Evening time was just beginning to settle when the twilight touched woman walked easily down to the still shores of the lakeside once again in the humble but fatechoked town of Jastrey. Her shoulders were relaxed, hands tucked behind her as she stood with noble stature by the rim of the shoreline. She watched the still waters, so calm it was almost like glass, as the orange and red hues of the dying daystar gave way to the cool and welcome night.
Galdor decided a nice long walk though the woods to the nearby lake was just what he needed to relax his slightly pounding head from his prior night of alcohol. "I must remember to never the drink human ales and just stick with my Elven wines," the elf thought to himself. He kept his eyes focused to the forest's roof to watch as the birds returned to their roost, all the while searching to make sure none of those pesky Sabertoothed Squirrels found their way to the Jastreyan woods. As he reached the forests edge, the figures of a darkly clad woman and a man puffing on a pipe seemed to materilize along side the still lake. "Evening Madam Akon, Jael" the elf called out to the two, keeping the the human between himself and the warlock.
Akon kept her eyes fixed on the lake's surface as the gathering night grew yet darker. She nodded in reply to Jael's comment, her voice came gently in reply, "Aye....it was..." She said. "They were all at peace....." Something about her made the elf know she acknowledged him and welcomed him, but it was merely a feeling rather than any kind of physical indication.
Lia strolled quietly along the short line, letting her bare feet grace the waterline. Her figures brushed through her hair, which was let down from the plethora of braids it was usually done up in, and her blue eyes were fixed on her slowly moving feet. It was obvious by the pensive expression she held Lia was lost in her thoughts. She walked on like so for a while. Then with a sigh the Ixifarian woman paused, lifted her head and brushed her face with her steady hands.
A light breeze kissed the shore before brushing through into the trees beyond. Lia closed her eyes and let the cool air wash over her trying to center herself. Once the air became still again the Ixifar's eyes peeled back open to the view of the lake. She noticed something up ahead through the corner of her eye. Turning her gaze towards it, she could make out three figures a few yards away standing side by side. It took little more time to distinguish two of the three individuals. A coy smirk encrotched on her lips with a bit of an eyeroll. "Well...They can't possibly get me drunk out here..." She muttered to herself, before slowly making her way towards them.
Galdor watched a small flock of ducks land into the water just down the lake from where the group was standing. He noticed the Ixifar woman from the night before shuffling in his direction. "Evening to you as well Miss Lia," the elf called out to the ixifar woman. "Now all it seems we're missing is another drink." Galdor chuckled slightly, wincing as the headache came back with a distinguished sting.
The warm smoke worked its way into his lungs and Jael exhailed slowly, enjoying every second of the feeling. "Good evening Galdor.", Jael said simply before turning to look to Lia after having her presense was announced, simply nodding to her with a small smile before looking back towards the lake and the setting sun.
"So Akon. Who are 'they' that you are speaking of. You said they WERE at peace? As in, past tense?", As Jael talked he reached for his flask and held it out to Galdor. The flask was full almost to the brim, the tiniest bit missing, with a sweet honey mead. He continued to watch the setting sun drift downwards and thought of all of the bodies that lifted him up so that he might be here today instead of in the ground.
"Those which have passed...and were used again to serve a will that they did not choose..." Akon's words were heavy with meaning, as she looked towards Jael, a soft, yet deep tone in her reply, the depth in her eyes as she looked to him complex and thoughtful. "Those which we laid to rest in the night past, former minions of Scorch. When our blades brought them down, and the light of the amulet blessed them, I reached out to their minds and souls....and there was nothing." Akon's eyes seemed to ease at that, a small brightness coming to her gaze. "Peace...." She searched his own eyes to see if he had understood her meaning, her stoic features almost gave the feeling of peace, a would-be smile that did not exist on her lips. Though the moment quickly faded as she looked back to the lake, and the warlock once again quieted, though her demeanor was still calm and thoughtful. Everything about the woman seemed deep and complex, her eyes only giving hint at the ever turing wheels of her mind.
It took Lia some time to finally reach the trio, as she was still stuck walking at a crawl's pace. Though, it had many disadvantages, she had become acclimated with carrying the burden of the great stone. She hardly noticed it clattering with the other contents of the sack hung over her back while she trudged forward calmly. When Galdor called to her, she raised a hand in reply. The Ixifar reached them, taking a stance beside her dark-eyed ally, when Akon was in the middle of her brief responce to Jael. Lia watched in amused observation the exchange between the two of them. A subtle smirk brushed over lips, before she turned her gaze back over the waters. Dropping her sack, which landed with a small clank and thud on the sand, Lia stretched out her shoulders by rolling them a couple of times.
When Akon turned to look at him Jael met her gaze with his own. His dark brown eyes held a seriousness about them as he processed what she had to say. Jael thought back to the recent battle and all that had happened recreating scenes in his head as Akon spoke. Then a brightness was added to her red eyes and he could not help but show the faintest smile as a reaction. With that his serious gaze faded away and he gave a slight nod, "Peace is something that should come to us all in the end. Let us die with no regrets."
As Akon set her eyes back upon the lake so did Jael, partaking of his pipe as if to toast to the thought. It was almost as if he forgot anyone else was there besides the two of them. Jael's eyes panned the scene from the tips of the trees down to the still waters of the lake. He was thinking intensely about all that had happened, but the most observant might be able to tell that something else was bothering him beneath that layer of thought.
The thud from Lia dropping her heavy burden stirred Jael from his concerns, and he once again leveled his eyes with the setting sun, taking another drag from his pipe before offering it to any who would partake with a simple gesture.
Akon's eyes flickered sidelong over Jael for a moment as he turned inwards to his own thoughts, her observant eyes reading him like a book, but the glance was only momentary as the watched the twilight set in and the daystar dip in its last slipping hold on the treeline.
The loud thump Lia's bag had made slightly confused Galdor. "For an Ixifar so small, she sure carries alot," Galdor thought to himself. He began to open his mouth to ask of it's contents but stopped himself. Wouldn't want to be rude by being nosy afterall. Galdor quickly thought about what Jael said about not dying with any regrets. A pang of longing hit his heart. But before he let himself be drawn to far into regrets dark claws, he decided to think else where. No was not the time for sadness. "So, Lia. How did that Uordeq wine treat you? You seemed to be having such the great time last night," Galdor smiled at his little quip. He was surprised the lady could even move after drinking an Uordeq liquor.
Lia's eyes flicked over passed Akon and Jael to the elf. "Ehh..." She shrugged. "I've had worse experiences. And I suppose the flavor sort of grows on you?" It seemed she had more she could say but drifted off as her eyes glazed back over Jael and Akon. A sarcastic wince crossed her face and Lia returned her attention back to Galdor. "Not to give anyone any ideas..."
"She does carry a heavy burden", he commented. Jael smiled as Galdor poked fun at Lia and he could not resist the urge to take his eyes off of the sunset to watch her reaction out of the corner of his eye. After a good laugh Jael decided to pitch in, "Oh I have ideas alright. All I have to say is that you will dance one day Lia, and you will enjoy it." The smile on his face grew and he returned his gaze to the lake.
Ignoring the fact that everyone is standing by the water, Galdor softly sits by the lakes edge. After removing his boots, he slowly dips his feet into the water and watches as the minnows come back to swim around his toes. "Her burdens would also be lighter if she just asked somebody else to help carry them. I'm sure somebody would be willing to help with a few of your books or what not if you really must bring them with you everywhere," Galdor said, pointed at the Ixifar.
Lia attempted to stiffle the wince that came at the elf's innocent recommendations. "Tch...I wish it were books..." She muttered. "It's a burden I took upon myself, Galdor. And not one I would wish on anyone else. My pack isn't full of books, but that's all you need to know."
Jael gives Akon the pipe as she reaches for it watches as she takes a smoke. Suddenly Ohren came from no where actually startling Jael some. "Wow Ohren, you sure came out of no where. I guess you are a bear though. We are just watching the sun set, enjoying a smoke, and having a good talk. You are welcome to sit with us Ohren."
Lia rolled her eyes with a sarcastic 'Oh joy' expression that washed across her features before quickly becoming indifferent again. "Hey Ohren. I'm fine...So I see you can speak now...that's good." At his attempt to lean on her, she shifts to where he can't. She was not about to support a bear's weight on her legs and hip.
"Relaxing stuff.", Jael said as a side comment, seeing how Akon enjoyed the pipe weed. After unscrewing the lid from his flask he held it up towards the sunset before taking a long drink. "A drink for me." Jael said as he lifted the flask from his lips, "And a drink to all those that no longer can." He took a second swig from his flask and looked into the sunset, breifly touching on different memories in his mind.
Galdor blew at the smoke of Jarl's pipe as it wafted it's way down to Galdor. Galdor was starting to become really curious about what was in the Ixifar's bag. Yet, it was still none of his business and decided, yet again, that it was nothing that should concern him. "Ahh, the bear can talk. Maybe now I don't have to blindly guess at what you're wanting," the elf said in greeting to the lumbering bear trying to lean against Lia.
"Yes, yes indeed." Jael said in return, taking the pipe from her with a polite nod his eyes meeting hers. There they linged for a moment as he studied the emotions reflected within her intense red eyes. It was odd to see her so calm though the weed combination could certaintly do that to one. "Seems you really know your stuff. It is most relaxing one of my favorite combinations.", with that he inhailed again and exhailed a puff of the almost delicious smelling smoke, a smirk on his lips.
Akon nods, smirking herself as her own eyes flicking over his face as she studied his features briefly. "Aye, when one comes from my particular background, you had better be good at recognizing various herbs by taste and smell, or you'll find your drink mixed in a most dangerous fashion. And I do enjoy a good drink and smoke when the occasion allows itself."
"I can see that, makes sense." He took his eyes away from the lake to give a skeptical glance at Ohren, "Ohren. Pipes are made for humanoids not bears it will not fit in your mouth properly. You have to transform back first then you can have some."
After another puff from the pipe Jael could feel his muscles finally starting to relax his troubles drifting away even further, "Building a tolerance for things is over rated. Maybe if I smoked less as well I would enjoy it sooner."
Jael sighs deeply, "Ohren... The pipe will not fit comfortably you do not have lips as a bear. you need a smaller mouth to put around the pipe.", he had to finish with a chuckle as he looked back to Ohren, "Sorry you are just learning to talk, but you can turn right back into a bear after a few puffs. It is quite tasty."
Akon chuckled. "Quite. I agree. Besides, I feel one only know their true worth and direction when unblinded by weed or poison. I drink and smoke by choice, not need." Akon had kept her eyes on Jael, looking to Ohren as they interacted. She seemed to have more words on the edge of her tongue, her eyes giving away hints that more was meant to be said, but she merely smirked and looked back to the lake, taking in a deep breath, then letting it loose with ease, going back to her ponderings.
Leofrick was sitting by the lakeside cooking over a fire a distance away from the group of townsfolk when he noticed them. "I hope the bear doesn't come looking for food, I may be able to spare some but i would prefer not to." Leofrick continued to cook from his fire with his pipe sticking out the side of his mouth.
"Ohren. Just no, I am not letting a bear smoke my pipe!" He exlaimed with a huge smile on his face, "So transform back into an angori and you can smoke as much as you want."
He listened to Akon and after hearing her words had a slight frown on his face. The truth was he did feel like he needed to drink and smoke. Breaking eye contact with Akon he gave a sigh and inhailed deeply, "Drink and smoke by choice, not need.", he repeated in a low voice.
Taking another deep breath in Jael projected an aura of calmness with a hint of pride, "You know Akon I think I could use some dance lessons sometime soon, if it would be your choice." Jael gave a smirk and looked to her with an almost mischievous hint in his eyes.
The Ixifar looked straight upward; an attempt to conceal the grin that sprawled across her face. She had quietly observed the interactions of her companions undisrubed. It was always more amusing that way. Though, the longer she stood around them the harder it became to keep herself in check. Laughter already was bubbling up in her throat seeking sweet release. So, she looked to the bear that sat beside her, and to the elf which stood beside Jael. Lia stepped out so that they both could see her better. "Well, I've had a nice walk for now. But uh, I think I'm going to head back up to the tavern. Ohren, Galdor, you gonna join me?"
Akon smirks to herself, something amusing her, though the only hint was just a subtle glint in her eyes. "I think I shall be going myself..." She glanced at Jael still seeming amused. She turned and then began walking in long flowing gate back up the hill, unfolding her hands from behind her, palms placed gently upon her hilt out of habit. Her footsteps were near silent as they padded softly away, and her lean dark figure faded into the treeline.
The smirk remained on his face, "Alright then. Well we will talk later for sure." Jael said as he watched Akon turn to walk away. Quietly he watched as she got farther up the hill and blended with the treeline. Turning back to the lake he let out a light sigh as he continued to watch the sun set, chewing on his pipe absentmindedly.
Lia winced and slapped her open palm to her forehead, then repeated a couple of times. She looked to the dense warrior before her with a dry look. Shaking her head, the Ixifar placed herself beside Jael so she could grasp his shoulder. "Well go man." She stated firmly to kick her friend into gear.
Lia sighed and pinched her brow incredulously. Her face held an expression of annoyed disbelief. Looking back at the human with unamused eyes, and while looking at his genuine confusion fought the urge to face-palm again. "Our dark-eyed friend clearly wanted to speak more with you. Are you going keep her waiting?"
Galdor watched as the human chased the Uordeq woman back to town. He somehow was able to wait till Jeal was out of earshot before letting out a long laugh. Wathcing the human's confusion then frantic chase was enough to put the elf's mind at ease from the thoughts of the long journey he knew he was to make. At this point the sun had set deep behind the horizon and darkness was quickly setting in. "Well, I think it's time to head back to town. You never know whats lurking out here at night." Galdor shutters at the thought of more giant squirrels ravaging the Jastreyan woods. "Would you like me to accompany you to town, Mrs. Lia? I'll be more than happy to carry that bag of yours for you," Galdor says to the Ixifarian woman as he finishes putting his boots back on.
Ohren looks just as confused as Jael, not quite sure what was going on.
"Er dernt kner whert Berkon wernted... Er cern dernse... Ferders, were ers wer gerding?"
He looks to Lia an blinks at her as he get up off of his butt and stands on all fours. He slowly trots over to stand by the avian woman.
"Erm serll cernfersed bert werts gerin ern her."
Lia watched Jael disappear after Akon with a pleased gaze, then laughed right along with Galdor. She looked to each Galdor and Ohren in turn as they spoke to her. The Ixifar lifted her sack back up and sliped it on her back, the familiar weight causing her to adjust her stance. "Heh, I appreciate the offer, but I've got it covered. Though you're welcome to head to the tavern with me. You too, 'burr'." Feeling a bit impatient, Lia decided to go on and slowly start back up the path. The other two would follow if they wished.
Wanting to avoid the temtation of the tavern as an endless tap, Jael headed towards the lake. It seemed he had arrived at the perfect time to watch the sun disappear under the treeline. While walking down the path he caught site of another figure that was here with him. Smiling he approached Akon, stopping to stand beside her.
"A beautiful sight, is it not?", Jael asked as he fished a pipe and a grass of some sort from the small bag at his side.