Spirits of the Earth

It was just another day in Essyrn for most people. To go about their day in the city built around the oasis. It was a fairly spectacular city to have been built up and stayed successful despite all the problems that living in the desert accomplished. Now people flocked to the city, and for good reasons as well. After all, people needed a haven from the desert sun, the bitings winds, and the stinging sands. This was the place to be, this was the absolute place to live for most humans in the desert. It was one of those safe places for those who couldn't survive in such an inhospitable place.

Yes...inhospitable. That is what the humans thought the desert was.

There were tribes however who lived quite happily, travelling from place to place, or even finding another small oasis and setting up camp there. None would ever find a place as good as Essyrn of course, where the oasis would forever be there providing life. Some were lucky enough though, and some were able to make a good life for themselves. Like the Vin 'El tribe was a good example of that. Now one of them was sent into the great city of Essyrn for trade.

He willingly did so of course, because he absolutely loved visiting Essyrn. There was more water here than he could ever imagine (Though, he had heard of the ocean and it's vast quantities of undrinkable water.) and there were more things to do here than he could shake a stick at. The only thing that soured his demeanour was the face that he had a friend along with him, another member of the Vin 'El tribe.

The trade caravan was five camels in total, with canvas sacks and bags on each one of them. They were all tied together by special reigns to make them follow the lead camel, which had one member of the Vin 'El tribe on it, while the rear was brought up with another Vin 'El on the rear camel. One seemed to be in good spirits, while the other was anything but. Both of them had dark almost caramel coloured skin, though the man at the front of the group had light brown hair, while the one at the back at dull black hair, with a long braid coming from the middle of the back of his head. It was tied up with thin golden chains, like they were strings to keep his hair into a braid. The brown haired man just had his hair in a ponytail. Both of them had long ears that shot up over their heads and curved forward like they were goats of some kind.

However, they were far from being ungulates.

The man at the rear had triangle pupils and orange eyes, which stared at the back of his camel's head, muttering something to himself in a strange language. "Vistin all'igor grin'tak dor." The man muttered to himself as he kept his gaze where it was. He was ALWAYS the one who got to go into town, he didn't NEED to have another person come with him. So it took him an extra day to leave the city, big deal! They never needed him back right away anyway! He was doing reconnaissance work, finding out if the people knew anything, or if they found anything interesting in their travels. Yes. That was exactly it.

It wasn't that he liked to watch the locals, or smell the exotic smells of the tavern, or even flirt with a few of the girls, despite knowing that he could never do a whole lot with them. They were all so beautiful, but none of them were really...bonding worthy.

"Gaivit Den Capric, Vist Alvain!" His companion called to him over his shoulder and he looked up, glaring sand encrusted daggers at him. Cheer up. Yeah, he could cheer up. The moment they got into the merchant square he was going to ditch his friend and do what he usually did. Drink milk and water in a tavern, laughing it up with the locals. He adjusted the light airy sand coloured shirt he wore, carefully adjusting the little ties at the front to ensure that people could see his torso better. He wasn't heavily muscled, well, he wasn't...really muscled at all, but he did look good. Athletic, that's what someone had called him once, and it was true. He looked fast after all. He thought himself handsome, devilishly handsome.

And not many could deny it!

As they finally got into the market square, both of them hopped off their camels and met in the middle. "Gevi Del Int-" The first one began to speak but the second one cut him off quickly. "No, we speak trader's tongue now. People think us talk about them in our tongues, and insult them." It was apparent he wasn't too well versed in the trader's tongue, at least...not as good as he believed. "But my hate speaking tongue. So many oddness, hard to say. We need speak our language, Capric." The second one complained. "Don't worry, I speak it nice, and make try, they will be happy at least." Capric explained to his friend who nodded. With that, the two of them split up, Capric taking three of the camels, while his friend took two of them. Capric put in orders quickly, sold his merchandise quickly, tied his camels to a post and quickly ducked into a tavern.

"Capric! You sand covered cur!" The bartender called to him, and he quickly grinned and rushed over to the man. He set up a glass of cold milk for Capric, who took it and quickly drank from it. "Ahh...many gratefuls to you my friend...it has been tall day." Capric told him as he settled onto a bar stool and stretched. "Well, take a load off my friend and enjoy." With that the bartender wandered off to serve his patrons, while Capric sipped the glass of milk and looked at the well lit tavern. Hopefully there was a nice woman around to take his mind off his bad mood.

She couldn't recall how she actually got to Essyrn. Being blind and travelling was always a bit of an experience, everything was new, even if she'd been there before. Varali wasn't the best with traveling, or return trips. So far, she'd been able to stay with a kind couple who felt sorry for her after finding out she was blind. She made them teas and salves for their aching joints and they decided she could stay as long as she liked.

It was about sixty steps away from the noisy door.

The one she was about to go into.

While Varali wasn't sadistic she rather liked when people had aching joints or headaches, because then she could see them. It was a selfish want. It wasn't like she made a habit out of smacking people, it was just easier to avoid their limbs if they had one that hurt. Even tiny twinges let her 'see'.

Puffing out her cheeks, the door was pushed open and she slid in. As usual, Varali had her bag over her shoulder, her hair in it's ponytail. The light brown mess of hair fell to her waist in waves and she took careful steps, listening to voices, the noises of glasses and chatting was loud. A few people had aching joints from a hard days work and she bumped into a few things, not too hard to be noticed.

Then there was someone's back in her face and she stumbled backwards. "Goodness me!" she moved a hand to her face and reached out, touching the shoulder, moving down the arm before she touched the bar counter, feeling for a chair, which she leaned against. "I'm terribly sorry..." Adalia frowned for a moment and then smiled, "Sir." she was pretty sure it was a Sir. Smelled like one.

"I didn't mean to bump into you, I'm afraid I didn't see you!" She smiled again before taking the seat beside him, getting a glass of water. She stared down at the counter, or at least it looked like she stared down at the counter. "Do you want small talk or an apology?"

((From now on, italics are for his language xD))

He had lost his 'friend,' he had done his duty to his people, and now he was having a nice cool glass of milk! Things were looking up, despite how his people had sent some sort of...ugh...babysitter with him. While in the terms of his people, he was a young man, he certainly didn't need anyone to watch over him. How couldn't they trust him? He followed all their little rules and traditions, he did all they asked of him, well...almost all they asked him. Like he ignored 'come home right after' because he didn't want to. He wanted to stay after all, he didn't want to follow anything silly like that.

He was just about to take another sip of milk before something ran into his back. He jumped slightly, spilling milk onto the counter top. He scowled slightly as he looked at the spilt milk. He barely felt the person touching his shoulder and his arm, but he swung to his side to look at the person who did it.

And gawked openly.

For a man who spent his life in the desert and saw mostly people with darker coloured skin...to see a woman like this was a rare sight. Her skin was so...soft and white looking...and her eyes were...so sweetly coloured. They were a light lavender colour! She looked so....she stuck out like a white flower in a sea of darkness. And she was speaking to him! He blinked as he tried to think of anything to say. "You are so...beautiful." Capric spoke, then coughed quickly. Oh he spoke in his language, he was actually thankful for that. "I mean...I would like...two. If it keeps you speaking to me." He told her with a large grin. He had to be smooth, as smooth as he could possibly be.

He was a Vin 'El after all.

Ha! It was a man! A moment of 'yay, I'm right' and she turned her head towards him slightly, eyes still downcast at the table. It was the most comfortable position to hold her gaze, seeing as how looking around wildly would be just odd.

Varali leaned in, slightly confused when she spoke a strange langauge. "That was a pretty language." She said, offering a smile, tilting her head to the side then chuckling lightly when he spoke common again. "I can keep speaking to you if that's what you like." She smiled again and placed her hands flat on the counter top, shifting in her seat.

She could hear his smile through his broken words, that lilt that they had when people had their mouths pulled open at the sites. Varali touched enough faces, see enough grimaces to understand what the basic humanoid face looked like. The language though. Hmm. "Where are you from? I don't think I've ever heard that language before." a small frown, but she quickly smiled again, her expression before she pursed her lips and stuck out her tongue.

Oh, of course.

"My name is Varali, by the way. I'm from Serendipity, originally." It was best to do introductions first, she found. Made people always a little less awkward about their own names and locations.

A chance of fate, an encounter like no other, smitten on first contact. She didn't feel the same, but Capric didn't care. He was already thinking of a plan.

"That is what I want." Capric said quickly, not wanting to mess up the trader's tongue anymore. He knew he wasn't the best at it, but he thought he was quite good at it. There were some words that he got wrong, but what could they expect? He spoke Vin 'El mostly, he was used to speaking his own language.

Capric opened his mouth to answer her question about his language but quickly shut it as she began to speak again. He didn't expect her to give her name right away, but here she was, telling him everything about her. From Serendipity. He heard of that place, a great land far away from here. Perfect. It meant that if she did happen to be...kidnapped, it would take a long while for someone to find her. Maybe no one even would come! He could only be so lucky. To meet an angel, of such great beauty, and to have her as his own. The others would be so jealous. They all had to bond with other Vin 'El, boring old caramel coloured Vin 'El, or whatever tribe they might have made an arrangement with.

"My people call me Capric, I am Vin 'El. The tongue I spoke was Vin 'El, of my people." He managed to get through that rather well! He was actually proud of himself, it didn't sound like he made any mistake. Then again, a lot of that was something he had said...many...MANY times before. Especially the part about being Vin 'El. "I do not talk Vin 'El in the city, many people like only hearing Trader's Tongue. So I try to speak your tongue so that people will like me."

She chuckled. He sounded nice. Wasn't sure if he looked like he sounded, but she could care less about something like that. If she had one redeeming quality it was that she was far from shallow. After she yammered on, Varali quietly sat, her hands on the counter and her head turned toward him, her eyes still downcast. It would be awkward to stare at someone she couldn't see, even if she'd been told she has lovely eyes.

Varali always figured she looked a bit dull, with her blank gaze. "Capric." she repeated, hoping she pronounced it correctly. Because she had no sight, the concept of languages interested her. She tried to learn all the old Serenian she could, it was hard to find a teacher. Most of them only taught how to read it, and that would have been rather useless. Got to learn a few words, if she met anyone who spoke it she'd have been able to hold a very basic conversation and ask for the nearest library, since she forgot the word bathroom.

"I like it!"She said quickly, moving a hand waywardly and upwards, smacking one of his ears. Well, she hadn't been expecting that. "I'm so sorry! I didn't see it." Obviously. She tried to smile at her own joke but it just turned into a faulty look, she turned her eyes towards where she suspected him to be. She was off by a few inches, but she smiled apologetically anyway. "I like your language. Vin 'El?" She pursed her lips and smiled again, "Where are you from? The desert, I assume? Are you ...human?Ish?" No human had ears like that! Varali knew that much.

He still had no idea she was blind. He wouldn't even care probably. She was beautiful, she was so different from other Vin 'El women, she could be a zombie for all he cared. Er. Well. Maybe not a zombie. That's where he drew the line.

More than likely.

"Yes, Capric." He nodded excitedly. She had gotten it quite correct, though it wasn't a particularly difficult name to pronounce. The full name of Vin 'El was quite difficult to pronounce, but only members of the Vin 'El tribe were allowed to pronounce it. Outsiders were not told it, and were not allowed to speak it if they heard it. It was one of those culture things.

"Many gratefuls that y-ayie!" He almost stumbled off his chair when she smacked his ear. The pain wasn't excruciating, but it was rather painful as it shot through his ear and he let out a small whimper. The ears of a Vin 'El, of all his people, were a little bit sensitive considering how well they helped with hearing, and with balance. "W-what? I am sitting...you..." He blinked several times as he lifted a hand and waved it near her face, noticing her eyes didn't follow it. She...was blind. So she couldn't see? His absent hand rubbed his ear carefully, shaking his head. It kinda stung still. "I thought you could vision like me...but I look now that you see darkness...I appear as some humans...though I ears are much longer...also I own odd looking eyes, compared to humans...though, your eyes appear much greater beautiful than any human eyes." He was trying his best still to be smooth, but his ear at least wasn't hurting as much. He hoped that she wasn't too...put off by him.

A blush. She felt the air by her face when he waved his hand and she turned her face away. The glow from his hurt ear turned her gaze though and she reached out, making a face. "I'm so sorry. I hurt you." Her finger moved to it gently, rubbing up and down until the glow disappeared and she replaced her hand on her lap. Smiling again.

"Yes. It's called 'blind.'" Supplying Capric with the word for seeing darkness. He didn't seem like a dummy, didn't seem slow or anything. Obviously he was good with languages if he was comfortable enough to chat with a complete stranger. "I'm sure you have lovely eyes Capric." Varali nodded and then turned her sightless gaze downwards, tempted to pinch at her hand for something to 'look' at.

She laughed when he commented on her eyes living them and turning them in his general direction. A soft lavender, easily mistaken for a strange shade of blue, but close enough and they were surely lavender. "Thank you. I'm told I have nice eyes quite often." Varali put a hand to her mouth and pressed against her lips with her fingertips, "Seems a bit like a cruel joke, in all honesty."

Varali's curiosity got the better of her and her hand slowly reached forward to where abouts she remembered his ear being, her fingers touched it gently before she poked at the tip. "Why do you have such long ears? To help you cool off? Or can you hear better? Like a rabbit, maybe?" She smiled and kept poking and stroking his ear. It was completely fascinating!

The soft gentle caress...it was like a cloud kissing his skin. He almost let out a purr as she touched them. She seemed to know where it was, but he wasn't going to complain! He was going to enjoy it. For a Vin 'El, the feeling of someone touching your ears was...simply divine, though perhaps a little erotic. With how sensitive some could be, it was small wonder how they managed to ritualistically pierce their ears. Capric had done it, and survived the pain of having holes poked in his ears.

Now he was quite sure that the pain he had endured from the piercing was being made up for. He almost whimpered when she stopped touching them. Oh how grand that felt. "Such a delicate touch..." He breathed quietly, lapsing back into his own tongue for a moment.

"Blind...yes, that is it." His people of course called it...seeing darkness, but the others had a word for it of course. Blind. Sounded simple enough! He of course would have complimented her and said she had better eyes, but there was no time for that now. He complimented them in his own way after that. "If you can not delight them, at least others can." Capric told her simply, smiling a goofy smile all the while. At least she couldn't see what he was doing then! Still, she didn't get to see him..that was no fun.

He was completely unprepared for her as she reached out and starting touching his ear again. His eyes closed quickly and he had to put a hand over his mouth to stop a moan from escaping. She had never met one of his people before, that was obvious, but she was really good at this. Really...really good. "Yes..." He said at last, his face flushing and his breath becoming a little shallow. The feeling was incredible! Much better than when he did it by himself. "I can...hear good...yes." He told her simply. "Very good for desert life...can hear scorpion walking across sand sometimes." Right now he could hear VERY well. She was stimulating blood flow to his ears, and his eyes were closed, allowing him to focus on...the sounds.

He was sure he could almost hear her heart beating from here. He was very glad that he had decided to come into this tavern. Oh yes...very glad.

His manner of speech was adorable. Varali smiled, a wide grin. The language he spoke was interesting to her ears and she leaned in, tilting her head to the side and then she brightened up. "A scorpion on Sand? Really?" Varali had no idea what a scorpion was, or what kind of noise she made, but she supposed it was supposed to be an amazing feat, so she treated it like one.

If he was proud he could hear a scorpion walking across the sand, then she was proud of him too.

Another gentle flick at his ear - they were so very interesting compared to her rather round flat ears - and she jerked back and turned her head. Someone had mentioned the time and she gasped and sat back."Oh, dear me." a purse of her lips and she shimmied off the chair, placing a hand on Capric's shoulder once she removed herself.

"It's late! I should head home, I'd say it's because the dark bothers me but that would be a lie and we both know it." Her hand moved down his shoulder to his hand to take one of his in both of her own hands. "It was lovely meeting you, I do hope we can meet again." A smile and she meandered her way out the door, pushing it open and drifting off to the side.

Counting her steps. It was a slow pace, easily followed.

Oh it was as if he had died and gone onto the ancestral lands. And instead of going to his ancestral lands of the Vin 'El, he had wound up somewhere else and was doted and fawned upon by all the females. After all, you were supposed to be in your prime when you appeared in the ancestral lands so...ahem.

However, he was not dead, he was very much alive...and so very grateful for that too.

"On sand...even hear a beetle under...under...the sand." It was getting difficult to really say anything, he didn't want to get lost in all the grand feelings but...she was really good at massaging his ears. It was like a dream come true for the young Vin 'El. He gave a slight start when she stopped touching his ears, a wave of sadness rolling through him. He felt so...empty now. Something was wrong, despite her touching his shoulder.

"I...was nice to greet you too..." Capric was almost at a complete loss really, he just let her shake his hands and then...walk off into the outside. He quickly took up the glass of milk, which had become a little warm, downed it all, and quickly ran out after her. He had to have her. He had to make her his. She had just...done so much to him in such a little time, she couldn't just be allowed to run off like that! He had to be very careful though. He opened the door, only to run into his friend. No! "Capric! There you are. I was looking all over for you. His friend said to him as he patted him on the shoulder. "Gemin! Did you see a girl, a...a really...white girl walk out?" Capric asked his friend hurriedly. Gemin nodded and gestured in one direction. "She went that way. Why?" The confused Vin 'El asked. "You have...to help me. Kidnap her. She...is a beauty unlike any other...and she is soft...and she massaged my ears Gemin...like a flower might, or a gentle wind..." Capric explained in hush whispers, though no one could understand him anyway.

Both of them were rash and young, and Gemin of course...was slightly intrigued. After all, he said she had massaged his ears. "Do you have a plan?" Gemin finally said with a sigh. "We grab her...and...I don't know...gag her...then sneak her out of the city. You can distract the guards at the entrance as we get there...then we go back to the Vin 'El village." It could work, Capric didn't want to think of a plan too complex...this had to work. "I'll bring the camels then...maybe...I have some of those leaves...the ones that make you sleep...if you make her breathe them deeply she could probably fall asleep." Things were looking up for Capric. While he wouldn't share the lovely Varali with Gemin, he could make him think he would...if only for his help. While Gemin got the camels, Capric took the cloth full of leaves and headed after Varali. It wasn't hard to find her, she stuck out a little bit.

There she was...his beauty...now how to approach her. There weren't a lot of people out after all so...he just had to wait till the right moment.

Varali knew exactly how many steps she had to take before she turned left and crossed the street, but the sounds behind her made her walk a little faster, which made her steps a little shorter, which put her off when she went to cross the street. There wasn't a door like there was supposed to, there was an alley.

It wasn't a bad thing, Varali wasn't scared out of her wits. If she didn't survive what was coming to her then she'd be dead. As a healer she'd seen people die, rather, she'd heard the last rattling breath they could give before a simple sigh. No more pain. Now though, Varali's fingers trailed across the wall, her breath was quiet and shallow and her head was turned to the side. There would be no use fighting, she was blind, she'd hurt herself more.

She'd wait and live with it.

She was walking faster now.

He must have spooked her, Capric hadn't meant to...and he only now remembered that he could be invisible! He could be invisible, or he could be silent! Why hadn't he thought of that! He almost slapped himself at that thought, but with the bag in his hands, he might put himself to sleep by accident. He took a deep breath however and created that invisible bubble around himself. It blocked all sound from leaving, so he would walk with a silent footstep. "My Gods, you of the desert, make my footsteps silent to those who would hear me." His voice was just a whisper, and soon to anyone listening, it was silent, despite his lips still moving. With his bubble of silence around him, he headed after her once more.

She had gone down an alley way...and he carefully peeked around it. She may have been blind, but she might have had a nasty surprise waiting for him. However, she was just...there...as if she were waiting for him. She probably didn't know it was him but...he quickly approached her, his footsteps so quiet as he approached her. Then he struck quickly! One hand around her waist, the other pressing the cloth filled with herbs against her mouth.

He had a good plan too for how to get out...he'd just have to wait for Gemin to catch up.

The hand around her waist was more of a surprise than the sudden feel of weightlessness and warmth that washed over her. It was nice. While Varali could never remember having sight, she did have it at one point, and her brain must have remembered what things looked like, because she regularly dreamed of blue skies and green trees. It was a nice place to be.

A content hum and Varali snuggled closer to whatever was beside her while she dreamed, a content smile on her face. There was no fear, no pain. Just blue skies and green trees. Extra long eared rabbits, which reminded her of her earlier friend capric, and everything smelled like those funny herbs she got to sniff before she fell asleep.

He hadn't wanted to do this...but he...he had to. This was good. She had been so kind to him...and she was so beautiful. She would be perfect, if he managed to keep her around. He could do that...it would be easy. Yeah! He was Capric, he could do anything he wanted! At least she wasn't heavy. He put the cloth away into a pocket and took a deep breath of air. Okay, he had to get her out...Gemin would be getting there soon too. "For those who look at me, you are now blind, those would see me, look through me." That silent bubble of his would change now, it would become something else, something different. It was almost as if he and Varali were no longer there...but they actually were still there.

The two of them were cloaked now, covered and protected from people seeing him and his new prize. Capric held Varali close to his body as he walked out onto the streets. The few people that were there looked right through him. He smiled largely to himself. This was perfect...absolutely perfect. Finally Gemin came up with the string of camels, looking around confusedly. "Capric? Capric are you now?" Gemin asked in hushed whispers. "I am here Gemin...I used the Blind Eye power. I have her too. You will lead the camels forward...and when we get to the gate I will sneak out when the guards are busy inspecting. I will stay invisible and wait for you outside." Capric gave his plan to his friend, who nodded, impressed by the quick thinking of the other Vin 'El. That wasn't too bad now was it? It was actually rather genius.

So the two Vin 'El and the young blind girl set off toward the front gate. Every so often, Capric would place the cloth to Varali's mouth and nose, getting her to breathe deep. He didn't want her waking up too soon. Once they got to the gate, the plan was in action. Of course, Capric couldn't walk too fast, or the distortion that came with the bubble moving would be seen by the guards and they would get suspicious. However, the guards were doing their jobs and were thoroughly inspecting the small convoy. Capric just moved slowly, taking his time...and when he was finally outside of the city, he continued on past the guards that were stationed outside. Once more, it was all about moving slowly and carefully.

Not that it mattered, it was getting to be kind of dark, and the guards would think it was simply the torch light playing tricks on them. It took a while for Gemin to make it outside, a good twenty minutes...but they were finally out. Capric had just been putting the cloth of herbs to Varali's nose and mouth when Gemin came up. Capric released the spell that held the two of them invisible, Gemin pulling up beside them. "Have you thought about what will happen when you get to the tribe? What will they think of you abducting some woman?" Gemin asked as he held get the light skinned woman onto a saddle. Capric sat behind her to keep her from falling off the camel. It was a bit of a tight fit but it worked in the end. "No, I...will deal with that when we get there...just drive the camels." Capric shot back to his friend, who nodded and smirked. He was going to be in so much trouble.

It took time, the moon was above them when they pulled into the Vin 'El village. It had moved many times in the past, and was now around an oasis that was semi permanent in their belief. The village had huts made of animal stick and sticks for the most part, with a large wooden fence around the perimeter. There were other Vin 'El out and about, but it seemed largely...empty for its size. A sentry came up to them to inquire. "Who is the woman?" The confused Vin 'El with green eyes asked. "She is mine. Are the elders around? Capric asked in return, his answers short and curt. "No, they are holding a conference with another tribe for trade. They'll be back in a week or so. The Elders put our Spirit Givers in charge for that. Though, most are out hunting right now." Capric breathed a sigh of relief. So he had some good luck didn't he? Capric nodded to the sentry and got off the camel, getting Varali off as well. She would start stirring soon. He took her to his hut, and laid her out on a thin pelt that he slept on. There was nothing better than sleeping on sand in his opinion, but covering it with an animal skin kept it from getting everywhere.

He sat down upon the sand, a little ways away from Varali...waiting for her to awake. How would he play this? How would he act? He just had to be strong and dominant, make her believe that she was his now. He didn't know what he'd really do but...he was committed to this now. He had to be. For the sake of her great beauty, and for her amazing ear massaging abilities.

She was flying. A delighted sigh as she curled closer to a source of warmth, Varali wasn't a very fearful girl so her dreams stayed as green trees and blue skies. A random face, the same funny bunny. There was notion in her dream of being kidnapped or moving, and it wasn't until she opened her eyes and felt that she was laying down on something strange that she even realised she wasn't standing in the alley anymore.

Rolling over she pressed hands to the ground and sat up, kneeling. Head tilted to the side, there was breathing and the scent. Varali took a few deep breaths and then tilted her head to the side, clasping her hands together on her lap, lips pursed. "Capric?" She frowned then and crossed her arms over her chest, pretty sure about who it was. "I know it's you. You smell the same. Where am I and what am I doing here."

Varali didn't really have a problem with it, she was quite the adventurer for a blind girl that could only see pain, but not knowing where she was didn't sleep with her right and she didn't like it!

Finally, his pristine angel was awaking! Sure she had no wings or a halo, but she was still an angel! Of course, his people didn't really believe in angels, but he had heard them described before...so pure and so...white? The wings would probably get in the way so he really didn't mind her not having them.

He just smiled as he watched her carefully, wondering what her next move might be. Personally, he'd freak out and start growling and trying to attack people. However...she was not. She just...sat up, hands together....and then...she said his name. Capric froze, nervous as he thought about what to say. Should he say anything? Yeah, he probably should...but he wasn't sure what.

"You are around my tent. Well, our tent now. After us encounter in tavern...I wanted to us to be one. You were one who really contacted my ear, made it experience so good..." He told her, rubbing the back of his neck as he tried to go through with this. His spirit givers, and the elders would be pissed...but hopefully by the time they all got back, she'd actually like him! "You are extraordinary beauty, and you were so pleasant to me and I ear...so...I created you into my eternal one. By Vin 'El traditions, we are now...mates." It was a load of crap really. His people didn't do that at all. Both had to be willing participants, and conscious for the ceremony. She of course had no idea how long she was out for after all. It was all working to his advantage really.

"If you try to abandon, my people will track and...it will be very not pleasant. So please do not. I am really feeling bad for this...but I had to have you." He hoped she would in time come to understand him. He hoped before the spirit givers and the elders came back. At least he had his own tent. That was always...something.

Our tent?

Varali's face turned into one of shock and she blinked a few times before settling down, hearing him out. It wasn't like she could pounce on him and attack him, she'd have to find him first. His ear? Varali had... Had she proposed to him or something? His broken common confused her, she was a beauty, she understood those parts.

The heat at her cheeks from the flattery was obvious against her pale skin and she tilted her head downwards. Eternal one. Mates. Varali bit her lip and shuffled closer towards Capric, she wasn't angry or anything, but being kidnapped! She didn't have any of her things, just the herb bag she carried around, the man and woman who were housing her would be worried! First her hand touched his knee, then it moved, drifting up his chest to rest on his cheek.

A slap was heard and Varali saw the echo of pain across his cheek and she could feel her face turn into a grumpy one. "You could have told me you were going to take me home! I like adventure as much as the next.. Adventurous person... But I need my things! I have nothing to wear but this dress! No comb, no night things! No..." Varali blushed and cleared her throat, she would deal with that when it happened. "I'm sure I should be more angry about the mate thing, I've learned to take things in stride and that's one of them since I think it's all my fault. But I'm very disappointed you didn't give me any thought."

Varali huffed, stared at his face again before turning around with a stiff back and her arms crossed over her chest.

She even looked so amazing when blushing! His heart fluttered with happiness and glee at the very sight of it.

He stayed very still as she started to approach him. She was interesting to watch her, she was blind after all, and she finally found him, first putting her hand on his knee. He wasn't sure what he should feel, all things considered. She didn't seem like she was going to attack him though...she was so...delicate and soft when it came to touch. All he did was just smile slightly as she placed a hand upon his chest, and then on his cheek. Capric's eyes slowly closed at just the feel of her hand upon him. She had such...soft hands too. He was so amazed by her.

His eyes opened in shock however as she slapped him.

He really hadn't...expected her to do that. Well. Maybe he had. She had every right to after all. Capric however wished she hadn't. Why couldn't she just be demure and want this? Granted...not many women wanted to be kidnapped and married against their will. "I didn't...mind that you would desire this so...I had to do something." He put a hand to his cheek and rubbed it carefully, wincing. She was really good at slapping. That didn't bode well for their relationship now did it? Well, this was to be expected for a while.

"And...your objects can be gotten for you. I will provide for us, it will be...change to what you used to but...My really sorry." He reached out and gingerly placed a hand upon her shoulder, hoping she didn't react too badly and try to bite him or...break his hand or something like that. "You would not allow your absolute mate to move from your life forever would you? My couldn't have that occur."

Maybe she slapped too hard. Varali frowned again and ducked her head down, her hair falling into her face so she didn't have to see his glowing cheek. Squeezing her eyes shut, Varali pressed her hands between her knees and looked away. Now would be a good time to make a cheesy joke he wouldn't get because his common was... Lacking.

The hand on her shoulder made her jerk slightly, but she calmed almost instantly and sighed, taking his hand and placing it on her cheek. This wasn't exactly how she imagined finding her husband, but she was a blind wandering healer! Getting kidnapped should be flattering, right? Who doesn't want to live in a desert with people who would kill her if she ran away.

Varali too his hand between hers and gave it a gentle squeeze. Absolute mate. Well, at least she knew his name! That was better than some of the ladies she soothed while they give birth! They didn't know the fathers names, so Varali was one step ahead! Her husbands name was Capric, he had long sensitive ears and... Talked cute.

It was tempting to ask him questions that probably had long drawn out answers just to hear his broken common. Varali smiled, but quickly frowned, no, he kidnapped her! She'd stay angry for a few days at least! Clearing her throat she stayed still and then frowned, it wasn't exactly cool but it wasn't warm either, probably from her clothing. "Normally I sleep in next to nothing, and I'm not sure if it's closer to dawn or after dusk. I'll sleep in for now and tomorrow... later... you can get me suitable clothing, alright? I son't think this is good for a place with so much..." She moved her hands trying to mimic sand dunes, she hadn't seen any obviously, but she'd been over enough and asked questions to have an idea of what they'd appear as. "Sand."

Varali pursed her lips and sighed, "So, petting your ears huh? I really didn't mean to smack them."

Capric really didn't want to lie to her so much about this, but he knew that despite saying she liked adventure, she probably wouldn't like the adventure of becoming a captive and married to an almost complete stranger. At least she knew his name and his...quirks? That was probably a small victory, and he could understand if she tried to escape. Though for a blind girl, the desert probably wouldn't be too...ah....forgiving for her. So if she wanted to leave, he'd have to...escort her, and he didn't want to do that...because she'd be gone. That wasn't something that he really wanted.

He just...wanted her.

The young Vin 'El smiled as she took his hand and placed it against her cheek. She was warm...but she was soft. Her skin was so different from his own, the colour mostly...he didn't have too hard of a skin, but hers was just...something else. He'd treat her like the queen that she was. In his eyes anyways.

His face turned a little darker as she spoke about how she slept. He wasn't exactly experienced with that sort...of thing. He was very good at understanding common really, and she was talking about...sleeping naked! He could only imagine how she looked without her clothes...but he knew it would be rude and improper. Even though in her mind, she was ah...married to him. He wasn't though...not really...and his clans rules were quite strict about that sort of thing. However...she could always pet his ears again! A lot! Yeah sure! "I will find you good clothing, ones that make you experience cool instead of warmth." He told her with a grin. He could easily get clothes! There were a number of women in the tribe roughly the same size and build as Varali.

Getting them would be no problem, people shared after all in the Vin 'El, or they traded...he had some things he could trade away, things he didn't need but had just in case. It would be fine.

"The hitting of the ears was not what did it but...the touching after is what was really nice...if you did that after attacking my ears each moment, I would not mind." Capric told her earnestly. He wouldn't like it, but he had gone through greater pains before. Like the ritual piercing of his ears, which had been really painful. After that, he could survive anything really! Of course, he just wished she'd pet his ears without having to get them beaten up before.

A smile. A nice bright smile. Varali turned her face to the side and listened, he'd get her new clothes! So she could be cool instead of... Warm. Varali felt her sleeve, yes, she was warm. She pulled at the neck of her top and fanned herself. Smiling slightly when he spoke about the touching of his ears. Ah, they must have been a very sensitive point. Varali shook her head, "I'm sorry."

What could she do now?

Her teeth sunk into her lips and she pulled at the ties of her clothing. "I'm going to sleep. If you want to stay up or... change you're free to, of course. If you're quiet I won't notice." She laughed and removed the ties, pulling off the thicker pieces of cloth, leaving her in a thin shapeless dress. It had long sleeves and went up to her neck and down to her ankles. It didn't leave much to the imagination, pressed against her chest as she stood.

Quickly she sat down and curled her knees under her before laying down and facing away. "You'll have to wake me up. I don't know what time it is but I'm sure it's late which means I'll sleep late. Sunlight doesn't bother me, as I'm sure you've noticed." Because it was polite, she looked over her shoulder and smiled, "Sweet dreams Capric."

Varali laid there restlessly for a while, not particularily uncomfortable but just unsure if he would lay down beside her or not. Eventually she stopped wondering and started sleeping, the same colourful dreams she always had.

Her smile was so bright, it lit up her face and just...made an aura about her. He loved it so...and was sad slightly because she would never know what she'd look like smiling. That was alright though...he got to look at it! "My am not...it was very pleasant feeling...you very good at it." It was true, she did know how to light a man's fire by massaging his ears! He was just glad that she hadn't gone any further because...well then it would be a little uh...embarrassing. Wait. No it wouldn't have! It wasn't as if she could see anything!

Hah hah!

Still, he would have blushed.

Suddenly he found himself blushing as well. She was...disrobing?! Here?! Now?! He wasn't sure if he should avert his eyes or not. She couldn't see if he looked anyway...it was better to just...she...had a really nice body. His blush only intensified as he found himself staring at her body, his eyes focused more on her chest than anything. It was a very thin dress wasn't it? He found his mouth suddenly dry, licking his lips as he watched her lay down. And she thought he was her husband now too. Granted...they weren't married...and he couldn't...really do anything then. He could kiss and flirt of course, and she could uh...rub his ears, but that was about it.

"I will arise you when my awaken too." He was really flustered, but he could totally do this. He stripped off his shirt quickly, his boots and what not, just leaving his pants on. He didn't trust himself completely naked...not at all. "Yes, tasty visions to you too Varali." When she started to fall asleep, he slowly and carefully lay down beside her. Her breathing got very even and steady, and he just lay there near her. He couldn't believe it! He was laying next to her! Capric even got the courage to wrap his arm about her and placed a gentle kiss on her shoulder. "Good night, my future wife."

Varali didn't notice him cuddle up behind her, didn't really notice the kiss and didn't pay attention to the funny language he spoke. Mostly because she fell asleep the moment her eyes closed and she was comfortable curled up. The feeling of a warm body against her back was an unfamiliar but welcome feeling. At one point she even turned around and wrapped her arms around Capric, resting her forehead against his chest and giving a content sigh.

It was an uneventful sleep, no dreams and no noises startled her. A content sigh against his chest and she snuggled closer, sleeping deeply. So deeply she drooled. It wasn't until she grew too hot that she rolled away from him and curled up on her own, the dress having climbed up to show off her lower legs which wasn't all that amazing. Just legs. She kept sleeping though, her head pillowed on her arm and her long brown hair a fan spread out behind her.

Capric was a bit of a light sleeper that night. He had never...ever slept with anyone before. Well. His parents when he was three didn't count of course. After that, he was bound by traditions and expectations, and so he never got this sort of...chance. Now however...this woman thought she was his wife. He still couldn't DO anything, but he could certainly curl up with her. There was nothing in the traditions that said he couldn't after all!

He woke at one point, when she turned around in her sleep and cuddled against him. Her arms wrapped around him, her forehead against his chest...and she even sighed happily. He smiled largely, not caring about having woken up. She was still sleeping...that's all...sleeping. He was enjoying this immensely. He didn't even care that she drooled. It meant she could achieve such a deep sleep...even when next to a man who had kidnapped her and made her into his wife.

Capric knew he didn't deserve any of this...but he didn't care. Consequences would happen later, and he would face them as he should. Head high, regretting nothing, and hopefully with Varali at his side.

At some point, Capric wasn't sure when, she left him, and it roused him from his sleep once more. She had only moved away from him, back to the other side. He could see her flushed, perhaps a little warm...but what he could really see was her hiked up dress showing off her legs. They may have just been legs, but they were her legs, and to Capric they were...amazing legs. It was about time to get up anyway, and he thanked whatever luck he had for that. He placed a hand gently on Varali's leg and leaned in, shaking her gently. "Varali. The sun has flew up, I mind it is good time to wake." He spoke in a somewhat loud voice while he shook her, hoping to get her to wake up.

Everything neatly translated into her dream, she dreamed the long eared bunny was curled up against her all night like a glorious soft pillow and she snuggled it and drooled on it and then it woke her up in the morning with a funny accent and cute words and she simply rolled over and stretched, humming softly and giving a stretching whimper when her toes pointed out and her fingers tried to point up.

Varali got up slowly, rolling onto her stomach and leaning up on her arms. Her head was still down and she gave a sigh before opening her eyes and blowing out a puff of air. "G'morning." She reached out blindly and placed her hand on his leg giving it an acknowledging squeeze before she sat up and finger combed her hair, rather missing the actual devices. A yawn and she wiggled in her place before smiling.

"What do we do today?" Her eyebrows went up and she smirked, stretching this way and that, "Do you have parents? Do they know you're married?"

She was such a cute morning person, Capric was going to enjoy having her around. He really was glad that he had managed to find her...and then uh...kidnap her. If he hadn't kidnapped her, he never would have been able to see her sleep, and to see her wake up. Was Capric smitten? Oh there was no doubt about it. The only problem was avoiding things like a banishment, or a quest to atone for what he had done. His elders were also quite creative with their atonement quests, and he was scared of that.

He still...didn't regret anything he had done.

Capric smiled largely as she squeezed his leg and began to try and comb her hair. He could help with that! He got up and began to look for the ivory combs he had. Someone had given them to him a while ago for helping them through the desert. He actually had two sets, though after today he'd only have one. After all, if he wanted some clothes for Varali, he'd need to trade...and a set of ivory combs could go a long way.

"No, I spirit givers have gone out for a few suns...however, us shall go and find you clothes." He sat down behind her and began to brush her hair softly with the combs. There was of course, a secret hope that she'd brush his hair afterwards...and maybe stroke his ears. That was just his hope. He was careful though with her hair, any knots were approached very gently, he was actually quite nervous that he'd hurt her.

It was the last thing from his mind. Hurting her.

Spirit givers. Varali tilted her head and frowned slighty. That must be the word for parents. She smiled, liking that word. Spirit Givers. It made her smile. Caught by surprise when Capric moved behind her and began to brush her hair, she pursed her lips and smiled before closing her eyes. Having plenty of hair, Varali took care in brushing it she got ready to wince when Capric tried to.

It didn't occur to her that maybe he knew how to brush hair. She didn't realise that his own could possibly be long as well. She was quiet while he brushed and when he was finished she turned around and grabbed his hand, tilting her head and smiled widely. "Thank you," her hand moved and touched his cheek before she trailed her hand down his arm and looking for the comb, which she took from his hand after she found it.

"Here. I'll brush your hair and then we can find me clothes!" Her voice was cheerful and she shuffled in behind him, touching his ears and moving her hands back down his head. "Oh. Your hair is long." Rather surprised. After untying it from the braid she brushed it carefully, keeping her eyes on his head for if she pulled too hard to got a tangle. "You should tell me more about yourself. Like how old you are. Or.. What colour your hair is. Maybe about your parents? I don't have any, it would be nice to have some, even if they aren't related to me."

She had such a beautiful smile, and such beautiful hair...beautiful face...and...her body was so beautiful too. How did he manage to get so much beauty? In his tent none the less! If only he could...experience all of her beauty...but alas...marriage had to be real, their bond had to actually be recognized by his people for...any sort of hanky panky to occur.

"It was I pleasure, Varali." His eyes closed when she touched his cheek. Such a soft touch, such a kind and caring soul. She'd probably beat the living light out of him when she discovered this was all just an attempt to...make her stay with him. It was kidnapping...but his heart was sort of in the right place. Not completely in the right place, but it was still somewhat in the right place!

"I tree enjoy that very much." He told her with a smile as he waited for her to shuffle behind him. He couldn't remember the last time he ever had a woman who wasn't his spirit giver brush his hair. He closed his eyes and almost purred as she touched his ears and untied the braid. Ohhh...this was just so right, it had to be wrong. Maybe he could convince her one day to be his Spirit Partner. They'd make a great pair, he was sure of it.

"You...want to understand greater about I? I hair is black, like shadows. My eyes have watched one hundred and forty two summers, my Spirit Givers are proud and strong, they are hunters for our tribe. I Spirit Givers are very respected and trusted individuals, My am their only Given Spirit." Capric began to explain to her quietly as he kept his eyes closed, and was rather content with the feeling of her brushing his hair. How did he manage to be so lucky? Others would be so jealous of him though!

"My duty to tribe is to look around surrounding desert for threats, to appear any sources of water or food. Oasis we live surround will not last, so we do not abuse it. We create things from animals of the sands to sell to Essyrn, in trade for what we may need." It was a simple sort of existence, but it was a good life. Capric liked it personally, he never had a dream of a different life, well...maybe a life where he was the tribal leader but every male at some point had that one.

"You are very excellent at combing I hair...th-Wuh! Gentle! Knot!" The pain wasn't too great from her tugging on his hair, but it was still there, and he was doing his best not to try and pull away from the comb and her. He could at least hold his reflexes, because he knew there would be more pain.

He tree enjoy that. Tree. Varali brushed his hair and frowned, trying to decipher what he tree that would mean. Oh. Tree. Wood. Would. She chuckled softly and shook her head, and listened to him describe himself. Hair like shadows. Varali stared ahead at her vision, nothing was hurting so there was nothing to see. His hair was the colour of nothing, okay, she got that. The comb paused at his 'summer' watching number. Hundred fourty-two.

"You're old."

He was. Varali was only twenty-two. Varali reached out to press her fingers against his face, wrapping it around from the back to touch his cheek and by his eyes, he didn't feel old and wrinkly. She quickly resumed combing, feeling down his unusually long hair before she saw the jerk of light from his head and his reaction to the pain. "Ah, I see that." she placed the comb into his hand. "I apologise, Capric!" She hadn't meant to hurt him.

Oasis. Varali let out a sigh and turned around, trying to hear anything strange. She hadn't figured she'd end up living her life out in the desert, let alone married to someone who took words literally. He'd tree like that. She smiled again and shook her head. Well, at least there were no bushes or trees to walk into here. It was awfully warm though. A frown and she leaned forward, "Do you have winter down here?"

His common would improve as he talked to her, but for now his mistakes would hopefully just be endearing little things. He of course, had no idea that he was making such mistakes. He thought he spoke pretty fine common tongue. There was almost a small...disappointed sound from Capric when she stopped combing his hair. Then she spoke, and he felt a little...sad by her comment. "I kind live great longer than human kind. We experience time slower, your kind would think I to have visioned twenty five summers." He explained to her as best he could. He didn't understand why his people lived so long, and he wasn't really sure that he cared!

She even touched his face for some reason...but he really didn't mind. He loved her touch...it was so soft and delicate. Except for the knot! Ahhhh! "No sorries Varali, is only pain." Capric smiled at her, though sorry that she couldn't see it. He really wasn't upset, it had just surprised, and hurt, a little. He pointedly ignored her...comment about seeing, because he was pretty sure that she was just being...odd. Like humans usually were.

Capric nodded at her question then winced, remember she couldn't see! "Yes, cold arrives here. Those ages I people search for valleys and protected places. Those trapped in chill survive less." Capric stood up slowly and put the comb away before he got his clothes on. Yes, he'd probably need his shirt and boots wouldn't he. Then he began to tie his braid up quickly. "You do water hole to put your clothes on before we visit tribe females. My will take some things to trade them for clothes you can wear." He packed up a small bag of things, hoping she'd get dressed while he looked for his most treasured objects from the city. Since he was usually in charge of visiting Essyrn, he was always able to take a bit of things for himself so he could...trade them later to people of his tribe...or other tribes. His spirit givers were usually quite proud that he had a collection of strange city items.

Right now it was working completely in his favour.

Water hole?

Varali bit her lip before she snapped her fingers, "Well!" The smile on her face indicated how happy she was that she had understood that small slip up. Water hole. She shook her head. She would do well to put her clothing on and... Follow him?

She groped at the ground for her clothing, tying it on with ease after fixing it, putting her hair back into a braid and tucking it into the back of her shirt. "I hope you won't trade anything you find precious. I didn't even ask if you could afford to do so. I'm sorry." She really didn't want to spend the rest of her time in clothing like this though. It was far too warm and she didn't want to sweat because water was scares and bathing would be more of a hindrence than something she could take for granted.

A pang of homesickness made her touch the middle of her chest, press her palm to the hollow feeling while she closed her eyes and ducked her head forward. There were rivers back home. And trees and shade. She missed the shade. "I'm all ready. I... may I hold your hand? I'm afraid I can't navigate well in sand."

One could only hope that Capric's common got better, or else it would be a very interesting for the two of them. He also would do well to remember that she couldn't see, and that he would have to lead her lots of places. Not that he would ever mind that though...he felt it nice, he felt like someone was always depending on him them...someone who wasn't his people. He'd never tell them that though, because it would be rude, mean, and completely disrespectful.

Of course, kidnapping Varali and forcing her to be his wife was also...but he had the best intentions right? Kinda.

"Oh, there is no worry Varali, My can spend things. It tree be my bliss to get you these." He told Varali with a large smile. He really didn't mind trading these things to get her what she wished. She didn't know it, but he'd probably give away everything he had for her to be happy. If it would bring a smile to her face and happiness to her heart he'd certainly do such things! This was Varali after all, she was a white flower in a sea of dark sand. One who...really wanted to be with him...one who wanted to hang around him! She didn't try to run, she had even...let him sleep beside her. At this point, Capric would probably kill for her...or at least die defending her.

"Oh! Yes, here!" He raced to her side and gently reached out to take her hand , holding it firmly but not too hard. She was even soft...so very soft. And to think, these were the hands that were in his hair...that was on his ears...and they were so nice. She was so nice to him. He felt...really guilty. He felt...so very guilty. But he would continue on for now...everything would fall apart when his spirit givers came back, but until then...well until then he was going to enjoy this.

He led Varali out into the daylight, and she was probably lucky that she was blind. The sun was bright, and Capric had to squint slightly as he looked around. People were out and about...and now he was careful...he was looking for a woman of the tribe who was the right size...who was roughly the same size as Varali. Most of the women were a little taller but...there were a few that were probably just about right. With Varali following, Capric went to a tent where a young woman stood. "Capric! Who is that with you? Is she new? Is she going to be your wife." The girl asked Capric as he approached, excitedly looking at Varali and Capric. Capric winced slightly as he blushed a little. Well this was slightly embarrassing now wasn't it?

"Picess, this is my friend Varali. She is going to stay with us in the village. She is not prepared for desert life...so I would like to trade you for clothing." Capric explained to Picess, as he opened up the small satchel of goods to show her. The young girl's bright orange eyes went huge as she looked inside of it. "She will need at least some of the...open dresses, to keep heat away...and short tops with open sleeves...and the billowy pants...she is afraid of getting too hot." Capric spoke quietly to the girl, who still was gazing at the satchel. She nodded slowly, before she disappeared back into her tent.

"She is searching for coverings...she has agreed to compromise with us. My am hoping she has coverings to achieve cooling for you." Capric turned to look at Varali, smiling. She would look good dressed like a Kolvishi, he was sure of it. Sure everything would come to ruin in a few days but...he was more focused on the here and now.

Her lips pursed and she squinted trying to hear for words she might understand. Of course there were none but her name but she still listened, the chances of picking up another language was easier when you could hear nothing but it, right? A frown made her lips turn down and she closed her eyes for a moment. It would be easier if she wasn't blind, for sure.

Varali nodded her head and listened to the language and it took her a moment to realise Capric was speaking common to her. "Ah. Cooling?" Achieve cooling? Oh, he meant cooler clothing. The sun beat down on her head and while she knew it was sometime in the morning. She gave Capric a polite curtsey and smiled in his general direction before she closed her eyes, not really wanting to get any wayward sand bits in them.

Even if she couldn't see she could still get things stuck there and that just ended up as a teary messy business. "I hope it didn't make you spend too much? I really do appreciate all of this." Sort of. She wouldn't need new clothes if she hadn't proposed to him! Her and her silly curiousity.

"It is what man should accomplish for his bonded one. Every man who tree not does not deserve to be bonded." Capric said matter of factly with a smile. It was his belief of course, that while being bonded together was an equal partnership (As it had to be in the desert, in a semi-nomadic tribe) there was nothing saying that a man could not provide for his partner, or vice versa. Though, he felt a little more...wanting to provide for her, considering she was blind, and that her beauty was so much more than any of the women in his tribe or other tribes.

Picess soon slipped from her tent with arm fulls of clothing, grinning madly up at Capric. "I have found lots of clothes for your friend Capric. What are you willing to trade for it them though?" She asked him as he looked in his bag. Alright, he could part with some stuff right. He took out a rosewood box filled with combs and a small mirror. "I will trade this for them. After all, they are your old clothes aren't they?" He asked Picess, who nodded. "But they are in great condition. I want the sewing kit, the combs, the mirror, and the gold earring with the pearl." She countered with a smirk. He knew what it would come down to eventually, but you HAD to haggle. "The comb and the earring." He knew what she had REALLY wanted, this would hopefully work out.

"You have a deal." Picess handed him the clothes, and she took the comb box and the earring from his bag. "We are present fine Varali...My have merchanted clothes for you...but I hands are occupied. You uhm...should take grab of my hair tail so my can lead you to home again." Capric told her as turned his back to Varali slightly so she could reach out for his pony tail. "My am in front of you...just stretch out to grab my pony tail."

With Varali securely holding onto him, he led her back to the tent. Of course, he went a bit slower, considering that having someone hold onto his braid hurt a little bit. It was so worth it though, because once they were back at the tent, he set the pile of clothes down, laying them out on the large animal skin pelt. "My am...thinking you desire to choose new outfit now...Tree you like my help with that?" Capric asked her as he began to pick through some things for her. His face was a little bit red...he was kind of excited. She'd be...mostly naked again probably...and he was quite okay with that.

With some mild groping Varali gently grabbed onto his braid and was lead back to the tent. Already she was far too warm for her liking and she stuck out her tongue and took a deep breath, as if it could cool her. Of course it didn't and Varali thought she could taste sand. Once they were back in the tent she let go of his braid and gently kneeled down.

"Capric. It's 'would'. Not 'tree'." She smiled up in his general direction. "Just use 'would' when you think 'tree' works and I'm sure you'll get it." She stood up and pushed her hands down her front before she worked at the laces of her clothing, if there was one thing that she wouldn't be shy from it would be a naked body. Of course she knew about decency, but she couldn't exactly be embarrassed about something she couldn't see.

For all she knew the clothing was completely see-through. "I would like some help, yes. I'm afraid I don't know how your people wear their clothing." Once the heavier part of the dress was off she stood in the shapeless thin white dress and held out her arms. "I'm ready! Or should I take the white part off too? I'm naked under this so I would advise you turn away if that makes you all blushy." Varali smiled and started to pull her arms out of the sleeps until it was just on because it was pushed over her head.

There was an awful lot of blushing from Capric as she corrected his speech. Wasn't that what he had said? Were they not interchangeable? Trees had wood after all. Oh he just didn't understand this silly language but...he nodded almost sullenly though but quickly smiled...then remembered she couldn't see any of this. "O-oh. Okay, would...I apologies...your language is...hard to speech." He told her simply, rubbing the back of his neck. So he...he wasn't...maybe that was just the only thing he had gotten wrong. Yeah, he was good at this sort of stuff! It must have just been some simply miscommunication.

He'd have to keep it all in mind though. Would...not tree.

Capric's mouth was feeling a little dry as she started to to pull off her clothes. He was going to end up in a lot of trouble when his spirit givers got back...but the universe was being kind to him right now and he was going to live that up!

"Oh that is truth...My should help you though." He sort of forgot that she couldn't see...and she might wear something backwards or...be hanging out of something. At her next words however he gently bit his lower lip, nothing painful but...he was having a bit of a crisis of conscience. What should he say? Yes? No? What would be right? Capric stopped biting his lip and nodded. "Yes, my think you should...the coverings will not appear good with it wearing." He had decided to pick up a light red half shirt that would cover her chest, it was long sleeved but the sleeves were open at the end so there would be some breathing allowed. He also picked out a pair of pants that were similar, open at the legs to allow for breathing, made of a light breezy material.

And, slightly dirty, he had picked her out a pair of skimpy underwear and a simple breastband. It was going to be...very fun to help her with those.

"Oh I understand!" Varali smiled and swayed her arms side to side, she'd have pat him on the shoulder if she knew where that was. "Common is hard to speak and from what I heard of your language they're very different!" A smile and she pat at her legs, "I'll correct you if you use anything terrible wrong. Like tree!" When Capric said yes to her taking off the under dress she nodded her head and pulled it off, her back was to him though so he didn't get a huge eyeful of her goodies.

She reached an arm behind her and held it out, "You can help me get the sleeve on and then I can... figure it out. Though f there are any ties or buttons I'll need help with those." She turned her head back so he could see her smile, "I'm afraid I haven't actually tied anything besides my dress in a few years and actually thinking about ties just makes me mess up."

Well, now he felt a little...stupid.

He knew that he wasn't the greatest speaker of the trader's language, but he had thought he was rather fluent in it. He didn't think that he was perhaps...lacking in some ways. He just thought that it was the accent he had. His language was a bit more fluid and elegant than the trader's tongue. "T-that would be good." He was blushing furiously, a little bit...sad that he wasn't as good as he thought he was. Not that it mattered though because suddenly Varali was stripping off her under dress.

Now...he could do this. He'd seen girls naked before! Of course, most of them were girls from the tribe...they weren't...Varali. She was something else entirely. She was...his for one...and only his. Beautiful and naked...in his tent.

"Y-yes...My will assist...it...has no ties...it are slip on..." He told her as he held up the top for a moment, staring at it before looking at her soft back. Capric wanted to feel her skin again but...he knew that was probably not something that would be so appropriate right now. He took a deep breath and started to help her slip into the shirt. "Not...You need arms...up..." He took one hand and put it under her other arm, pushing it up straight toward the tent ceiling. It took a minute for him to help her into the shirt, helping to get it onto her body and cover up some of her goodies. Of course, it still left a lot of her body uncovered...and he did look down at her behind. He could only fantasize couldn't he.

"W-w...Will you need assist with pants?" He asked her as he grabbed a nearby pair of the light fabric pants. Then he blinked. "O-oh! You will need...underneaths. Uhm..." He quickly grabbed a pair of...well, they would cover the front but the back wouldn't get too much. "My have underneaths and pants for you."

Slip on! Those were easy. Varali was more than happy to comply, she'd remember how it went, what the fabric felt like being worn the right way and she'd remember and never have to ask for help again! It was great! No ties, no buttons. Just... Slip on!  Her arms were pushed high so they pointed up and she adjusted the top before she patted down the front, feeling for the neckline so she could remember how it felt right side in and facing the right direction. It kept her out of embarrassing situations that way. Most people didn't enjoy telling a blind person they were wearing something wrong.

Underneaths?

Varali put her hands on her legs and laughed she'd forgotten about pants! "No, I don't need any help with those. That would put you in an awkward situations." Not that this wasn't one, but he was helping! Not kneeling on the floor near her butt to help her put pants on. No sir! Varali just held her hand out. "Just... Hand me the underneaths and the pants I can I put them on myself, well. Well, facing forward? Might make it easy for me." She smiled over her shoulder and kept her legs close together not wanting to accidentally flashing poor Capric with more than he wanted to see.

He wanted to find something that was...easy for her to wear. If there was one thing that Capric, in all his oddness, all of his strangeness and different ways...it was that when you were blind, you would definitely not want to ask for help. People were proud after all...hell, just look at how he was. So very proud...and she would no doubt the same way wasn't she? In some small way but...all he could see of her was this incredibly kind and nice girl, and he was definitely taking advantage of her.

He'd pay later though so it didn't...didn't matter that much.

"Left, that tr...would be awkward." He said with a nod, remembering that it was the word would that he was looking for. Not tree. At least...he would then be good at speaking their language soon. He would have to teach her his though, it was only fair after all right. He began to turn the clothes the right way, and stepped up behind her, their bodies almost touching. He wouldn't deny this was a little...close but...he brought the clothes around one side till they were in front of her. "I-if you outstretch hands, the c-clothes are there...just will need to step into them, each facing left way." Of course he meant the right way but...

One couldn't fault him for the little speech accidents now could they?

"Capric?" Varali's voice rose slightly, it was still soft, but it held a commanding tone. "Right." She said slowly when she reached down and too the underneaths and pants. Pants. Varali pursed her lips at these. Pants. Never worn pants before, and she didn't think her underthings counted as pants. Oh well, close enough. Varali couldn't see herself and unless she heard snickering she'd assume she was in the right manner of dress.

"Right as in... Correct." She corrected him softly while she stepped into the pants, then smiled. "Not right as in the direction." He was a trader! She was doing him a service by correcting him! "Don't feel bad! Common is hard to grasp and it has many... double words." A bright smile and she smoothed her hands over her body to make sure everything important was covered. It felt strange and she couldn't quite grasp how the clothing looked by touching it but she didn't feel any parts out so she could only assume everything was covered.

Varali turned around and held out her arms. "How do I look? Should I do something with my hair?"

Uh oh, he had said another word wrong hadn't he?

He bit his lower lip and when she spoke, he blinked, tilting his head slightly. Right? What did she mean by that. Unless...it was because he had said left. Was that not the word he had been looking for? He definitely felt more and more...saddened by the fact that his common wasn't as good as he believed. Nevermind that she was doing him a great favour of course. He just...felt that he wasn't as good as he had always believed. He'd get over it of course, after all, he had this angel here with him!

"Oh...My see." He didn't even get to watch her stepping into the skimpy underwear or the pants, he was too busy trying to commit to memory how to speak correctly. If only everyone just understood his native language, things would be fine! He understood common just fine, he just...apparently couldn't speak it as well as he could understand it. Still, she cheered him up a little bit and he smiled and nodded. "It is very difficult to learn more languages...that is truth." He stepped back when she finished getting dressed, just in time for her to turn around and ask him about how she looked.

"You appear...very beautiful my desert flower." Capric managed to say, lapsing into his own language at the end. He licked his lips quickly and got a small strip of cloth from the clothes. "Here...My will put cloth over eyes to keep sand out...My think hair looks good as is." He told her as he quickly rushed behind her, slipping the cloth slowly over her eyes before tying it up very gently at the back. He didn't want to cause her any pain after all, or surprise her. The sand wouldn't be too bad, the wind would calm down as the day went on and would probably stay as a gentle breeze.

"My think you are ready for outside now. Would you like to go to oasis?" Capric asked as he stepped back from her, smiling all the while. He knew of a little flower down there that would look perfect in her hair.

She was appeared like a very beautiful something or other. Varali supposed that was okay. While she was curious about other peoples cultures, languages were never her strong point. Sometimes she was amazed that she managed to speak common so well, even if it completely replaced the language her parents spoke to her when she was little. No practice made her lose it. Capric was doing wonderful with common!

Sort of.

Varali smiled, hoping he could see it, even slightly. Her mouth opened to protest slightly when he moved the cloth over her eyes but she just kept silent, she could deal with it! It was to keep the sand out, though it felt strange to have a cloth keep her eyes closed for her. Varali moved her hand over her forearm to pinch, the spark of light that slowly ebbed away made her give a delighted noise, good! She could still see pain even if her eyes were closed.

Holding out a hand, "I would love to visit the oasis. I don't know what that is, so you'll have to tell me all about it when we get there!" A bright smile she wiggled he fingers and waited for him to guide her.

Capric hoped that she'd learn his language so they could communicate better, but his language was somewhat difficult, and he knew it was REALLY unfair to just make her learn his language and not completely...figure hers out. He'd make a more conscious effort of course to try and get better with talking but...he couldn't just forget his language. It was his language, it was his own language! His people. They'd look down upon him to say the least if he started talking all in common.

She didn't seem to mind that he was covering her eyes at least. She didn't...use them so he couldn't see how it would be a big deal, but then again she was blind so it could be a huge thing to her. He had once met a man with only one arm and where his arm had been he was incredibly sensitive about it. People couldn't even sit on his left side without the man getting angry at them. It had certainly been something. There must have been something going on because she pinched herself and made a very cute little noise that made his lips turn into a smile.

"My will say you everything about the oasis." He took her hand and could only feel his heart beat a little quicker. This was...this was all so well...he couldn't believe he was actually awake. He subconsciously pinched his own leg to see if he WAS dreaming. The little bit of pain told him that he wasn't at all. It wasn't long before they were stepping onto sand that was a little bit wetter and made them sink a bit more than normal. It was a small oasis, there were a couple very young trees that had sprouted, and a little bit of grass and plants around the edge of the water. The actual water wasn't deep at all, and it was very easy to see the bottom of the pond, which couldn't have been more than a few feet if that. "It is...lazy circle of water, with plants around edges and little trees growing...there are some big rocks near water edge too. Cactus are on far side as well..." Capric described to her as he tried to carefully get the words right. "Stand here...there is something you need have." Not the perfect way to say it but he was trying.

Letting go of her hand slowly, more or less just wanting to keep holding onto her but knowing he should let go, Capric was soon dashing around the other side of the little body of water. He went to where they left patches of flowers and cactus to grow and carefully tried to pick one of the flowers. Of course, everything out here had thorns to survive. A few scratches and one rather large pin in his arm later he was coming back to Varali with a soft white flower. With his free hand he took one of hers and gently placed the flower into her hand, helping her lift it to her nose to smell. "It only scents half as better as you do Varali." His hands and arm sort of hurt but it was well worth it to get her the flower that would forever remind him of her.

The mental image she got from 'lazy circle of water' made her smile and she tilted her head and rubbed her hands together when Capric moved away. She knew that she wasn't built for desert life and wasn't looking forward to when she started to overheat and sweat. Varali felt her palms another time and then turned her head towards the ground. Then there was something in her hand and she frowned at it.

It scented?

Varali tilted her head and breathed in before she lifted her other hand to touch the object in her hand. Oh, it was a flower. Of course. She laughed and shook her head, "I probably smell awful. I'm not built for... this." She extended an arm out to her side, assuming there was desert. The sun was hot for sure. Then she noticed the white, and gasped. "Capric! You hurt yourself, didn't you!" she reached for his arm, after tucking the flower in her hair and brushed her thumb over the scratches.

A frown and she faced to where she assumed where Caprics face was, in reality she was 'glaring' at his chest, but she didn't know that. "Did you do this just to find me a silly flower?"

He smiled rather large as she sniffed the flower and didn't seem to object to it. How could anyone object to a flower after all? It smelled really good, it was a flower! "No, you scent like flower, my promise! It is good, like flower." Capric assured her, his voice dripping with honesty as he gazed at her, smiling all the while. To him, she smelled amazing, he didn't care what she thought. She's always be perfectly angelically beautiful, and she'd always be the greatest smelling thing in the world.

But...that was just him. He was head over heels in love after all.

He blinked as he looked down to his arms. How did...she know that he was hurt? That seemed sort of odd, all things considered. She WAS blind, he knew that for sure but...how...maybe she smelled his blood? People who were blind were supposed to have really good other senses...still...to smell the blood...it wasn't like his blood was that fragrant.

Then she was angry with him, glaring at his chest. That little bit helped to alleviate the fear but at the same time...she was still kinda mad with him. He found it sort of...amusing. She was mad at him for injuring himself getting her a flower, but not mad at him for kidnapping her. She was truly the best woman in the world. "You deserve...fine things...beautiful things...like yourself...any hurt is okay as long...as I get to see you smile." He spoke softly and took his time to get the words right. He was being honest, and he even reached up and cupped her cheek gently in his hand. She was truly the best...

By the Gods he wanted to kiss her.

The touch at her cheek made her move back slightly and her lips were still a frown. His words were slow but careful and she laughed at the end. A smile. So, they got the flower and now Capric was touching her. "Uhm." Varali rubbed her hand over her thigh and smiled again. She felt so.. So... Naked. If she fully understood the concept of naked and could see other people there would surely be some shame in what she was wearing now.

Which was far less than what she usually wore, she could tell.

Varali took a step away and gently took Caprics hand off her cheek. "So! Um." She smiled again before tilting her head slightly, listening to the sounds of whatever was going on. Mostly she just heard sand. Lots and lots of sand. "Capric! When do I go home?"

She was smiling and happy again! That was so very pleasing for Capric. She was even speechless, which made him felt better. There was no denying it now, he was really good at what he did! Which was charming people, and he was glad that he was managing to do that with Varali.

That's when everything seemed wrong again. She suddenly was leaving him, his hand was no longer on her cheek and she was almost trying to...get away from him. No, that'd be...she said she hadn't minded after all right? She had seemed so calm and relaxed after all...maybe she was feeling...home sick suddenly. That didn't sit well for Capric. He had already kidnapped her, and was sorta forcing her to stay here but...what if he actually had to? What would his tribe say? What would...he say to them?

"Home? You...this is home now. Remember we are tied now...our spirits are together." He didn't want her to ever leave. The fact that she thought it would be possible though...it wasn't going to end well. "At least...you must stay to meet my spirit givers..." Yes. Maybe they would be understanding, and maybe would help to keep her here somehow. He just...he just wished he knew more about Varali. "Can...Can I ask things about you Varali? I...knowledge very small about you."

Oh right.

They were... Together. "Oh right. I must have forgotten."

Or something. Varali pursed her lips and crossed her arms over her chest before she gave a nod. "Okay, okay." She smiled at him and tilted her head, "You can ask me anything you like!" She played with the sand by her foot and moved her arms feeling awkward all of a sudden.

Souls bound together.

Sounded... Messy.

"It is large transformation, I comprehend that you will take time to adjust." He said with a small smile. He didn't like the idea too much of keeping her here completely against her will but...if she ended up wanting to be here, then he could make a case for her staying with his tribe. Maybe he wouldn't end up being banished or exiled from the tribe to wander until he made up for this...what they would definitely call a crime.

Kidnapping, making someone think they were bonded, oh yes, this was definitely a crime.

"Really? O-okay. What is your life like in North? Do you...have jobs that you do? Do you have family...uhm...are you...are you sad with what has happened?" He didn't want to get a guilty conscience but...if she really really really hated this predicament then...well it would eat away at him.

After his little question session with her, it wasn't long before they were joined by a couple of females of the Vin 'El. One of them looked battle hardened, she had many scars on her body, her own bright green eyes were in a slight glare, while the other woman had a much more...reserved and gentle look to her. "Capric, there you are." The rougher looking woman said as they stood before Capric. "A-ah! Asiel, Leiane, w-what brings you present?" Capric asked as he scrambled to his feet, hands behind his back looking a little nervous. "We thought it would be good to teach your...wife how to be a Vin 'El. Does she speak our language?" Asiel, the tall warrior woman asked him. Capric shook his head. "No, I haven't space to teach Varali language...you will speak trader to her." Capric explained to the women, who looked a little annoyed.

None really liked to speak anything other than Vin 'El...but some could abide, others could not. "Then we'll speech these words to her." Leiane said with a small frown. They all had trouble speaking the words, but all of them were young so...they hadn't learned yet.