She stood by the docks, taking in a deep breath to savor the wonderful ocean smell. The sea breeze tickled her neck as it blew through her hair. Wrapped over her shoulder and sitting on her hip was her bag, with her cloak folded in half slung over it. Nashya was waiting for the weapons tradesmen to dock and display there sales for the week. She did not have much money, mostly acquired from taking odd jobs, but she had been saving just in case a new trinket or holster caught her eye. As the crew tied their ropes to the docks Nashya could not help but smile in excitement. A few others lingered along the docks, no doubt waiting for new items as well.
For a while now she had been searching for a thicker material to hold her daggers so that they may remain ready for combat, but without the lull of pain they cause just from being tucked in her belt. The iron daggers caused constant discomfort with only her thin tunic to separate them from her skin. However, the discomfort was an easy sacrifice for her to make. Once docked and the walkway made passengers from the ship flooded the docks. When the crowd cleared and a stand had been set up she rushed over to look at all the goodies they were offering.
Of course the table was adorned with crates of beautiful weapons and trinkets. Most would stare at them in awe, tempted to spend their life savings on just one ornate blade. The embedded gemstones and fancy metal work was not what caught Nashya's eye. It was all about practicality for her. And there sitting on the edge of the table was a worn pair of leather holsters... exactly what she had been looking for. As she paid the dues for the holsters the merchant gave her a confused look. No doubt wandering why a girl like her would spend her money on a pair of worn out things.
Making her way off the dock she had a bit of pep in her step as she immediately attached the holsters to her belt and rested her daggers in there new home. "Whew" she said when the slight bit of distance was added to the blades and her skin. She made her way to a tavern/inn that she had spent the last few nights at, after today's spending tonight would be her last before coming up with a new way to make some more coin. No doubt sleeping outside for a few nights was in her future. She pecked at a bit of fish before turning her attention to the happenings around her.
Ah, Cerenis. Faelis had away loved the place, full of such diversity and adventure.
The elf was currently walking along the docks, his hands in his pockets, not going anywhere in particular, when his eyes fell upon a young woman standing in front of a stall. It appeared as if she had just bought a pair of leather sheaths.
But she started away from the docks and Faelis 'accidentally' bumped into a man. Apologizing profusely, Faelis brushed off the confused fellow before continuing on his way, chuckling at the newly acquired purse of coins that now hung from his own belt.
It was a few minutes later that the elf decided to get something to eat. He made his way through the busy market and to an inn that he sometimes went to. Upon entering he was surprised to see the young woman from the docks before.
He walked up to the table she was at and smiled at her. "Is this seat open?" he asked. "If so, perhaps I could buy you a drink?"
Nashya finished her food in silence before pushing the remnants to the edge of the table for the innkeeper to pick up. She flung her last remaining coins beside the food as a tip. Her attention was then stolen by the man who approached her with a question.
"It most certainly is... of course!" she giggled after sending a warm smile his way. Nashya has always been a very trusting person and likes to give most the benefit of the doubt. She motioned to the seat next to her for the man to sit down. Of course she would allow someone to buy her a drink considering she was officially flat broke.
She took in his appearance, his ears catching her attention only briefly before her gaze met his beautifully colored eyes. She once again shot out a warm smile relieved at the thought of having a conversation with anyone other than herself.
Faelis smiled and nodded as she accepted his offer.
As he sat down the barmaid approached the table. She took the young woman's plate and smiled at the two. "Anything else I can get you?" she asked.
"I'll have an Copper Ale, and for the young lady. . ?" the elf glanced over at the woman across from him, waiting for her to tell the barmaid what she would like.
She blushed at the offer. "I'll have the same" she replied. Nashya was not much of a drinker, but one every once in a while couldn't hurt.
She tapped her fingers on the table while waiting for their drinks. In an attempt to spark conversation she opted for the usual formalities. " So what brings you to Cerenis?" she paused "That is of course if you don't mind me asking".
She continued to glance at his attire, slightly different, but she liked it. Much more attention drawing than her simple tunic.
"Nothing in particular," Faelis said, that charming smile still on his face. "I'm simply a traveler. And what interests does a pretty young lady like you find in this city?"
He was, obviously, in a very flirty mood.
"Same, just happen to be hunkered down here for a bit" she replied "I have never left the country though, but love the thought of traveling farther than the borders of Serendipity." her eyes lit up in bewilderment thinking of all the places he could have gone, how much of the world had he seen?
She turned her head staring off while thinking of the invisible chains that tie her down to comfort and safety. "I think I will stay here for a while, its pretty calm. Unless I get wind of war, then I am out of here."she paused for a moment. The dark voice in her head whispering "But we love war".
Quickly she shook the thought from her mind and as quickly as the bewilderment left her eyes it returned. "It must be so nice, seeing all new places all the time! I envy you."
The bar maiden approached the table to deliver their drinks. She quickly took hers and took a tiny sip. "How rude of me to forget! My name is Nashya". She tilted her head with a smile as she introduced herself.
"It is quite interesting to see all the different places and cultures," Faelis said, taking his drink as well and taking a pull.
"Ah, Faelis," the elf said. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Nashya." He took another drink. "So, you're from Serendipity."
"I guess you could say that" she responded. Nashya lifted the drink to her lips for another sip before letting her mind wander again. Of course she was from Serendipity. It was where she grew up, with her mother and father. Living here was a blessing and a curse. Yes it was a comfortable place for her, the culture, the people... it all felt like home. However, it was where she lost the few people she loved. When the sickness hit her tiny farming village it took almost everyone. She would never understand why the gods allowed her to live.
A small tear started to form in the corner of one of her eyes before she realized how off train she had let her thoughts become. She could hear the voice again "You enjoyed watching them suffer. Don't lie to yourself".
"Shoot" she mumbled while bringing her wrist up to wipe away the single tear. "I apologize... I think I got something in my eye". She pretended to wipe at it again "Got it" she smiled. She was beginning to annoy herself. Why could she not keep her emotions in check today? Taking another sip from her ale she met his gaze once more. "How long are you in Cerenis for?"
Faelis could see that she was thinking about something unpleasant, but he didn't say anything, it would be rude to ask when she seemed to not want to talk about it. However, people often stayed silent about things even when they wanted to talk, but all the same Faelis decided that it was too early to pry.
"I don't know," he answered her question. "It could be either two more days or two more weeks, it doesn't really matter. You said you would possibly like to leave Serendipity sometimes, but not in the near future?"
She paused at the thought.
" I can't say for sure. " she giggled. "Like I said its pretty calm here, I had planned on hanging out for a while. However... " she took a sip from her ale " .... at the end of the day no one can really say for sure what decisions they will make until they are made." she continued "How would I know if something made me want to leave tomorrow?".
She laughed at herself. " I may come off as someone who doesn't like to push their limits, but I would love nothing more than to be able to explore the unknown. " she smiled, covering the pain in her heart. Of course she would love to live a more exciting life. But exciting meant the chance of getting hurt or scared. Both of which she personally could live with, but the blackness that lives deep in her heart thirsted for these things.
This is why, after losing her mother and father, Nashya kept formalities simple and people at bay. She didn't form relationships and never jumped in to save the day even when every fiber of her being wanted to.
Faelis nodded. "Yeah," he said, commenting on her remark on making decisions. "That's how I usually go about it, just see what happens and go with the flow."
He nodded again at her next statement, but then he tensed, his ears picking up something that no one else in the inn could hear as his gave shot towards the door.
"There'll be trouble. . ." he muttered, and a second later four men entered into the inn. There was an air about them that would make anyone suspicious of them, but they just glanced around the inn. The place was mostly empty, and the leader's eyes fell upon Faelis and Nashya.
Faelis's hands gripped the edge of the table, and something inside of him started ticking as the four men approached.
They pulled up chairs and sat down.
"Now," the leader said to Faelis. "I've had a hard day, so if you and your lady friend would be so kind as to hand over whatever money you have?"
Faelis smiled at the man. "I don't think that is very nice of you," he said calmly. "So why don't you just get the hell out?"
"I don't think so."
Faelis felt the knife at his side before he saw it, and he glanced down at the blade. He chuckled, and when he looked up, he was smiling, and something had snapped in his eyes.
The blade at his side did nothing to stop the elf as his hand shot out, grabbing the other man;s wrist and twisting the knife away from him. He was on his feet in an instant and a dagger had appeared in his hand, seemingly out of nowhere. The blade slicked around, cutting across the man's wrist. He cried out and fell back, clutching his bleeding wrist.
The three other men rushed at the elf, and the first man had a dagger in his leg before he even reached Faelis.
The few other patrons of the inn had by now rushed for the door or to hide behind the bar with the barmaid and the innkeeper.
Faelis ducked under one man's swipe and spun behind him, one of the elf's many daggers cutting through the man's boot and cutting deeply into his ankle, sending him falling to the ground. The leader and the other standing man attacked again, and Faelis kicked out, hitting the leader in the face. By the time he had fallen unconscious, Faelis hand already sliced his dagger across the last man's arm, and then he hit him over the head with the hilt of his dagger.
He spun around, still in the trance he had entered, and his eyes fell on the nearest person, Nashya. He looked for a moment as if he were going to attack her, and took a lurching step forward, but then he stopped, and shook his head as if trying to clear a headache.
Then he blinked, and something fled from his eyes, and he fell to his knees.
(OOC: Sorry for the length!)
Nashya's gaze followed Faelis's when it went to the door. She was taken by surprise when the men entered. She shot a glance at Faelis while her mind raced on what she should do.
When they sat at their table she knew this was not going to end well. She could feel it... deep within herself, the urges rising. When she once more glanced over at Faelis she was in shock. The familiar look in his eyes, it was all too much.
She stood in shock, arms quivering watching the fight ensue. The voice in her head screaming at her. "End it all right now! Show them all what you are really made of! Make them piss themselves in fear! " She pressed her palms to her ears as she crouched closing her eyes, silently battling herself.
Suddenly the commotion stopped. She looked up to see Faelis taking a step towards her. His eyes... oh his eyes, she could read them so well. That pain, that loss of control, the craving gaze for more carnage, all she had seen before in herself. She was frozen, surely to let him end it all if he chose.
As quickly as it all began, it ended. She watched as he fell to his knees and as the patrons all stood in silent shock. At that moment Nashya decided to do for Faelis what no one had ever done for her. She stood up taking in a deep breath "Well that was eventful!' she exclaimed. She turned to one of the inn workers and reassured them with a warm smile. Afterwards, she stepped over one of the men laying on the floor as she made her way to Faelis. She knelt before him and went to rest one of her hands on his shoulder, attempting to meet his gaze.
"Thank you" she whispered. In her whisper was a hint of understanding, pain, uncertainty and fear.
As Nashya knelt next to him, Faelis heard something in her voice that he had never heard before. Understanding. She understood. How could she understand?
He shook his head and slowly got to his feet, glancing around the inn. "The city guard will be here soon," he muttered. "We should leave."
She stood with him listening to his suggestion. "I agree" she stated as she walked over to pick up her bag and cloak. She couldn't help herself as she leaned down over one of the defeated men. She tilted her head slightly at him, strands of her hair falling off of her shoulder almost touching the mans face.
" I would just like you to know that you are very rude and I don't like you" she stuck her tongue out at him and then smiled. Of course it was a childish act, but Nashya refused to let anger get the best of her. If she had nothing to fear, a few choice words and actions would have been revealed. Giggling she stood straight tucking some of her hair behind her ear. She turned to Faelis "Ready when you are"
The man did his best to scowl at her, but then grimaced at the pain in his head got to him.
Faelis glanced around at the men and the people behind the bar before turning towards Nashya and nodding. "Let's go."
He started for the door and stepped out onto the mostly empty street. The market was still in full swing a block down, but Faelis looked away from it, he was not in the mood to be around a lot of people now.
She followed Faelis onto the street. Once stepping outside Nashya flipped her cloak on, pulling up the hood.
"I have an idea of where we could go" she said as she began walking.
By now it was dark outside, she could hear the clamber of people in the marketplace a bit away. Nashya had been in Cerenis for a few weeks now and had a pretty good idea of the layout of the port.
She walked in silence as thoughts swarmed her mind. Her heart hurt for this man, knowing he must have a similar pain in his heart to hers. Thankfully the hood on her cloak was up or the tears silently streaming from her eyes would have been visible for all to see.
After a bit of walking they came to a spot on the beach that was tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the port city.
" This is by far the best find here" she spoke softly, her gaze focusing on the landscape, the tears she had previously cried dry on her cheeks. There was a black spot in the sand where a fire had previously been made, some of the firewood still remained. Nashya had slept on this very beach for a few nights before making enough coin to stay at the inn.
Inconspicuously she wiped her face with her cloak while pulling it off and letting it rest in the sand. The locks of her hair now softly swaying to the ocean breeze.
Faelis didn't say anything as they walked, and soon they came to a spot on the beach. It was the same place that he often went to when he came to Cerenis, a secluded section of beach.
He looked over the water, and then glanced over at Nashya. "Sorry about that," he said softly, shrugging one shoulder. "It happens sometimes."
She listened to him as he spoke, her gaze locked onto the ocean. "Don't worry about it. I understand" she kind of half smiled. Her thoughts traveled back to when he looked at her before falling to his knees. "I am actually kind of glad you are the one who dealt with all of it. Better you than me".
She took in a deep breath of the ocean air before turning to him. A warm smile was spread across her cheeks by now. "By the way, your dagger skills are amazing!" she pulled one of her daggers from the holster and held it up. "Yours are so much more pretty than mine though."
Faelis was quite surprised that Nashya was taking this all like she was, but her remark 'better you than me', caught his attention, what would she have done?
But he shook his head when she drew one of her daggers. "It's not the looks that matter," he said, smiling a bit. He looked back to her face. "Why are you taking this all so calmly? You saw what happened to me, that was more than self-defense."
Nashya thought about how best to respond. "I guess you could say that we all have our secrets". She looked into his eyes. They really were quite beautiful to her. "That feeling of losing yourself... I know it all too well."
In an attempt to not let out too much information she diverted her attention to where she liked to set up her fire. Should be simple enough to start since the materials were all still there. She reached for her bag and dug out a piece of flint. Kneeling down beside the half charred wood she struck the flint with one of her daggers, creating a spark... then fire.
Faelis didn't push her for more information, but he gave some of his own. "That wasn't the worst of it," he said. "That was a random outburst, I could have handled the situation without. . . going there. . . but something happened. I usually only do that when I'm already in a fight, or if I feel extremely threatened. That shouldn't have happened then, but it does happen randomly sometimes."
He shook his head and sighed. "Usually it's worse than that. . . This time I was able to come out of it after the fight, but sometimes I can't, and I have to let it run its course."
She added her own thoughts to what he had said. "And when its all over you look at the person you had become and regret everything? You wander how you could be so cruel, mean and heartless. How when you are like that you could hurt even the person closest to you?" she didn't know why she made it sound like a question. She knew the answer... she knew how it felt.
Reliving the thoughts started to stir something within her. "He knows too much... do something" the dark voice in her head torted. Just as she would if she were alone she took one of her daggers and ran the blade across her palm, causing a burn on her hand but relief in her mind.
Faelis nodded at her words, but his eyes widened as she drew the knife across her hand.
"What are you doing?" he asked, concern and confusion in his voice, stepping towards her.
She looked up at him with a dead look in her eyes. "Stopping the voices" she responded.
Faelis held her gaze. "The voices?" he asked. This young woman seemed to have a problem similar to his, but he didn't hear voices.
With a blink the sparkle in her eyes returned. Wordless she reached for her pack to pull out some bandage to wrap her palm in and sat down in the sand. "The burn will be gone by morning" she said as she worked on wrapping it. "My daggers only have a little iron in them, enough to make it uncomfortable"
After finishing her hand she looked to him again. "I suppose if I don't explain myself now then you will spend your days thinking I am a crazy person." she sighed
"I was born with this curse, my parents always said it was a gift, but to me its a curse." as she explained she stared into the fire, the light of it creating a warm glow.
"This fire.... you see how beautiful the flames are, how magnificently powerful it is. How it burns..." she shifted her gaze to him "I am nothing like this fire. The fire is magnificent in its own right and its power is beautiful, no matter how strong it grows its still beautiful." she lifted her other hand and held it out to her side, a shadow casting over it as the light of the fire could not reach it.
"I am the shadow, the unknown, the cold dark place. Nothing beautiful about it. When the light goes it consumes everything. It hungers for more darkness." she took in a deep breath.
"The voices like it when I get riled up. They take advantage of my heart and try to convince me to cast my shadow on everyone around me... but I won't. I would rather have pure iron shackles on my wrists, burning me, then allow them to control me."
She let out a sigh of relief as she finished her explanation. It would have been easier just to show him, but she would never willingly open the gates to her abilities... not unless it was life or death.
Faelis actually chuckled softly when she said he would think she's a crazy person. "I've met enough crazy people in my life to know that you're not one, and if you are, it's not going to turn me away."
Then he listened silently to her explanation until she had finished. "What are your abilities?" he asked.
Nashya was comforted by his response and smiled. "Hard to explain. I've never let them go full force, and most certainly never tried to hone them, that would mean willingly using them."
Never had Nashya opened up to someone about what she could do. Ever since she saw him at the inn and what he did, she felt a sense of comfort, knowing he knew to an extent her pain.
"I can make people see things, believe they feel things... like I said. Cast a shadow of doubt on your mind" she shrugged "some people can see through it, some can't" she started fiddling with the buckles on her boots.
"The worst part is when I use them something else takes over, and I myself am stuck in a world of pain, fear, and illusions"
"That must be awful," Faelis said. "Have you tried to get help at all? Gone to a mage and asked if they could remove your. . . curse? I have a few times, but no one has been able to help me yet."
She shook her head back and forth. "I have tried to seek out help a couple of times, with no luck either."
She sent Faelis a smile "It is so refreshing to meet someone who understands". She giggled at herself.
"It may seem that we met a bit of misfortune today, with those men trying something on us". Shyly she started fumbling with her boots again.
"But I think that... that meeting you today was the luckiest thing that has happened to me in a long time."
She looked up her cheeks flush. "Still think I am not crazy?"
He smiled back at her, "I still think you're not crazy," he said, crouching next to the fire. "Another question, if I may. Are the voices always in your head, or only when you're stressed out or feeling a certain emotion?"
Nashya stopped fumbling with her boots, trying to think how best to answer the question.
"It's hard to say, some days I don't hear a peep, and others its as if no matter what I do they wont stop." she paused. "But they are always there when I am upset or feeling threatened".
She turned her attention "What about you?"
"Like I said, I don't hear voices, and I'm usually free of my 'dark side' unless I'm actually in it. But it usually happens when I'm feeling threatened or in a fight, though it doesn't happen every time I fight. The worst is when it happens randomly, and I just go into it. It doesn't matter where I am, be it in a market square or a temple or a ruin, it just happens," then his mood seemed to lighten and he shrugged. "I never know when it could come, but I don't let myself worry about it, there's no use worrying if I can't do anything about it."
" I try not to worry about it." she shrugged, the lightening mood he had spreading to her.
"So what now? Obviously, I cant stay here anymore. Come morning we have to make some kind of decision." she started giggling again
"Someone HAD to go and beat up the bad guys, I am sure they will hold a grudge since their masculinity now rests in the palms of your hands."
She made a motion with her hands, as if holding an imaginary object "Surely they will want their pride back" she joked.
"Probably," Faelis smiled. "But I don't think they'll get it. I'm very good at evading people I don't want to meet, you know."
Indeed, all those years of running away from all the people who seemed to have it out for him, either because he stole from them or he worked with them and the outcome wasn't as they had hoped, made one quite adept at avoiding unwanted company.
"As for where to go," Faelis mused. "I've traveled all over the world, and, if you want to leave Serendipity, I could guide you to another country?"
The thought of leaving her home country was a fright. Nashya had never left Serendipity, but she had always dreamed of doing so. Maybe this was her time to finally see what else was in the world.
"You will have to make a deal with me if I go anywhere with you." her face was serious.
After a long pause she continued her statement. "The deal is I will put up with your crazy if you put up with mine" she held out her non-bandaged hand, very serious at the silly statement.
"We have to shake on it."
Faelis raised an eyebrow as she said they had to make a deal, but he nodded when she stated her terms.
"Of course," he said, taking her hand and shaking it. "I wouldn't have it any other way."
Then he turned to look at the now dark sky. "We're leaving tomorrow?"
Listening to his words filled her with joy. Immediately, a large smile was plastered on her face.
"I'm guessing so. So where are we headed?" she asked.
Today had turned out to be such a wonderful day for Nashya. Not only meeting someone who understood her, but meeting someone who gave her the courage to leave Serendipity.
"Wherever you want to go," Faelis said. "I don't mind where we go, I've been most places already. We could go to Connlaoth, but they don't much like magic there, or perhaps Adela, lots of dragons, or we could sail to Thanatos or the Yoreiqi Isles." He shrugged. "Like I said, wherever you want to go.
Nashya took a moment to think of her options. "I would like to go to Thanatos, its the closest to Serendipity." she leaned back propping herself up on her shoulders, her hair falling back as she looked at the sky.
"I have seen a lot of Thanati travelers here and I think the clothing and culture is beautiful."
She closed her eyes, still leaned back propped up on her shoulders. "I have always dreamed of what silk felt like on the skin." her eyes remained closed as she dreamed of the feeling.
"Indeed," Faelis said. "I've even traveled through the jungles form time to time, and they're quiet interesting as well, though they can be dangerous."
Faelis shifted into a more comfortable position on the sand. "We should probably get to sleep."
Nashya was dazzled by the ideas of such landscaping.
Nodding in agreement to his statement about sleep she shifted her elbows out from underneath her, wrapping her arms over herself. As she lay on her back, continuing to stare at the sky. "You know Faelis..." her voice soft. "I am really glad I met you today."
Faelis smiled and lay down as well, putting his hands behind his head. "I'm glad I met you as well," he said. "And not just because of our somewhat shared 'condition'." He glanced over at her. "It's not everyday that I meet someone like you."
Nashya smiled still laying on her back and quickly fell asleep, his words lingering in her thoughts. It had been a while since she could sleep so soundly. Always on edge... but knowing that he was there comforted her in a way and made her feel at ease.
It took Faelis a few minutes to fall asleep, but even when he did, he would still be awake in a flash with a danger in his hand if his sharp elven hears picked up any sign of danger. Being alert even when asleep was so natural to him that even if he were to sleep in a place that was relatively safe (unlikely for him) he would still be constantly alert, when awake and when sleeping.
The next morning he woke with the sun and glanced over at Nashya. He considered for a mere moment going into the market to perhaps pick a few pockets before they left for Thanatos, be he decided against it, he didn't want to leave Nashya here alone while she was asleep.
Her eyes flickered open, in her sleep Nashya had rolled over onto her side, the vision of the burnt out fire being the first thing she saw. Pushing herself up with her hands, Nashya looked around for Faelis only to find him where he was the night before... already awake.
"Good morning" she said softly stretching her arms upwards, attempting to awaken her muscles. "Nice to see your still here" smiling she continued "I thought for sure you would run off while I was asleep and get as far away as possible" she joked.
He shook his head as he poked at the fire with a stick. "Hardly, I can understand to some extent what you've gone through. People get scared when they find out, people are scared of things they're unfamiliar with."
He stood up, brushing sand off of himself. "Do you want to get something to eat?"
The mere mention of food made Nashya jump up, sand flinging off of her clothes.
Bashfully, she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear as she had realized how foolish her actions were. Re-correcting herself she responded "I would like that very much."
Her cheeks were flushed red, as she tried to gather her things and shove them in her bag. After collecting the few things she needed she placed it over her shoulder. Once again the weather too hot to wear her cloak she slung it over her bag between the straps.
"You know Faelis, I know I have said this a million times but I really am glad you stuck around"
Nashya started fiddling with her fingers, a nervous gesture. "And I know you have not said it... but I.. I think you are happy I stuck around too." she bit her lip looking at the ground. "And... I just want you to know... that I'm not going anywhere either."
After finishing she turned her head towards the ocean to avoid his gaze. "I may not seem to be a strong person... but I am strong enough to be here for you to." The ocean breeze whipped through her hair as she stood... staring at the possibility of a new world.
Faelis chuckled at her reaction, but nodded. "I am glad you stuck around," he said. "And I've been around enough to know that strength is actually not often physical."
He smiled at her and started walking back up the beach. "Besides," he turned around to walk backwards as he spoke to her, a mischievous gleam in his eyes as he laughed. "I knew you wouldn't leave, who could resist me?"
Nashya giggled at Faelis's remark playfully pretending to start walking in the other direction. "Resisting..." she laughed. After only a few moments she started back in the same direction as Faelis. "Just kidding".
Today Nashya had a pep in her step, slightly skipping along the beach behind Faelis.
"I do believe that the real problem here is how completely amazing I am... it is you my dear Faelis who cannot resist...". Nashya scrunched her nose at him.
Faelis laughed at her remark, and he put a hand to his chest, feigning surprise. "You've found me out, it is true!"
He laughed again, and now the market was in sight. "Do you want to get something quick from a stall or go inside an inn or something?"
Nashya continued to skip along behind Faelis. "A stall is fine"
"Last time we were both at an inn it didnt turn out so great".
With that Nashya's attention turned to the boats. "I cant believe that in just a little bit I will not be in Serendipity!"
They headed into the market and soon they were surrounded by people. The atmosphere was almost like a festival, with people hawking their wares and the street crowded.
"I was so happy to leave my home and start traveling," Faelis said to Nashya's remark. "I couldn't wait to see the world."
Nashya continued to stroll behind Faelis. Her eyes scanned the crowd, nothing out of the ordinary. The festival like commotion caused emotion to stir within her. She had been so caught up in the excitement of leaving that she had completely forgotten about how this was her home. All the familiar sights and smells.
"Did you have anyone with you when you left? To see the world I mean?" Nashya prodded for information to get her mind off of any doubts.
Faelis shook his head. "Nope, I was all alone. How about you? Were you with anyone when you came here to Cerenis?"
As if answering a standard question Nashya responded " Nope, I have pretty much been alone since I was a kid after my parents died" Her parents death no longer being something that bothered her so much. "So when to we board the boat? I think it takes about 3 days to get there once the boat leaves the docks... assuming the weather is permittable."
Faelis pursed his lips when she said her parents had died, but before he could say anything, she continued.
"There are quite a few ships going to Thanatos every day," Faelis said. "So we'll probably be able to catch one within a few hours or so," he paused before saying. "I'm sorry about your parents."
He didn't know the situation, or Nashya was even sad about her parents deaths, they could have been abusive killers for all Faelis knew, but he said it anyway.
Looking down for only a brief moment Nashya took a moment to think of her parents.
"They were very loving... doting even."
"They were taken by illness, most of the villagers were actually..." she paused. "Those of us that were not afflicted left, not much was left to stay for. I was an only child, no siblings to keep in contact with, so I followed suit and abandoned the village."
Looking up she smiled, "What about your parents Faelis?"
Her attention was quickly stolen as the smell of fresh bread whipped past her with the breeze. Her gaze quickly finding the source of such wonderful scents. Pointing she looked to Faelis "What about there?"
Faelsi nodded and started for the bread stand. "That must have been awful," he commented on her statement. "My parents are still alive and well, as far as I know. I haven't seen them for, oh, ti's bee seven years now, I think? I ran away when I was fifteen. My parents weren't awful, but they mostly ignored me, my brother was the one that got all the attention," he chuckled dryly. "But I'm sure that sounds rather melodramatic, doesn't it?"
"Not at all... " Nashya giggled "I would like to meet them one day... your family." she prodded "I would love a chance to tell them how magnificent you are". With that she skipped the rest of the way to the bread stand, holding a finger to her mouth as she tried to decide which one she wanted.
Faelis laughed. "I'm sure they wouldn't believe you, they probably don't think very highly of me anymore."
He looked over the stand, choosing a cheese-stuffed bread and buying it.
After taking a moment to decide Nashya picked a simple rye bread. She paid for her purchase and held the warm bread in her hands. She took a moment to savor the smell of the freshly baked parcel. "Well then shame on them" she mumbled, breaking a small bit off and shoving it into her mouth. "Mmmmmm". A smile spread across her face as the warm bit slid down her throat.
She walked with him, making small talk as they approached the boat that would take them on their journey. "So tell me more about yourself Faelis. What makes you tick? What do you like to do?" Nashya prodded for information, having not really had an opportunity to ask these simple questions.
"I'm a traveler," Faelis said, but she already knew that. "A treasure hunter, sometimes I take mercenary jobs, or do random other tasks for people, sometimes I go exploring, just a general adventurer, and I love it, there isn't anything I'd rather be doing with my life."
This was all true, he just left out his main job, a thief. This was what he told everybody, and if, after he had known them for a while, he thought he could ell them, he would, but often he would meet people and they would go their separate ways before they found out or he told them.
"What about you?" he asked Nashya. "What do you like to do?"
She shrugged, taking in another bit of her bread. "I like to just take things day by day" Nashya paused. "I like to practice using my daggers." a bit of determination in her eyes she continued. "I dream that one day I will be good enough with them I wont have to ever use my abilities willingly." her gaze shifted to Faelis "You are amazing by the way... Last night don't think I didn't take notice of your mastery. It seems we both are fans of dagger mastery."
The boat that they would be boarding came into view, a few passengers already crossing onto it with their belongings in tow. The hustle and bustle of the docks was just as any day. Crew members shouting to one another preparing their ships for their next venture. Loved ones stood on the deck waiving on as their counterparts boarded various ships. "Well looks like we are really doing this... " she looked at Faelis.
"Thank you," Faleis said. "I've practiced with them a lot, and experience in actual battle helps."
He nodded as they approached the ship. It was actually a passenger ship, usually when Faelis traveled it was by hitching a ride on a cargo or merchants ship. It seemed they would be traveling the proper way this time.
Faelis took a few more bites of his bread as they got closer. "I hope they have room left," he said when he had swallowed.
Looking at the passenger ship Nashya's heart jumped a bit. This was all really happening, she was really leaving Serendipity. "I am sure they do" she said as she began walking up the bridge created to board the boat. The moment her foot touched the deck she took in a deep breath attempting to calm her nerves. "Just breath" she chanted to herself in an attempt to remain calm.
Tucking the remainder of her bread in her bag Nashya ran over to the other side of the deck, gripping the railing she looked out to the open water. "I can't believe I am actually doing this!" she turned her head back to Faelis, the ocean wind whipping through her hair. She took a moment to take in the site of him, this man whom she had only met the night before. "Thank you" she said before turning her gaze back to the ocean. She leaned the top half of her body against the railing, as if she could will the ship to start moving.
"You're welcome," Faelis said when she thanked him. "Now, I'd better find the captain or someone before we're thrown off for not paying or something."
He turned around to fond a large man standing behind him, glaring at him. Faelis just smiled. "Ah, good day, sir! i assume you're the first mate?"
The man narrowed his eyes, and Faelis took this as a yes.
"Well, my friend and I are looking for passage to Thanatos, I grant your ship can take us there safely, or will we sink halfway there?"
The man narrowed his eyes further, could he even see anymore? "That'll be ten glints. Each."
Nashya turned her body to face the situation unfolding. Slowly she made her way beside Fealis, a charming smile on her face. "Thank you so much Sir" she said curtsying to the man, in an attempt to cure his "squinting" issue.
Digging through her bag Nashya managed to dig out the coin needed for her travel, she was sure she had spent the last of her money at the bread stand, fortunately some coin had collected in the bottom of her bag.
Nashya extended her hand to Faelis, so that she may add her coin to his. "Ten glints" she laughed at him, purposefully squinting her eyes as much as she could hoping Faelis would find humor in the gesture.
(OOC: Sorry for the late reply! :P)
The first mate's attitude didn't change, but Faelis held back a chuckle at Nashya as she squinted.
The first mate took their coin and walked off without saying another word.
Faelis looked at Nashya. "Well, he was quite a friendly fellow."
(OOC: No problems ^.^)
Nashya giggled at the secret joke they shared while brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. Turning her attention back to the edge of the boat she once again leaned her body against the railing taking it all in.
This serene moment only lasted for a few moments before she felt the boat begin to leave the docks. A sense of unease flooded Nashya as her eyes began to wander among the passengers. "Faelis..." her voice just a whisper.
"Something is not right..." she attempted to speak to him as inconspicuously as possible. Passengers were beginning to catch her attention, as they themselves whispered to each other. A few of them even being bold enough to lock eyes with her.
Before Nashya could fully process the rest of what was about to unfold she noticed a few crew members making their way towards Nashya and Faelis, one of them being Sir Squinty himself. Simply out of pure instinct Nashya pulled one of her daggers from its holster and gripped the blade with her palm, a very faint sizzle emanating from her flesh as the iron burnt her fragile skin.
Faelis noticed it too. From years of being a thief, you learned to see when people had it out for you.
"I see," he whispered, and then he saw the crewmembers making their way towards the two. When Nashya pulled out her dagger Faelis placed a hand on her wrist. "Wait," he said quietly. It wasn't as if he didn't trust her, but that he didn't trust the voice in her head, and whatever it may tell her to do. Faelis himself didn't draw a weapon, though that's not to say one of his many daggers couldn't be in his hand in a millisecond.
Quickly Nashya could feel the dark urges within her surfacing. All of which dissipated momentarily when Faelis placed his hand on her wrist. Tucking her dagger back in its holster she scanned the deck as more crew members began to assemble.
Without words her gaze then shifted to Faelis not knowing what to do. She wasn't even quite sure what made her more nervous. Was it the fact that something unfortunate was clearly about to happen or the fact that the darkness within her could easily take advantage of the situation at any moment?
Instead she just stood there, leaving everything to chance. It wasn't as if she could run away as usual, the confines of being on a boat prohibiting such action.
(OOC: Sorry for the wait again, :P)
Faelis glanced behind him at the rail of the ship. Perhaps they could jump, but, depending on how good the crew was, they could be caught rather easily, and Faelis wasn't sure that if he jumped, Nashya would be able to follow him without being grabbed herself.
'Besides, we don't even know what they want, it may not be bad,' Faelis thought, but his always suspicious mind knew better.
A man stepped forward who looked to be the captain, the squinty first mate jest behind him. Faelis stepped forward as well, a very sincerely confused look on his face.
"What's all this?" he asked, and his 'innocent' act was very convincing, as if he used it often.
Nashya took her place standing behind Faelis. He was clearly more suited for this kind of situation than she was. While standing behind him she observed him from behind, taking in his features in an attempt to calm herself. It was the only thing she could focus on, all the gold and feathers that seemed to adorn his wardrobe.
She tried to distract herself for as long as possible before she realized that even more crew members were moving in on them. How could he be so calm? she asked herself only to have her question answered by the dark voice in her head. "You could be calm if you killed them all."
Nashya made the mistake of listening to the voice instead of ignoring it like usual. Slowly her thoughts grew darker as the voice seemed to grow louder in her mind. "You could stop all of this right now... Do you see squinty over there" her gaze lifted reflexively as her eyes searched for the first mate.
Almost zoning in on him the voice in her mind continued. "He has it coming to him, Why don't you just wipe that horrible look off of his face?" Nashya's head tilted in an almost puppet like fashion every movement seemingly snapping into place. The voice continued... "Or you could simply go for the captain and make all of the crew yours to control." Yet again her head tilted but in the other direction, the movements the same as before snapping in a puppet like manner.
Slowly Nashya's shadow began to grow from behind her beyond where the sun had originally cast it. Something had to happen soon or she would surely give in to the dark urges rising within herself. Silently she now stood behind Faelis, her expression blank, her head still half cocked to the side, even her eyes had lost a bit of their usual luster.
"Don't act like you don't know what's up," the captain barked, glaring at Faelis. "You two are wanted for brawling in a pub in Cerenis."
Faelis's eyes widened, as if surprised. "Us? Brawling? I haven't been in a fight for as long as I can remember!"
"Don't play dumb, elf," the captain growled. "Some of the people who witnessed the fight are on this very ship, and I don't think that you two could be mistaken for anybody else."
Nashya was behind Faelis, but the elf didn't see her change until she stepped up next to him and saw the blank expression on her face. Then he knew that, once again, whatever was inside of her was surfacing, or had already.
He stepped closer to her, until they were almost touching, and reached out, taking her hand discreetly and holding it tightly, trying to bring her back without any of the crew noticing what was happening to her.
Nashya's lifeless eyes darted back towards the captain as he spoke to her comrade. "Who on earth does this arse think he is?" the voice within her now grasping at every string it could. "Shut this fool up. Show him what a brawl really is..." the voice hissed at the last syllable making the action seem ever more enticing.
By now her shadow had bent around her feet, unnaturally it was creeping towards the captain. A blur of dark hands could be made out in its shape as if they were reaching for him with everything they had. By now the rest of what was being said was like a dull blur in her mind. Nashya could see there mouths moving, and even hear some sound but all speech seemed to be incoherent.
In a silent battle with herself Nashya pleaded "I don't want to hurt them... there are innocent people on this ship." her eyes squinted closed as she pressed even harder to control the darkness. "Just stop... please stop"
At that moment the voices did stop. Nashya was able to reel the shadow back into its natural state but it was not due to her pleading. Faelis's hand gripping hers seemed to have pushed back whatever was growing inside of her. Opening her eyes everything was clear once again and she could hear them talking once more.
Putting on her kindest face Nashya joined in with Faelis, his hand still holding hers discreetly. "I do believe my kind sir that you have the wrong people. We simply met this morning in the market." raising her free hand to her lips she let out a fake giggle. "My mother always says to never travel alone! So we decided to be each others company until we reach Thanatos."
Thankfully Nashya was able to keep up the charade, but in her mind she could not stop panicking on what was going to happen next. "Please don't let go" she chanted repeatedly to herself. Wishing she could somehow telepathically speak with him her eyes darted to his for a very brief moment. "If you let go I am going to lose control" not as if he could hear her silent plea but she hoped he would see the urge in her eyes.
Faelis didn't let go of her hand, but nodded at her statement.
"There's a mistake," the elf said. "We were definitely not brawling."
The captain ignored him, shaking his head. "Just shut up, the both of you, you're going to the brig." He motioned to his crew and two men walked forward, taking firm grips on both Faelis and Nashya's arms.
Faelis kept a tight grip on Nashya's hand, and they were not pulled apart as the crewmen began to pull them towards the brig.
"I protest!" Faelis said loudly, his act still firmly in place, but he didn't struggle. "You can't just arrest us! We didn't even do anything! You'll see that you're wrong once we get ashore!"
The captain continued to ignore him, but by now Faelis knew that they were going to the brig, and he knew his words weren't going to sway the man. He also knew, however, that if he pretended to be more helpless than he really was, the crew members would not search him as thoroughly once they got to the brig, even though he was charged with fighting.
Knowledge like that was what kept the elf alive.
Her muscles tensed as the crewman grasped her arm, her grasp on Faelis's hand tightening with the action. Hesitantly she walked forwards as they were pulled towards the brig, not really sure of what to do next. Nashya tried her hardest to stay calm as they were escorted as she picked up on Faelis's act. Surely he did not want to cause a commotion on the ship as it would only make for a more stressful ride to Thanatos.
It was at this moment that Nashya noticed they were being escorted towards separate cells as one crew member pulled at her arm in an attempt to separate her from Faelis. Reluctantly she released her grasp from his hand as she was escorted into a cell adjoining to the one she assumed he would be placed in. The crewman rudely shoved her into the cell shutting the metal door in her face as she turned towards the man.
"Stay calm.. stay calm..." she chanted to herself in an attempt to soothe her eager mind. Her eyes darted back and forth taking in the surroundings behind the bars. At least the cell wasn't completely enclosed....
Faelis had hoped that he and Nashya would not be separated, but, of course, they were, though their cells were next to each other.
Faelis was quickly patted down, and three of his daggers were removed. The three that were intentionally made easy to find, to avery suspicion. Nobody in their right mind would be in Cerenis without a weapon of some kind.
Then his cell door slammed shut and the guard went to stand at the door, facing away from them. Faelis went to the wall of bars separating his cell from Nashya's.
"Are you alright?" he asked, worried that the voice still may be trying to control her.
Nashya turned her attention to Faelis as she shot over to the side of the cell that adjoined his. Slowly she curled her fingers around the bars before speaking to him with a faint whisper. "For now..."
She cast her gaze downwards as she searched for what to say, or even to do next. It was then that the glimmer of her daggers caught her eye. A smile slowly crept across her face as she slowly lowered one of her hands downwards to twist her holster so that her daggers were behind her dress and cloak.
Looking back up she had hoped Faelis could see what she just did. Quietly she whispered to him once more, her voice a bit more sadistic. "... because a woman would never have weapons" she smirked rolling her eyes before turning away from him. Not even she herself could tell if that was her speaking just now, or the darkness within her.
A small, and somewhat sinister, smile twisted onto Faelis's face at the sight of her daggers.
"Some men," he said quietly. "Are extremely stupid."
He leaned against the bars, glancing at the guard. "Do we have a plan to get out of here?"