Great Campsite - Southern Anacet Lakes
To one side (to the north, nearest the lake) of this huge open area are
tents, pavilions, cook fires, the signs of mass habitation. To the other
side (to the south, in the foothills of the mountains) is covered in piles
of rough woods, stone and the workers who are processing the materials into
usable materials for building.
The tents and pavilions are of every color possible, some simple, some more
elaborate. In the center of it all is the largest pavilion of them all,
colored in the Royal colors of blue and silver. Cirall's royal flags and
banners fly from poles and posts around it, signifying it as defenitely
hers. A pair of guards stand out front while others walk around it and the
rest of the campsite, keeping peace and order around here.
Aldani Dragons are coming and going, even the children are being busy
helping with little chores such as helping prepare foods, gathering small
suplies for hunters, bringing water to those who need it, etc. Most of the
adults are active over with the building materials, bringing them in from a
path that cuts deeply south into the mountains, working on them in the open
area somewhere, or taking finished materials back down the path to where
something big is being built. Materials, tools and workers are also coming
and going down the path to the main roads, probably to or from the other
cities and Forts of the Aldani. A large table setup between the living and
working areas is covered by dragons and mass paperwork, people overseeing
supplies to make sure they get done right and to where they need to go.
Draft animals pull the wagons of supplies around, their corral set up down
near the lake.
The different public-use tents are marked for what they're used as with
signs and banners hanging around and over the entrances. There's the main
Engineers' tent where the head engineers, Nigel and Kaymar, can be found at
some time or another, mulling over papers. The Healer's tent, run
efficiently by lady Kiira from Sithern, can see to almost any wound. The
Mess tent, where food can be found almost constantly, even throughout the
night for those dedicated to working on construction or general life here at
the Campsite. The Queen's personal tent can be found further into the 'sea
of tents', an open ring around it, guards on patrol constantly. The Supply
tent can be found next to the Engineers' tent, near the open area where the
wagon trains come rumbling in and out. Cargo from supply trains is brought
in and processed here as well as most of it stored until needed. A new tent
has been set up for the Temple folks since they have decided that they are
safer here than in Menari. It is between the Queen's tent and the lakeside.
Zetan is sitting at a bench, reading one book off the load she has in a bag, periodically glancing at a hand-written note from Marius.
Burkaar exits his tent, pausing briefly at entrance to look about for a moment, gathering his thoughts, before knotting the flap closed. He wanders through the great encampment, heading toward the wagons destined for the trip to Shrilk.
Strethan is standing nearby with one of the smiths brought from Light's Gate, discussing the technical details of a longblade intended as a gift to a friend.
Zetan looks up from her book to find her journal book to scrawl notes in when she notices him standing by the tent. You know, /him./ She loses track of her studies and can't help but think what a lucky dragoness Lady Brightstar must be. Errr, Zetan, STOP THAT! She tries to bring her mind back to her studies, but her thoughts are tainted.
Korvinn wanders about the camp, looking to see if his asstance as a healer or a priest is needed.
Strethan holds his hands well apart, marking the desired length of the sword. As he speaks quietly with the smith, Zetan can overhear snatches and snippets of the conversation... discussion of the need for a firm grip, the blade's rigid length and ensuring it doesn't have the slightest curvature...
Ashia reaches a hand up, "Korvinn!" she calls, running up behind him, "I've been looking for you. I have a question."
Strethan emphasizes his important points with gestures of his measuring hands.
Korvinn ohs softly, turning around and bowing 'Yes, your grace?" he murmurs Ashia frowns slightly, "Can I perhaps persuade you to call me Ashia... It is my name. Even Strethan calls me by my name."
Zetan's mind is decidedly not on her studies anymore. She tries biting her lip, but the snippets of Strethan's conversation are sharper than the sword he seeks, driven deep into her control of her own thoughts. She looks around for a quieter place to study ...
Korvinn looks a little sheepish 'But your grace..I couldn't possibly show such disrespect.." he murmurs..
Strethan finishes his discussion with one last comment on the function of the weapon, it's design intended for sharp thrusting. With that, he nods to the smith and turns toward the tent, his gaze traveling the camp and alighting on a familiar New One on a bench. He smiles to himself and turns toward her with a flick of his tail, deciding to find out how she is settling in.
Ashia snorts, "I'd note, going against my wishes is disrespect as well... I really would prefer it."
Korvinn hmms 'You've caught me in a bit of a bind, your Ashia-ness.." he says with an impish grin.
Zetan finally spots a quieter place farther away from where Strethan had been from the tent, turns to stand up just as her 'distraction' reaches her. Oh, great. "Strethan!" she breathes, caught off-guard (or, more accurately, off-kilter). "... errr, Captain," she corrects herself. Her heart races and thumps hard...
Ashia glares at him, and takes hold of his arm, tugging him down the way, "I'll let that one slide, silly dragon. Come on, walk with me."
Zetan catches Ashia's conversation of going for a walk and feels alone and defenseless. Help!
Korvinn gives in "As you say.." he murmurs, walking along with Ashia.
Strethan hears Ashia's conversation as well as he arrives at Zetan's bench, and thinks it is a marvelous idea. To Zetan he asks, "Care to walk with me? I would thoroughly enjoy some time in your company, learning how you are settling into your new life."
Zetan thinks it might be safer taking a walk with a Verahkt than facing the ferocious beast of her crush on Strethan, but the combination of that beast and politeness prevent her from refusing. "W ... with me?" she asks. "I ... err ... I'd be delighted, Captain," she responds. That's it, keep it as formal as possible ...
Strethan gives Zetan a shallow bow, wings curving forward slightly. "You honor me. Let us walk by the lake." Gallantly, and naturally, he offers her his arm.
Ashia smiles as she strides along, "I assume you've heard about my vacation?"
Korvinn cocks his head "Your vacation?"
Zetan tries to practice the arm-in-arm polite behavior she'd studied, though with him a full foot and a half taller than herself, it is slightly awkward. She scares herself with how comforting his touch is, and tries to shake herself from it with a reminder of his attachment. "How is Lady Brightstar?"
Zetan asks. "I've yet to have the pleasure of meeting her."
Ashia mms, "I thought you would have been told by now... ah well. Vahn arranged for me to go to Shrilk with him, to the festival."
Korvinn ahs 'I see...Shrilk..isn't that the sphere of the Gryphons?"
Ashia nods, "Yeah, where Stormdancer and his lot came from."
Korvinn nods "I see...will it just be the two of you then?"
Strethan drops his jaw slightly in a smile as he tucks Zetan's arm in his and guides her towards the lake in a relaxed stroll. "Lady Brightstar is... as beautiful and delightful as ever, thanks for asking. She does well, given the circumstances... I do look forward to introducing you to her. I am sure you two will hit it off famously."
Ashia shakes her head, "There are quite a few dragons going, Cirall included..."
Korvinn nods "Quite a large group to be going...I take it this festival is rather important?"
Zetan asks, uncertainly, "Circumstances? Oh, and are you going with Cira ... errr, the Queen and High Priestess to Shrilk, or staying behind and keeping an eye on things?"
Ashia nods, tilting her head aside a little, "I think its a large reason behind Stormdancer's visit. At least some of it... I don't know, though."
Korvinn hrms "I see...will anything specific be required of me then when you are gone on this trip?"
Ashia shrugs, "There may be a few things coming your way, I'd think.. nothing I could warn you about at least.. most of it should be taken care of."
Korvinn nods "Of course..."
Strethan nods slightly, "The circumstances of our divided capitol... but I would rather speak of that later." He sighs, a hiss of petrochemical-tinged breath. "As for the festival... I wish I could have the luxury, but with Cirall and Ashia attending I am loathe to leave my people."
Ashia says, "I just want you to.. watch over things, while I'm gone. I'm asking everyone. I scared things might turn sour without me.. as vain as that may sound."
Zetan nods. She actually is relieved he won't be attending, it'll keep her mind off temptation ... not that she holds the slightest doubt he'd ever betray his loyal love to his consort. "Ah ... I am still studying the early Tal history, before the split into Aldani and Vehrakt ... I'm still a fair bit from recent history, though I've heard bits and pieces now and then in conversations with the Queen and others. I couldn't pass up the opportunity, though I worried it'd interrupt my studies. I can't seem to learn fast enough to meet my desire to adapt to being Aldani fast enough ... Marius thinks I am progressing well, however ... he says so, and I think that's partly why he's allowing the excursion."
Strethan comes to a halt on a slight rise looking out over the rippling waters of the lake. "To ground you more in the present, since you've been so diligent with the past. An excellent idea... you will learn much at that festival, of other spheres as well as our own. Shrilk can be... highly educational." He chuckles at memories, gaze distant for a moment.
Korvinn chuckles "I'll keep track of things..I'm sure everything will be calm and peaceful here..."
Zetan gazes as well, but not into the distance ... up at Strethan. She averts her eyes as she realizes that's where her gaze wandered, and gazes at the lake as well. "I thought so to, a good opportunity to get a grounding in on other worlds, I understand there are interchanges ... ambassadorial and cultural exchanges, conflicts and invasions. Its strange, the 'spheres' arrangement ... somebody has to be controlling it all, grabbing 'New Ones' like myself off their native worlds, bringing them here. I wonder why, more than how ... but even wondering why, its not something I want to reverse ... I've been here, been an Aldani less than a week ... but find it more soothing and suiting to me than the one I was born into."
Ashia mms, patting Korvinn's arm, "I thank you, friend... and I also have to apoligize to you for the other day..."
Strethan grins slightly, glancing aside at Zetan as she speaks. "We really must take you to the Core, if you like cultural exchanges... there is no end to the fascinating sights and peoples one can meet there." His hand rubs over her arm, scales sliding smoothly against scales, "And it is heartening to hear that you find yourself so well fitted to this form. Those who are hatched in it are rather proud of it ourselves." He is teasing her slightly, yes, but in good spirit.
Korvinn shakes his head 'I don't think you have anythign to apologise for..."
Zetan smiles. "I would like to visit it ... so many things to see and do in Argalia and beyond, so much to learn and experience ... it is hard to remind myself that dragons are long-lived ... relative to the human I was, anyhow ... and there's time to do and see it all. Ashi ... errr, the High Priestess, the Queen, instructor Marius, yourself ... I don't think I've run across a single Aldani with a soul the slightest shade darker than gleaming. You have reason to be proud ... errr, we do. This form, with black spines, is an honor, a gift ... from whomever is at the controls of the spheres and the portals that bring others to southern Argalia. I doubt a hundred lifetimes here ... even draconic lifetimes ... would be enough to build repayment for the gift."
Ashia shakes her head, "I do, you were just worried about me, and I was pushing myself."
Korvinn shrugs "and I stepped out of line..I'd do it again though..we get worried when you push yourself too much, ya'know.>" he says with a half-smile.
Ashia shakes her head, "No, if someone didn't do that once and a while, I wouldn't last very long."
Korvinn nods "Well, I'm glad you're taking it so well..."
Ashia mms, shrugging, "I was being stupid..."
Korvinn laughs "It's somthing we all run afoul of..."
Strethan actually seems a bit abashed at Zetan's praise, glancing down at his claws as he chuckles and shakes his head. "I am sure we are not so pure and blessed as all that, we have our dark sides... I pray you will have as little contact with that as possible, but it seems to be universal."
Zetan finds her gaze keep wandering over (and up) to Strethan, but manages to nip at least a few such eye wanderings in the bud. "I do feel a bit overwhelmed," she admits, "but only from my own drive to sperm ... errr, learn quickly." *gulp!* "Everyone has been so kind ... Ashia took my hand when I first arrived and felt love ... errr, lost." *oh no, I'm slipping!* "The High Priestess, I meant, of course." *and never mind why love crept in there* "The Queen and Marius as well, of course, and I shan't fall ... err, forget you among them, ... Captain." *breathe, dammit, breathe* Zetan lowers her gaze, to hide the trembling in her eyes. Alone with the object of her crush, by a beautiful and dual moonlit lake ... Zetan feels at her worst. As both a human and Aldani, she is adult ... why is she plagued by such a childish crush? Given the drastic change from sapien to dracon, by whatever magical means, it must have something to do with the transition. She makes a mental note to herself to do as she suggested Ashia do with her anxiety over fulfilling her duties in her new position - by reading what those who have come before have wrote. Humans and other off-worlders have 'popped into' becoming Aldani for millennia, some of them had to have written some useful guides, hopefully something about dealing with a crush on another Aldani's consort ... but a book in a library won't help her now. Zetan knows she must find a way to deal with it ... but she isn't dealing with it very well. "Captain..." she starts, but has no clue what she wants to say, nor how to say it. He /must/ already know, he's teased a couple times, she's noticed. "You know, don't you," she accuses. "I just feel ... silly. Out of control ... like a child. I guess I am a child, in some ways, and I should realize and bear that fact in my own mind ... I guess that's probably how you're dealing with it."
Korvinn looks thoughtful for a moment "Well, *ahem* Ashia...I need to get to bed, myself..It'd be a poor idea for me to not follow my own advice..."
Ashia nods, "Sure, "I should as well, actually. I could use the rest." she makes a grinning half-bow, "Rest well, Korvinn."
Korvinn nods, returning the bow deeply "Good evening, Ashia.." her murmurs, then turns and slips off.
Strethan can feel the tension in his small and overwhelmed companion, has been feeling it more and more since the first time they spent any time near each other. However he is nothing if not conscientious, despite the impish nature hidden beneath his formal facade. He listens quietly as she freudian slips her way along, nodding solemnly at her words and managing not to snort laughter at some of the words that find their way into her phrasing. When she finishes, his response is more relaxed and informal than ever, his nature frank and kind and informal. "My dear Zetan... yes, I know. It's been pretty obvious, really, but I'm not about to hold it against you." he turns to face her more directly, holding her arms in the moonlight and gazing down into her eyes with a soft smile in his jaws. "I can't imagine what you have been through, and your success so far speaks highly of you. And it's been a success, I'd say, despite the confusion you are feeling. You have.... feelings for me, don't you?" Even as he finishes voicing the rhetorical question he continues, answering it for her. "You do. And would you like to know a secret?" He leans his head in closer, arching his neck, "Your feelings are welcome. I find them flattering, and... invigorating. It's been a while since anyone fell so thoroughly for me. Not since my Lady Brightstar." His smile becomes more sympathetic, "And I know my betrothal must be causing you /all/ sorts of conflicts. Well... you might be startled to learn that my betrothal does not mean your feelings must be refused..." He lets the confession hang in the air, awaiting her response as he holds her eyes with his own.
Zetan's jaw drops a bit agape as her eyes rise to meet Strethan's. "They don't? The way Ciral ... errr, the queen put it ... its monogamous ... yes, I do have feelings, very ... strong feelings for you," she finally comes out with it, "but I would never wish to affect your bond with another whom I am sure rightfully earned your affections. I feel like an intruder, that has dropped in out of the sky ... errr, actually, I guess that's exactly what I am," she chuckles. "I feel like a young child, a pupil with a crush on their teacher or some other adult ... I haven't fallen like this for anyone, not in a long time ... and I haven't even had the chance to really get to know you. I don't know what's going on with me ... but it feels even stronger every time I see you."
Strethan's eyes flash faintly in the moonlight, his fangs agleam in the gape of his playful smile. "I stir the fire in your blood, don't I? I can't say I am displeased with this... and while I say your feelings are welcome, I am not saying we should rush into anything. There IS no hurry, Zetan... we can try to come to terms with your desires, and you can get to know myself and my lady love better. I just want you to be more at ease, more relaxed... or these emotions will wound you badly. Let us see what happens, and just keep this knowledge in your heart... that I know what you are feeling, and I am thoroughly delighted." With that, his hands slide up to her shoulders... and he draws her close against him for a tender embrace, his hands sliding behind to her wingroots as he holds her in his arms in the moonlight.
"Strethan..." Zetan relaxes at last at the release, her arm warmly wrapping beneath Strethan's wings along his backside. "I am so relieved ... bless you," she wafts between talking and sobbing from the emotional release, "I do look forward to meeting Lady Brightstar ... she must have a soul that shines as bright as yours, to be so blessed with you. I know my heart is running well ahead of my mind, of my own sanity ... and my mind, honestly, hopes this excursion to Shrilk is a sufficient distraction to allow a calmer exploration of my feelings for you ... but," she sobs, "I've never had any emotion as intense as I feel for you now. Not my worst fears, not my strongest anger ... nothing ..." She gazes into his eyes, wordless at long last. The warmth of his form melts away the chills from the evening breeze, as does the warmth of his spirit melt away the chills of her anxiety.
Strethan whispers, "Then... let's just feel, now, here... in each other's arms." His embrace tightens, no uncofmortably, but enough to banish any lingering doubts of his warm reception of her desire. His head dips, and his muzzle finds hers... not quite kissing in the meshed-jaws manner of dragonkind, but nuzzling close and intimately along her jaw with just the softest flick of tonguetip against her scales... perhaps a hint that more is not out of the question, in the future.