Coming into Town(OPEN)

[Nayeli]

( TASIA ANNA )

The feeling of the cold snow on my feet caused trembles to go threw my body, the blood pumping throughout my veins warm the pads of my feet. My skirt flows around my knees, moving as I move. The him at the waist is tight, with a pieces of fabric flowing around my waist. My stomach shows as I run, moving across the land towards the mighty trees of the city of Ellesméra. My chest is covered with my normal top, that is tight around my chest and his held up by one short sleeve on my shoulder. Around me, I have a invisible ball of warmth that keeps me from growing cold, but as my feet hit the freezing snow, it seems not to matter. My black hair is long, the many braids that I have fixed flowing behind me as my long body runs. Around my shoulder is both my arrow satchel and my bow, the emerald in the bend showing proudly. Onto of my head is the crown of vines, which were hard as silver, but still the same color they were when they were first brought from their place, the deep green and in the middle of my fore head, the green emerald.

Haha, you see one more thing about me, correct. My tattoo, the beautiful artwork I have always loved and will never hide, not for anything. In between my collar bone is a delicate, single leaf that bends slightly and two vines go around my neck, one to the left and one to the right. On both sides, they split, continuing around my neck and then crossing behind my neck and then around my shoulders, where more vines sprout and begin going down my arm, then ending at my finger tips. I love this art work, and though never hidden, I will always love it. I turn slightly to look around before I stop just in front of the entrance into Ellesméra. ”Well, if it is not Tasia Anna Georgios.” I smile and turn to see Sal, a guard for the city and a good friend of mine. I ran to him, greeting him as to custom and then giving him a hug. ”It has been too long, Sal.”

[/color] I said, smiling at him before he spoke. He told me of things that had been happening and I nodded. I left him be and headed into the city, gaining the attention of many who saw me.

My outfit was what some would call very disrespectful, but living in the forest would always give me this look. My tattoo was beautiful and I smiled as many followed. I finally turned the corner, the feeling of someone else hitting me caused me to stumble slightly, but my long arms grabbed the limb of a tree and I looked to see who had hit me.
[/blockquote][/size][/blockquote]

[Elloria]

Niko let out a deep sigh as he walked through Ellesmera. It had been over two centuries since he had last really walked beneath its vast canopy. He did and didn’t miss it. It was far wilder here than in Ellesmera and that spoke to some part of him - the part that had been wild as a child. The part whose energy was now so focused on training, the Library, the dragons. And he was pretty content with that. But perhaps part of his reluctance to return was because he knew some part of him missed this. And he didn’t want to miss the place that had made him and his brother suffer so.

Having returned briefly before heading to the ball in Carvala with Josk and Addison, however, had stirred all that up again. Everything from the lingering resentment to the desire to run through DuWeldenvarden with the creatures. He sighed again. He missed that. But he had grown past that, hadn’t he? He had Ilirea, he had the dragons. He had it made. Didn’t he? He lifted his gaze to the hidden sky above him as he pondered this. As he was about to round a corner - not paying the slightest attention to what was before him - he bumped into someone. Or they bumped into him? Or they both bumped into each other? He was in such an odd mood right now. He stumbled back a step, but steadied himself quickly. He looked the woman he had bumped into up and down. She had a very wild look about her, which appealed to him quite a lot at that moment. Her attire spoke of years wandering the woods, living a life unfettered - from her somewhat ragged skirt to her single-sleeved top. He knew she was probably not from Ellesmera, but that didn’t mean he could be rude to her. Not that he had reason to anyway. He bowed. “Atra esterní ono thelduin.” Straightening up, he smiled kindly at her and awaited her reply to the customary greeting. He then continued. “I hope I did not harm you, m’lady.”

[Nayeli]

( TASIA ANNA )

Ellesméra… Not many looked at me with eyes of happiness because of the way I dressed… Like the wild woman I was. I laughed at such eyes and glimpses. My emerald eyes looked around widely as I moved through the forest and into this grand city. Sure, it was beautiful, but the untouch forest held something so much more, a beauty that I wish I could pull all into my heart. My outfit showed how much I wanted to be with the forest in a way. My skirt looked like moss and vines that stretched over the trees, my top the same, as it showed all of my tone stomach and lower back and then the tattoo that laced over my shoulders and arms. I wanted to have it more over my body, the green vines to spread down my stomach and legs. It would take long days of ancient language.

I had heard of the ball through the tongue of my father. He had wanted me to go, but I had refused. Sure, I was nobility, my father wanted me to run the village he was part of, to his wife’s dismay, but I could not take one such a thing. I told me I would tell my sister before I took it over and that would be never. I knew what I wanted for me life…

It was at the point someone bumped into me, or I into them. My hand had grabbed the tree, which caused it to groan slightly at the sudden weight which had been placed on it. I looked at the man who had hit me. An elf, of course, dressed finely and with black hair. My emerald eyes looked over him to see if I knew him, but no name came to mind. She finally stood, patting the tree for thanks and then as he bowed, I smiled. The normally greeting within’ this city. ”Atra esterní ono thelduin.” I bowed down towards him, my left foot going back as I did so. ”Mor'ranr lífa unin hjarta onr” I then lifted myself back up and smiled at him kindly, looking at him for a moment, still making sure I did not harm him. My bow had started to slip down my arm, so I straightened it quickly. ”I hope I did not harm you, m’lady.”

I shook my head. ”No, of course not. I am sure it would take much more to hurt me then a mere bump.”

[/color] Something about him was different. I only came to the city a few times, but faces were never different and this one was. I was not sure why he was, but he was different, though only slightly. ”I am Tasia Anna.”[/color] I also realized my small crown that looked like a vine with a emerald in the middle had shifted slightly and I fixed it.
[/blockquote][/size][/blockquote]

[Elloria]

Niko chuckled. “No, I don’t suppose it would. Still, it is always polite to inquire.” He looked at her more closely. There seemed to be vines wrapped around her arms; a closer look showed they were tattoos. How interesting. Well, perhaps no more interesting than the mark upon his brow. And perhaps just as natural? He had sometimes been asked if the dragon emerging from flames was an addition he or his parents had made. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Tasia Anna. I am Niko. Niko Danta. That’s a lovely crown, if I may say so. Did you craft it?” he asked curiously. He shifted on his feet slightly, his curiosity making him fidget. A few moments later, he pressed on with his curiosity. “I don’t believe I’ve ever seen you around Ellesmera before. But then, I have not stood beneath its leaves since I was child. Are you from here?”

[Nayeli]

( TASIA ANNA )

He had checked to make sure I was not harmed, which was kind and considerate and something that I was not use to, but I was not going to complain. Maybe state a slight fact, but not complain. ”No, I don’t suppose it would. Still, it is always polite to inquire.” She smiled, finally noticing his own making on his head. It was a rather nice marking, that of a dragon and she was slightly curious, but did not say anything. She knew better then to poke and prod, unless of course she was poked and prodded at first, then she was allowed.

He saw seemed to be interested in her own appearance. She was surprised she had not gotten cursed at by many because of her clothing and because of how cold it was. It was a normal thing to happen when she came here in the winter time. Unlike her step sister, who had gone south to the Silver Forest, she hated dresses that restricted her movement, of course, her sister looked more human then elf now. But this own tattoo was gaining her attention once more. Not many in the Forest liked the dragons, though she loved them and her sister’s lover was one. ”It’s a pleasure to meet you, Tasia Anna. I am Niko. Niko Danta. That’s a lovely crown, if I may say so. Did you craft it?” She nodded to him as he introduced himself and then touched her crown, removing the green crown, which was as hard as Silver. ”Haha, no, my father… Well, Adopted father… He made one to tell me and my step sister we were like royalty in are home, though his wife hated me, he loved me.”

[/color] She chuckled slightly.

Sure, she did not care much for the woman, but she did not hate anyone. It was rude to hate and she would not dare stoop so low as to hate anyone, not even those who tried to kill her. She had taken lives during battle, but she wanted to safe them, a reason why she wanted to be a dragon rider. ”I don’t believe I’ve ever seen you around Ellesmera before. But then, I have not stood beneath its leaves since I was child. Are you from here?” I smiled, shaking my head.

”I was thinking the same for you, but my father is the leader of a small group of elves that have made a farming village far from here… I only come to Ellesmére when I need to get supplies… Though beautiful, I enjoy the small farming town or the forest better.”[/color] I looked at him, hoping he would tell me his reasons for being here. I tucked some black hair behind my ears, feeling the point that came with being an elf woman.
[/blockquote][/size][/blockquote]

[Elloria]

“Your father is an excellent craftsman,” Niko said politely. Royalty, huh? A shame his own parents had not felt the same. They were more akin to Tasia's mother, he was certain. His mother certainly had held no love for either Josk or himself. Pain flashed through his silvery eyes for a moment, muting their color before they brightened once more. He needed to move past these last dregs of bitterness. It was proving to be Josk's undoing - he didn't want to become as broken and twisted as his brother had. It was too difficult to envision an existence like that.

He smiled as she explained her presence in Ellesmera. “I did not know we had small farming towns,” he replied honestly. His eyes became even brighter but slightly distant as he contemplated the idea. It intrigued him. He had never considered the existence of such towns even a possibility. Every elf he’d ever known either preferred the solitude of the forest or the massive communities contained within the large cities of Duweldenvarden. There had never seemed to be a middle ground for his people. “I suppose it does make sense,” he mused aloud. “A civilization can’t be all metropolises and city-states. I’ve never thought much on it before.” He shook his head with a chuckle. “Perhaps I should wander this vast forest and learn more of our people instead of visiting only Ellesmera.” He paused, a conflicted look entering his eyes. “But then...this is where my brother is. He’s really the only reason I come to DuWeldenvarden anymore.” He looked back up at her, the smile firmly back in place. “I don’t know if you’ve ever run across my brother on your visits here. His name is Josk Danta.”

[Nayeli]

( TASIA ANNA )

“Your father is an excellent craftsman,” I smiled, nodding slightly. It was something my father only showed when he really wanted to, but other then that, he was a leader and farmer. He would rather have a beautiful field then a large shop for making things. ”Thank You. His skills are unknown to most, he keeps it a secret, would rather farm anyway.”

[/color] I said, looking around the city, finally hearing a woman yell at me for my clothing chose. I rolled my emerald eyes. People never understood me, no matter how many times I came to this place, dressed the same. My skins showed and I honestly did not care who watched me.

As she mentioned about her father’s farming village, she saw the slight smile and expression of surprise. ”I did not know we had small farming towns,” I laughed slightly and then looked at him. ”They are rare… Very rare.”[/color] I said, looking at him for a moment. He seemed like someone I would enjoy being around more and more. As I thought more about the history of my own village, he went on. ”I suppose it does make sense… A civilization can’t be all metropolises and city-states. I’ve never thought much on it before.” I did have to admit that I was not very close to any city, except for Ellesmére and Nadindel, which I was happy for. I was about to get things when I needed. ”Perhaps I should wander this vast forest and learn more of our people instead of visiting only Ellesmera.” I laughed slightly, giving a nod of her head. There were quite a few who lived away from the cities, they liked it better. Like I did.

”But then...this is where my brother is. He’s really the only reason I come to DuWeldenvarden anymore.” I nodded slightly. That was the only reason I went to the Silver Forest, because of my sister. ”Sounds like me and my step sister… She moved to the Silver Forest.”[/color] I was not sure if I should tell why. Many elves asked and I never really told them. ”I don’t know if you’ve ever run across my brother on your visits here. His name is Josk Danta.” I tilted my head, thinking about it slightly and then shaking my head. ”Forgive me, I am sorry. Where I you traveling from?”[/color]
[/blockquote][/size][/blockquote]

[Elloria]

The Silver Forest? That was an odd place to go. Niko wondered what could have sent Tasia's step-sister out to the Silver Forest. Scandal of some sort? A desire for complete solitude, far from the prying of DuWeldenvarden and its inhabitants? He had read of some elves that had done just that. Though it was usually in relation to some sort of serious scandal within their family or business. He somehow doubted that was the case here. What scandals could arise in a small farming town?

Lost in his musings, he almost missed her next question. When it finally got through to him, he wondered why she asked. It sometimes felt as though everyone knew he now hailed from Ilirea. That he had abandoned everything that made Ellesmera in favor of something that felt more pristine and justified. Then he remembered that she wasn't from Ellesmera. So why on earth would she know about that? He hesitated for a moment. Most didn't approve of the Riders these days. He was quite aware that throwing his lot in with them was not a decision that was smiled upon by Ellesmera or DuWeldenvarden at large. He was actually a bit surprised no one had tried to hurt him yet. Ah well, it couldn't really hurt right? The Riders knew Niko was here and he was certain Melatoth would be most displeased if anything happened to him. “I never said, did I? I now hail from Ilirea. I went as a child, as is customary, and saw fit to remain there. In fact, this is only the second time I have ever left its walls since I first arrived there.” He smiled broadly. “Though I’m sure it’s frowned upon here, I cannot help but love the dragons.”

[Nayeli]

( TASIA ANNA )

I could see the confusion that had come over his face, but that was normal when she said that she traveled to see her sister. The Silver Forest was possible the most beautiful forest in the land, mostly because, it was in the middle of no where and beautiful… Of course, so was the mighty beast that resided there. She was not sure if he knew of riders who made their home there, he possible did. ”My sister… She left the night a dragon rider came into our mist of our small village… I found out during the war that she left with the rider and that they are both lovers. The live in the forest.”

[/color] She said to the man, settling his confusion. ”Of course, my mother hated me more and my father was the only one who knew until I found out.”[/color] She said.

Now, she wanted to know where he was room. He seemed slightly worried to tell, of course, she was not like others and she had just told something that many hated to hear, but she did not care. She thought it was proud to have a sister who loved a dragon rider. ”I never said, did I?” I nodded quickly. ”I now hail from Ilirea. I went as a child, as is customary, and saw fit to remain there. In fact, this is only the second time I have ever left its walls since I first arrived there.” I was slightly amazed that he had only come here twice. I would figure he would come more to see his brother, but she could have been wrong. ”Though I’m sure it’s frowned upon here, I cannot help but love the dragons.” I snapped my head towards him, her eyes were wide.

”You… You work with the riders?”[/color] I had a feeling he would be my promise. I looked at him, excitement was in my eyes, truly in my eyes. ”Can I go with you one day? I want to see the Dragons again, I have not seen them in years.”[/color]

[/blockquote][/size][/blockquote]

[Elloria]

So her sister was the lover of a Dragon Rider. That was rather unusual. Most elves could barely tolerate being in the presence of a Rider. Not after the debacle of the Blue Divide. Niko supposed he could understand the sentiment the elves of DuWeldenvarden held towards the Riders - feeling betrayed and abandoned by those whom you had once counted as your own people. So Tasia's mother's reaction was not surprising. But the Riders were above racial allegiances. Theirs was an allegiance to all peoples, not just their own. Tasia, it seemed, understood that.

Even so, he was quite taken aback when she asked if she could come with him to Ilirea one day. He didn't bother to hide the surprise that widened his eyes. He looked into hers, wondering at the excitement that lit them up so brightly. “Yes, I work with the Riders. I help tend to the eggs kept in Ilirea.” She wanted to see the dragons. He...didn't know how to respond to that. Here was someone from DuWeldenvarden - albeit one not from Ellesmera - who seemed to share his passion for those mighty creatures. Someone who seemed to appreciate their beauty and strength. He tilted his head slightly to the right as he continued to gaze at her, a bemused delight making his bright silver eyes shine. “I don’t see any harm in your accompanying me to Ilirea some time in the future.” He smiled. “Perhaps when I return after visiting my brother you could come with me then. If that’s all right with you, of course.”

[Nayeli]

( TASIA ANNA )

I knew that it was not my mother’s hatred for the riders… In fact, she and my father both had a understanding that they wanted peace and being in the war would only make tension between the riders, elves, and humans more taunt and tight. With the riders absences, it meant that they held no side, but instead, showed that they would not pick sides between the two races at all. My mother had just found another reason to hate me, in fact, she did not even know where my sister was. ”Funny thing is, only my father and I knew where my sister is, my mother still things she ran away because I am more ‘beautiful’ then her… However, my sister is very pretty, but I will say, she looks better with human features… She changed herself to look more human and she is even more beautiful.”

[/color] And it was the truth. She was more beautiful as a human then an elf. Her features fit better and her eyes are as bright as every. I could not believe how beautiful she was, I did not even know who she was until I saw the crown of vines with the ruby.

I could see the surprise on his face when I said I wanted to go with him, I could see it in his wide eyes and his total look of surprise. I could understand his surprise since most elves hated the dragons, but I wanted to be with the riders, I wanted to see them and touch them. I only got to touch the dragon when I visited my sister and it was still rare because they were always gone. ”Yes, I work with the Riders. I help tend to the eggs kept in Ilirea.” The eggs… One of the things I really wanted to touch. His dragon, he had told me that I would be a good rider, that I had the heart… The dragon had told me this, he said I would make a wonderful rider, but it would have to be the egg that chose me. I loved talking to him. ”I don’t see any harm in your accompanying me to Ilirea some time in the future… Perhaps when I return after visiting my brother you could come with me then. If that’s all right with you, of course.” I smiled. I looked around at the town and then looked back at him.

”Wonderful… Umm… Let me grab the supplies and run to my home and give it to my father… When are you leaving?”[/color] I said, wondering when he would be leaving so I could met him here.
[/blockquote][/size][/blockquote]

[Elloria]

Niko pondered Tasia's question. He hadn't come to Ellesmera with a timetable for his return. He certainly didn't intend to stay longer than two weeks, but not for so short a time as a day or so. Salien and Melatoth would have just left to pick up the newest eggs today, if they held to their normal patterns. And they usually took their time going to and from. It was usually around twelve or thirteen days before Niko would need to meet the two under the cover of night. That, of course, depended on how many eggs they were returning with. Salien tended to be more cautious the more eggs they were transporting. Taking travel time into consideration, he could probably stay about seven days before needing to take off with all haste for Ilirea. He nodded as he came to his decision. “I will need to leave in seven days. I have some upcoming business in Ilirea that I absolutely cannot miss. Will that be enough time for you to your supplies and return here?”

[Nayeli]

( TASIA ANNA )

It would not take me more then two days to get supplies home and then back here within a day and a half, I normally had to go slower with supplies, but it was not far from this town and quick travel was what I was all about. I hoped he was not planning on leaving soon, like a few days, it would be a fast work for me to grab things here and then home to give the supplies to my village. After a moment of thinking thing over, I heard his voice and my eyes turned to him once again. ”I will need to leave in seven days. I have some upcoming business in Ilirea that I absolutely cannot miss. Will that be enough time for you to your supplies and return here?” I thought about it for a moment and then gave a quick nod. ”Yes, plenty of time to get there and back.” I said, nodding once more before hearing yet another insult thrown at me about my style of clothing. I face palmed my forehead and turned towards the sound, yelling at the woman to be quiet. ”No one understand the need for comfort and quick moving.”

[/color] I said, shaking my head for a moment.

I took in a breath, fixed her bow that was fitted over her shoulder and then looked at him. ”Well, I will leave you then to visit your family. I will see you in seven days.”[/color] I said my farewells and I was off quickly, showing my love for speed and running. As I moved, I came to a halt to my first place, a place which was known for it farming supplies. I headed in, speaking to the store owner and getting what I needed from him. I then went on to the next place, which was getting fertilizer for the gardens. My father had been speaking about getting cattle for years just for that, but it was no use, he never came around to do it and once the elves quit hating the dragons and their riders, he could sell them for a fare amount of profit for the dragon’s meal. He hated the idea, but he knew Dragons could not live off of water and fruit alone.

After a few hours of going from place to play, I finally had everything I needed and used the ancient language to make it smaller. It had taken nearly all my energy and I drew some of the energy from my crown to help me. I was lucky my father had been storing energy for hundreds of years, everyday to help me. I would replace it once I rested, but right now, I was going to be traveling for two long days, with little rest to get to my village quickly. I left the city, speaking to my friend at the gate first and then I was gone, moving quickly along the road that had been cut out that lead to my village and another town to the east of it. I smiled as the wind was in my face, my hair blew back and the bag flung over my shoulder. The cold snow was freezing my feet, since I had to take my warm ward away. Once I stopped again, I would pull out my fabric shoes from the bottom of my arrow bag and put them on, but right now, I had to get as far as I could.

----- ----- ----- ----- -----

After two day of long travel and three days of resting, making sure bow was in proper order, and telling my father, who was very happy with this idea, since he had always enjoyed seeing the might riders, I headed out. He stored even more energy then I expected and it was wonderful, since I could feel the energy running deep into my skin. I headed out, this time wearing my fabric shoes that I had made from rabbit hid when I found a dying rabbit and skinned it to help myself. I gave the rabbit then to a pack of wolves that seemed to enjoy it, but that was many years ago. I moved quickly for one full day and then slowed on the second day, knowing that I was nearly there.

Once again, I spoke to my friend at the gate and then entered the city and looked for Niko, wondering if he was ready to go or if he still wanted a few more days. If so, I was sure I could find a place to sleep, probably at my friends place. I wondered how easy it would be to get a place in Ilirea, a nice small home, with a garden in the back full of trees and crops and then a small flower garden in the front. It was a place I could relax and if I did get a dragon, I could find a large place so it could join me.
[/blockquote][/size][/blockquote]

[Elloria]

Niko opened his mouth to ask where she wished to meet, but she was gone before the words left his mouth. He blinked in surprise at her swift departure. He sighed and rubbed his temples. How was she supposed to find him again? She seemed far older than him, yet she was quite hasty for an elf. How frustrating. But before she was beyond all sensing, he reached out to get an idea of what her mind felt like. He didn't poke or prod at it, merely let the sense of it etch itself into his memory. He would need it if he wished to find her in seven days without any problems. Once he was satisfied, he turned his steps towards his ancestral estate - eager to see his brother once more.

He wound his way through Ellesmera proper until he reached the arched entryway into the nobles’ sector of the city. Without hesitation, he passed through and walked past the newer houses. The Danta house was one of the oldest in Ellesmera and so was deeper in the nobles’ sector than most. It took a good twenty minutes of meandering through the rambling estates to finally reach the one he had once called home. Unsurprisingly, Josk was standing at the gates of the estate waiting impatiently for Niko to arrive. Niko's eyes brightened immeasurably at the sight of his twin and he could see Josk's brightening in response. He quickened his pace, almost running to embrace his brother. He hugged Josk tightly and felt the elder's arms tightening around him in response. “It is good to see you again, brother.”
=========

Niko wasn't sorry to leave by the time the seventh day rolled around. He loved Josk dearly, but Ellesmera just grated on his nerves. He now understood what Josk meant when he spoke this way about Ilirea. There was just so much that felt wrong here. The disdain and flat-out hatred towards the Riders seemed to permeate every inch of the city. He felt suffocated by it. So he donned his traveling clothes, bade Josk farewell, and left the Danta estate swiftly with the promise that the two would remain in constant communication.

Running with all speed, he was soon out of the nobles’ sector and back in Ellesmera proper. He stopped somewhere just within the borders of the city and took a deep breath. He was almost home free now. He just needed to find Tasia. Relaxing his mind, he cast out for the touch of her mind, trying to pinpoint her location. She was in the city itself - nowhere near the gates by which he waited. Now that he knew where she was, he spoke to her, hoping she wouldn't throw up barriers instantly when he did. “I am by the southern gates, if you are ready to depart.”

[Nayeli]

( TASIA ANNA )

I was mostly looking around the town, keeping my mind open since I have been completely stupid and left without finding out of a meeting place. I spoke with a few friends and had a weird feeling he would be close to the Southern Gates, but of course, I was too interested in some beautiful art that was being made as I stood behind the man painting the leaves of a tree on a large white pallet. As I watched, I felt something tingling at my mind and I touched my own head with my fingers, feeling the green crown and then realizing I knew the touch. I could tell that it was Niko, mostly because he was gentle with how he came to her mind. ”I am by the southern gates, if you are ready to depart.” I smiled. ”I figured as much… Sorry, I was watching a painter work his magic… Be there very quickly.”

[/color] I moved slowly from the shop, but once I was out, I darted towards the Southern Gates, moving quickly, my feet hitting the ground like a deer, only to come back up.

Years of my own life in the forest forced me to learn to move like the animals as best I could. The deer were fast and agile, able to bolt quickly and jump high over things and I taught myself quickly. The wolves, they moved through the forest with silent stealth, moving slowly, but keeping their body low and still moving at a pace that got them places quickly. The meaningless snake was even beautiful as it moved along the forest ground without making a single sound.

I saw the Southern gate and came to a halt, smiling slightly. ”Told you I would be here fast.”[/color] I said, a smile planted on my lips as I fixed my small bag over my shoulder and secured my bow on my shoulder and my arrow bag as well. I wore the basic thing I wore the days prior, however, it was black, not green. I had all my clothing, the brown and green one. My father would send the rest later on when he could, but he knew right now I needed to travel light.
[/blockquote][/size][/blockquote]

[Elloria]

Niko didn't need to wait very long before Tasia joined him by the gates. Within moments of hearing her explanation for her tardiness - which was perfectly acceptable; the painters here were among the most exceptional even amongst elves - she stood before him in her usual attire. Except she was now in black rather than the natural green she'd worn a few days prior. Well, black was supposed to be a timeless color or something to that effect. That was certainly the creed Josk seemed to be living by these days. Niko, at least, wore dark blues and greys instead of the perpetual funeral attire his elder brother seemed attached to. They'd argued over that again just yesterday, in fact. Well, he'd get through Josk's morbidity eventually, no matter how deeply the Hive had its claws in him.

He returned Tasia's smile warmly. “I expected nothing less from one who so easily vanished from my sight when we first met.” He turned, then, and walked out of the gates. The moment he set foot outside the city, it was like an enormous weight had lifted from his shoulders. Tension he hadn't realized he was feeling melted out of his body and a slight spring appeared in his step. Yes, he was ecstatic to be on his way home after so long in the prison that was Ellesmera. He turned to her, his warm smile turning to a mischievous grin, his eyes dancing with joy. “Care for a run?” he asked casually before taking off at a full sprint in a south-westerly direction. He knew that she would have no problems keeping pace. In fact, she might even enjoy it.

[Nayeli]

( TASIA ANNA )

He did not seem to mine my tardiness, and that was good. It seemed like we would be good friends and that much, I was pleased with. I had seen many painters, but those of this beautiful city were still better. I wondered if any from Ilirea would as good, and as I thought about it, I smiled. They had mighty beast to paint, so I was sure they were great, if not better then great. I smiled slightly as we headed out, my black, torn skirts moved around my knees as we walked. I normally changed my color depending on what I was doing. Green was for my forest travels or adventures… Black for my far travels… Brown for anything… I was considering making more colors and such, but it would take time and I would need a good reason.

”I expected nothing less from one who so easily vanished from my sight when we first met.” I smiled at him, staying beside him slightly as we walked, a but behind since I was being taken to Ilirea. I had never been, which was odd for any elf. I had been to the Silver Forest, but never to Ilirea or even then port cities of the west. It was beyond crazy, but it was the truth. As we walked, I saw him turn towards me, a smile on his face was not wild and slightly mischievous, his eyes danced with a unknown joy. ”Care for a run?” Before I had time to say yes, he was gone and my legs pushed my forward as well, my bag stayed on my back and my bow moved slightly.

My body moved like a deer, my strides were long and strong, moving over the land quickly. I did not stick to the path at all, instead, I took my own way, going slightly into the forest and grabbing trees, swinging slightly ahead before falling slightly behind. I laughed slightly, getting back on the trail, my vine and emerald crown kept the hair from my face. My eyes danced wild like, showing my excitement and joy. I glanced over at him and continue running like the animal I was. I was wild compared to many elves, who were not nearly as crazy as I was.

[Elloria]

There was a lightness in Niko's steps that he hadn't felt in years. In Ilirea, there was always a sense of solemnity that made his tread measured and steady. He carried himself with serene dignity and composure that had been foreign to him at first. The forest was different. There was no pretense under the welcoming canopy of DuWeldenvarden. No need to hold up any sort of facade. It was more freeing than perhaps anything else in the world.

As he barreled along the path, he noticed that Tasia chose to bound through the forest itself, pulling ahead of him slightly. Her laugh filled the air as she rejoined him on the path, her crown keeping her unbound hair from her face. He glanced at her from the corner of his eyes, delighting in the wild joy brightening her eyes. Her strides were like that of the animals she surely spent much time around - the fleetness and reach of a bounding deer. It galvanized him, washing away the last bit of tension tightening his body. His own strides gradually lengthened to a rapid loping gait, his body moving fluidly. His tread was slightly heavier than hers, more reminiscent of the wild cats he and Josk had once played with.

He lost track of time as he leapt forward, occasionally cutting through the trees when he knew the path would curve too much to keep up their current pace. It was during one of these little jaunts through the trees that they came across a large meadow. Without thinking, Niko immediately checked his pace and veered to his right. He slowly came to a stop beside a stream flowing through the meadow and crouched down beside it. Cupping his hands, he lifted up some of its pristine waters and drank. Still crouched, he looked around. He recognized this place. He and Josk had often strayed far from DuWeldenvarden attempting to escape the dismalness of their home. This had been one of their favorite spots. He wondered if the strawberries Josk had grown were still here. Perhaps they had gone wild? He looked at Tasia and smiled. “I don’t know about you, Tasia, but I’m a bit hungry. Would you like to help me find some strawberries? I know there are some bushes floating around the meadow.”

[Nayeli]

( TASIA ANNA )

I had lived in this forest all of my life, rarely leaving for anything since I was in such a isolated farming village that was my home and my priority. Now, I had a reason to leave other then going to see my sister and the forest canopy that was over us for the time being was wonderful. I knew the stress of running in the plains and the edges of the desert, this would be something I would hate and completely dislike, but while I was in the forest, I could gather water and drink, prepare for my travels. It would take a full day even for elves, to make it through the large forest, we would be at the edge by nightfall if we did not get too preoccupied.

I wondered is Niko would stray from the path some, but it did not seem likely, he stuck to the path, which was fine with me. While I acted like a wild deer or wolf, he was some what tame. While I clung to large branches, jumping from them like a monkey, he was steady and kept a good route. He did not stray at all, which was good for me, because I normally did. A week long trip normally became a extra week long and everyone who knew me had seen it. I smiled slightly as I joined him some on the route and saw he was relaxing in his run, his strides were becoming longer and rapid. That was good. My feet, though covered to protect them from the snow that covered the trail, did not like me because they could not full feel the ground, but they needed time to rest for a day, and right now was the right time.

I noticed some that he got off the trail, which was good, he needed to get off this trail every now and then, it was good for the elven soul in my opinion and the heart. We finally started going past a large meadow and I saw Niko take to the meadow and I followed stopped beside the creek as well. I smiled, leaning down like a wolf, saying a few words quickly to keep my hair from my face and acting like a animal, drinking it smoothly without using my hands. I wiped my lips and turned on my feet, my body staying low to the ground and looking around. I smiled as I saw some deer to the edge of the forest and looked further around. ”I don’t know about you, Tasia, but I’m a bit hungry. Would you like to help me find some strawberries? I know there are some bushes floating around the meadow.” I smiled slightly and gave a quick nod.

”Sure, I am sure I can find them quickly.”

[/color] She said, reaching her mind out towards the deer and smiling as their minds were full of the normal… Eating, Sleeping and watching for danger. I looked further, looking for any sign of strawberries and smiled slightly. I had found them. ”Over there, just to the right of those deer.”[/color] I loved being able to connect with them, it was fun and absolutely amazing.
[/blockquote][/size][/blockquote]

[Elloria]

Niko rose from his crouch slowly and looked in the direction Tasia indicated. He'd never been quite as good at differentiating plant life as Josk had been. He could tell between plants and animals - and tell whether an animal was insect, predatory or not - but that was about the extent. That was why Josk had always been the one to find the strawberries rather than him. That and Josk had planted them. He waded through the tall grass towards the deer, his movements easy and non-threatening. Opening his mind, he let his consciousness brush gently against that of the deer to show that he meant no harm. As he moved through the herd, the deer occasionally brushed against him. When they did, he would let his hand linger upon the soft fur. The sensation took him back to his childhood - when Josk could charm the most vicious predators with a brush of his thoughts and a well-timed spell. But he best remembered when herds of deer would bound through the meadow. It would sometimes seem like time stood still as deer after deer leapt past - each one softly brushing the twins, leaving them with the briefest feel of the silky fur.

He paused just outside the herd, staring at the large swath of ground taken up by Josk's strawberry bushes. Gone wild indeed. He thought the creatures might have decimated the sweet fruits, but here they were. There had to be at least fifty bushes all told. All of them had ripe strawberries just waiting to be picked. There would be plenty here to both enjoy a meal and last them at least part of the way. He pulled a what looked like a folded handkerchief from his pocket. Unfolding it, one would see that it was actually a large bag. Opening revealed several compartments within for storing all manner of things. He had no manner of things in it at the moment. He began plucking strawberries from the bushes and filling the upper compartments of the bag. Once these were full, he murmured a preserving spell over them before closing the pack. Setting it aside gently, he pulled another, considerably smaller bag from his pocket and filled it as well. Satisfied, he rose, grabbed the pack and walked back over to the stream. He offered the small bag of fruits to Tasia with a broad smile. “Try one. It’s been many years, but I think they’re as sweet and juicy as I remember them being.”