discovery.
-And we need one? How do you know if it's not gonna make you fall?
"Well, that's what I'm here for." Calen winked at him. "I'm a pretty good rider, I can teach you. C'mon."
He moved forward, keeping an eye on his companion to make sure he didn't do anything that might wind up getting him kicked.
"Hey, we need a horse. Sturdy, long distance traveler. What do you got?" he said to the first groom he saw, his attention momentarily pulled away from Nyx.
Nyx was looking around, at all the horses, his eyes bright like those of a child as he saw the majestic creature, of various color around. He wanted to pet them, but thanks to Calen, he couldn't go too far.
As Calen was asking for a horse, Nyx saw one that attracted his attention, it was a pomelo one, with a white and brown robe, long white mane. He walked toward it and slowly approach it, without any fear and the horse could feel it. It put his muzzle in Nyx's hand and the undine started scratching his head, all smiling.
"You're ah...friend seems to have noticed one of the beasts we have for sale."
Calen glanced around at the groom's words and sighed, shaking his head. "Nyx." He stepped up beside the undine and knelt to blow into the horses nostrils by way of greeting. "You like him?"
Nyx nodded at the man, wondering why he was doing what he had just do.
-Hmm..yes, he says he wants to travel! Just like me!-
He smiled, giving the horse another scratch on the side. Nyx could communicate with animals, but it was somewhat of an unconscious thing.
"You can talk to them?" Calen said with an arched eyebrow, patting the horse's neck.
Over his shoulder, he called to the groom, "How much for the gelding and his tack?"
"Thirteen silver."
He sucked his teeth. Well, it was a little steep, but the horse seemed like he'd be a good investment.
-Hmm...well...talk is a big word...more like I can understand what he says...you know, horses don't really talk...-
He said smiling, turning back toward Calen. He found it funny, but maybe that was just a play of words.
"Do you know how to tack him up?" the mage asked with a quick smile. He beckoned the groom over and fished out his purse, counting out coins to pay for the animal.
-Uhh....no...-
The undine said, shaking his head slowly.
-But you can show me! -
He said, with a smile. The horse was pushing his head against Nyx with affection and the undine would answer the same.
-He said he is happy!-
"Well good." Calen smiled as he watched them, accepting the saddle and bridle from the groom who'd sold them the horse.
"Here. First you put the saddle pad on like this- and keep ahold of his head, don't want him getting distracted. Then the saddle goes on- the girth fastens here..."
He walked Nyx through the process of tacking, then stepped back. "Looks good. You have any idea what to call him?"
Nyx listened to the instructions, making sure to memorize them so he could do it himself eventually, and once they were done, he smiled.
-oh...a name...well, he said his name is Gale...-
Nyx mentioned. Of course, humans couldn't know since they couldn't understand what horse were saying.
-So it's gonna be Gale. -
He smiled widely as he pat the horse head, he looked happy as well.
"Gale, then." Calen smiled and patted the horses neck. "Alright, let's get you some fresh air." He took the reins and started leading the horse and the undine back out of the stables.
"There's a courtyard he can stay in at the inn," he explained to Nyx.
-I see...then what's next after this?-
It was the middle of the day, a little more in the afternoon tough, they still had time to do something else.
-oh...maybe you could show me how to ride then?-
The undine suggested, looking at Calen.
He nodded. "Sure, I could give you a quick lesson. We'll probably be riding together for a while until you get the hang of it, but once you do I'll get another horse." That would certainly make traveling quicker.
"Alright, c'mere." He led Gale around behind the inn to a rather small stretch of grassy land that bordered the village. "See this stirrup? Put your left foot in and I'll give you a boost up onto his back."
The gelding seemed placid enough, standing calmly while Calen puttered about him.
Nyx nodded and approach the horse, giving him a pat on the neck and doing as he was told, reaching the stirrup and with the help of Calen, manage to get himself on the horse, tough it took him two times to manage it, the first time, he almost fell on the other side of the horse.
Once steady, he looked at Calen.
-And now? -
"Good." Calen smiled and patted his thigh encouragingly. "Alright. Heels down, keep your leg as long as possible. Right, like that. Try to wrap your legs around his belly."
Nodding as he observed the undine's stance, he reached up to adjust his hands. "Hold the reins with your pinky and thumb on one side- right. Shorten them a bit, you want to feel a connection with his mouth... Good."
He took a step back. "Okay, now give him a little squeeze with your legs- not a big kick, just get him moving, don't want him to take off."
As he was getting corrected on his stance, the undine was trying to find it comfortable and to get use to it. This was his first time on a horse, thankfully, the animal was docile and very calm. Also, he was telling him to not worry. Nyx felt more confident knowing that the horse wouldn't make him fall on purpose.
Doing as he was told, he gave a soft squeeze to the side of the horse. Gale started moving very calmly and started to walk around.
-So...uhh...how to I make him turn?-
He asked, holding the reins but not really knowing how to handle them.
"Well, shorten your reins a bit so you have more control- good- and just pull a little bit in the direction you want him to turn. Let's try right for now. Oh, and press against his side with your right leg, try to bend his body around your leg into the turn."
He took a few more paces back to observe the younger man's stance better.
Nyx wasn't exactly good, nor was he bad either, he was trying his best to do as he was told, pulling to the right, tough a little too much, the horse shook his head, trying to go left instead.
-Waah...Are you trying to prank me Gale...I'm really trying you know!-
The undine said. It almost felt like the horse was making fun of the undine on his back but it quickly got back in trail and did as told.
-This is harder then it look!-
Calen laughed and leaned back against the back wall of the inn. "I know it's not," he chuckled. "Just keep trying. If you can get a decent circle out of him, I'll let you off the hook and clear you to ride when we head out tomorrow."
-I..I'll try!-
He said. And so, he kept trying, remembering the stance he was told and applying the advices. He did his best but it took him a while before getting that circle done well. And once it was, he smiled happily, it was almost supper time.
-How was it? -
He asked Calen, looking at him, apparently drained from the exercise.
"Good job, kid!" Calen smiled and moved forward to Gale's head, patting the gelding's neck. "You could stand to keep your back a little straighter, but that was great for your first time on a horse."
He tilted his head and his smile turned a little teasing. "Think you can manage to dismount on your own? Just lose the stirrups, swing your right leg over, and slide down."
Nyx blushed at the praise and nodded to the advice. But then he was ask to dismount, even tough he got indications, it was still something he hadn't done, and looking down from his position, it looked higher then he thought.
-R..right!-
He said. He did as told but he didn't manage to get it done right and climbed down the horse more then he dismounted it, his other leg got stuck into the stirrup and he jumped on one for a moment until it finally got loose. With the push, he fell into Calen's arms, holding on to him.
-Waahhh!!-
"Oh shi- whoa!"
Calen staggered a bit and laughed, holding Nyx against him so the undine could get his footing. "Easy, kid," he chuckled, grinning down at him. "You alright there?"
Finally getting back on his own two feet, he blushed a bit, looking up at Calen.
-Ahh yeah..I'm fine, thanks.-
He said, coughing a bit out of embarrass. Somehow, been close to the man felt nice, he wasn't sure why, but he couldn't deny it. It was nice not to be lonely.
-And...I'm not a kid...-
He said, grinning back at the man.
Much as he tried to ignore it, Calen couldn't help noticing the lines of Nyx's decidedly not childlike body pressed against his. He let go quickly and took a step back.
Yeah. He really shouldn't be going there. But still...
"No. You're not," the mage murmured, eyes flicking over him and then back up to his face. Then he cleared his throat and shook his head. "It's a, uh- it's an endearment. Don't get offended." He offered a crooked smile.
-No offense taken...-
He said, as he shove off the dust from the riding. He stretched himself a little, it wasn't easy on the body, even tough he hadn't ride all that long.
-I don't know about you but...I'm getting hungry again...-
He said, tilting his head on the side, then reaching for Calen and shuffling his hair. trying to tease him a little.
-Mister grown man!-
Calen ducked away from his hand with a mock glare, but a small smirk was showing through his expression. "Alright, alright. C'mon, let's put this boy away and get something to eat."
He patted Gale's flank and led him back toward the smaller stables beside the inn to untack the horse.
The undine let out a small laugh and followed Calen to the stables. Watching as he was untacking him. He would also memorize how to do that, so he could also do it later. The prospect of a meal was great as the undine was hungry.
They got back into the inn, which was a little more crowded then before. They looked at Nyx with curious eyes, thankfully, he was wearing human clothes, but his hair and skin was somewhat of a giveaway. They sat at a table.
Calen ordered them two plates of some sort of steak dish, hoping it would appeal to the undine's tastes.
"So." He folded his arms and leaned back in his chair. "Tell me something about yourself, kid." He arched an eyebrow. "Like how old you actually are, for example."
Nyx looked at Calen, then frowned. How old he was...well, that was a very good question. He actually had no idea. Undine could live for a very long time and passing seasons were the only way of knowing that he was getting older.
-Well...I don't know exactly...I didn't really count...-
Trying to remember how many, he couldn't exactly pinpoint it, but gave a close answer.
-I'd say...about 145 seasons...I think...-
by that, he meant winter, spring, summer and autumn. So to get his age, would be to divide by four said number. Which would make him about 36 years old or so. Even tough he barely looked to be in his early twenties. He smiled.
-How about you?
"Oh." Calen's eyes widened a bit as he did some quick mental calculations. "So...you're actually older than me. Huh."
He certainly didn't seem like it, though the mage supposed living in one lake your whole life would rather limit your life experiences. "I, ah- I'm twenty-nine. So...about a hundred and fifteen- sixteen?- seasons?"
-I see, so your a bit younger...who's the kid now?-
The undine teased with a grin, then laughed a little. He did look younger, even tough he was older, but he had a lot less life experience, so in the end, he was the closest to been a kid anyway.
Their meal arrived. Nyx looked at it. Poked it then tried it. It wasn't as good as the vegetables soup, but it was still tasty. It was different from the fish but better then the chicken, which he really didn't like much. Once again, his expression changed according to how he felt about the food.
-It's good...hmm...but it's hard to eat...-
He said, in all honesty. The meat was a bit harder to chew on then that of a fish.
Calen grinned at his expressions. "Yeah, this is a little tough. Good steak though..." He closed his eyes and hummed contentedly. "If it's cooked right, it's absolutely delicious."
He tucked into his food with gusto, only then realizing that they hadn't really eaten all that much that day.
Despite the degree of difficulty it represented, Nyx ate with appetite and didn't leave anything in the plate. He ate slowly, but he ate everything. Once he was done with it, he was full and smiled back at Calen.
People kept glancing at them, wondering who that pale skin young beauty was. But Nyx wasn't taking notice of them, he was more focus on the man in front of him.
-I'm really enjoying myself, thanks to you! -
He said softly.
"Well, I'm glad." Calen smiled in return.
"So, if you're done, we shoulder maybe head up to our room. It's getting late, we should rest up before we get going tomorrow."
Nyx nodded. He was done indeed. And he did feel tired. They got to their room, this would be Nyx's first time not sleeping into the river. Thinking back, it wasn't true, when he was at the healer's house, he was in a bed, so it wouldn't be all that different. Still, it was strange. He took off his shirt and shoes and stretched, heading under the cover.
Calen chuckled. "I guess we've established you'll be taking the bed then," he teased lightly. Sorting through his pack, he set out his bedroll and started to climb into it. "Well, g'night then, kid."
Nyx looked at him, then blushed, he hadn't mean to keep it to himself, so he stood back up and said.
-You're not gonna sleep in it too? It's big enough to share...-
He wasn't sure if it was common or not. But he had a feeling the floor wasn't exactly all that comfortable.
Calen started a bit. "Well, uh...I mean, if that doesn't make you uncomfortable..." He shuffled a little cautiously toward the bed. He didn't exactly love the idea of sleeping on the floor.
Nyx shook his head, smiling.
-Not at all!-
He said, he moved a little to the side to give some more space for Calen to join in. Patting the space beside him as an invitation.
Well...
"Alright then." Calen shrugged and climbed into the bed, turning on his side to put his back to the undine. "Uh...Night then."
The undine nodded, wishing him good night as well and lay under the cover. He would soon fall asleep, even tough he wasn't exactly used to sleep in a bed, but he was tired from his day and sleep soon came to fetch him.
Reflexively, he would be trying to find more warm and eventually found himself closed to Calen, not exactly snuggling against him, but trying to get warmer. It was unconsciously that he did so, but his expression was ever more peaceful as he got closer to the man.
Years of traveling on his own had made a light sleeper out of the mage. He started awake when Nyx moved closer, glancing down at the undine.
He let out a sharp breath and rubbed one hand down his face. "Gods, you are going to get me in trouble, kid," he muttered and hesitantly put an arm around the nymph before closing his eyes and drifting off again.
Without waking up, Nyx eventually stopped moving when he found himself in that warm cocoon he was searching for, in this case, Calen's arm around him. Nothing much happened that night as they both slept peacefully.
As morning came, Nyx found himself in the taller man's arm, he was warm and didn't really feel like leaving the covers, so he just waited for the other one to wake up, closing his eyes as if hoping to drift back to sleep, but it was impossible right now.
The ice mage frowned in his sleep as he drew closer to consciousness. He seemed to be having some sort of nightmare, a small sound of distress escaping him as he unconsciously held the slightly smaller man closer.
"...sorry...didn't mean to..." he muttered. He rolled onto his back, half pulling the undine with him.
Hearing the sound of distress, the undine opened his eyes as he was drawn closer. He looked at Calen, a bit worried, but it looked like he was having some kind of nightmare. Nyx had some, from time to time, when he was worried about something.
He didn't try to move from the man's clutch, finding himself almost on top of him, but just on the side. His hand moved on it's own as he put it on the man's cheek, it felt fresh.
-Calen?...-
He called softly.
Calen snapped awake and, before he could consciously realize what he was doing, he had flipped them over to pin the undine beneath his body, one hand flying up to grab at his throat. His eyes were cold as ice.
Then he blinked and seemed to sort of come back to himself. "...Nyx?"
He jerked backwards off the bed. "Oh fu- look, I'm sorry. I didn't hurt you, did I?" he asked briskly, running a hand through his hair and sweeping his eyes over his companion with concern.
Surprised could be seen upon the undine face as he was promptly swap under the man's weight, but fear covered his face when he was grabbed at the throat. His hands reaching for that arm, trying to put it off as he couldn't even let out a scream of fear.
Tears had roll off from Nyx's eyes as Calen stood back. He cough a little, sitting back and stepping back in the bed, looking at Calen's uncertain. Had he done something wrong? The pain from his wound came back and he was holding onto it.
-...Wh...did...did I ...Have I...done some....something wrong?...-
He asked, looking at Calen worried. He was effraid he had done something bad, more then he feared for his life.
"Oh gods, don't- please don't-" Calen groaned, clenching his eyes shut and tugging at his hair.
"I'm sorry," he said softly, looking at Nyx with a mixture of guilt, concern, and something very much like self-loathing. "I'm so sorry, kid. That- that wasn't your fault, you didn't do anything wrong. I'm sorry."
He sort of flopped onto the floor, reaching out unconsciously to the nymph before drawing his hand back quickly. The last thing he wanted was to scare him more. "I'm so sorry," he repeated in a whisper. "Are- are you hurt? Please don't cry..."
Nyx didn't understand much of what was going on. What could have happened for Calen to jump at him like that? He manage to calm himself as Calen was telling him it wasn't his fault. The undine wasn't at fault, then what was.
He moved his hand onto his neck slighty, the pain was gone now, he swept the tears from his eyes and tried to smile. He had been scared, but it was alright now.
-I...I'm ok...I'm not hurt...-
He said. He took a deep breath, calming his heartbeat and got closer to Calen, sitting next to him and taking his hands in his.
-See...I'm not crying...I'm ok...-
He said softly.
Calen flinched away from the touch at first, both surprised and- honestly- irrationally scared that he really would hurt Nyx. The nymph just seemed so damn fragile!
Then he suddenly found himself clutching Nyx's hand and pulled him closer. "Let me see," he murmured quietly, raising his other hand to gently trace the scaring on the undine's neck. He huffed out a sharp breath.
"Gods, I am so sorry," he whispered. "I- I haven't...I haven't had a nightmare like that in a while. I didn't think-" He shook his head and muttered, "I'll just sleep in the floor next time."
What was going on in that man's head, Nyx couldn't tell, but he felt he was suffering somehow. Nyx looked at Calen, worried, but then found himself closer. He let him do, the scar on his neck was still fresh, it would probably leave a mark for life. But it didn't matter, life wasn't always easy, even he knew that.
Nyx shook his head at Calen's claim. He had his answer, it was because of that nightmare.
-Don't blame yourself...-
He said, he grabbed Calen's hands, then hugged him, bringing him closer.
-I have nightmares too sometimes...so it's ok...you don't have to do that, it'll be fine...-
He was trying to be reassuring, but he didn't know what Calen was fighting against. Despite that, he still tried.
The mage froze, not expecting the hug. And gods, when was the lat time someone had actually embraced him?
He was not nearly as strong a man as he pretended to be, and though a large part of him thought it would probably be best if he pushed Nyx away, he just couldn't do it. He wrapped his arms around him and held on tight, like a drowning man clinging to a life raft.
"You're too good, ya know that?" he mumbled. "You should've tried to fight me off. I-I'll have to teach you some self defense, I guess..."
Perhaps he was...maybe he was too good, he was like that. He would learn to deal with humans, but right now, he was simply true to his feelings. He needed Calen as much as he needed him, tough he didn't really knew that.
He hugged him, while been hugged back, Nyx felt that he was getting closer to the man. He smiled softly, blushing even.
-...why would I have fight you?....you didn't meant to hurt me...and I'm alright...it was just...a nightmare...-
He said softly, eventually standing back and looking at Calen, his deep blue eyes locked into his.
Calen shook his head. "That's not the point. What if I had-?"
He winced. "If I hadn't...snapped out of it, I could have really hurt you! And what if it wasn't me, huh? Would you have been able to fight someone else off?"
Oh dear gods. The thought of that actually drained the blood from his face and he clenched his jaw. He made himself a silent promise that as long as the undine was traveling with him, he would make sure that didn't happen.
Nyx raised an eyebrow, uncertain, he didn't understand what he meant. He was effraid of hurting him. Nyx could understand that, but why? The undine looked at him.
-I...suppose I could've...escape...-
He said. He wasn't a fighter and hurting others wasn't something appealing to him. But he could turn his body into pure water, and it was hard to hurt water. As he said so, his body turned into water and he splashed against Calen's body, soaking him wet. It was cold and refreshing. The undine soon regain a more physical form and looked at Calen.
-It will be fine...I trust you! You saved my life once!-
He said, confidently.
Calen sputtered at the shock of cool water, shaking his head and chuckling just a little as the undine regained solid form.
"Fair enough." He said quietly. "Still, I'd feel better if I knew you could at least throw a decent punch."
Nyx smiled at him.
-Then you'll just have to show me!-
He said with a grin. If that would reassure the man, then he would go along. He hope he wouldn't need to use it tough, he didn't really like fighting.
-You ok now?-
Calen gave him a wan smile and rested his hand on top of the undine's head for a moment. "Yeah, I guess I will."
He ruffled his hair lightly and took a sharp breath. "I'm fine, kid. Really, I'm sorry."
Nyx nodded slowly.
-Ok..-
He said. The sun was up outside, but there was no rush. Nyx wasn't tired anymore, he had slept well. He stretched himself up while getting back up on his feet.
-Then what are we gonna do today? Do you need to sleep more? Are you hungry? What do you want to do?-
He ask, leaning over Calen, his hands on his knees as he looked at the man still sitting on the ground. He was up for anything.
Calen tried to force a smile and pushed himself to his feet. "Alright, alright, calm down," he chuckled, shaking his head. "Why don't we start with getting some breakfast?"
Nyx blushed a bit. It seemed like this was the obvious answer.
-Right...let's do that ha ha...-
Nyx went back toward the bed and took his shirt, then put it on, then his shoes, he was ready.
The mage chuckled again and moved to put his arm around Nyx's shoulders, then hesitated before dropping his arm.
"Come on, I'm starving," he said with a quick smile and slipped out of the room to head for the stairs.
The undine smiled, but as Calen took his arm off his shoulders, he simply put it back there.
Nyx followed him downstair. It was a lot more calmer during the day, everyone was still asleep. They sat at a table and called breakfast in. Once again, Nyx was making all sort of expression as he ate his eggs and toast.
-I wonder if there is something I could show you that you don't know...-
He said, a bit lost in thoughts.
"Oh, I'm sure there is," Calen responded as he tucked into his own meal. "I can't breathe underwater for one thing- must be plenty of things you've seen that I haven't."
-Hmm...I wonder if I could show you how to breath underwater...-
He didn't knew if that was possible, but he could always try. Finishing his plate, he smiled as he observed Calen, his features, his face, his manners. He simply lean on his elbow, his face resting in the palm of his hand as he looked at Calen.
He laughed. "I don't think it works like that, kid," Calen noted lightly, glancing up. He blinked, realizing Myc was staring at him. "Uh...do I have something on my face?"
-No...-
He said, without moving from his position. He was just observing him. But then jumped, perhaps staring wasn't very polite, so he looked away, blushing.
-Ah...I'm sorry...I..didn't mean to be impolite...-
He said, lowering his head.
"Oh. Uh...no, it's alright." Calen tried for an awkward little smile. "It's just, um- humans don't usually er...stare like that. I don't necessarily mind, just-" He cleared his throat and glance away. "Not used to it, I suppose."
-I see...then I'll try to be more careful...-
He said, nodding. Today promised to be a nice day, tough there was a few clouds hovering in the sky, perhaps some rain later on, he wondered. They would probably be leaving the village today.
-Was there anything else we needed to get from the village before leaving?
He asked.
"Well, do you want another change of clothes, maybe?" Calen suggested, beckoning for the undine to follow him to where they'd stabled Gale.
"I don't really need anything, but if something catches your eye, let me know." He didn't exactly have an excess of coin, but he could afford a few simple things.
He looked at Calen. A change of clothes might become handy, considering they might get dirty and all. He nodded while following Calen outside. He went to say hello to Gale.
-Yes, I think that might be useful...he he...err...Do we need more...err...supplies?-
He asked. Trying to think about something useful they might be needing.
Calen smiled at him. "I can hunt. I'd rather not spend coin on food if we can get it for ourselves." He tilted his head, considering.
"You could probably use your own water flask though. And a bedroll... Gods." He laughed and shook his head. "Okay, you know what? Why don't you tack Gale up and take him for a warm up ride, practice a bit, and I'll be right back with the things we need," he suggested.
Nyx nodded.
-R..right! I'll do that!-
He wasn't exactly confident in his skills yet, but practice made perfect as they say, so he started working on just that. It took him some time to tack him up as it should and two or three essay to climb on the horse's back, but thankfully, Gale was patient with him.
Managing to do so, he started practicing with the horse, turning left and right, but ever so slowly to get use and trying to adjust his stance on the horse how it should.
The little bit of shopping Calen had to do really didn't take all that long, and he managed to pack up and return to where he'd left Nyx and the horse fairly quickly.
He didn't say anything for a while, just leaned back on his heels and watched him practice with a small smile. Maybe it was the undine's connection with animals, but he seemed to be coming along fairly quickly. Maybe they could get another horse sooner than he'd thought.
Eventually, nyx noticed that Calen was back. He hadn't seen him before a while, all his concentration turned toward the horse. He waved at him, smiling.
-How did it go?-
He asked, trying to get the horse closer to where Calen was and slowly making his way there.
"I got the things we need." The mage nodded and smiled at him. "You're looking better. How's it feel, being up there?"
-Well, I'm not quite confident yet, but Gale is very patient with me so...I'm getting use to it little by little!-
He said, smiling back. He hadn't tried dismounting again since last time.
-Are we gonna leave soon?-
The undine asked, as he tried to get down from the horse, tough almost falling again.
"Easy."
Calen knew that Nyx could have righted himself without help. He knew that. Still, he darted forward and pulled the slightly smaller man against his chest under the pretext of helping him get his footing.
"We need to work on that, I suppose," he chuckled.
Nyx lift his gaze upon the man's face, blushing a little as he was closer. He got back his footing.
-Thank, I guess I'll need more practice! ha ha!-
He laughed a bit. Gale pushed him in the back with his head, getting him a bit more closer to Calen.
-Yeah, Gale say I need to practice more too!-
He chuckle a little. He was ready to go whenever. Happy that he had met Calen.
"Alright." Calen ruffled his hair affectionately and forced himself to take a step back. "Gale, c'mere." He guided the horse closer and shouldered his pack, handing over the one he'd made up for Nyx.
"We should get moving." He swung up onto Gale's back and held his hand down to the undine. "Mount up in front of me, okay?"
Nyx took the bag and watch as Calen got on the horse back so much ease, he still had trouble doing just that. Taking Calen's hand, he nodded and help himself up in front of Calen. He was smaller so he wouldn't be too much trouble for Calen to see in front of them.
There wasn't all that much place on the saddle, but enough to fit the two man. He smiled, cheek red with flustered and ready to move on to their next adventure.
Reaching forward to take the reins, Calen found himself pressed up against his back. "Right. Arca's about five or six days by horseback, so I guess we'd better get started."
He clucked to Gale and gave him a light tap with his heels to get him moving.
So close to him now, Calen could probably smell the salty and sweet fragrance coming Nyx's hair. He was holding onto the pommel of the saddle while they started moving.
-Yes!-
He said, smiling. They exited the village and made their way to the road. From then on, they could take the main road down toward the city.
Calen kept a wary eye out as they started off down the main road, but he allowed himself to relax enough to enjoy Nyx's rather contagious cheeriness.
"So, what do you think? A lot different from the lake, huh?"
Nyx nodded.
-Yeah...it's lot more different! Tough I really prefer swimming.-
He had gone better on his foot as well. Before, his walking was somewhat awkward but he was now fine and even started running. Now on the horse, it was once again a new experience and since he was the one leading it, he could look all around without caring too much.
-I can feel the wind here! He he! -
He seemed to really be enjoying himself.
Calen suddenly smirked. "You wanna really feel the wind? Here, hold on to his mane."
He leaned forward just a bit to secure his arms around Nyx and shortened the reins slightly, bringing Gale's head up. With a cluck and a sharp kick, he spurred the gelding into an easy canter.
-Oh...Hyaaaa!!!-
He let out a scream of surprise as the horse had suddenly gotten faster. He was holding onto the mane, but his legs didn't follow and he was more or less bouncing onto the saddle, thankfully, Calen was making sure he wouldn't fall.
Calen couldn't help himself- he started laughing.
"It's okay, I've got you," he soothed Nyx, tightening his arms around him slightly. "Just relax. Try to move with the horse, okay? I'm not gonna let you fall."
It was easier said then done. And moving with the horse wasn't all that easy, the bump on the road and the ever so changing rythme was a bit putting him off.
If it wasn't for Calen holding him up, he would have fall off a long while ago. It took him a little while, but he eventually caught up on the rythme and was more or less riding along, but it was still far from perfect or even decent. He knew he would feel it later.
Taking pity on the undine, Calen slowed Gale back to a trot, then a brisk walk. "We need to work on your seat a bit more," he chuckled, giving Nyx's shoulder a friendly pat.
Nyx let out a sigh when the horse finally came to a calmer walk. He was panting a little.
-Yeah...I know...-
Despite that, he still manage to smile at Calen. They had reached an opening in the woods and in the far, they could see a river, it's water sparkling under the light of the sun.
"Hey. Water." Calen nodded in the direction of the river. "You must be kinda homesick. Wanna take a break?"
-I wouldn't say no to a good swim!-
The undine said. They went down the road and hit the grass, that would also be a good spot to rest the horse. Once they arrived at the water, Nyx made his way down with Calen's help and almost run to the river. It was crystal clear.
He got rid of pants, shirt and shoes before jumping into the water.
-Woaaahh!! It's sooo good!-
The undine let out, his hair now falling over his face as he smiled ever more happily.
"Oh- gods above!" Calen turned away and laughed sharply as he tried to afford Nyx some modesty. "Look, kid, I know it doesn't make any difference to you, but when we're around other humans maybe try not to strip without warning," he chuckled.
-Oh...ok, I'll be careful around other humans...-
He said, smiling at Calen from the water. He'd splash some water at him with a grin. Motioning for him to join in.
-C'mon! It's really good!-
He said, swimming backward and with a huge smile on his face. Nyx didn't care that Calen would see him naked, that's how he had always lived, but he would try to be careful not to be a burden either.
"Dear gods." Calen swallowed rather thickly as he approached the water cautiously. "Oh, kid...you might wanna be careful around me too," he muttered, shaking his head and collapsing to the bank.
-Ehh?-
He looked at him. When he collapsed, Nyx went his way rather quickly.
-Calen!?-
He asked, worriedly, reaching for the man's shoulder.
"Gods!"
Calen yelped and tried to jerk back from him, startled by the sudden closeness. He realized the undine was worried and tried to wave him away.
"I'm fine, I'm fine. Just...gimme a little space, would ya?"
-...!?..-
Nyx stood back, lowered his head and went back into the water, this time disapearing under it.
Damnit.
"Ah, come on- Nyx!" He scooted closer to the water and peered in. "Hey, kid...look, I didn't mean to offend you...c'mon, don't pout," he coaxed.
Nyx's head came out of the water, only his eyes could be seen. He looked at him, frowning. He was trying to understand what was going on. One time he could be close, the other, he was chased off. which was it!?
The undine just looked at him for a moment.
-Then make up your mind...I don't get it...why should I be careful around? Why sometimes I can be close and others you chase me...I don't get it...-
He said.
Oh dear gods. Calen groaned quietly and covered his face with his hands. He could understand why this was confusing for the undine, but that didn't make explaining it anymore comfortable.
"It's just...you're naked," he sighed eventually. "Which, yeah, I get it isn't a big deal for you, but it is for me. For most humans, but at the moment, for me."
Calen tried a very small, slightly apologetic smile. "Maybe we're all a little too uptight, I dunno. But if you're gonna be that close, I'd really prefer if you'd have some clothes on."
Well...that wasn't strictly true, but that was a whole other problem he was currently pretending didn't exist.
-....-
He was trying to understand, tough it seemed it was merely because he was naked that was the problem. What was so flustering about it? But he had to understand from a human point of view. He sighed.
-I...understand...but I ain't gonna swim with clothes on...-
He warned. On that, he returned to his swimming and disapeared underwater again for a while. Eventually returning to the surface. It was sunny, and even if the water was nice, he knew they would need to move again soon.
Calen sighed and shrugged. Well, he couldn't expect the kid to change overnight. With a huff, he leaned back on the grass and closed his eyes, just basking in the sun while they had the chance to rest.
Nyx returned to the surface, looking at Calen. He wonder what the man looked like under all of those clothes. But he was certain, the man wouldn't just strip off to show him. They probably weren't close enough for that. He remembered the first thing the man had told him when they first met.
He got out of the water and put the pants back on and sat in the grass, next to Calen, looking at the sky, a bit lost in thoughts.
The mage was quite frankly so drained from his last few days of travel- even before he met Nyx- that he had started to doze. He snored quietly and turned onto his side, muttering quietly in his sleep.
Nyx wouldn't wake him up. He looked tired so he simply sat next to him for a while, then lay down in the grass and crossed his arms behind his head, looking at the sky. The wind was carrying a soft and warm breeze.
He closed his eyes for a moment, everything was just peaceful right now. There wasn't much around and only silence and the soothing rush of the river could be heard. He eventually glanced over at Calen, then back at the sky. He was wondering what would happen once they reach the city...how far would he go?
He wasn't sure how long later it was when he opened his eyes, but Calen was feeling even more groggy after his nap.
He sat up and yawned, then looked at the water. "Nyx?" He twisted, eyes flicking around. "Oh! There you are."
Nyx turned his head toward Calen. His shirt was laying next to him and his shoes not too far.
-You slept well? I didn't want to wake you...-
He said, slowly sitting back up, tilting his head slightly.
Calen winced. "After what happened last time, I really don't blame you," he muttered guiltily as he got to his feet. "C'mon, we should get moving again."
-Right..-
He got up, putting on his black shirt and shoes, then headed to the horse to pet him a bit.
-Ready to go Gale?-
The horse pushed his head against him and Nyx pat his neck softly.
-That a boy!-
He smiled.
"Mount up, I'm right behind you," Calen said, patting the horse's flank as he adjusted his pack and made sure Nyx had his.
This time, the undine manage to get on the horse on the first try and found himself sitting on the saddle before he even knew it. He gave a happy smile as he did so and waited for Calen to get on.
"There, see? All you needed was some practice." Calen smiled and jumped up onto the horse's back, giving him a soft kick to get him moving.
Back on the road again, the horse started to move. The path in the mountains and valleys were beautiful and the sight was something to behold. It was incredible and from time to time, they could see rivers and lake from their point of view.
They eventually came across a small caravan who seemed to be in trouble. One of the wheel of the cart had fall off. Two man, a woman and a child were trying to put it back on.
-Oh..Oye! Travelers! Would you please help us!?
One of them called.
Calen brought Gale to a halt and observed the situation. It didn't seem like a trap- but then, traps never did.
Proceed with caution then. "Sure." He shrugged and dismounted, handing the reins over to Nyx with a murmured, "Stay on him, and if something goes wrong, get out of here quick, okay?"
He approached the group with a polite smile. "What happened?"
As he approach them, he could see one of the man was probably in his late fifty, the other one in his thirties. The woman was a bit bulky and the child looked like he hadn't eaten much in days.
-Well, see, we were on our way to the nearest village but our cart hit a hole in the road...-
He showed said hole not very far from them.
-The wheel is not broken..but it fell off...I'm far too old and I don't have much strenght...-
Said the old man with a sorry shrug. The wheel seemed heavy indeed, as it was made of wood and steel to reinforce it. One would not be able to lift it alone. Nyx was looking at them, wondering what was going on while he waited on Gale's back.
That's when it happened. Two man emerges from the bushes, one quickly took gale's by the reins and the other one caught Nyx's leg, making him fall over the horse and hitting him behind the head with what looked to be the hilt of a sword, he fell to the ground, unconscious. Two more came out of the bushes, the ''wife'' and ''child'' ran back. The man in his thirties quickly took out a sword from the cart and pointed it toward Calen.
-Alright, surrender all your belongings and gold...and we will give you a quick death...-
He said.
"Nyx!"
Calen whirled and started toward the undine, then froze at the touch of cold steel on his skin.
Very, very slowly, he turned to look at the man. His eyes were icy. "That," he growled out, "was a big mistake."
Power started to gather in his core, tingling in his fingers. It even started to cool the air around him.
"You have three seconds to let the boy go, or you all die." His voice was calm and even.
The mans looked at him, wondering what was going on, but then started to laugh, what could happen? He was alone.
-Oh? And what are you gonna do? -
The man taunted him, still holding his sword against him. The one holding Nyx down didn't budge, but he looked wary.
Calen didn't say a word. He just raised a hand and called his magic forward. Slowly, he clenched his fingers into a fist.
The man holding the sword gasped, then started to shake. His eyes widened and he dropped the blade, then collapsed to the ground. He wasn't breathing.
The mage turned to face the men holding Nyx. There was no emotion in his face or voice. "It's surprisingly easy to stop someone's heart," he noted, taking a step forward. "Make it just cold enough and..."
He clenched his fist again and tilted his head. "Now. Will you let him go, or do I have to kill you too?"
The man looked at him in fear, he wasn't the most intelligent, but he wasn't an idiot either, his life wasn't worth the risk. He let go of Nyx and started running away, the others also stepped back, leaving them alone and running into the forest.
Nyx was laying on the ground.
Calen sagged slightly and let out a sharp breath, shaking as he let the magic ebb away. Then he hurried forward, kneeling next to Nyx and touching his shoulder.
"Kid? Kid, come on, don't do this... Nyx, you okay? C'mon..." He turned him slightly to look at his head.
There was a small pump on his head, the man sure didn't missed his mark, but it wasn't bleeding. A minute or two later, he finally opened his eyes, slowly and let out a scream of pain while holding his head with his hands.
-Oucchh!!!-
He let out, tears running up in his eyes as he looked at Calen with surprise.
-Wh...what happened?-
"Oh, thank gods." He jerked Nyx into a hug, clutching him against his chest. "It's okay," he muttered. "Those jackasses though we were an easy mark. I proved them wrong, that's all."
Calen pulled away a bit to card his fingers through Nyx's hair and scowl at the bump. "Thank gods it's not too bad," he breathed.
Nyx hugged him back. He didn't had the time to get scared, everything had happen so fast and he had no idea of what happened exactly. but he was under the impression that Calen was worried about him...again.
-Easy mark?...Didn't they need help?-
He asked. As Calen touch the bump, Nyx let out a small wince. It did hurt and he felt his head throbbing a bit, but it was far from been as painful as the wolf's bite.
-I'm sorry...I got myself into trouble again didn't I?
Calen summoned a bit of his power to cool his hand and pressed it lightly against the bump in an effort to soothe some of the discomfort.
"It was a trap," he explained. "They set that up to try to rob us."
Nyx let out a sigh when the coldness of Calen's hand sooth the pain on his head, he let his head rest on Calen's shoulder for now, and nodded slowly.
-I see...that's not really nice is it...I'm sorry I wasn't anymore useful then this...-
He said. He would need to do something about it. But for now, he just enjoy the coldness as the pain was slowly diminishing.
-Thank you...-
"Hush. Don't thank me."
Calen glanced back at the body by the wagon and repressed a shudder. Yeah, he really didn't need to be thanked for that.
"I was just looking out for you. It's what friends do."
Nyx eyes beamed as he was called a friend. He smiled all the more.
-Yeah...-
He finally felt the pain go away, then finally noticed the body by the wagon. He didn't look like he was breathing. He looked a bit worried, then looked at Calen.
-Is...is he dead?-
The mage finally let him go. He stood and glanced at the body, then back at Nyx.
"Yes." He mounted Gale and held a hand down to the undine. "Come on, let's get moving."
This was probably bound to happen, but Nyx prefer to not ask anymore question. He grabbed Calen's hand and got on Gale as well. They soon were off on the road again, with no more trace of the bandits. They went down the mountain path until they reached a plain, it was going on for a while and the main road was passing trough it. It seemed they would probably reach another village by nightfall.
Calen rode in silence, but there was definitely a subtle shift in him, in the way he held Nyx a little tighter and the way his eyes flickered around with more wariness than before. A protective impulse had awoken in him, and it wasn't looking likely to die down any time soon.
They ride for a long while, they didn't encounter anyone else and eventually reach some fields, the main road passing trough, they could see farmers on the job and probably about to be done as night was falling. They could see the light from the nearest village ahead of them, in the distance.
Nyx hadn't notice the changes, but he was looking at the field and people working in them with curiosity.
-What are they doing?-
He asked the taller man.
"Farming." Calen allowed Gale to slow his pace a bit so Nyx could take a better look around. "They grow different crops; what they can use they eat, and any extra they'll sell."
-I see...it looks like hard work...-
He said. He kept looking around, all smiling, even tough the bump on his head was still hurting a little, he seemed to have forgotten about it. They reached the village, a lot of kids were still playing and when they saw the two travelers, they pointed out at Nyx.
-Woaah!! look look! His hairs are weird! ha ha!-
-Maybe it's a demon!!-
They started laughing, scaring each other and starting to run off in every direction.
-A demon...I'm not!!-
He said, pouting.
Calen chuckled and shook his head. "Don't worry about it, they're kids. They're just messing around. Besides-" He swung down off the horse and took his reins to lead him along. "This is Serendipity. I promise you those kids will see stranger things, if they haven't already."
-Is that so....-
He smiled back. Well, it was all ok, their might be places where he would fit in after all. He let Calen lead the horse while still sitting on it's back. He could see better from the horse view point and so he did, look at the village and it's surrounding. It was different from the other one.
-Are we sleeping at a inn again?-
He asked, tilting his head on the side.
"Hopefully, if we can find one." He wasn't holding out too much hope- it was a pretty small villager.
"We may have to work for a room in someone's house or something."
-I see...-
As they looked around the village, they couldn't find any inn.
-Hm...I don't see any...-
Night was falling and people were getting back home for supper.
"Right then." Calen sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. "Time to start knocking on doors," he said with a small, weary smile.
He led Gale and Nyx to the first promising looking house. "Excuse me?" he called, knocking. "Is anyone home in here?"
The door opened after a moment. A tall man with quite the impressive beard opened the door, looking at them.
-Yes?...What is it?-
The man asked. Nyx was impressed by the tall figure, he must have been 7 foot tall or so. He somewhat cling to Calen's clothes.
Wrapping an arm comfortingly around the smaller man, Calen tried to look as pathetic as possible.
"We need a place to stay the night, sir. Of course we're willing to work for it," he added quickly with a smile. "I'm a fairly accomplished handy man, and my..." He glanced at Nyx. "Brother," he decided after a few moments, "Has his own...talents."
Nyx decided to let Calen handle this and it was a good thing because he had no idea what to say or do. The man look them down, wondering if letting two strangers into his house was a good idea. But after a moment, he finally nodded.
-Fine...I had a delivery to make tomorrow morning...I suppose you can help with that...-
He said.
-I don't have a spare room but I can let you sleep in the stable if that's alright with you...I'll have two plates ready for you...-
He said, letting them in.
Calen's smile could have lit up a dark room. "Oh thank you, sir, that's very generous of you." He patted Gale's neck. "We'll just stable the old boy here and come in to make proper introductions. Thanks again, sir."
He kept his arm around Nyx's shoulders as he steered the whole group toward the small stable behind the house.
Nyx followed up. He was feeling nervous. This man was very impressive and this would be his first real interraction with other people then Calen. Gale followed without a fuss and was soon set in the stable, next to another horse.
-Oof...that man sure is tall!-
He couldn't help it, he had to say it. But he was reassured by Calen's arm around him. That made him feel better.
The mage glanced at him and chuckled. "Yeah, he is. That make you nervous?" he teased lightly, reaching to ruffle his hair.
-Geeh....-
He winced when Calen hit the bump on his head, reminding him it was still there. But he nodded nontheless.
-How can human be so tall!-
He said. He just hoped the human wouldn't try to eat him. He wondered if humans would actually do that, but he preferred not to ask.
"Goof," Calen chuckled affectionately. "Most aren't actually that tall, don't worry."
He patted the undine's head again, more careful of the bump this time after catching that little wince. "Come on, let's get something to eat," he encouraged. He patted Gale's neck with a jovial, "You be good now," and tugged Nyx out of the stable back to the door of the house.
The door was left partially open for them to enter. The tall man welcome them back in. Inside was warm and welcoming, a very modest house, but fill with lively kids. A woman was currently pouring soup and putting bread on the table, while 3 kids were running around the place. A baby was sleeping in a craddle.
-My name is Bernard by the way, what are yours?-
The tall man asked as they came in. The kids looked at them, then one of them, he was the one who had call Nyx a demon earlier, pointed his finger at him.
-Ahh! it's the strange demon!!-
He called. He was quickly reprimmanded by his mother.
"I'm Calen. This is Nyx," he introduced them with a smile. "Really, it's so kind of you to offer us a place to stay, thank you."
He shot the kid an overly dramatic scowl. "Careful there. My brother may just eat you," he threatened jokingly.
The kid looked at Nyx, half scared, Nyx wasn't sure if he should try to scare him or not. He barely smile, trying to look kind, but he was nervous so it was a bit awkward.
-Right, nice to meet you two, this is my wife, Catrina and my kids, Merlo, Tom, Kita and the baby's name is Collin..come have a seat...-
Everyone sat down and they were invited to take place on one side of the table while one of the kids sat with them, the father at the end and the mother on the other side with her kids.
Calen murmured hellos and thank yous as he took a seat, continuously glancing at Nyx to make sure he was comfortable.
The undine didn't looked very comfortable, he was nervous with so many people he didn't know around, but thanks to Calen, he was able to keep his cool. The family started eating while the kids were staring at Nyx. With his white blueish skin and his strange hair, he sure was a curiosity for the children.
Nyx was eating as well only once Calen would have done so. Quietly, without making a fuss like at the inn. He was been careful.
-So...what are you exactly mister?-
One of the kid asked loudly. His father gave him a reprehensive look. Nyx looked at the kid.
-Hmm...-
He wasn't sure if it was alright to tell them.
Honesty, Calen wasn't quite sure what to say either. They seemed like a nice enough to family, but he knew appearances could be deceiving. Their little run-I'm that afternoon had proved that if nothing else.
"What do you think?" he asked the child with a friendly smile. His hand went to brush against Nyx's leg comfortingly, hopefully subtle enough that no one noticed the gesture.
Nyx blushed a bit, but kept his calm. He wasn't used to other people yet and was merely tasting the feeling of being different.
-I think he is a river spirit or something! Maybe a fish god! -
The child said in all honesty. His father sighed.
-I'm sorry about that...-
The father said. But the kid, Merlo, was still looking at Nyx with those same curious eyes Nyx had when he first saw the village.
-Ah...that...that's alright...-
He said softly. The family was nice, they didn't seems to hide anything. The mother eventually left to feed her baby and the kids were told to go to bed after the supper. Leaving Bernard and his guest alone.
-So, your traveling far?
He asked.
"To Arca," Calen replied. "Not too far, but we haven't exactly mapped out places to stay along the way."
He kept glancing at Nyx with some mixture of amusement and concern, quite entertained by the undine's reactions to this human family.
-I see...hmm, you should probably use one...the road can be tricky, when you'll reach the forest...-
He got up and went to an old cupboard, then started looking around, finally taking out a roll piece of paper.
-There...that should help you...-
The man said as he opened a map of the region. It was detailed with the village position and all. Nyx looked at it, curiously.
-Here...this is where we are now...and Arca...is there...that's about a week from here by horse...-
He said, pointing out the city on the map. A week was a long way to go, but he was in good hands with Calen, he knew it. He yawned a bit, fatigue soon coming over him.
"I see. Again, sir, thank you."
Calen glanced at Nyx and chuckled softly. "I think perhaps we should be getting some rest. WE've had a...rather long day." He stood and tapped the undine's shoulder lightly.
-R..right, thank you sir!-
He said, almost on panic. The man chuckle and nodded.
-Sure, good night...-
He said. They went outside where Nyx followed Calen to the stable. He had never slept in a stable before, was that common practice? He wondered. He let out a sigh of relief as they were finally alone again.
-This was scary...-
He said.
Calen threw him a concerned look. "Scary?" He gave his shoulder a comforting pat. "You okay, kid?"
-Hmm...yeah, I mean, I didn't knew what to say or do! It was really strange so...-
He looked down a bit, joining his hand together in front of him.
-I wonder if I'll be alright...if it wasn't for you...-
He looked back up at Calen then hugged him, pushing his face against his chest. He felt like crying and he was shaking a bit.
"Oh..." Calen glanced down at him, frozen for a moment. Then, with a small sigh, he put his arms loosely around Nyx.
"Alright. You're okay," he soothed, patting his back a little awkwardly. "Look, you would've been fine. You just gotta relax a little."
After a moment, he hesitantly let his head rest against the undine's, just barely.
Nyx rested there for a while, just wanting to be close to that warmth Calen had. he felt secure with him, as if nothing could harm him when he was with the man. A few tears fell on his cheeks, but he knew he had to be strong. He eventually looked back at him, wiping the tears from his face and smiled at Calen.
-Th...thanks Calen, I'll try to stay calm from now on...but...you'll have to teach me ok, I don't really know how to speak with other humans or what to do when I meet one...-
He said. he hugged him again, glad he was with him.
Calen wasn't quite sure what to do. He found the hug was actually rather comforting for him, maybe even more than it was for Nyx.
True, the undine hadn't seen what had happened earlier that day, but he must know he'd killed that man. And still he seemed to like him, wanted to be close to him.
It had been a very long time since someone had wanted that.
Whoa there. He had to nip this in the bud. Clearing his throat, the mage patted his back and took a step away from him. "Alright. Well...ahem. Let's get some shuteye, yeah?"
Nyx nodded slowly, smiling back at him, with a tired face. He wasn't sure where exactly they would sleep, gale was already asleep in her stale.
Once they were set for sleep, Nyx closed his eyes once more, and as the night went on, he found himself crawling closer to Calen, once again. Looking for his warmth. The night was cold, even in the stable.
Calen made them up a little space in the hayloft to roll out their bedrolls and turned in. He tried to keep some distance between himself and Nyx, not wanting a repeat of the previous night.
Unfortunately, the kid seemed determined to sleep against him. With a sigh, he turned onto his side to put his back to the undine. Hopefully that would satisfy his desire to warmth and offer some protection for him at the same time.
It was very much uncounsciously that the undine was doing so, but somehow, he couldn't deny it either and as always, he was frank with his feelings. He slept well and woke up early, finding himself hugging Calen's back. He eventually let go and stretched himself, then gently push Calen's shoulder.
-Morning Calen....-
He said softly.
Thankfully, the nightmares had given Calen a night of respite. He woke with a snort and a sleepy, "Wha? Wha'ss goin' on?"
-It's morning...did you sleep well?-
Nyx asked, looking at him, he was very close, his hair falling a bit over Calen's face. Smiling kindly at him.
"Morning." Calen rolled over a bit and found himself almost brushing noses with Nyx. "Oh. Uh, fine. Yeah, I slept...fine."
He cleared his throat. "You, ah, you mind moving back a bit?" His face was lightly flushed, breath hitching slightly in his chest.
-Uh...oh...sorry.-
He stood back, giving some space to Calen as he pulled back his hair. He stretched a bit. It wasn't late in the morning but not too early either. It didn't take long before Bernard came into the stable, see if they were awake.
-So...are you soon ready to get some work done? We can eat while on the road...-
He said.
Calen let out a sharp breath as he sat up and ran a hand through his hair.
He glanced over the edge of the loft and waved to Bernard. "Yessir, just give us one second to get up."
He swung himself down and approached Gale's stall. "C'mon, Nyx, help me tack up."
The man nodded and went off.
-Yes!-
Nyx said as he got up. He roll his bedroll then proceeded to help Calen. He did well, as he had practice a little. Once he was done, he gave a proud smile back at the taller man.
Calen smiled and patted his shoulder, nodding in encouragement. "You're getting faster at that."
He mounted up and held his hand out for the undine to pull him up on the horse in front of him before urging Gale out of the stable.
He smiled and giggle a bit under the compliment with a bright smile. He got up on the horse, taking Calen's hand to help himself up and they went outside. Bernard was waiting for them in front of a cart with a horse. It was filled with many bags of various holdings.
-Alright, I got this delivery to make to the next town, help me out unpacking it all and considered ourselves even...works for you?-
Nyx didn't say anything, but he thought it was fair enough.
"Of course." Calen nodded. "Again, thank you for giving us a place to stay the night."
-Sure...-
The man then hop on his cart and they were on their way. They would leave the village and head for the next. It was just over the next forest, so they would be riding on trails. Nyx stayed close to Calen, he didn't want something like yesterday to happen again.
He was looking to his surroundings.
The mage kept Gale just a little behind and beside the cart, ever wary but trying not to show it in an attempt not to worry his companions.
He was content to travel in relative quiet- in fact it was what he was used to.
The road was peaceful, as were the woods. It was morning and they weren't the only ones leaving the village for some deliveries or to go to the market in the next town. They met with other travelers but nothing to be really worried about.
They made it to the village by noon. The next village was a lot bigger and with a lot more activities. They made their ways to the market as Nyx was pressing his back against Calen, a bit nervous.
Calen automatically started rubbing Nyx's arm lightly in an unconscious gesture to soothe. "It's gonna be fine, they're just people," he murmured, dipping his head forward to put his mouth next to his ear in an effort to be subtle.
Still, this was a lot of people, and a lot of them were looking there way, not in a angry or bad way, they were just curious. Nyx had to try hard to keep himself calm. When he felt Calen's lips so close to his ears, he blushed heavily, as they were very sensitive.
-Yeah...I...I know..-
He said, averting his eyes. They made it to the market and Bernard stopped his cart.
-Alright you two...were settling here, your kid brother can help me up the tent and you can start unpacking the cart...-
"Sir, yes, sir!" Calen gave him a mock jaunty salute and dismounted. He gave Nyx's leg a quick pat and an encouraging smile as he set to work. "You've got this, yeah? You'll be fine."
He nodded slowly and dismounted the best he could, this time without falling over. But the idea of working with Bernard had taken away the little joy he should have gained from it. He walked toward the very tall man after making sure Gale was attached to the cart and joined him in putting up the tent.
He did the best he could to follow the man's instructions, he was glad he manage to avoid mistakes. And soon, the tent was up, he quickly went back to Calen and helped him with the rest of the bags to carry over to the tent.
Calen smiled at Nyx as the undine came to help him. "See? That wasn't so bad, right?" he said quietly, giving him a gentle nudge with his elbow.
Nyx poked him back.
-R..right...-
He said. They finish unpacking everything and Bernard smiled.
-Alright, that should be enough, thanks for the help.-
He said. Nyx nodded.
-Err..hmm..th...thank you s...sir!-
He said, the tall towering man was still very impressive, but at least Nyx had manage to say something.
"You're welcome," Calen said with a nod and a bright smile. He let his hand brush against Nyx's back lightly for a moment, trying to be encouraging. "And again, thanks for everything."
He nodded and moved to take Gale's reins again. "C'mon, kid. This town's big enough, there's gotta be an inn around here somewhere."
-Ah, yes!-
He said. He walked back to Calen's side and they got on their way after one last good-bye to the man. They left to explore more of the village. As they got further in, they could see that a lot of shops and other estate were open. Many people outside as it was the market rush hour.
After a good while, they finally found an inn, it wasn't the biggest, but it looked quite charming and welcoming. The place was led by two young woman.
Though Calen was used to long hours of travel, he had to admit he was looking forward to getting the chance to relax for a bit.
"Hello, ladies," he said with a bright smile and a polite nod to the two women as they approached the inn. "How much would a room for the night and a stable for the old boy cost?" He patted Gale's neck gently.
The ladies stopped what they were doing, they looked kind enough.
-That'll 4 golds the night sir, including food for you and your horse.-
One of them said with a smile. Nyx barely manage to give them a smile, while slightly holding on to Calen's arm.
"Alright then." Calen passed over the money. He glanced at Nyx and debated for a moment, then said, "Would you show him to the room? I'll take care of Gale and be right in."
He didn't really want to throw the kid to the wolves, but the girls seemed nice enough, and he needed to learn how to be around other people without the mage there with him.
Nyx immediately tensed up, one of the girl nodded.
-Sure, follow me, it's right this way.-
She said. Nyx glance at Calen for a moment, but as the man was already gone to take care of Gale, he had no choice but to follow. He did so, very nervously. She led him to one of the room on the first floor.
-There you go young man, and here are the keys for your room, now don't lose them please and we wish you a good stay!-
Nyx nodded slowly, barely managing to say thank you as he quickly got into the room and closed the door behind him. Could he really make it? Why was he so nervous around other human but not with Calen. Perhaps he was effraid of making a mistake? There was so much he didn't knew...that was scary...
Calen stabled the gelding and waited a few moments, leaning against the stall door.
"Your boy is going to be trouble for me," he told Gale seriously, as though the animal could understand him the way he did Nyx. Still, he bobbed his head a bit and Calen smiled. "Yeah, you know that, don't ya?"
He patted the horses neck and made his way back into the inn, getting quick directions from one of the women who ran the place to the room they'd rented.
"Hey." He knocked once and pushed the door open. "How you doing, kid?"
Nyx was sitting next to the window and looking outside, it was sunny, his bag rested on the bed. When Calen came in, he turned his head, blushing a bit.
-I...I think I manage to say thank you to her...-
He said. More like he whispered it quickly before getting into the room. He looked nervous, even if they were now alone.
-You think...you think you could...teach me a bit?...About humans?
"Uh...sure." Cautiously, Calen sat on the bed and tilted his head at him. "What do you want to know?"
-...-
He wasn't even sure himself of what he wanted to know, there was a lot, but where to begin.
-Like...how does one approach another, how do you greet each other? how close should I be with others...I have no idea and I feel like I'd just be making mistakes...
He went to Calen, standing in front of him, looking at him both worried and curious. He was scared of making an really bad mistake.
Chuckling, Calen raised his hands in a calming sort of gesture.
"Why don't we start with basics, okay?" He held out a hand. "When most humans meet, we shake hands.
Nyx looked at Calen's hand, then took it, and started shaking it in a weird motion, with an eyebrow raised.
-Then...how do you know if you should shake hands or not? Do I shake hands with everyone I meet?-
He ask, tilting his head on the side.
With a quiet laugh, Calen adjusted the shake to a more normal pace. "Usually, if you're worried about it, the other person may initiate." He stood. "Most women don't shake hands often, I've noticed. At least, not the ones we're likely to run across."
He smiled and tilted his head. "You can always just say hello. Be yourself, kid, people will love you."
-Be...be myself?...-
He thought about that for a moment. Saying hello was fine, shaking hands with man was ok or he could wait for the other to do it first. There was no harm in trying, but he still felt nervous around people, because they looked at him with such intense curiosity, he felt bad about it.
-I'll try...-
He said. Even tough, he still felt better been with Calen.
"You'll be fine." Calen smiled and ruffled his hair. "Try not to worry so much, alright?"
-I can't help it...but I'll try.-
He smiled to him, then sit at his side, resting his head on the man's shoulder.
-It's thanks to you that I'm here...I'd probably still be in my river or...maybe dead...if it weren't for you...-
He said, giving Calen a fawning look, even tough it wasn't on purpose.
"Hey, no, that's- that's not true..." Calen tried to protest, glancing down at him. Gods, the kid was adorable.
Whoa, boy.
He cleared his throat and looked away, though he didn't protest the contact. "We, uh, we should probably get some sleep, yeah?"
It wasn't all that late, but they weren't in a hurry or anything. He nodded, getting more rest wasn't a bad idea.
-Yeah..-
He said, not budging from where he was.
Calen shifted a little. "Ah...do you wanna...lay down then?" he coaxed softly.
He blushed a bit, he wondered if he needed to keep his shirt on in order to stay close to Calen, or if he could remove it to sleep. He nodded, he removed his shirt, then lay in the bed, he sighed softly. To get some good rest would be nice.
He waited to see if Calen would lay by his side or not, before actually closing his eyes.
Tempted as he was to use the bed- now for a number of reasons- Calen forced himself to lay out his bedroll and lie down on that.
He didn't want to risk scaring Nyx again. Or worse.
Nyx did looked disapointed, but perhaps Calen had his reasons and he wondered if it was because of what happened last time...Maybe he should have kept his shirt on. But tonight, he wouldn't insist and simply closed his eyes.
That reassuring warmth wasn't there, it felt strange. But he had been sleeping alone like this for all this time, why now was it that it felt so different. Because he wasn't in his river? He didn't knew, but that now, was called loneliness.
Something he would learn off by actually being with others.
It took a while, but Calen finally managed to fall asleep. He didn't seem to be having nightmares, though he did toss and turn a bit.
It seemed he'd grown used to sleeping next to the undine's warmth.
He couldn't sleep, he was also tossing a bit, his hands trying to reach for Calen, but he wasn't in the bed. He eventually opened his eyes, it was night, the stars were shining outside by the window and the city was quiet.
He sat up in the bed, as he remembered where he was, he looked around and saw his companion sleeping on the floor, in his bedroll. He hesitated, should he got closer? Should he wake him up to ask him? He was effraid the man would be mad at him and that was the last thing the undine wanted.
So he shuffle in the cover, on the edge of the bed, looking at Calen.
Naturally a light sleeper, Calen stirred slightly and turned onto his back. He blinked his eyes open to find Nyx looking down at him.
"Hey, kid," he murmured, pushing himself up onto his elbows. His voice was low and rough with sleep. "You okay?"
He was a bit surprised when Calen woke up, asking him if he was ok. He wasn't really, but he couldn't just always trouble him with his every worries could he? But before he could hold it in, his voice spoke.
-I can't...sleep...-
He said slowly, he looked down, feeling a bit guilty about it. And somehow, he did felt like a kid, how he was so immature. But he knew nothing...or at least, not a lot. He wanted to learn, he really wanted. But right now, that wasn't the point, right now, all he really wanted, was laying in his bedroll on the ground. He felt attracted to that man, but how to explain it?
Calen was quiet for a long moment, then he closed his eyes and sighed.
"Okay." He ran his hand through his hair and stood. "Okay. Scoot over." He climbed into the bed beside him and gently put an arm around the undine's waist.
He moved to give some space to the man, inside feeling really happy with still a mixte of guilt in all that, it was hard to explain, but as soon as got close to Calen, he felt like all his worries had gone away. He snuggled close to him, resting his head against the man's chest and closed his eyes.
-Than...thank you...-
He whispered softly. He wished there was a way he could thank him. How, he didn't knew yet, but eventually, he would. This warm was the best.
"Yeah...of course."
Calen hesitated a moment, then dipped his head to press a quick kiss on top of Nyx's head. "Just get some sleep, alright?" he murmured, running his hand soothingly over his back.
He nodded slowly, closing his eyes.
-Yes...-
He blushed with the kiss, but a small happy smile showed on his lips as he softly drifted to dreamland. There was nothing to fear. Sleep came to him like a soothing wave, brought by Calen's hand.
Somehow, now that Nyx was sleeping soundly Calen found it a lot easier to drift off. He closed his eyes and let out a soft breath, holding the undine a little closer as he fell asleep.
The night grew darker, but nothing came to break the sweet dreams of the two people, laying together in that bed, sleeping soundly. Nyx's breath was regular and soft, he was smiling a little in his sleep.
When morning came, the sun hit the windows, but Nyx didn't wake up, he was fast asleep and close to him. He felt at peace.
It was the sunlight that woke Calen. With a soft grumble, he raised his head and blinked as he came into the waking world.
"Nyx." He glanced down at his companion and smiled softly. "Hey, kid," he murmured, brushing his hand over his cheek. "Wake up."
Slowly, Nyx's eyes open, as he lift his gaze toward Calen, feeling the gentle brush upon his face. His tiredness suddenly turned into a smile.
-Good morning...-
He said softly. His deep blue eyes locked onto Calen's. But even if he was now awake, he didn't feel like leaving Calen's arms and snuggled back with him.
-Did...you sleep well?-
"Yeah." The mage just stared at him. Logically, he made the decision to move away. But somehow he found his arms just wrapping a little tighter around Nyx, tugging him against his chest. "You?"
-Aye, thanks to you!-
He said, grinning a little.
-I like you....-
These words just came out of his mouth, but they were true and honest. These were his feelings and he was surprise to hear these words himself. But it was already too late to take them back. He had no idea how humans were reacting to these kind of things. But he was been honest with himself and Calen.
Calen started a bit and looked at him, then offered a small smile. "I like you too, kid," he said softly.
He wasn't quite sure if the undine had maybe meant something more, or if that was just wishful thinking on his part. He decided not to get his hopes up and just gave Nyx a soft squeeze.
He didn't wanted to let go, he felt good right now, in his arms, strong and kind. He blushed a bit, it showed on his cheeks, as his skin was so pale.
-It's...strange...I don't know how to explain it...-
He started, looking at him. He furrowed his eyebrow, wondering how to explain it.
-I...When I'm with you...I feel good and I'm nervous when your not around...and my heart beat so fast...like this...-
He pull Calen's hand over his heart, it was indeed beating faster then usual.
Calen blushed all the way to the tips of his ears. Dear gods, this water nymph made him feel like a nervous teenager!
"That, um..." He cleared his throat and glanced down at his hand pressed over Nyx's heart. "Humans would probably call that attraction." He tried to keep his voice clinical as he attempted an explanation. "Do, ah- do undines...take mates or partners or something?"
Oh goodness this was embarrassing. He was positively scarlet now.
Nyx looked at him, listening, seen how red Calen had become, he wondered if he had said something strange, the last question was a good one.
-Hmm..well, yes, we do...-
He blushed. Was it what it was?
-B..but I...I never had any...so...so far...-
He admitted, a bit slowly. Was he attracted to that man, for that reason? It was possible, he couldn't deny that he wanted to be close to him, to be with him, he wanted him to be happy and he made him happy just by been there with him.
"Well, ah... Are you typically...attracted to- oh gods." Calen clamped his mouth shut and his blush darkened.
"Gods," he repeated. To hell with it. "Alright, you know what? If you don't like this, stop me."
He reached up to take Nyx's chin in his hands, tilting his head back to brush a soft, hesitant kiss against his lips.
He winked, surprised could be seen upon his face as it turned red, he could swear his heart had just skipped a beat. He felt a shiver down his spine, but not one of fear, it was something else. He knew what this was, he just didn't expect it. He didn't stop Calen, and slowly closed his eyes, just to get the feeling of the man's lip better. His were fresh and soft.
He wasn't sure what to do, but he was ready to let Calen show him.
The mage pulled away after a moment, letting out a rather shaky breath. "Well. Ah- okay then. That was...nice."
He gave Nyx a sheepish smile and brushed a few strands out hair out of his face.
Nyx smiled to him, with a cute blush on his cheeks. It was nice indeed. His heart was beating so fast, somehow, he wanted more, but perhaps he was been greedy? He nuzzle his head in Calen's neck.
-Yeah, it was nice...-
He said softly, smiling, he giggle a little.
Calen shivered as Nyx nuzzled against him and suddenly pulled back. "R-right. Well, uh...w-we should probably get up, yeah?"
Blushing, he forced himself to pull away and sit up.
Nyx was shaken off as Calen suddenly got back up. He looked up to him, lifting his head.
-Wh...what's wrong?-
He wondered if he had done something bad again, but it was always so hard to tell with him. Well, Calen was the one to kiss him, so it couldn't mean he was in the wrong right? Maybe this was a bit too sudden. He sat up, tilting his head.
Calen sighed and grabbed at his hair. "Nothing's...wrong, exactly." He glanced at Nyx with a crooked smile. "It's just...you're very new to all this. I don't what to, ah, take advantage."
He tilted his head on the side. Was it really because of this?
-Maybe...but if no one show me...I'll never learn...and so far, your a pretty good teacher!-
He said, with a soft grin as he looked at him. If Calen really didn't want to do anything, then he wouldn't insist, but that last kiss had really awoken something in him he couldn't quite explain. A certain desire....
He chuckled, still blushing a bit. "Well, I mean... If that's what you want."
Yeah. Calen was really not a strong man. He twisted and cupped Nyx's cheek in one hand to pull him in for another kiss.
The undine grinned, then closed his eyes for the kiss, that feeling again as his heart was making that little skip. That contact was good, he reach to close in the gap between them, his body now set against his.
Calen gave a soft, slightly started him, but adjusted to the shift, gently wrapping one arm around Nyx's waist and letting the other softly cup his cheek.
Slowly, carefully, he tilted his head a bit to deepen the contact and parted his lips.
He couldn't quite describe the feeling that were swirling up inside of him. He felt good, and warm, but his body temperature seemed to keep rising. His own arms went behind Calen's neck. What would happen, how would it happen, somehow, he kept asking these questions inside his head, but he soon thought, it was no use to do so...he was in Calen's hands for now.
The mage huffed out a breath and dipped his head to trail a few light kisses along Nyx's jaw, then down to his neck.
"We should stop," he murmured suddenly, forcing himself to still. "I should- we, uh, need to get moving..."
Again...again. Nyx looked at him, then sighed, it seemed, that man wasn't ready for that, or there was something stopping him, but what, he had no idea. Nyx got up, put on his shirt and left the room without another word.
He got down the stairs and headed outside, toward the stables where he went to Gale and started tacking him up.
Calen was still for a few moments, watching Nyx leave. Then he sighed and started packing their things up before following him out to the stables.
"Hey, kid- Nyx." He reached out and touched his shoulder lightly. "Look, I- are you alright?"
Nyx slowly turned his head when he felt Calen's touch on his shoulder, he looked annoyed and sad at the same time. He wasn't even sure how he felt about this either.
-I'm fine...I...just don't understand...-
He said, frowning slightly, he moved on to finish the job, then patted Gale on the neck. He was trying to figure out if it was normal or not...was that going too fast? Were there other steps first? How did humans usually do these things?
"Aw, kid..." Calen sighed and rubbed at the back of his neck. "Look, it's- this sort of stuff is complicated...maybe more for me than other people..."
He let out a sharp breath and shook his head. "You're sweet, Nyx. I just don't want you to- to do something you may not entirely understand."
-....-
He stood silent for a moment, then turned back his head toward Calen.
-Why is it complicated? What is it that I don't understand?-
He asked. He wanted to know.
"Well..." He cleared his throat. "There's- there's still a lot we don't know about each other, and...usually people are...very close before they- well, ya know." He coughed awkwardly and patted Gale's neck.
-So...we are not close enough...-
He said, tilting his head. Not that he had ever had any chance to be close to someone, so it was hard for him to tell if a relation was close or not.
-I've never had anyone with me before you know...so to me...you are already someone very close...-
He said. This might sound weird, but to him, it was true. Perhaps he was a bit impatient too, but he knew one thing, he didn't wanted to lose Calen.
-But...I'll try and be patient...-
He said, looking back at Calen.
"Oh. Well...thanks." Calen hesitated a moment, then put his hand on Nyx's shoulder. "Look, I just- I don't want you to jump into bed with the first person you feel even a little close to, alright? There should be...more to it than that."
-More to it?...-
He repeated.
-How will I know?-
He asked, tilting his head. This all sounded really complicated. He slowly shook his head.
-I wouldn't want to be beside someone else then you...you are important to me you know...-
He said.
"Well, yeah, but-" Calen huffed out a breath. "I'm the only human you've really spent time with. You don't know if you'd want to be with someone else, you've never had the chance to...figure it out."
He shrugged, not quite looking at him. "I just want to do right by you, kid, that's all."
Did this mean his feelings were wrong? True, he didn't had the chance to do so. But he didn't really wanted to try. He lowered his head, he understood his point of view. Perhaps he should just give up.
-Fine...-
He sighed, he wasn't sure what to think, was he so hopeless? Was he asking so much? Maybe he was. Meeting other people was still a scary thing to him. Would they accept him or would he be rejected, that feeling was painful.
Calen felt his heart clench guiltily at how crestfallen Nyx looked. "Come on," he said softly, leading Gale out of the stable and cupping his hands to offer the undine help mounting.
Nyx ignored Calen's hands and tried to get on by himself, perhaps he was being immature, but he couldn't help it. He manage to get on with a little bit of difficulty but still did better then last time. It was sunny but there were clouds in the distance, probably it would be raining soon.
-Next time we got to a inn...let me do it...I mean...asking for a room and all..-
Calen mounted up behind him with a small sigh. "Alright," he agreed easily as he clicked to get Gale moving. "If that's what you want."
They started to move and exited the village, the next one wouldn't be before two, three days by horse. Nyx was silent and did not look everywhere around him like usual. An hour or two later, rain was falling heavily, drenching them on the spot.
Tough it didn't really affected Nyx, Gale didn't seems to like it much.
Calen sighed and muttered a curse. "Come on, we need to get out of the rain, try to keep this tack dry," he muttered, steering Gale toward a small grove of trees.
Nyx lift his face toward the sky, feeling the rain on his skin, he smiled. But it seemed that it was better if they got somewhere dry. Hiding under a grove of trees, they stopped there.
-Rain is refreshing...-
He said. He got down from Gale and ran under the rain, he looked happy as he was getting soaked.
A small smile twitched at Calen's lips as he tied the horse to a low tree branch and untacked him. "I've always liked rain," he agreed, glancing up. "Makes travel a little difficult, but it's nice to just sit and enjoy it occasionally I suppose."
Nyx stayed under the rain, eventually looking back at Calen.
-It,s not a river, but it feel almost the same...-
The small drop were softly running on the undine skin, his hair turned a little blue when the rain touched them, as if absorbing the rain. He twirl on himself, as if dancing and smiled.
Calen sat back against the trunk of the tree and smiled as he watched his companion. "Careful," he called, feeling perhaps a little overprotective. "Mind your footing, it'll get slippery..."
Nyx was enjoying the rain, like a child playing in puddles. He could hear the rain sing in his ears, it was a beautiful melody meant to ease the heart and worries. He didn't slip but he was soaking wet, his hair now falling flat over his head.
It would rain like this for half an hour or so before the sun came back, in the sky, creating a beautiful seven color rainbow. Nyx looked at it with a large smile, he had never seen one so big before. He went back to Calen, taking his arm and pointing at the rainbow.
-Look! Look! It's so big!-
Calen laughed. "Yeah, I see it." Smiling and quite unable to help himself, he pulled the undine down onto his lap and wrapped his arms around his middle. "And you say you're not a kid," he muttered with a small chuckle.
He let himself do as he found himself sitting on Calen's lap. His cheeks turned red a bit as he was called a kid again. Maybe he was too excited over a simple rainbow, it's not like it was the first time he had seen one.
-W...well, it's still is beautiful...-
He then realized something and smiled.
-You know! I can make rainbow too! If I turn into water in the sun, he he!-
That thought just came to his mind and he wanted to try it, but it would have to wait for now. He laughed a little. It seemed his worries were gone with the rain.
"Really?" Calen smiled softly. "You'll have to show me sometime."
-Right..-
He nodded, eventually resting his head on Calen's shoulder. Even tough the sun was back, he didn't feel like going right away. Gale slowly returned to the sun, starting to eat some grass.
Cautiously, Calen wrapped his arms around Nyx and let his head rest against the undine's.
"What was it like?" he asked quietly. "Living in your lake."
How could he describe it, if it had been a few days ago, before he met Calen, the answer would probably have been different.
-It was...lonely...-
He said softly. Not that he wasn't happy nor did he dislike his life, but it was something else.
-Everyday was the same, tough, I did have fun, I was making friends with the fish and swimming all day, eating berries and sunbathing, sometime making shell necklace...-
He said.
-We used to play hide and seek, me and the fish...but you know, they got a bad memory so, they often forgot that we were actually playing...-
Calen chuckled at that mental image. "I bet they did." He nuzzled against the back of Nyx's head slightly.
"I'm sorry you were lonely."
-...It can't be help, I've always been alone in there...I've only met another undine once...-
He said softly, still lingering in Calen's arms. He was now realizing how he didn't want to return to that loneliness, or to that place. Yes, he felt at ease in water...but he didn't want to be alone again, that thought was scary, even scarier then meeting with humans.
"So, uh..." Calen wanted to ask him something, but he felt a little awkward about it. "Your kind...undines, um...about this whole partnership thing, taking a mate...how does that work for you guys?"
Nyx looked at him for a moment, thinking about how to answer that. He was wondering why he was bringing that up.
-Well...when we find one...someone that we like, we drink from the same cup a certain mixture, which makes us mate, gender doesn't matter...when we drink that, we swear loyalty, protection and kindness to the other...-
He started.
-And well...undine usually..you know...do it underwater...kinda like...fusing two bodies together...-
Well. He hadn't actually been asking about that specifically, but it was...good to know.
"Right. Ahem. Well, that's...sweet. The ceremony thing I mean."
He nodded, smiling.
-Yeah...but...I never had the chance to do it...-
He said. Maybe one day, he looked at Calen....yeah, maybe one day..
-How about your kin? How is it with humans?
"Well, that depends on a lot of different things. Where you're from, who you're marrying- that's what we call it, when we take a partner- if you're family is involved..."
He shrugged. "I guess if I ever did it, it would be pretty simple." He smiled a little ruefully and added, "But I don't think I'm really the marrying kind."
-That....sounds really complicated...Can't you just stay with the one you love?-
He asked. This sounded weird. True feelings were all that truly matters to him, but humans had a way to make things harder then they should be.
-Humans are sure strange...-
Calen smiled and hugged him a little closer to his chest. "Yeah, it is complicated," he chuckled. "For me, I think it'd be enough just to be with- um, someone...that, ya know, special person."
He cleared his throat abruptly and glanced up. "Looks like the weather's pretty clear, what say we get going?"
Nyx hugged him back. To him, Calen was special, but even if he said that, the man didn't seemed to want him to. You don't get to chose who your heart beat for.
He nodded slowly, lifting his head toward the man, then quickly planted a kiss on his lips, then got back up and ran toward the horse, then stopped and looked back.
-I don't care if you think I shouldn't just be with the first person I meet...I don't care if I didn't had any chance to meet other people...to me, you are special...and you can't change it!-
He said. Sticking his tongue at him with a grin.
Calen was frozen for a moment, then he started to laugh. "Oh gods."
Chuckling, he stood and shook his head. "Alright, kid. You win. I give up."
In a few quick steps he crossed the space between them and pulled the undine against his chest, claiming his lips in a kiss.
The undine's hands rested against Calen's waist, he was both surprised and happy. He eventually wrapped his arms around Calen's neck to hold himself closer to him, closing his eyes for a moment and only opening them back when the kiss was over.
-...-
He wasn't sure what to say, his heart was beating fast right now.
The mage smiled and reached up to cup Nyx's cheek in his hand. "Hey now, I didn't think I was good enough to strike someone speechless," he teased lightly.
Nyx raised an eyebrow, then grinned.
-Right...he he-
He started to laugh, a smile on his face as he hugged him again, nuzzling his face in his neck.
-I'm happy...-
He simply said. The wind was blowing, Nyx's clothes were still a bit wet and the brisky wind made him shiver a little.
Calen grinned and wrapped his arms around Nyx's shoulders, rubbing his arms in an effort to warm him up. "C'mon, kid, mount up. We've still got a ways to travel."
He nodded. They tack the horse again and he got on, this time without any problem and waited to Calen to get on as well. The road was a bit slippery but it would soon be dry, thanks to the sun.
Nyx felt lighter as they went on their way.
Calen kept Gale at a slightly slower pace to make sure the horse didn't lose his footing, but he seemed much more relaxed than before.
They went on trought the mountain trails without much problem, the forest was luxurious and the noises of animals and the chirping of the birds filled the air.
They came across a small valley, it was sunny, nobody around as they kept going to reach another main road. This one was a lot more busy as merchants and travelers could be met here and there. They came across a inn on their way, it was almost night time.
The mage called a halt just outside the inn. "How's this sound," he said to Nyx. "I'll stable Gale, and you can go in there and get a room all on your own. Okay?"
It came back to him, he had ask to do it, but that scary feeling was still there. He nodded, he had to do it. He took a deep breath and walked in, opening the door, looking around for the person in charge. A tall man aproached him.
-What can I do for ya kid...ya ain't from around are ya?-
-Hmm...are...are you the...the owner of the inn?-
He asked, looking at him nervously.
-That i am...-
-I...I'd like to take a room for two...and...we have a horse...-
He said. He was more or less making sense, but the man seemed to understand. He seemed relieved to see he wasn't alone.
-Sure...-
He went behind the bar and gave him a key.
-It's the third one on the right...first floor..-
-Th...thank you!-
He went back outside, looking for Calen, little did he know, someone else was watching him.
Calen stabled Gale and waited a few minutes before returning back to the front door of the inn, wanting to give Nyx the chance to work through any links he might have run into.
His eyes glinted happily when he saw the undine and he moved toward him. "Hey, kid. Not so bad, right?"
-I did ok I think...-
He said with a soft smile, he showed him the key.
-I got ourselves a room...it's the third one on the right, first floor...-
He said. This was more taxing then he had thought, but he was proud he manage to do it.
He smiled and ruffled Nyx's hair. "Come on then, let's get something to eat and grab some shuteye, yeah?"
He nodded and went in. He went ahead to ask for some food, trying to be less nervous and more confident. The owner nodded. There was a lot of people in the place. Travelers from all around and even some non human creatures.
Nyx couldn't help but look at them and figure, that was probably just what humans did when seen him, so he tried to keep his focus to himself.
"You doing alright?" Calen cast a concerned glance at the undine as he found a seat in the common room of the inn, gesturing for Nyx to join him.
He sat with Calen, nodding.
-Ah, yes...It's just that, there are other that aren't human like me...so I got curious and I was thinking...they probably don't like been looked at...like me..-
He said, smiling a little at the man. They were soon served food. It wasn't exactly the food of the year, but it certainly did the job.
"Well, you'll probably meet a lot of people who aren't human before you get back to your lake," Calen noted. "It's actually much more common than most people seem to think- at least here, in Serendipity."
-That's reassuring.-
He said, with a smile. He started to eat. The food was good. He tried not to be picky this time.
-Have you seen many non-human creatures on your travels Calen?
"Oh, sure. Lots." Calen stretched his arms over his head. "Half humans too, those are pretty common in certain areas."
-Sounds like you've seen a lot!-
He smiled softly. But then, he would also be able to see such things from now on since he would be traveling as well. That made him smile. He was done with his food and stretched a bit, yawning.
Calen smiled at him softly and slung an arm around his shoulders. "Looks like you might be ready to turn in," he chuckled lightly.
He nodded. Playing under the rain, the horse riding, and all that nervousness had make him a bit tired. With the food with all that, he was ready to get some sleep.
-Right...I think that would be perfect...-
He said, smiling sleepily at Calen, tilting his head on the side and ready to head to the room.
"Lead the way then." Calen patted the undine's shoulder, urging him to his feet.
Nyx got up and walk toward the room they had been assigned. The third one on the right, on the first floor. He unlocked the door and they got into a room with one bed, a small window and some furnitures.
Calen set their packs down and collapsed onto the bed with a sigh. "I'm beat," he muttered. "Wake me in a few days."
-Uh...a few days?-
Nyx asked, looking at Calen, surprised as he got into the bed as well, laying at his side. Wondering if the man was actually serious.
The mage cracked an eye open and suddenly chuckled. "I'm just kidding, Nyx. Means I'm really tired," he said with a crooked smile.
-Oh...I see.-
He laughed a little and got closer to Calen, then closed his eyes.
-Good night then...-
The mage hesitated a moment, then wrapped his arms around the undine and tucked him against his side. "Night, kid."
They fell asleep, Nyx quickly going to dreamland. When morning came, Calen found himself alone in the room, with only the sun to shine. Nyx's bag was still where he had left it.
Calen came awake slowly- then realized he was alone and shot up. "Nyx?" He looked around the room. "Nyx? Oi, kid, where'd you get to?"
Telling himself not to worry, he hurried to the door and down to the common room of the inn, searching for the undine.
The undine was nowhere to be found, he wasn't in the common room. A few people were up and having breakfast.
Calen frowned. "Hey." He flagged down the proprietor of the inn. "The kid I came in with, rented our room- did you see where he went?"
The owner looked at him.
-Hmm...last time I've seen him, he went outside to feed your horse...said you were tired and didn't want to wake you up...--
He said.
"Thanks." Calen nodded and slipped outside, hurrying to the stable.
Rushing to the stables, you see Gale, in it's stale, but no sign of the undine. The horse jump a bit when it sees you, trying to get out, it looks worried and angry.
"Hey, hey, whoa." Calen moved to the horse's head and tried to calm him down, speaking soothingly and patting his neck.
He looked around, panic starting to rise in his chest. "Nyx? Hey, Nyx!"
The horse didn't seem to calm down much, he was trying to get out of the stale, pushing his head toward the exit, as if trying to tell you something. Gale started to hit the ground with his hoof, shaking his head heavily.
Calen frowned and took a step back, then sprang up onto the gelding's back. "Alright. Okay- uh, find Nyx?" He clicked and tapped his heels against the horse's sides.
As soon as you were on his back and he was free to move, the horse rush outside, then hesitate as he seemed to be looking for something, then eventually start rushing in some direction, apparently following a trails, fresh, left in the ground.
[Not sure if you realized you're writing in second person :3]
"Whoa, easy." Calen dug his finger's into the gelding's mane and essentially just held on, confused but willing to let the horse lead.
(oupsies! Sorry about that! I didn't noticed!)
As the horse kept going for a while, he suddenly came to a stop, now outside of the village and back toward the forest, the path was leading to the main city, but they had arrived at a splitting road and the horse looked at it a bit confused.
Calen jumped down and knelt at the fork in the road. He wasn't the world's best tracker, but he good tell new tracks from old.
That, and he'd be willing to bet the undine's footprints would be sort of shuffling at this point, unused to walking as opposed to swimming.
He frowned, straightening up. "What the hell, Nyx?" he muttered as he mounted up again and urged Gale down the right hand path.
As Calen moved further and went on for a while, until Calen start to hear voices calling out to each other.
-C'mon you idiots! Find that kid or I swear I'll have your heads! He's probably worth a fortune on the black market! Hurry!-
One man called. They were still a bit away, but Calen could see multiple shadow moving around the forest.
-How the hell did he escape...damnit!
The ice mage went still. Slavers.
Fuck.
He slipped off Gale's back and waved his arms at the gelding, trying to urge him back down the path, then slipped into the trees. The last thing he needed was for them to see him. His eyes flicked around warily as he fought down panic.
Nyx was okay. He had to be okay.
The horse shook his head, but eventually went off. The slavers were walking trough the forest, trying to find their target, they rustle trough bush and trees but couldn't find him.
-Next time we'll put him in a bottle or something! Bastard!-
One of them call. There was a small river further down the mountain path, and small ponds along the side as well.
Calen follows the sound of running water as quietly as he could. When he came to the bank of the river, he knelt in the underbrush.
"Nyx? C'mon, please be here..."
The water surface was calm, there wasn't much to see, but something caught Calen's attention as something moved under the surface, almost invisible to the eye, but as Calen had already seen it once, he manage to notice it.
Nyx was swimming underwater, he had merge with it, his own body now water itself, escaping those man. He was scared, he had no idea of why these people were after him or if he had done anything wrong to anger them.
Calen sighed in relief when he spotted movement. "Nyx. Hey, kid," he whispered, hovering a hand over the water. "It's me. C'mon."
From under the water, it was harder to hear from outside and as soon as he spotted the wavering hand, he went deeper into the water, until he realize that he knew that voice. A familiar and reassuring one. Slowly, he resurfaced, his head barely popping out of the water as he looked at Calen. Fear filled his deep blue eyes.
-Calen?...-
He asked softly, and finally recognizing the man, he looked around nervously, then headed to the edge of the river, but didn't dare come out just yet. Tears started filling his eyes.
"Aw, kid..." The mage crinkled his brow and reached out. "C'mere. Let's get you out of here. What the hell happened?"
He wasn't so sure he wanted to get out, these man were still around, but Calen's proximity reassured him so he slowly came out, extending his arms to the taller man.
-I don't know...you...you were sleeping I...didn't want to wake you...I wanted to train with..with Gale...-
He began, sobbing a little.
-And...when I entered the stables...someone hit me on the head...-
He was in fact, bleeding a little at the side. He hugged Calen tightly.
-When...I woke up, I was in some sort of cage...so...I escaped by transforming into water...and...now your here...-
"Shh, shhh." Calen stroked his hair, careful of the bump on his head, and held him against his chest. "It's okay, kid," he murmured, shoving away the sudden rage that rose up in his chest. He could deal with it later. "I've got you, it's gonna be okay."
His eyes flickered around warily and he slowly stood, keeping his arms around the undine. "Come on, we need to get out of here.
He nodded slowly, keeping close to Calen, he was scared, if he had known how scary the outside world was, maybe he wouldn't have gone out of his lake. He walked with him as he let him lead. The other man were still searching and they were closing in, but they hadn't found them yet, even tough their voices could be heard from the trees.
"Okay." Hovering beside the path, Calen took Nyx's shoulders and gave him a small, encouraging smile. "I sent Gale back down that way." He pointed. "Follow after him and catch up. I'm..."
He glanced over his shoulder, jaw tightening. "I'm gonna take care of the slavers. Okay?"
He gave Calen a worried look as he talk about taking care of the slavers. What did he mean? But what Calen would do to them he didn't care, he was worried that he would get hurt, or worst...
-No...do...don't leave me...-
He said, holding tight to him, nervously and shaking. These people were bad people, he could tell that much.
-I don't want you to get hurt...-
He added, looking at him in the eyes.
Calen sighed softly, then reached up to cup his cheek. "I'll be fine," he murmured. "But if I don't get rid of these guys, they're gonna keep coming after you. I'm gonna keep you safe, okay?"
He kissed the undine's forehead, then turned him around and gave him a gentle shove down the path. "Go on, hurry."
Nyx gave Calen another worried look, but with the push, didn't had much choice and started hurrying down the path, to find Gale again. Hoping with all his heart that Calen would stay safe. The last thing he wanted, was for him to get hurt, it was his fault again. If only he could defend himself somehow...
Calen paced to the middle of the path and stood there, arms folded over his chest and his face set in a mask of rage. The air around him plummeted in temperature. These slavers were going to wish they'd never set eyes on Nyx.
Hell, he'd make them wish they'd never been born.
Nyx made his way back to Gale, he was happy to see him waiting down the path and ran to it, taking his head in his arms, the horse welcomed him warmly.
One of the slaver took notice of him, and seen how angry he was, he couldn't help but feel shiver down his spine.
-Your....-
The slaver started, he took out his sword, pointing it toward the man.
-What do you want? Trouble?-
"That kid you grabbed?" Calen offered a smile that was scarily icy. "Friend of mine. You really shouldn't have done that."
He held a hand out and shouted in a language that seemed to make the air itself shiver. Ice spread across the ground from his feet, climbing up the slaver's legs and holding them in place before slowly making its way up the rest of their bodies.
Calen drew a knife from its sheath at his hip and grinned.
The man looked at Calen with surprise on his face as his body was frozen solid. He tried to move, to no avail. Others came as he started screaming for help.
-His a mage! Shoot him!!-
He called, even tough he could move, the others that were closer found themselves in ice as well, but some had stayed away.
Calen threw a hand out an ice shot from his fingers, a thousand tiny daggers digging into their skin.
He didn't wait to see if the ice had killed the slavers. He just turned on his heel and threw up a wall of ice behind him.
Taking off down the path, he called a quiet, "Nyx?"
Calen could hear screams of pain, then silence. He reached for the path he had taken earlier, he had to walk for a moment before he would see Nyx, next to Gale. When the undine saw Calen unarmed, he ran to him and hugged him tight.
"Oof." The mage staggered slightly, then wrapped his arms around Nyx. "See? Told you it'd be fine," he murmured. "Come on, let's get on Gale and get out of here."
He nodded slowly, but didn't let go of Calen just yet. He eventually let go and climbed onto Gale's back, waiting for Calen to do the same.
-Where are we going then?-
He asked. He was wondering if he would encounter other people like that, would they all try to catch him? And for what?
-What did they wanted with me? Why did they want to catch me?
Calen sighed as he climbed up onto the horse, settling himself in front of Nyx this time and tugging the undine's arms around his waist.
"They were slavers," he growled as he nudged Gale forward. "They were going to sell you. They probably thought you were pretty, exotic, and would fetch a decent price."
He didn't understand. They would sell him, like some sort of pet? Like an object? He hugged his arms firmly around Calen's waist, cuddling his face against his back. They were terrible, humans were terrible.
-Why do they do that...? That's...terrible...-
He said, frowning. He didn't like it, not at all.
He sighed again. "I don't know, kid. Some people are just...twisted."
He felt silent, just keeping close to Calen for now, was he the only one he could trust now? He felt somewhat weird, and hurt. Gale was moving on as they moved toward their next destination.
-Where...are we going Calen?-
He asked softly.
He was quiet for a moment. Then:
"I'm taking you home."
-Home?....-
Nyx repeated slowly, unsure if he had heard correctly.
-Do...you mean...my lake?-
He asked. Then it would mean, he would be all alone again.
-No!...I...I don't want to go back! -
He said, clinging to Calen.
Calen stopped the horse with a heavy sigh. He twisted a bit to look at Nyx.
"Kid..." He reached up to cup his cheek and smiled sadly. "I don't think the world is good enough for you. I don't want you to get hurt."
Nyx didn't care about the world. Not anymore, his world was sitting right in front of him. Undine had that kind of mindset, they didn't need riches, castle, possessions or gold, if they had one thing that was important to them, they would hold on to it and cherish it no matter what.
-Then you'll just leave me there?...All alone...far...from you...?...-
He said, weakly. Pain was swirling in his chest, not a physical one, tough it was hard for him to tell what it was. Fear?
"I- I don't..."
The mage huffed out a breath and dropped his head. "Listen, kid..." He slid down from Gale's back and reached up to lift the undine down. "Nyx."
He smiled at him and leaned in to kiss his forehead. "I'm sorry, sweetheart. But this is what's best for you."
Nyx looked at him, so much had changed even tough it had been such a short while, but he knew, he couldn't return to that solitary life, something deep inside him was telling him that. He shook his head.
-No! no! no! It's not! How could you know!? I want to stay with you! I love you!-
He said, holding to Calen's clothes, tears in his eyes, in the fear to be abandon.
Calen's breath hitched slightly and he held Nyx a little tighter. "No you don't," he murmured. "You just don't want to be alone anymore. And I get that, I do."
Smiling sadly, he leaned back to brush the hair out of Nyx's face. "I can't keep you out here, it's too dangerous. I- I could come visit you, okay?"
He shook his head, he didn't want Calen to come visit, he didn't want to return there, not if he was away.
-Why won't you believe me?! Why do you think my feelings aren't true?-
He asked, sobbing as he looked at Calen, straight in the eyes. There was no lies, just the purity of his words and feelings.
-I'll learn to defend myself! I will! So...so you won't have to...worry too much...and...and we can be together...-
"Ah, kid." Calen groaned and closed his eyes. "You've been alone so long...I'm afraid you're jumping at the first affection you get. And- and I don't want to...take advantage."
He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "Nyx, this... Look, I care about you, kid. That's why I'm doing this. I'm not happy about it either."
-Then why? Why are you doing this if neither of us is happy?-
He asked. He didn't understand, perhaps the world was harsh, but he would learn, what kind of life was it to stay in the same place forever, all alone? And he knew that it wasn't just because he was lonely, there was something else. Something much more powerful that dwell inside of him, wanting to be by that man's side.
"Because this is what's best for you," Calen sighed.
It just felt like no matter what he would say, Calen just didn't wanted him at his side, and that broke his heart, his eyes suddenly turned empty and his head lowered, there was nothing he could do anymore, was there?
-......-
He stopped talking and fell silent, tears still running on his cheeks, but silent.
"Oh, Nyx..." He dipped to grasp the undine's chin and lift his face. "C'mon, don't do that. Oh, kid, please don't cry." He leaned in to kiss his forehead and wrapped him up in a tight hug.
Tears just keep running on his cheeks. What was he suppose to do now? Why was he suffering like that? He couldn't help it, he couldn't stop it, even if he was told to.
-I...can't help it...-
He said, his words struggling to get out. He felt miserable.
Calen let out a long breath, then wrapped his arms around Nyx's waist and lifted the undine off his feet in a hug. He turned his face into his neck with a sharp breath.
"...You really think you love me, don't you?"
-I don't think, I do! I know I do!-
He said, still crying, but holding on to Calen as he was lift off the ground, this warm, this man, no matter what he would say, he was the one, and the only one. This was one thing about beings like Nyx, undine, spirits and others more magical creatures, had a more deep idea of love, a one way of it. They could feel it. But that was something rare for two beings of different species to experience.
Nyx knew Calen was the one he loved, the one he wanted to be with, but was it the same for Calen? Would he be true to his feelings? Or would he listen to his head?
The mage groaned, clutching Nyx a little tighter. "Gods, kid," he murmured. "What are you doing to me."
He pulled away to see his face, cupping his cheeks between his palms. Then he let out a sharp breath and pulled the undine into a kiss.
Which was it? It was all so confusing for Nyx right now, he knew his own feelings. As he was pull into a kiss, he felt that same wave of warm washing over him and his heat skip a beat again. He kept sobbing for a moment, unsure of what that kiss meant.
"Shh, shh." Not sure what else to do, Calen peppered kisses over Nyx's nose and cheeks, wiping tears away with his thumbs. "It's okay," he murmured, rubbing one hand up and down his back. "IT's okay..."
Slowly, Nyx's sobbing came to a stop, he felt tired as he looked back up at Calen, eventually nuzzling his face against his chest and wrapping his arms around him into a hug.
-S...sorry...-
He said slowly, wiping the tears off his cheeks.
"No, don't. It's- it's not your fault." Calen sighed and let his cheek rest on top of his head. "None of this is your fault, kid. I'm- I'm so sorry..."
Nyx's sob had stopped, he let himself rest against Calen, he felt tired, as if all his tears had taken all his energy.
-I...just want to be with you...-
He said softly, holding on tightly to him.
"I-" Calen huffed out a breath, eyes closed. "I don't want to send you away, kid. It's killing me to see you hurting. But I care about you too much to do this to you, keep you out here where you could get hurt- or worse."
-But...getting hurt...is part of being alive...-
He said. He couldn't live like a bird in a golden cage, even in his river, there was no garantee he would always be safe. The river could dry, the lake could become polluted, he could be chase by other beast.
-Calen...my world...isn't as safe as you may think it is...be it here or there...I'll face danger, they just will not show in the same form...-
He spoke, calmly this time.
-But...if I'm with you...at the very least...I can be happy...-
That made him pause. Logically, he knew the undine was right.
But gods he wished he wasn't.
"Okay," he whispered after a few moments. "Okay, Nyx. I- I won't force you to do something you don't want." He leaned back to look at him and offered a small smile, reaching up to run his thumb over his cheek.
-But still...was this...the only reason you were pushing me away? You said...you care about me...do you...really do?-
He asked, lifting his eyes toward him. He wanted to be sure, because, if his feelings were true, and he knew they were, what about Calen's? He wanted to hear it, he needed to hear it.
"I..."
Calen let out a long breath. "Look, Nyx, it's a bit more...complicated for me, this whole...thing." He rested his forehead against the undine's. "I do care about you, kid. A lot. But I'm just sorta waiting for you to figure out you don't really- ya know. Love me."
-...-
He paused a moment, then looking back at him, frowning.
-How can you say that...how can you be so sure of my feelings? why is it that you want me to not love you so much?-
He asked, this time, there was anger in his voice. Was it so wrong to believe one's heart?
-There is nothing to figure out...I just know...is it so hard to believe?-
"Yeah, it is." Calen frowned at him. "Look, I get that you like me. Care about me. Whatever. But you've spent most of your life alone, of course you're going to jump at the first affection you get! And-"
He gritted his teeth and ran a hand through his hair. "I'm just...not good at this stuff, Nyx, alright?"
Nyx didn't knew what to say anymore. It was obvious, there was nothing he could do anymore, and it was painful. Of course he didn't knew any other, but it didn't mean it wasn't true. What was he suppose to do then?
-....-
He kept silent for a moment, his head down, trying to get his thoughts straight, but he didn't even know what to think about. How to react in this kind of situation? He clench his fist, looking back up at Calen.
-Then what am I to do?...-
He sighed again and gently ran his hand over the undine's hair. "I don't know, Nyx," Calen murmured, drawing him closer and laying his cheek against the top of his head. "I guess...for now, we get back on Gale and keep heading to Arca."
Nyx nodded slowly. There wasn't much he could do, but move forward and see what the futur had for him.
-I suppose so...-
He said. Gale walked to them, pushing it's big head on them and Nyx patted him, trying a small smile on his face.
-Yeah..your right Gale...I have to be strong too...-
He said, as if answering the horse.
"Come on then." Calen swung himself up onto the geldings and held his hand down to Nyx. "Let's get going."
He took Calen's hand and got on the horse as well, ready to head out again, this time, with a new resolve in mind. He needed to clear out his feelings, so he would be certain...once that was done, he could be sure and even the other man couldn't deny them if they ended been true...but if it was indeed simply because it was the first affection he got, well, that would be that.
"So..." Calen cast about for something to say.
"I guess undines don't really have much of a stigma for couples like us, huh?"
He blinked. Well he certainly hadn't meant to say that out loud. "I mean- ahem. You know what, forget I said that."
Nyx looked at him, twisting his neck a bit to see him.
-Huh?....A stigma? What do you mean?-
He wanted to know more abut human relationship, but he had no idea what the man meant by stigma.
"I mean..." He waved his hand awkwardly. "Some sort of judgement, I guess. You guys don't have that?"
Nyx raised an eyebrow.
-What do you mean by judgement? I'm not sure I follow you? Well...you can say Undine do it by instinct...-
He said, tilting his head a little as he looked back forward to not strain his neck.
Calen shook his was with a small smile. "Never mind then. Forget I said anything."
Nyx still didn't understood what Calen meant, but at any rate, he would probably know eventually. As they moved on, they didn't encounter anymore problem and eventually, night fell over the land, putting their walk to a stop.
-Should we stop for the night?-
The undine asked softly.
"If you want," Calen said with a shrug. He brought Gale to a halt and swung down off the horse's back, reaching up to help Nyx down.
He took Calen's arms to go down and landed on his feet.
-Thanks..-
He said. He looked around, they had stopped in the forest, there was no river around to sleep in, he started freeing Gale from his burden.
"Here, I'll to that." Calen passed over their bags and sleeping rolls. "Why don't you set up camp a bit while I untack him?"
-Oh...ok.-
He said, taking the bedroll and other stuff, he headed a bit further and looked for an open space, before setting up the camp, putting down the bedroll side by side and starting to gather some wood and stones for a fire, so they would keep warm.
Once Calen had untacked Gale, he slipped an easy rope halter over the horse's head and lead him after Nyx, tying him loosely to a low tree branch.
"Here, I'll start a fire," he said with a small smile, gathering flint from his pack and looking around for some kindling.
Nyx nodded. He looked at Calen while he started the fire, then sat on the ground, tilting his head a little as he watched.
-So...how are big cities? I mean...I suppose there are a lot of houses and all...how about people?-
He asked.
"Well, there's lots of people, usually. People who live there and those just passing through, like us." He shrugged. "It's a lot to take in at first, but I'm sure you'll get used to it."
-I see...well, I hope I won't get too nervous...-
He said, tilting his head on the side a little. He chuckle a little and sighed, stretching a bit. Today had been quite tiring after all.
"Don't worry." Calen smiled and laid his hand on top of Nyx's head for a moment. "I'm gonna be here to look out for you alright?"
After those slavers, the undine was never leaving his sight again.
Nyx smiled at him, nodding slightly.
-Right!-
He said with a soft smile. He stretched some more as his stomach started growling slightly. He blushed a little.
-Hmm...
Calen chuckled. "Hungry?"
He nodded slowly.
-Yeah...-
He gave a shy smile at Calen and chuckle a bit. He would usually eat some berries from the river, but not this time. he would learn what humans usually eats and so on.
-What do we have on the menu tonight?-
"Well, travel rations, I guess," Calen chuckled, digging into his pack and emerging with a few strips of dried meat and some rather hard bread. "Here. Better than nothing."
-Right!-
He took his share and started to eat slowly. It wasn't the best food in the world, but it was still better then an empty stomach. Looking at the fire, he eventually got lost in thoughts while eating his food.
Finish his own rations, Calen rolled out his bedroll, then leaned over and wrapped the other one around Nyx's shoulders. "C'mon, get some sleep, kid. I'll keep watch for a while."
-Oh...alright.-
He stretched a bit again and put down his bedroll before getting in, giving one last look at Calen, before closing his eyes, if Calen was close, everything would be fine, wouldn't they? Night would soon follow.
Calen patted his shoulder gently, then leaned back against his pack with a huff, keeping a wary eye out as dusk turned to night.
It was getting dark and the moon slowly rose in the sky, along with the stars, glorious as always in all their splendor. Nyx soon fell asleep, his dreams as vivid as they come, somehow fill with a bit of what happened to day, he tossed in his sleep.
Seeing Nyx stir out of the corner of his eye, Calen leaned over at bit and laid a hand gently on his shoulder, murmuring soothing nonsense.
Quickly calming down, the undine got back into a deep slumber. The night was quiet, some owl letting out small noise in the distance, but nothing alarming so far.
Calen kept his hand on the undine's shoulder, shifting a little closer so he could rub his back gently as he sat watch through the night.
A few moments later, as the man kept watch, he was met with small strange shimmering light. But there was something else about these light, they were winged and had actually humanoid form when you'd look at them closer.
The mage leaned back, a small smile twitching at his lips. "Hey, Nyx." He shook his shoulder gently. "Wake up, I think you'll wanna see this."
-hmm....*mumble* hmm whaaa?...-
The undine asked, slowly opening his eyes, then when he saw the small light, his eyes widened.
-Ahh! ...Will O wisp!-
He exclaimed, surprised. He'd never seen them so far from the marsh. What were they doing here? The small creatures were surrounding them now, floating casually around them, apparently curious but not ill willed.
Calen chuckled. "The fae draw each other," he said softly. "They probably sensed you and were curious, came to get a look at their cousin."
Nyx lift his hand and one of the will'o wisp came closer, sitting on his hand. From up close, he could see their humanoid form and their big fiery eyes.
-Hey there..-
He said slowly, looking at the small creature with a kind and friendly smile. They kept floating around, gathering around Nyx, letting soft laughter, some gathered around Calen, sitting on his shoulders. they were the size of a man's hand and weight next to nothing.
"Oi." Calen eyed one of the little creatures sitting on his shoulder. "Whatcha doin' there? I'm no fae- go on, shoo."
The little creature gave a somewhat surprised and angry look at Calen for being pushed from her seat and went flying around Nyx instead.
-He he...Well...I rarely see them away from the marsh...I wonder why they are here...-
And that,s when they could see another figure a little further in the wood, standing not too far...a child from the size of it.
Calen glanced at the newcomer warily. "Faeries," he grumbled. "Why is it always faeries?" He leaned back, closing his eyes. "Long as you lot don't try anything funny, we've got no quarrel."