FSE

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Chapter Seven

His dreams were dark, troubling things that took him on a journey through grim scenes. Some he recognized as long distant memories, others just strange twisted things. He heard his name being said, or at least he thought it was his name, but he ignored it. It only grew more insistent as it was ignored, the words soon accompanied by the feeling of something nudging against him.

His eyes snapped open, a hand unconsciously pulling free his knife as he grabbed the arm of the intruder and yanked them down. The person gave a startled yelp as Falren pinned them down, furred hands grabbing his arm as he pressed it to their throat. In the dim light he could make out the form of a Sergal under him, but all that served to do was confuse his barely conscious mind. He left that place long ago.

"Falren..." That voice said again, the hands on his arm trying to push it back a fraction. "It's me... Velanis."

He blinked as his mind processed that, peering down at the faintly illuminated amber eyes. A grimace crossed his features as he finally recalled enough of the present reality, pulling the knife away and unpinning her to sit on the edge of the bed.

"I'm sorry." He said as she sat up, rubbing a hand at her throat.

"It's alright..." She replied, looking over at him with her ears laid back.

"What, ah..." He started, setting the knife on the stand. "What were you doing waking me up?"

"You were talking in your sleep again." She said. "And yelling as well."

"Oh." He uttered, bringing up a hand to rub at his face.

"I was... worried." She said slowly.

"Bad dreams is all." He responded. "They can't harm me anymore."

"Do you have them often?" Velanis asked him carefully.

"It varies." He said with a sigh. "It really isn't anything to worry about, trust me."

"...Tell me about it." She said after a moment.

"What?" He questioned with a frown.

"It was something my mother used to do." She said sheepishly. "She'd have me tell her about them when I had bad dreams."

"Ah." He replied with a chuckle. "They are things I'll keep to myself I think. They're my problem, not yours."

"Alright." She muttered.

He gave a hum, looking out the room's window. It looked either very late, or very early, and he doubted he'd bother trying to go back to sleep.

"I... do appreciate the concern." He offered, looking over at her. "But it's something I prefer to deal with on my own."

She gave a small nod, turning to glance out the window as well.

"What do you think we'll be doing today?" She asked, still looking out at the pale world. "Aemon said I could watch him make, ah, my mail some more."

"I won't stop you if you do." He said with a small shrug. "Though as a warning, he'll be waking shortly. He likes to rise before the sun."

"I wouldn't mind, I just wasn't sure if you wanted to... do anything."

"Mostly just planning out what I may be doing next." He told her. "If you want though I could show you more of the city later, after you've watched him work."

"I'd like to do that." She agreed, looking over at him and giving a grin.

He glanced up at her, seeing her eyes staring at him intently in the dim light. They had a look of indecision in them, as if she was struggling with something. He was about to ask her what was wrong, but before he could she darted her head forwards and quickly flicked her tongue up his face. He flinched away from the appendage on reflex, giving her a questioning look.

"What was that?" He slowly asked.

"Just a friendly gesture." She replied with a flick of her ears. "Should I not have done that?"

"I'm... just not used to it." He told her.

He knew it was only an innocent show of appreciation, but he just wasn't used to such shows. The faint sound of a door opening and closing to the sounds of padding feet served to alter the subject. Aemon had awoken it seemed, and after he completed a series of tasks he'd no doubt be off to his smithy to get to work.

"That would be Aemon." He said, not doubting that her better ears had picked up the sounds as well. "If you'll excuse me I need to change, I'll meet you downstairs."

Velanis gave him a nod, standing and walking to the door before ducking out. He stood to his own feet once she'd left, giving a stretch to the sounds of faint popping. He stepped over to a basin in the room, pouring some water into it from a jug and beginning to wash the sleep away. With that done he retrieved his normal clothes and set about dressing himself, donning the casual shirt and pants before tying his boots on. Dressed and washed, he slipped the knife back into his boot before leaving the room.

Falren descended the stairs to the first floor, the smell of something being cooked greeting him as he stepped into the main room of the house. Both Velanis and Aemon were already sitting at the table, the Sergal drinking from a mug. He moved over to the table, sitting in the chair next to Velanis after a moment of consideration.

"Good morning to you, lad." Aemon greeted.

"Morning." He said with a nod.

Not long after he sat down Melan came into the room with the customary food, as if his timing were perfect or she just had a knack for having it ready at the right time. She set the plates down in front of them all, before bringing out her own as well and taking a seat. Velanis started into hers, having learned by now that the pair intended her to do no less. Falren for his part just picked at it, occasionally taking a swallow from the tea he had been given.

"So, lad." Aemon started, casting a small grin between the two. "Anything happen I should know about?"

Melan gave him an elbow to the ribs, as if this line of talk had already been discussed; at least on Aemon's part. Velanis watched them both peculiarly, a confused look on her face at the exchange.

"I had some bad dreams, Aemon." Falren stated, giving him a hard stare. "That's all."

"Ah, right. Of course." The man replied, rubbing at his side.

He gave a sigh and a shake of his head, setting into his food. Aemon meant well, but he did love to yank him around at times. He cast a glance sidelong at Velanis, already having shrugged off the banter and returned to her food.

"So Falren, I heard you ran into those sergals that roughed up Vel here." Aemon stated, with, he noted, a new nickname for her.

"Did you then?" He said, casting a look to the side.

Velanis's ears lowered with an expression like she was worried that was something he wanted her to keep to herself, but he gave a subtle gesture of dismissal.

"And knowing you it wasn't a pleasant experience for them." Aemon said with a chuckle. "I say good on you, but I have to wonder where the guards were in the first place."

"I, ah, had picked a secluded spot to eat." Velanis supplied, scratching her ear with a claw.

"Hmm." Aemon mused. "Guard must have snuck off to relieve himself or something, still odd if it was one of the High guards though... Eh, doesn't much matter at this point does it?"

"No, it really doesn't." Falren replied, chewing down the last bits of his food. "I doubt we'll get anymore trouble from them anyway."

"Put that much of a scare into them, did you?" Aemon said with a laugh.

"Something like that..."

"All the better then." He declared, standing from his chair now that their light meal was finished. "Well, it's about time I get to my shop. Will you be joining me Vel?"

Velanis gave a nod, looking over at him questioningly.

"I'll come meet you around noon or so, and then I can show you around the city." Falren told her, answering her unspoken question.

"Alright." She said, giving a grin.

"Got a little tour planned eh?" Aemon said. "I'll try and keep her occupied 'till then, see how much of her mail we can get done. Are you ready to be going?"

She gave another nod, standing and moving towards the door.

"Keep yourself out of trouble this time lad!" Aemon called to him as they made to leave.

"Oh, I'll try." He said as the door closed, leaving just him and Melan in the home.

"So," He began, turning to address the woman, "Anything that you need a hand with?"

"Don't you worry, Aemon keeps his eyes on things around here." Melan said dismissively.

He sighed at her refusal to let him give some form of assistance.

"Why don't you go walk the markets or something?" Melan suggested. "It's always easy to pass time there."

"Yeah... I probably will." Falren said, climbing from the chair. "Listen around and see if there's anything interesting to be heard."

"Alright." Melan replied with a smile. "Have fun with your friend later."

"I, ah... I'll try." He said with an exhale, making his way to the door and out in the grey dawns light.

***

He wound his way through the waking city, the population all beginning their duties or simply rising with the sun to begin their days. He liked the early mornings and their grey light, when the world wasn't quite awoken from the black of night. It was a peaceful time, the day just starting to begin anew. He made his way towards the avenue that he'd shown Velanis the day prior, walking through the sparse streets.

He soon exited the street he had been following, stepping out into the wide space that held the largest of the cities markets. No crowds had formed at such an early hour, the space left to breath apart from the guard or occasional person. Some strange irony or coincidence led him to wander to the spot Velanis had sat the day prior, and with nothing to do but wait he decided to sit. He watched some of the vendors for a time, looking on as they prepared their stalls for the coming tide of potential buyers.

"Ah, hello Human." A voice said from the blue, cause him to turn his head towards the voice.

A tall Sergal stood there, baring a dark red coat that he recognized as the female from before.

"You are the one who helped Velanis." Falren stated, looking up at her as she bore a small smile. "Naleen, yes?"

"Correct." She confirmed with a nod, tilting her head at him. "And you are the Human with a strange name."

"Yes, I suppose you could say that." He said with a grunt.

"May I sit?" She asked him, gesturing to the empty space on the bench.

He gave a wave of his hand, motioning her to do so. She did, sitting down and propping her head on her hands.

"Thank you for helping Velanis, by the way." He said to her.

"Of course." She replied with a smile. "I was happy to do so. How is she fairing?"

"Well." He informed simply.

"That is good." She said. "No more issues with those males?"

Falren glanced at her, still barring that smile. He got the feeling she already knew more about that then she suggested.

"No, no trouble." He said slowly.

"That is fortunate, they seemed quite angry about being denied." Naleen stated.

He gave a snort.

"But with a friendlike you I doubt she will have to worry about that." She added. "I'm curious, why is it someone like you is helping her?"

"What do you mean," He started, looking over at her, "Someone like me?"

"Well, you are Human so that in itself is odd that you would go through the trouble to help one who wasn't your kind." She said to him, a knowing smile on her face. "And, you do not strike me as a... normalperson. I do not think you are from these human lands."

"No. I'm not." He said flatly, not sure where she was going with this. "Who are you?"

"A Sergal with no clan to call her own any longer, who has seen much." She said with a quiet laugh, giving a somber smile. "We are not so different in that regard, I think."

He grunted, watching the assortment of people starting to trickle into the market area.

"May I see that trinket you hide, Falren?" Naleen asked, watching him intently with her head still propped on a hand.

He gave the female a hard stare, jaw clenching. That was an unexpected line of questioning, and despite the goodwill she'd shown he wasn't certain what her intentions were.

"I assure you whatever it is you keep under there won't affect me." She said with a chuckle, seeing his defensive posture. "Time has slowly dwindled the hardships of the past."

He gave an exhale, coming to a decision as he pulled the chain free. He lifted it up, Naleen cocking her head curiously as she looked at it. He watched her cautiously as she leaned in and turned it around in her claws, giving it an appraising look-over.

"I think I understand you a bit more now, Falren." She said, leaning back into her sitting position. "Quite the curious thing for you to carry around, it could get you into much trouble."

"I know." He said flatly, slipping it back under his shirt.

"But you most likely don't care about that." She said amusingly. "It still leads me to wonder why you would be so eager to let one of our kind accompany you unknowingly. If she had been native to Nel'Vrak there could have been... disagreements."

"She wasn't though, and she knows very little of that place." He stated.

"But what would she think if she should learn about it?" Naleen wondered. "She has some ties to Nel'Vrak in her blood, that much is obvious."

"I'll worry about that when the time comes." He replied.

"Yes, perhaps you shall." Naleen said. "She seems quite enamored, quite curious about you."

He gave a thoughtful hum, glancing over at her as she watched him with that same smile.

"Ah, but enough of the past." She said dismissively. "Tell me, what does one in possession of your skills do? Those of your path don't strike me as the..." She chuckled. "_Peaceful_kind."

"I give my sword for hire if the circumstances are right." He told her simply.

"Ah, so you give your skills to those you consider worthy?" She questioned.

"In a sense." He replied with a shrug.

"That fight doesn't seem to hold much purpose." Naleen thought out loud. "Or challenge."

"It's not about the challenge." He responded. "If the intentions are just, then I don't mind it."

"Is that why you helped the female?" She asked curiously. "Because it was the right thing to do, as you say?"

"In a way."

"Hmm, quite the shift of approach for one of your upbringing." She said.

"Things change." He said, his hands working.

"Yes... I suppose they do." She replied quietly. "But sometimes it is for the better, no?"

Falren gave a grunt in answer, mulling that over. It was hard to judge what was better, and what might have been. There was no way of knowing how his life may have turned out should things have happened differently. But if they had then he wouldn't have met Aemon or his wife... Nor Velanis. That was an odd thought, he'd only known her a short time yet he'd have regretted not ever meeting her. Strange...

"Why did you come so far from Nel'Vrak?" He asked, watching the female.

"Because there was nothing left for me there." Naleen told him, a somber cast to her features. "The clan I was raised with is no more, so I chose this life rather than trying to meld into another clan."

"Ah." He replied in understanding.

"But it isn't so bad here. These humans are not always welcoming of my kind, but they are not hostile towards me. Usually." She said with a grin. "Why did you not stay with that clan though? I only know of them in passing since my clan was far off, but if you were given that token it couldn't have been bad."

"Things change." Falren repeated. "I was not accepted by the majority of the clan being I was human, but the person who took me in held a strong influence. This amulet was his."

"I see." Naleen muttered. "A tough life you have lived then, for a human. Though perhaps not so unique for such a place."

He hummed in acknowledgement, looking out at the market. The day was growing out of its youth, the plethora of smells beginning to waft over the stone as the foods from vendors began to take shape. When the sun was past its high mark he'd go meet up with Velanis. Perhaps he'd bring some food as well, she certainly seemed to have liked it. That was still quite a few hours away though, so for now he'd just have to wait along with Naleen whom seemed content to simply sit and observe.

***

Velanis watched as Aemon hammered another of the numerous rings together, the links slowly but surely coming closer to completion. The top "shirt" part had taken on some definition, the collar, sleeves and chest area having been all linked together. She couldn't really judge it beyond that though, as to her it simply remained a mesh of metal until Aemon had truly finished it. Still, that didn't lessen the excitement she was feeling at seeing it completed.

"What do you do to this after you finish, ah, putting it together?" She asked curiously

"Oh, there's a couple thing to be done to it once it's all linked together." Aemon told her, wiping the sheen from his brow. "Once this stage is finished it's all simple things from there on."

She flicked her ears, looking on as the smith worked.

"Do you have family, Velanis?" He asked her, drumming up conversation while he worked.

"I have my mother, yes." She replied.

"No other siblings or whatnot?" He continued.

"Just my mother." She said impatiently. "And the clan, though they never got along with me."

"Ah." Aemon said, hammering at the metal. "What made you want to leave?"

"Must everyone ask me the same questions?" She snapped with an annoyed growl. "I grew tired of the lands around my clan, I wanted to see the world."

"Apologies." Aemon offered humbly. "I didn't mean to offend you with my questions."

"You didn't offend me." She said with a snort, rubbing between her eyes. "You humans just ask so _many_questions."

"We like to talk I suppose." He said with a grin.

"Some of you talk too much, and then some of you talk too little." She said with a grumble. "I can't understand it."

"Maybe some things just aren't meant to be understood, there are many things I don't understand about your kind after all." Aemon said with a chuckle. "I wonder what 'ol Falren s up to."

Her tail twitched behind her, wondering if he'd gleaned that Falren was whom she'd referred to with her statement. Not that it mattered if he did, her impatience easily could get the better of her. Though now that he brought it up she did wonder what he was doing. He said he'd come meet her sometime after noon, but she didn't know what he'd do to pass that time. "Plan things out" he'd said, but that left her wondering what he intended to do next.

She let out a huff. Whatever he may do, she didn't doubt that it would be something new to experience. That was for another day though, at the present she had Aemon to watch while he smithed. But since everyone had asked her so many question, she supposed it couldn't hurt to ask a few of her own. And maybe get the answer to them as well.

"How long have you lived in this city?" She asked as he moved to place another ring of metal in the glowing forge.

"Oh, for a long while." He told her. "Grew up in a different province than this one, didn't settle down until I met Melan."

"Have you always been a blacksmith?" She asked curiously.

"Aye, dad was a smith you see." He said, looking up at her with a grin. "Grew up watching him in the forge, no surprise really that I took up the trade. Traveled around with it once I was old enough, that's how I met Melan. Once I made enough of a name for myself I was able to settle down somewhere."

"Ah." She aired, grimacing at the heat from the forge. "Do you like it?"

"Aye, I do." He replied with a nod. "Was a bit frustrating at first to learn all the metals, but I always enjoyed it. Something about making something with your own hands and seeing it finished, you know?"

She hummed in response, ears giving a twitch. "You humans find so many different things to do, it's as if you don't like simple things."

"I guess we don't." He said with a laugh. "Why, what is it like amongst your people?"

"It was simple, or at least my clan was anyway. We made basic things, and our homes were only there if we needed shelter or protection." She told him with a shrug. "But even the dens you humans live in are large things, and your clan's cities are mazes."

"We aren't really a 'clan' around here." He informed her with a chuckle. "Cities like this, we aren't really a community, so to speak. Family and friends stick together of course, but beyond that everyone here has their own agenda."

"Oh..." She said with a frown. "You humans don't have clans then?"

"Not really." He said, scratching his head. "Smaller villages tend to be closely knit, but beyond that things are pretty, ah, segregated. It's a bit hard to explain to someone who's foreign to it. The royalty and such tend to stick to themselves, and then you have the rest of the people who make their own living."

"You humans make things so complicated." She stated with a snort.

Aemon gave a laugh at that, a grin on his face. "So what happened with Falren last night? I heard some yelling."

"He had some bad dreams and I woke him up." She said simply.

"I see, helped calm him then?" He asked, sealing another link with his hammer.

"I... suppose?" She asked, a bit confused.

"You know, gave him some company after he woke up." He replied with a shrug of his thick shoulders. "Lad seems to like you, so that made sense is all."

"Like me...?" She questioned, cocking her head at him.

"Aye... he helps you out and gives you things, usually signs that a person likes you. At least from a human anyway." He told her, wiping his arm across his brow. "Hard to say what his motivations are, but that's what I take it as."

"Wouldn't he try to claim me if he liked me?" She pondered, narrowing her eyes questioningly.

"I, uh, didn't really mean it like that..." He said awkwardly. "Humans are a bit different."

"Oh." She said, ears twitching curiously. "I doubt he'd even be attracted to me, since I'm a sergal."

"I'm, ah, not the one to judge what is to his liking." He said, focusing on his work. "All I know is he doesn't dislike you, or we wouldn't be talking right now."

She gave a hum. "You taught Falren how to do this, why?"

"Lad wanted to learn, and at the time it was just me so I didn't see any reason to not have an extra set of hands." He replied. "Caught on fast, he did. Was impressed really, if he wanted to he could make a living out of it. He just doesn't like to settle in one place though, for whatever reason."

She thought about that a little. He'd told her that he was raised traveling, so maybe he just couldn't put up with staying in one place. Or maybe he just didn't have any reason to. She gave a huff, it was hard to say when he didn't talk about himself much. Though if she could get him to speak to her like the night prior, she might be able to figure him out a bit more. And she had to admit that it was nice to talk to someone, besides her mother, comfortably.

"How long do you think it will take you to finish?" She asked curiously.

"Oh... I could probably have all the metalwork done by tomorrow depending on how hard I go at it." He informed. "Want to make sure I have it done for when you two go off again though."

"I was just wondering." She replied. "Not trying to rush you."

"I know little lady, I know." He said with a chuckle. "But I know my limits, and this is something I want to get done."

"Well, thank you then." She said, resisting the urge to itch at the healing wounds.

Aemon gave a nod, happily setting about his work. She left him to it in silence, thinking she'd distracted him enough for the time being. He'd ask for her novice aid in something no doubt, so she didn't have to worry about having to just stand there waiting around. She cast a look out the room's window, bright sunlight shining through it. It looked like it was getting quite close to midday, and the time that Falren said he'd show her around the city.

She was looking forward to that, as so far all she'd seen of the city were its winding streets and the large market area. By no means did she consider those to be boring of course, but they'd only been in a fraction of the city since entering from the docks. That reminded her of the immense lake as well, something she wanted to see a bit more and find out where its name originated. Falren had promised to show her that back on the boat, so maybe that was one of the things he intended to do later this day.

She supposed she'd find out either way, all she had to do was wait. Waiting was never her strong suit though, much as she was interested in watching Aemon she always preferred to be doing something rather than waiting. She grinned at that. Her mother always hated it when she'd sneak off to go explore something. But... as her hand drifted up to the scars on her neck, she supposed it wasn't entirely ungrounded. Still, mother always said that she'd inherited her nature from her father.

She frowned thoughtfully at that. For as much of her father's blood she may have had, she barely knew anything about him. Her hands idly played with the sash around her waist, given by her mother years ago. She said it was something he'd wanted her to have, and how proud he would be of her.

She growled, pushing those thoughts to the back of her mind. It didn't do her any good to dwell on it.

"Something wrong?" Aemon asked, apparently hearing her growl.

"No." She replied shortly.

Aemon gave a nod, returning to his work.

Now she just wanted Falren to show up so she could preoccupy her mind with his company and the city around her. She hated when her mind would drift to the past and try to piece it together, all it served to do was frustrate her. She loved her mother to no end, but it made her angry at times how much she hadn't told her. And now that she was discovering all these new things, from Falren and otherwise, it just left her grasping even more.

She rubbed a hand at her head, trying to calm her frustration. Just a little longer and she wouldn't have to worry about her mind wandering, she just had to wait. She didn't know why, but she was growing to like the human's company. It was strange, she supposed he really was her "friend" as everyone seemed to put it. Maybe it was because he didn't think her odd or different. He wasn't even one of her kind, yet she felt more at ease around him than she had with the rest of her clan...

***

"How long has it been since you left Nel'Vrak?" Naleen asked, dispelling the silence that had fallen as the hour drew on.

"Close to six years now." He responded, looking up at the clouds passing over.

"Have you ever gone back?" She continued.

"No." He said flatly. "There isn't anything for me there now."

"Ah." Naleen aired. "Did you not leave on peaceful terms then?"

"Not exactly, no..." He replied with a frown. "It's hard to stay somewhere when everything you grew to know gets taken away."

"I understand." She agreed. "It doesn't seem to have broken you any, though. And you have new things to call your own, a new clan in a sense yes?"

"I... suppose." He said slowly.

"It is good to have others that you can rely on." Naleen said to him with a smile.

He gave a thoughtful hum, standing to his feet.

"Velanis is waiting for me, and there are some things I need to pick up." He informed the female.

"Ah, well, it was interesting to speak with you Falren." She said, looking up to him with a grin. "I think you know where to find me, yes?"

"Take care of yourself, Naleen." He said in farewell.

She gave a nod to him as he turned away, a glimmer of amusement in her emerald eyes.

He walked down the street towards some of the vendors, intent on picking up some food for when he would be meeting up with Velanis. Naleen was an interesting sort, he thought. It had been awhile since he'd been able to talk to someone on friendly terms like he had, even when they knew of where he'd come from. There was more to her story no doubt, but he had his own secrets to keep as well.

He came to a stop in front of one of the stalls, giving the owner a formal greeting as he indicated the items he would be buying. He wasn't sure what Velanis may like, but seeing as she'd only had a select few she probably wouldn't mind trying new varieties. He selected a couple things, nothing too overdone but no doubt something she hadn't had before. While he was on the note of things she hadn't had before, he wondered if she liked fish or not... He supposed it couldn't hurt to get a share of that as well.

He couldn't help but chuckle a bit as he moved to a merchant selling the watery variety of cooking. It was funny how he was thinking at the moment, trying to figure out what his Sergal companion may or may not find appetizing. Still, no sense not enjoying it while they had the chance. There was no way of knowing what the next day might bring

With his wrapped bundles of assorted food collected, he began the trek to Aemon's smithy. It was an hour or so past noon, close enough to when he said he'd come meet with Velanis. He'd put a bit of thought into what he was going to show her, there were a few places she might find interesting. Mostly though he figured he'd let her wander around, seeing as in all fairness she'd just been following him since they arrived. He figured allowing her the freedom to look around wouldn't be a bad thing.

The streets were a bit crowded as he traversed their winding paths, numerous people moving about their business and the occasional patrolling group of guards. A fairly typical day for the city, everyone with their own unspoken agenda. That much never changed, day in and day out there was always work to be done or items to trade. That way of life wasn't for him, not after all the things he'd seen and done. He sometimes had to wonder what it would have been like were he raised in this "world". That was not for him to know though, nor would he have changed even if it were.

He soon came to the familiar area of Aemon's shop, the street and buildings all bearing the same appearance as days past; minus perhaps the new layers of paint or siding some buildings bore. Sure enough the smithy soon came into view, faint smoke rising from the rear of the building to signify Aemon was at work. He quickly walked across the street, ducking past a horse-drawn cart on his way up to the door. It was unlocked as usual and he stepped inside without pause, closing the door behind him.

Neither Aemon nor Velanis were in the front room, leaving it clear they were in the forge. He set his bundles down on a shelf before moving to the door leading into the back, giving it a short knock as he opened it. The sound of hammer hitting steel met his ears as he entered, accompanied by that familiar heat. Velanis had her head turned to him, a hand raised in greeting as Aemon finished hammering closed a link on his project.

"Hello lad!" The man called to him, setting his hammer down on the anvil with a dull clank. "Was wondering when you'd show up."

"I thought it was about time I came by." He replied with a shrug. "I did say I'd be showing Velanis around the city."

"Aye, she's probably had enough of my company too." Aemon said with a chuckle.

"How's the mail coming along?" Falren asked.

"It's going well." He responded with a grin. "Now go on and show your friend here around so I can work on finishing it."

Velanis seemed to take that as her queue, for she walked over to stand next to him, looking down at him with a small grin.

"We'll be back later." He told the man before turning back out the door.

Velanis came through after him, the door closing with a solid sound as the latch caught. Her ears perked a bit as he retrieved the wrapped food from the shelf, hearing her give a curious sniff.

"What's that?" She asked him.

"This," He said, holding them up, "Is our dinner. I'd imagine you're hungry, no?"

She gave him a nod.

"Let's go find a quiet place then and we can eat before we start walking around the city." He stated, making his way for the door.

"Alright." She said, following after him as he stepped out into the street. "What did you do while you were waiting?"

"Spent some time in the markets." He informed her, leading the way down a street towards a spot he knew. "I met Naleen as well."

"Really?" Velanis said, glancing at him curiously as she strode beside him.

"Yes, I was actually sitting at the same spot you were and she must have been around." He stated. "Talked with her for a bit to pass the time."

"What did you talk about?" She asked him, cocking her head.

"The past mostly." He replied. "Where she came from."

"Oh." She uttered. "Was it familiar to you?"

"More or less." He said vaguely. In truth she'd probably learned more about him than he had of her. "She seems alright though."

He heard her give a hum in response as they walked on. "Where are we going?"

"A spot I know that's usually quiet." He told her. "It's close, so we'll be there shortly."

She didn't respond to him, simply remained silent in apprehension as he led her through the streets. The spot he spoke of was one he used to visit after he had first arrived in Amara, and Aemon had taken to helping him. After a few more minutes he turned off the street, instead walking down a narrow path that ran between the buildings. He led Velanis between the walls until it opened up at the end, leaving them to step back into the light.

The space that greeted them was a moderately sized area, situated in the midst of the surrounding buildings. A tall tree grew in the center, casting a mottled shade onto most of the ground beneath. At the base of that tree sat a stone bench, to which he walked over to and set down the bundles of food. Velanis stepped after him, head turning as she looked around the little clearing.

"This is... nice." She stated, looking down at grass that grew in the exposed soil.

"Yeah, you wouldn't know it was back here from the street." He said, taking a seat on the bench. "I found it a few years ago, no one comes back here usually so it's a nice spot if you want to be undisturbed."

The Sergal sat down next to him, watching curiously as he unwrapped one of the bundles. He spread the cloth out on the stone surface, placing the fish there for her to see.

"I'd imagine you've had fish before, but I figured you might be interested in trying it either way." He said to her, leaving it to her to take what she wanted.

"When I was younger I did." She said, cutting a portion of the cooked fish free with a claw. "Though you humans do so many different things to your food, I may as well never have had it before."

She took a bite from the chunk of flaky meat, chewing with a hum. "But, it is good." She said with a grin.

"Well, glad I wasn't wrong then." He said with a chuckle, using his knife to cut free a piece of his own. "Trying to gauge what others may find appetizing isn't a common place thing for me."

"And having others giving me such food isn't common for me either." She replied, taking another bite. "Did you have anything in mind when you said you'd show me around the city?"

"There was a place or two, but I mostly thought you might like to just look around." He told her, biting at his own food. "There's a lot of interesting things to see for one who hasn't been here before, and if I've learned anything it's that you like to explore."

"Yes." She replied with a small laugh. "I do. You said you'd show me why that lake was named such, though."

He gave a nod. "I'll show you that last, it's a bit more... impressive when the day reaches its end."

"Alright." She uttered between bites. "Did you used to come here often?"

"Yes..." He replied. "I liked the quiet, helped me relax. I wasn't used to places like this."

"Ah, I understand. It's all very big." She said with a grin. "I had a place I went to that I liked as well, back in the area around my clan. Maybe I'll be able to show it to you when I visit my mother in time."

Her ears laid back as she gave a frown. "If you'd ever, ah, want to go there that is."

"We'll see." He said, casting her a glance.

She gave him a nod, a small smile creeping into her features.

'Enamored'... He recalled to himself with a frown.

He finished his portion of the fish, leaving the last of it to the Sergal; who, after looking up at him a moment, took it and began nibbling at it. He let her eat quietly for a small time until she was done, taking the last bundle and placing it in a likewise fashion to before. This meat was crusted with a collection of spices and herbs, and he cut a chunk from it to hand to Velanis. She gave it a sniff, blinking a few times at the array of scents that clung to it, before biting a mouthful off.

He watched her chew it a moment, seeing her blink a few more times as she turned to him.

"It's... hot." She said.

"It's spiced, yes." He said with a chuckle. "Wasn't sure how'd you'd liked this one to be honest."

"It's different." She said, her tongue flicking out to lick her maw. "I haven't had anything like it before."

"There's a great many different things people bring here from far and wide." He stated, cutting his own piece off. "Glad you like it though, you're free to have the rest."

"Thanks..." She said, giving him a stare. "Ah, Falren?"

He hummed in response, quirking a brow at her.

"Why are you..." She paused, flicking her ears. "So kind to me?"

He frowned, not expecting that question out of the things she may have asked.

"Should I not be?" He pondered. "You're not my enemy, so I don't see any reason to treat you as such."

"It's just that no one besides my mother has ever been like this to me." She said, cocking her head as she looked down at the grass. "They were never... warm to me. Like they just accepted that I was part of the clan, but nothing more."

He opened his mouth to speak, but closed it once more. He really didn't know how to answer that, couldn't really think of the reasons. Helping her was just something he did. Yes, a part of him did think it an unwise course, but that was for past reasons. Maybe he just wasn't used to having anyone this... close to him, he supposed. He gave a sigh, looking over at her as she watched him curiously.

"I can't really explain it." He said to her. "I just... do what seems right, I guess."

"I appreciate it either way." She said with a grin.

Velanis darted her head forwards, repeating the same action from that morning. His muscles twitched at the unfamiliar feeling, unused to the contact.

"Sorry..." She said with a frown, seeing his stiff posture.

"It's alright." He said slowly, flexing his hands a bit. "Like I said, not used to it."

"Falren..." She started, watching him intently. "Have you always been alone?"

That question was just about as unexpected as her last, and he turned a confused expression to her.

"No..." He uttered. "I grew up with my master."

"That's one person." She said pointedly, amber eyes still watching him. "What was it like being raised by him?"

"It was... hard at times." He responded with a frown, not sure where this was even going. "He taught me and trained me since I was old enough to walk."

"So a teacher is all you ever had?"

"Perhaps?" He pondered, growing a bit impatient at this line of questioning. "I don't understand what you're getting at."

"It's nothing, Falren." She said, ears drooped a bit as she returned to eating. "Just something I was curious about."

"Alright..." He said, a bit perplexed.

Falren stared at her as she ate, her ears giving the odd twitch at a the occasional sound that reached them. He didn't understand her motivation sometimes, why she seemed so interested in figuring him out, as it were. He supposed he was an odd example, and that was perhaps why she was so curious. Then again, he'd never spent much time in the company of others beyond his master and a select few. It was different with Velanis though, and he couldn't say why.

He gave an exhale through his nose. Wielding a blade, he understood. Surviving, he understood. People... not so much, especially ones that tried to get as close to him as Aemon and Velanis. He pinched the bridge of his nose, giving a small shake of his head. Change of paths indeed. He thought. Falren glanced back at the Sergal, seeing that she'd finished her meal and was busy licking her claws clean.

"Ready to go have a look around?" He asked.

She gave him a quick nod, standing and giving her muscles a stretch. He mirrored the action before setting back off to the pathway that had led them there, Velanis following him out onto the street.

"Lead the way." He said, queuing her to pick a direction.

Her ears perked up a bit as she looked around, before setting off down the street with a grin on her features, Falren following behind as she led him somewhere...

***

Velanis trekked her way though the city, looking around and taking it in. It was very big, and after a couple hours she had painted a rough idea in her mind of how it was arranged. Falren had mentioned "districts", yes, but that had never conveyed anything besides a name. Now, the rough "map" she had made suggested that the city was in a circular pattern, divided into four parts by the large paths that ran from the city's four gates. The wide swath she had been on the day prior was one such path, that one leading from the dock's gate.

There were three more, each leading from a gate that had been placed to represent one of the four major directions. Finally, those districts that Falren had spoke of were arranged in rings starting from the city's walls. The first was the "lower" district, as she'd often heard it called, that took up the area at the foot of the wall. From there it went to the common district, which she'd gleaned was where the majority of the people in the city lived.

Then there were the markets, which contained all of the things relating to trade, until that ended lastly with the High district. Falren explained to her that it was where the "royals" resided, and as interested as she was in going there he was doubtful of whether they could be allowed entry. He said that he himself could occasionally get in, but he wasn't sure of how he would fair getting them both in. She just had to be content with exploring the rest of the city then, seeing as that was perhaps asking a bit too much.

In the time they spent walking they only managed to reach one other "avenue", as Falren called them. This one didn't have as many of the vendors and merchants as the last one, appearing to be used instead as a main route of travel in and out of the city. She still couldn't believe how big this city was, it was like a forest of towering stone. In the end they did a sort of loop around that section of the city, coming back to rest in the dock-ward facing part. The sun had progressively settled lower in the sky, the light changing to an orange hue.

"It would take days to truly explore all of this city." She stated to Falren as they walked. "This must have taken years to build."

"It's been here a great while." He said to her. "It didn't start this big, it began as a small port until the trade became greater and greater. Eventually it grew into this, so they say."

"Ah." She aired, ears twitching. "Can you... show me that last spot now?"

"Yes, it should be late enough now." Falren replied to her, looking up at the sky. "Right, well, follow me then."

She fell into step behind him as he walked off down the street, leading her to whatever it was he intended to show her. After a short time she figured out he was taking her towards the docks, as she began to recognize the area. Her guess soon proved true, as the wall and its gate became visible. She was a bit confused as to where he was bringing her, but as they came near the wall he turned away from the gate and moved towards a flight of stairs set into the stone. She cocked her head at him as he walked up to one of the armored guards standing at their base, the man's head turning to watch him approach.

"Can I help you?" The guard asked from beneath his steel helm.

"I'd like to take my friend here to the top of the wall." Falren stated simply.

The guard seemed to giving Falren an appraising look, before turning his helm to give her the same glance.

"Very well." He said, jerking his gauntlet covered thumb up the stairs. "Up you go. Watch yourself, it's a breezy day up there and a long way down."

"Thanks." Falren said, stepping past the guard.

She followed after him, getting to climbing the cold stone stairs. There were a great many steps leading to the top of the wall, slowly reaching higher and higher with just a simple wooden railing to her right. The height didn't scare her though, if anything it made her anticipate getting to the top even more. By the time they reached the top her legs had a dull burning in them, testament to how many steps there had been.

Just as the guard had said a stiff breeze did greet her as she stepped onto the flat peak of the wall, ruffling her mane-like hair. It was very wide, easily able to accommodate a handful of men walking abreast. Falren walked across the stones towards the outward facing side, stepping up to the waist high ledge and the spaced outcrops of stone. She moved up next to him, placing her hands on the ledge as she leant out to peer at the world before her.

The large lake and it's surrounding landscape spread out in front of her, the view leaving her speechless. The vast view was only a part of that wordlessness though. What was truly amazing was the water's surface, the calm stillness reflecting the orange sky in full clarity, as if she were simply gazing up at the sky herself. She stared at the sight silently, a no doubt amazed look on her features as she gazed at the fiery scene.

"That's wonderful..." She finally said, tearing her eyes away to look over at Falren with a smile.

"Now you can see why I didn't try to explain it." He said, his silver eyes lit up by the setting sun. "Better to show you then paint it with words."

"Thank you Falren..." She said, eyes crinkled into a smile.

He began to respond, but she didn't give him a chance to finish. She stepped up to him, wrapping her arms around his chest and giving a squeeze. She wasn't even entirely sure why she did that, but she just wanted to. Falren gave a surprised grunt at her act, and she quickly let him go just as fast as it began. He gave her a confused look as she stepped back to her previous spot, returning to gazing at the view.

"Can I ask something, Falren?" She said, something creeping into her mind.

"...Yes?" He prompted with a frown.

"Have you figured out what you may be doing now?" She asked.

"Not... exactly." He said slowly. "Why?"

"Well..." She began, tail twitching back and forth as she tried to find the right way to ask. "I want to... go to Nel'Vrak."

She turned her head to look over at him as her statement sunk in, a hard look falling over his features.

"Why do you want to go there?" He queried, staring out over the wall.

"I..." She started, ears drooping a bit. "Want to see it. I know my parents came from there, my father_came from there. I want to find out why he wasn't here, and why I'm _different from my clan."

"And you want me to come with you, yes?" He asked, that calm look on his face once more.

"Yes..." She agreed slowly.

"I can't go back there." He said with an exhale, turning and stepping back to the stairs. "You shouldn't either."

She frowned, casting the view one last look before moving after him. She expected a response along those lines, but she truly did want to go there. It wasn't hard to figure out that he had bad memories with that place, but he never said a word about it. She descended the stairs behind him as he silently made his way back to the ground, not saying a word even after they stepped into the street once more. She was worried she had angered him with her request, but then she realized she'd asked something of him he didn't want to do.

He continued to remain silent as he led her back through the city, returning to Aemon's house she suspected...

***

His jaw clenched the whole time he walked, up until the glow of lights from Aemon's house came into view. He'd known she'd be curious about that place, whether or not she heard it from Naleen or from himself. He just didn't expect her to actually want to go there, and ask him to come along no less. But he... understood it, her wish to go there. He'd guessed by now that her bloodline wasn't the same as her clan's, with all her remarks about how she didn't fit in. To some extent he also understood that she wanted to know about her father. He'd pieced it together that that was where she got her traits from, whether or not she realized it herself.

And he figured that for as much as he never knew his own parents, was never given the chance to, she did, and had been given that chance. He exhaled slowly through his nose as he walked up to Aemon's front door, rapping on the door. Moments after his knock the door opened, Melan greeting them from behind the doorframe.

"Ah, we were wondering when you'd be coming back." She said, ducking her head to look up at the evening sky. "Come on in you two."

He stepped in with a nod after she retreated from the door, casting a glance at Velanis as she followed him in. She cocked her head slightly at him as she noticed his glance, one ear giving a flick as she watched him. He sighed quietly, turning back to face Melan.

"Aemon will be here in just a minute." She said with a smile. "We'll be having some dinner when he does, are you two hungry?"

"I had plenty to eat earlier." He said dismissively. "I don't know about Velanis though."

"Vel?" Melan questioned, looking over at her.

"Ah, I'm fine." She answered. "But... could you show me how you heat the water?"

"Of course." Melan said, waving her over. "Will you be fine, Falren?"

"Of course." He stated. "I'll have a seat and wait for Aemon to get back."

"Alright, come along Vel."

Velanis and the woman both departed to fetch the bath water, leaving him to go take a seat at the house table. He propped his elbows on the tabletop, resting his head on his hands. It shouldn't have, but it was bothering him about what she'd asked him. He had the feeling she'd settled it in her mind the she would be going there in the near future, whether or not he came along. She could take care of herself, but Nel'Vrak was a rough place for the unknowing. He really wasn't sure how she would take it on her own, or what would happen.

He rubbed at his face, giving a groan. She'd get into trouble if she went there as ignorant as she was to the place, but if he went there he was just as likely to get into trouble if things happened the wrong way.

Damn it all. He thought to himself.

After a short time the front door opened once more, the burly form of Aemon stepping through the doorway.

"Hail lad!" He greeted in his always-exuberant tone, closing the door behind him. "How faired your day?"

"It was fine, Aemon." He said.

"Really?" The man questioned, pulling out a chair and sitting himself down. "Cause you look like you're wrestling with something."

He looked up at Aemon's bearded face, the man giving him a look that suggested he start talking.

"I think I'll finally take you up on that drink." He said, a hard cast to his features.

"Are you being serious lad?" Aemon said in surprise.

"Yes." He replied flatly.

"Well alright." The man responded, standing from the chair. "But you're gonna have to tell me what's bothering you."

He gave a grunt as the man walked off to fetch their drink, returning shortly after with two mugs in hand. Aemon set them down on the table, lowering himself into the chair once again. Falren picked up the mug, its interior half filled with whatever Aemon liked to drink. He raised it and took a swallow, wrestling with the thought of whether or not he actually liked the drink as it went down his throat. He had to settle on no, and Aemon seemed to notice his look.

"Alright lad." He said with a chuckle, taking a drink of his own. "Now what's bothering you?"

"Velanis..." He started with a frown, looking down at the liquid rippling around. "Wants to go somewhere, and she asked me to come with her."

"Aye, and what's wrong with that?" Aemon asked quizzically. "As far as I know that's what you do, isn't it? Go places, do work for people if the jobs right?"

"This is a bit different." He said, exhaling through his nose. "She wants to go somewhere I would rather avoid. It's where I came from, where I was raised and learned to do... what I do."

"Mmm..." Aemon hummed, scratching at his beard. "And you don't want to go back there because...?"

"It wouldn't be the safest place." He answered, taking another small sip from the mug.

"Not many places are safe, no matter where you go." He pointed out. "But if it's so dangerous why don't you just talk her out of it?"

"She has her reasons, and I doubt I would be able to change them." Falren stated.

"Alright, so what has you so conflicted?" Aemon asked. "Where is this place even?"

"It's far away, beyond human lands." He said. "It has me conflicted because if she goes there by herself, and not knowing about the land and its people, she could get into a lot of trouble."

"So, don't let her go alone." Aemon stated matter-of-factly. "You don't want to see her get herself hurt, aye? So just go with her. You say you'd both have your trouble to get into, but at least together you'd have the other to watch your back."

He couldn't really argue with that logic, as much as he may have wanted to.

"It isn't so simple." He said with a sigh.

"Of course it is." The man said sternly. "It is as simple as you make it to be. Stop letting whatever it is that happened in your past rule you. Take the days as they come, and live your life. She's your friend. I've never seen you with anyone besides that horse of yours, so just the fact that you let her stay with you this far tells me she means something to you. I don't know how much or far, but the fact remains whether or not you realize it."

"Yes..." He said quietly, rising to his feet. "I'm going to retire for the night I think, sleep on it."

"I know you'll do what's best." Aemon said to him. "Get some rest Falren."

He gave a nod, making his way to the stairs and up to his room. He stepped into its gloomy interior, closing the door and crossing the room. Sitting on the edge of the bed he began to strip off his boots, placing them on the floor next to him. The last thing he did was remove the linen shirt he had been wearing, folding and depositing it with his boots before falling onto the bed with a grown. Perhaps sleep would give him some clarity, because he certainly wasn't sure of what to do.

He closed his eyes, trying to allow sleep to calm his mind...

After what couldn't have been a long time at all he was awoken to the sounds of feet in the hall, opening his eyes and feeling as though he'd just been roused from the beginnings of slumber. He sat up as the footsteps stopped outside his door, glancing over at the door curiously. A few moments after there came a quiet knock on the door.

"Come in." He said, watching the door open at his prompt.

Velanis greeted his eyes as she stepped into the room, her fur looking like it was still damp. That proved his theory of not having been asleep long.

"Falren." The Sergal greeted.

"Is something wrong?" He asked curiously.

"No..." She said, the flick of her ears noticeable in the low light. "I'm, ah, sorry for asking what I did earlier. I didn't want to upset you with it."

"You don't need to apologize, it wasn't you that upset me." He said, rubbing his forehead. "It's a complicated matter, that's all. Are you still determined to go there?"

"I still want to go there." She told him in agreement.

"I thought as much." He said with a sigh. "I'll... think about it, alright?"

He saw her give a nod, a faint grin visible on her features again as her white teeth caught the pale light.

"Falren?" She started.

"Yes?"

"Can I sleep here, for tonight?" She asked, tilting her head at him.

"Ah, why?" He asked, confused.

"Well, we are friends yes?" She said, hands unconsciously fiddling with her sash. "I thought perhaps some... company might help you with your bad dreams."

"Oh..." He uttered as she watched him intently, waiting for an answer. "...Alright."

The grin on her face became more defined at his consent, the sergal walking carefully across the room towards him. He watched as she sat on the vacant side of the bed, laying down to rest facing him. Falren awkwardly lowered himself back to his prone position, unsure of why he even agreed to it but intent on leaving a space between them nevertheless. Velanis didn't seem content with that though. She scooted closer to him until her warm fur was brushing against him, draping an arm across him.

"Sleep well." She murmured.

He remained awkwardly rigid, shifting his eyes to glance at her as she rested with her eyes closed. It was a strange feeling to have another this close to him while he slept, or tried to sleep anyway. He gingerly brought a hand up and placed it on the arm across his form, its owner squeezing a bit tighter in her sleep. He'd never taken the time to notice what her fur had felt like, soft and still slightly damp from her bath. With a sigh of submission he closed his eyes and worked on getting to sleep, seeing as there was nothing to be done to change the situation now that he'd agreed to it.

Maybe it will help. He thought to himself, his breathing slowing as sleep began to take hold. He still had his doubts though...