FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Chapter Ten

Velanis woke with a great yawn, stretching out her limbs before blinking her eyes open to stare upwards. The night had died away at some point, giving way to the rising sun. She gazed upwards, a smile stretching her features at how good she felt. Turning her head to the side, she glanced down at where Falren still rested against her side comfortably. The bite she'd given him stood out against his shoulder, the blood having crusted against the marks.

She rolled onto her side carefully, bending her head down to soothingly lick at the wound. The tang of his blood was still fresh on her tongue from when she'd bitten him during their mating. In truth she wasn't sure what had driven her to do that, but her instincts had urged her to and at the time it had felt right. He hadn't seemed as... willing as she would have hoped, but she imagined he had enjoyed, it in the end.

Her ministrations drew a murmur from the sleeping human, making him blink his eyes once as he opened them. She smiled down at him as he looked up at her, dipping her head down to nuzzle him and give a quick lick.

"Sleep well, Falren?" She asked.

"Ah... yes." He replied to her, glancing down at his shoulder.

"I didn't hurt you too badly, did I?" She wondered with a bit of concern.

"No, no. I've had worse." He said with a frown.

"Good." She stated, nuzzling him affectionately again. "Did you... like it?"

"I..." He started, before stopping and giving a sigh.

"Falren?" She prompted, ears drooping. "Did I do something wrong?"

"No, Velanis. You didn't do anything wrong." He assured her.

"Then... what's wrong?" She asked, rubbing a hand lightly across his abdomen. "I thought you liked me... I like you."

"I know you do." He answered her, sitting up with a wince. "Listen, I'm going to wash up a bit, and tend to these... injuries, alright?"

"Falren." She said quickly, looking up at him and grabbing his arm before he could stand. "You do like me, don't you?"

"...Yes" He finally responded, silver eyes meeting hers with a strange mix of emotions in their otherwise steel surface. "I do. That's... not what's wrong."

"Alright." She said in acceptance, slowly releasing her arm to let it fall back down on the bed. "I'll talk to you later, then."

Falren continued to stare back at her as she rested her head into the pillow, shimmying over a bit to nestle closer to the spot he had occupied. She shifted her eyes back up to him, expecting him to have departed already. He surprised her though by stroking the side of her head, starting at her large ears and running down to her jaw. She pressed into the touch instinctively, but as quickly as it began he withdrew his hand and stood from the bed.

"I'll meet you later. I shouldn't be very long." He said quietly, pulling his shirt back on before padding out of the room.

She gave a small whine after he'd left, pressing her snout into the pillow and breathing in the scent that still clung there. If they both liked each other and it felt good, what was so hard? He still left a lot of her questions about his past unanswered, and while it was a quiet nagging in her mind, she didn't care so much anymore; she just wanted to be close to him now. Maybe... it was because she'd forced it on him?

She growled into the pillow. She'd wanted him, and after all he'd done for her she thought he'd have been more willing. She had never wanted a male before, was never interested. And now that she found one, albeit a human, that was strong and at least somewhat cared about her, he didn't even want to mate her! It had felt so good too...

She exhaled, rubbing at her head with both hands. She couldn't think about it now, she'd only get angry. Right now, she just wanted... what she wanted. Or at the very least someone to talk to that could help her... like Naleen, perhaps. She was another female, and of her kind, so maybe she could talk to her. First though, her stomach demanded she find food. With a sigh she climbed from the bed, methodically settling her fur and making sure her cloths were properly in place.

She made her way out of the room, head facing downwards as she mulled to herself. It was in such a state that she soon found herself down on the first floor of the den, the scent of food rousing her from her stupor. She wandered her way down the hall leading to the kitchen, an area she'd never been to before. It was only a short walk down the corridor before she came to an archway, another average sized room beyond. Velanis peeked her head through, looking around curiously.

It was much like the rest of the home in appearance, well lit, with wooden construction and a planked floor. Unlike the rest of the house though, there were a variety of things present in the kitchen. A collection of plants hung from racks, looking as though they were drying out, while a few select others seemed to be growing in small pots. Her curious inspection didn't last long though, for a certain woman took note of her presence.

"Hello Vel." Melan greeted her, looking up from some plants she was tending.

"Hi." She responded meekly.

"I take it you're hungry?" Melan asked, to which she nodded. "Alright, I have some left over from earlier that I was saving for you two."

She watched as the woman crossed the kitchen, gathering some of the "leftovers" in questions and putting them on a plate.

"Here you are." She stated, bringing the plate over to her.

"Thank you." She said, taking the dish.

"Are you okay Vel?" Melan wondered. "You don't seem quite yourself."

"I'm fine." She muttered, taking a mouthful of the breakfast, as humans liked to call it. It was odd how they had to name their different meal times.

"Are you sure?" She went on. "Nothing bad happened, I hope."

"No... not bad." Velanis replied, glancing to the side.

"Alright." She said slowly, furrowing her brow. "You can always talk to me if you want, you know."

"I'll... remember that." She said, turning her gaze back. "Thank you."

Melan gave her a nod, smiling.

It... was a tempting offer, but for now she'd prefer to talk to Naleen first. She felt as though the female might be able to help her more, or at least help her understand. She took the plate of food and returned to the main room, munching on it as she took a seat at the table. She wondered when Naleen would be stopping by anyway, as she said she would. They may have been able to run into her predictably, but by no means was she predictable.

Falren would no doubt want to make sure everything was in order, since she supposed this would be their last day in the city. That was fine with her though. The city was a very interesting and different place, yes, but it was cramped and always full of humans. She liked the company of the human pair, but she wanted to get out in the world again, to feel the ground under her feet rather than hard stone.

And... depending on how they traveled she may get to explore around the lake's shore. The city itself was large and sprawling, but during their journey on the boat she'd noticed that for the most part the land around the large lake was untouched. She might even get to go hunt something as well, though she wasn't sure of how soon that would happen. It would happen eventually though; she had an itch to catch something of her own.

That thought did stir a realization however: If they were to be travelling, she really didn't look forward to that bland, tasteless food. But, maybe with Naleen and herself they'd be able to at least partially have fresh food. And... Falren had seemed determined on their first encounter to make good time to Amara, so maybe on this journey they could take their time. At least, she hoped so anyway. She gave a quiet hum, setting into her meal again instead of just staring at it thoughtfully.

Her ears perked as the sound of a door closing reached them, soon accompanied by light footfalls. She looked up at Falren as he came into the room; dressed in clean clothes that hid the scratches and bite she'd given him. He walked across the room to the kitchen, ducking down the hallway to get his own food no doubt. After a short time he eventually re-emerged, making his way over to the table with plate in hand.

She gave her ears a flick in acknowledgement as he hesitantly sat down next to her, lowering them once more as she watched him. He glanced at her as she stared, giving a slow nod in greeting. Her tail tip twitched as it rested behind her, turning her head back to finish her meal. She could recognize when he was thinking, and now was just such a time. She growled to herself as she chewed down the last of her food, growing irritated again at how stubborn he seemed.

"So... is there anything you wanted to do, seeing as this looks to be the last day in the city?" Falren asked her, breaking the silence.

"No." She replied stiffly, setting down the fork as she swallowed the final bite of cold meat.

"Ah." He uttered, picking at his food idly. "Well, I might have a map that you can read, if you want to give it a look later."

"Alright." She said simply, picking up her plate and pushing away from the table.

She heard Falren gave a quiet exhale of breath as she stepped away from the table; she didn't wantto be so short with him, but she was just so frustrated. She rubbed at her snout with her free hand, carrying the used dish back into the kitchen. Melan was there still, casually cleaning some other dishes in a round bucket of water. She carried hers over, placing it on the counter next to the woman.

"Thank you." She stated.

"Of course Vel." Melan replied, taking the plate to clean. "Any idea what you'll be doing for the day?"

"Not really..." Velanis said, scratching at an ear. "I... am not sure, exactly."

"Did something happen between you an Falren?" Melan asked, glancing over at her.

"Ah, in a way..." She responded hesitantly. "I... did something I thought we both had wanted."

"I see." She said, whether or not she understood what was behind that statement. "Well, just be slow with him, he'll come around eventually. Relations with people are something I've never seen him do."

She gave a grunt, glaring out the window. She didn't want to go slow; he admitted that he liked her and had liked mating with her, so what was so difficult. A growl of annoyance started up in her throat as she started thinking about it again. Although she wouldn't have to worry about that. A light knocking echoed through the home, causing her ears to stand up.

"Who could that be?" Melan wondered curiously.

"Naleen, I think." She responded hopefully, turning and making her way out of the kitchen.

Her guess proved correct, Falren already appearing to have allowed the female entry. Naleen stood near the table, tilting her head and giving a smile in her direction when she entered.

"Hello youngling." She greeted her.

"Naleen." She replied in kind with a grin.

"I trust you slept well, yes?" The female asked, looking between them both.

"Ah, yes." Falren answered, giving a subtle roll of the shoulder she'd bitten.

"Yes..." She said sheepishly, ears lowering a fraction.

An amused expression crossed Naleen's features as she turned to look at her, a knowing glint to her eyes as she gave a slight grin.

"Well that is good." She stated, not implying if she knew anymore on the subject. "Still set on leaving tomorrow, no?"

"We are." Falren told her with a nod.

"Ah, good. Fortunate that I have all my things in order then." Naleen declared. "Do you have anything planned for the day, I wonder?"

"No." Velanis said, watching her. "But, do you think we could go for a... walk?"

"A walk?" She pondered, quirking her head. "I don't see why not. Would Falren be joining us as well?"

Velanis looked over to him, meeting his eyes as he gave a shake of his head.

"I think I'll stay here for now." He declined, perhaps getting the feeling she wanted to be alone with the female. "Get everything packed and ready."

"Ah, alright then." Naleen said. "Did you want to go now, Velanis?"

She gave a nod in answer, turning to Falren with drooped ears.

"I'll... talk to you later, Falren." She said quietly.

"Take care of yourself." He replied.

"Do not worry, she will be fine with me." Naleen said with a chuckle. "Come then, let us go for this walk."

The female bade her to follow with a wave of her hand, moving to the door. With a lingering glance to Falren she walked after her, trailing behind as she opened the door out into the late-morning sun. Naleen looked up at the cloudy sky, taking a breath through her nose. Velanis stepped up next to her, making her turn her emerald eyes down to smile at her.

"So, any place you wish to go? Or do you just want to walk?" Naleen asked her.

"There's... a place I'd like to go to." She said, fidgeting with her sashes.

"Ah, well, lead on then." She stated. "I am free to give you company."

"Thank you, Naleen." She replied, beginning to walk down the street in the direction she recalled.

Naleen gave a hum, following beside her. "I sense you wish to do more than simply walk though."

"I... need someone to talk to." She said meekly.

"Ah. It is about Falren, yes?" She questioned.

"That is part of it, yes." Velanis confirmed.

"I see." Naleen said with a chuckle. "Well then, let us reach this spot of yours and we can talk all you like."

She gave a grunt, saving her words for later. The spot she was going to wasn't very far; it was the same one Falren had taken her to, secluded amongst the buildings. She wanted to have the peace alone with Naleen so she could talk to her, and hopefully relieve some of the frustration she was feeling. It wouldn't take much longer to get there, as she'd memorized the twists and turns through the streets...

Sure enough, she soon reached that familiar, narrow path that cut between the buildings. She led Naleen down it single file, the female perking an ear curiously but following nonetheless. Her uncertainty at Velanis' choice of spots was soon dispelled, though, when they stepped out into the little circle of sunlight and green.

"Ah." Naleen breathed, looking around. "I see now. Quite a nice little touch of nature amongst the stone, yes?"

"Yes." She agreed, feeling the grass and dirt beneath her claws as she made her way to the bench. "Falren showed it to me."

"Did he then." She said with a smile, walking after her to sit on the bench. "So what aid is it you think someone like me can give, hmm?"

"Well..." She started, looking down at the grass. "You understand him better than I do."

"Do I?" She mused amusingly, resting her head in her hands. "What is it that has you so frustrated, youngling?"

"I, ah... we mated." She replied quietly.

"And this has you frustrated?" Naleen questioned with mirth in her eyes. "In my experience it helped to relieve such things, not create them. Was he not to your liking? That bite on his shoulder disagrees, I think."

"What?" She questioned, ears perking up in surprise. "How... do you know that?"

"Oh, it is hard to not notice." The female said with a chuckle. "Do you know what it means, I wonder? Or was it simply something you did on instinct?"

"It... just felt right, to do it." She said, hands fidgeting.

"Ah." Naleen mused, watching her thoughtfully. "Well, it essentially means you left your mark on him as a mate. No doubt you felt something akin to that during... the end, yes?"

Velanis gave a slow nod, tail twitching behind her.

Naleen gave a hum. "I'm surprised the urge was strong enough to give it on the first mating."

"I... like him." She said sheepishly. "He's done so much to help me, and I've never really had a... _friend_before."

"More than friends now, I think." She pointed out with a grin.

"I don't know." She replied quietly, staring at the grass.

"Why not?" Naleen pondered. "What has you so unsure?"

"He... I don't think he wants to be more." She said with a sigh. "He tried to stop me at first and I had to, well, force him into it."

"Oh, this doesn't surprise me. The desire can be quite strong after a while if you like the male, or... well, for other reasons." Naleen chuckled to herself. "But why do you think he doesn't want you?"

"Because he's always reluctant and tries to avoid me." She replied, an oddly sad, downcast look cross her features. "Even just the little things he tries to stay away from."

"And you think that is because he doesn't like you?" Naleen questioned.

"Why else?" She answered with a huff.

"Silly child, but... that isn't your fault." The female said, lifting a hand to lightly run the claws through her mane-like hair. "It isn't because he doesn't like you, it is because he's afraid."

"Afraid?" She asked with a frown, looking up at her.

"Yes." Naleen said with a nod. "Afraid of what would happen if he let you get close, only to lose you."

She opened and closed her jaws a few times, taking in that statement. Of all the things, she'd never thought that he would be afraid.

"He's... afraid of losing me?" She asked unsurely. "How would he... lose me?"

"There is much you don't know about him." Naleen said, continuing her calming strokes. "It is not my place to tell you; it is for him to reveal when he wants to. However, you must understand that he distances himself as a means of protection."

"So... are you saying he does like me?" She questioned, ears lowering a fraction.

"He does like you, youngling." Naleen responded with a smile. "You just must give him time to go at his own pace. Be patient with him."

"Alright..." She said slowly, her mood feeling a bit lifted at her reassuring words. It wasn't quite what she wanted, but if she had to be patient, she would try.

She felt a smile start at the corners of her maw, leaning over to wrap her arms around the female's chest. "Thank you, Naleen." She stated into her fur.

Naleen grunted in surprise, her actions seemingly catching the female off guard.

"Ah..." She breathed, slowly reaching an arm up to pat her back. "Of course..."

She released Naleen after a moment, returning to her sitting position as she ran a hand over the displaced fur.

"Was there anything else you wished to talk about?" Naleen asked.

"Well..." She mused, cocking her head thoughtfully. "What are clans like, in Nel'Vrak?"

Naleen gave a hum, resting her head in her hands again. "Not quite so different than yours, I would imagine. Large and small, though the small ones tend to isolate themselves. Rivalries... are not an uncommon thing."

"Rivalries?" She questioned.

"Yes..." Naleen agreed, looking a bit distant. "Nel'Vrak is a large place child. It is not like these Human lands, and not all get along peacefully with each other."

"Oh..." She muttered with a frown. That didn't exactly surprise her; she'd seen herself that even humans didn't all "get along" with each other, so it wasn't beyond reason that her kind didn't either.

"But," Naleen started, her smile returning, "It is a beautiful place. Often times those rivalries are nothing more than grudges, or shows of strength."

"Beautiful?" She repeated, curious.

"Yes." The female said. "Depending on where you are, and the season, it can be a wild and diverse place. I do miss it some times..."

"Can you describe some of it?" Velanis asked in interest.

"Of course." Naleen answered, eyes thoughtful as she began to talk about the places she'd been. Velanis listened intently as she put words to them, ears perked in interest.

***

After Velanis and Naleen had left he'd returned back to... their room to set his bags in order, and to pull out the map he had mentioned to her. There really wasn't much he had to set in order though; he made a habit to keep things neat, and his packs hadn't even been touched since they arrived. So, once he pulled the map out, all he had to do was give the saddlebags' contents a quick inventory.

What he would need to get though, were some provisions to see them through the more inhabited parts of Rindal. After that they could hunt as they please without any worry. They'd also be going on foot he figured, since Durn had no doubt already departed. That probably wouldn't have helped anyway; that ship and its crew bound in another direction towards the coast to trade. He didn't feel like being stuck on a ship again in any case, and he was sure Velanis felt the same.

Velanis. He thought with a sigh, tying his bags closed. That was a subject he had no idea how to approach.

It was quite obvious how her attachment to him had grown steadily, but he wasn't expecting her to take it that far. Or... maybe he just chose to ignore it. It was just so much easier to avoid people, yet when he could have simply let her go her own way that first day he'd chosen to take her along. Why he even done that he couldn't comprehend, it was such a foolish thing of him to do, letting some unknown Sergal accompany him.

But yet... he'd grown to like that company. He'd come to like having her close as well, perhaps too close for his own good. He clenched his hands, a twinge coming from his left shoulder. And now that. Whether or not she knew what she was doing, he knew enough of the meaning behind it. She wouldn't be letting him go easily at this point, not now that she'd done that with him. She'd cling to him out of instinct alone.

He'd grown to be cautious with everyone, and while it had become a bit easier to interact with others, that view hadn't changed. There were some exceptions, Aemon and Melan for instance, that he'd come to accept as friends. And now Velanis... Her latest engagement had left him with a struggle. On one hand, years of caution and solitude urged him to avoid her all together. But on the other...

On the other he just wanted her close again, to feel the warmth beside him. Maybe it was because of those years of distancing himself that he was growing so attached to her, to finally trust in someone again. That trust was just so hard to give though, to believe that it just wouldn't hurt him in the end. He did think too much as she liked to say, but he did so for good reason... Those reasons were becoming increasingly blurred to him however. How could he really keep trying to deny it, when he'd already agreed to go with her on this far-flung journey?

He wondered what his master would have said to him, if he saw him struggling this much. Would have called him a foolish boy, no doubt. Told him to choose the path he thought was right and follow it until the end. He gave a sigh. Was it really that simple though?

A light knock on the door shook him from his thoughts, turning to glance behind him.

"You can come in." He called, knowing well enough whom it was.

Melan opened the door, standing inside the doorway.

"Would you like some tea?" She asked him as he stood over his bags. "I just made a kettle."

He was about to decline the offer, but as he opened his mouth to reply he thought better of it.

"Yes, actually. I would." He replied, turning about to face her.

Melan gave a nod, stepping away from the door. He followed after her, ducking into the hallway and down the stairs to the bottom floor. The pot of tea as she'd mentioned sat on the table along with twocups, he noticed. He stepped over, taking a slow seat as Melan took her own and began filling the two cups. He accepted the steaming cup when she offered it, setting it down in front of him to cool some first.

He circled his hands around the cup, staring down at the brownish liquid as his thoughts drifted back to Velanis again. If only it could be simple, as simple as those moments when she'd locked him in her embrace... He gave a scowl as his thoughts drifted down a different path. It wasn't that simple though.

"Falren?" Melan prompted, taking a sip from her tea.

He gave a hum in response, still staring at his own.

"What's wrong with Vel? She seems upset." The woman asked. "And you seem to be thinking more than usual."

"It's nothing." He stated, trying to dismiss the subject.

"It obviously isn't." She countered. "Did something bad happen between you two last night?"

"That's arguable." He mumbled.

"So?" She continued, quirking a brow at him. "What happened?"

He drummed his fingers against the cup, letting out a slow exhale. "We..." He paused to find the right way to word it. "Slept together."

"Have you not been already- Oh!" She cut herself off, realization dawning on her.

"Mhm." He breathed, taking a swallow from the cooling tea.

"Well... isn't that... good?" Melan questioned. "You both seem pretty close to me."

"It was entirely her idea, and she left me little room for arguing." He stated blandly.

"If it was her idea, why is she so upset?" Melan wondered. "I don't know how it works for Sergals, but she seemed very frustrated."

"I'm to blame for that." He said with a frown. "I was- I've been not as open as she wants."

"Falren..." She began, staring at him intently. "I understand you don't like to open up to people, and I won't prod about what makes you that way. But Vel likes you, quite a lot I'd imagine. Keeping her out will just hurt her; you can take that from me. It doesn't matter if it's a Human or a Sergal, she still has feelings."

He grimaced down at the tea. "If I do let her in it could end up hurting her more."

"Well that's just something you'll both have to deal with together, isn't it?" She stated bluntly. "You've already gone this far with her; just accept it and face the days as they come."

'Face the days as they come.' He thought to himself with a frown.

"If you ask me, I think you two go together." Melan proclaimed, airing her own opinion.

"Do you..." He said flatly.

"Yes." She replied with a smirk. "It's kind of cute how she clings to you. And... I think you were both lonely before you met."

"If you can call being bound up by bandits and then having a stranger come along and free you a meeting." He said with a snort.

"Maybe the circumstances are different, but it's still true." Melan retorted. "Just stop trying to hide from it Falren. She obviously cares about you in her own way."

"Yes..." He sighed, tipping back the rest of his tea. "Thank you for the tea... and the talk, I'm going to get some air and think. I'll be back tonight, probably."

"Alright Falren. Be careful." She said in farewell.

He gave a nod and climbed to his feet, stepping over to the door. The day was bright and warm as he stepped out into world, the sun at its peak in the sky. He breathed a sigh and set off down the street, just giving himself time to mull over what Melan had said to him. Perhaps he should stop trying to keep her out and just accept it, a part of him certainly wanted to. He set his mouth into a hard line and kept walking, hoping that passing some time would help...

***

"Are there cities like this in Nel'Vrak?" She asked Naleen curiously, airing another question when the female had paused.

"Oh... not like this, no." Naleen responded, looking up and around at the buildings. "There are cities, yes, but nothing quite so sprawling and large. Mostly just more permanent settlings for the bigger clans."

"Ah." She mouthed, tail twitching behind her. "Have you been to any of them?"

She tilted her head curiously, a twinkle in her eye. "I have been to some, yes."

"Are they like this place at all?" Velanis prodded. "Do they have such interesting food?"

"I'd imagine so." Naleen said with a chuckle. "Everything is different, no?"

She gave a hum as those words sunk in, pondering her peculiar choice of wording.

"Ah, but enough of where I come from, I think." Naleen concluded, cutting off that train of thought. "Tell me youngling, what is your home like?"

"Well..." She said with a flick of her ears. "My clan chose their home amidst the mountains, in one of the large valleys that make up much of the area. A lot of tall trees mostly, with cold lakes and rivers."

"And you always lived there before now?" Naleen asked, propping her head on her hands again.

"Yes." She agreed. "When I was old enough I'd always sneak away from my mother and explore the forest; she hated it when I snuck away."

"It seems like you were a handful as a hatchling." Naleen stated with a chuckle. "But surely she worried for good reason, yes?"

"Yes..." She said again, bringing a hand up to rub the scars on her neck, wincing at the memory. "I didn't like to sit in one place for very long."

"You are a young female with Nel'Vrak in your blood, it is no surprise." Naleen said, smiling at her. "I was the same. Still am, I think, if this journey I've joined is any proof."

She gave a small grin. "My mother said something similar, she said I had my father's blood."

"Do you know anything about him?" Naleen asked, watching her with a green eye.

"No." She said with a frown. "That is why I want to go on this journey in the first place, to maybe find who he was. Or at least see where I came from."

"Ah, I see." The female uttered. "It is understandable for your mother to try hide that place from you, to protect you. It is a hard place, and it makes its people hard as such. Perhaps she just wished to shelter you from the hardships?"

"Maybe." She muttered quietly, looking down at the soft ground and flexing her long toes into the soil. "I'd never heard of Nel'Vrak at all before meeting you, and Falren."

"Sometimes when you have bad memories of a place, it is best to try and forget it." Naleen said pointedly.

"I don't know." She huffed. "It just makes me want to know about it more. About my father, and everything else that was kept from me."

"I understand." Naleen said with a nod. "I think you were lonely, since you say those of your clan were never welcoming to you."

"I... suppose." She frowned.

"But you have Falren to hold on to now, yes?" The other female said, smiling at her.

"If he ever decides what he wants." She replied with a snort.

"As I said child, be patient." Naleen said reassuringly once more. "He just doesn't wish to see you get hurt, or in turn get hurt himself."

Velanis sighed, glaring down as her claws sunk into the grass.

"Come," Naleen stated, standing to her feet and holding out a hand, "Why don't we head back now? The day is growing late and I think we have done enough talking for now."

She grumbled a reply, taking the offered hand and pulling herself up. Naleen took it upon herself to lead the way back, leaving her to fall into step behind as she made her way down the narrow alleyway. When they emerged onto the street, it did seem like they'd spent a lot of time talking in that little alcove amongst the buildings. It was still day out, but she could see that it was late. With a huff she followed next to Naleen as she guided her back to the home, not saying much else as they walked.

***

Out of some irony, or just plain coincidence, he ended up at the dock's gate, the large construction looming up before him. It was the same place he'd taken Velanis not quite so long ago to show her the sun setting over the lake. Falren looked over to that very staircase, a uniformed guard still keeping watch. He gave in and made his way over to the stairs, giving the guard a fleeting reason why he wished to ascend. The man didn't pay it much mind beyond the cursory glance, letting him pass without any trouble. Indeed, not seeing much threat from an unarmed man in common clothes wishing to see the view.

He set to climbing those numerous steps again, lifting his feet one after the other as he steadily progressed higher up the wall. He'd thought to himself a bit during his walk, but really he was no better off for it. After a time he set foot on the final level, stepping over to the crenellations and looking out at the view beyond. Velanis had liked that view; and as he stared out he could still recall how happy she had seemed. With the sun once more drawing lower in the sky, it reminded him of how she had looked standing next to him; the smile on her face as the orange light illuminated her form.

He gave a sigh, bracing his hands on the outcrop of stone in front of him. Yes, he couldn't deny any longer that he was attracted to her, and that... he found her to be a beautiful_creature. And that in those intimate moments, gazing up at her, he had felt... happy,_ after he'd stopped wrestling with himself and given in to her.He winced at that, staring out over the field of orange. He did like her, and he was attracted to her; no amount of thinking was going to rid him of that. So then, what was the point in trying to keep her out if it was a struggle in vain? Why not simply accept it, as it was put to him?

Yes... it was too late to push her away any more, he decided. It was a relief in a way, to finally just give in. The potential outcomes still plagued his mind, but he supposed that he would just have to face those if they came. And... if she truly did want to be with him, he could face them with her. He pushed off from the stone, giving the view one last look before he turned away. He'd settled at least some of the turmoil now, and with the hour growing late it was time to head back. He needed to talk with Velanis as well; he hadn't left her in the best of moods...

***

Soon she and Naleen came to a halt in front of Aemon's home, the female stopping short of the steps.

"Here you are, youngling." She stated, looking to her with a grin. "I will take my leave here, else they wouldn't let me go without taking a meal with them, I think."

"Ah. Alright." She replied, not doubting that they would insist that very thing.

"I will meet you in the morning to leave, yes?" Naleen said. "Tell them all I said hello, hmm?"

"I will." She said with a small chuckle. "Thank you, Naleen."

"Yes, of course." She nodded. "Just remember: be patient."

"I'll... try." Velanis said grudgingly.

Naleen gave her a pat on the back. "I will go now. Sleep well Velanis, we start a long journey tomorrow."

With that the female turned and began striding off, leaving her to stand in front of the home. She flicked her ears as Naleen walked down the street, soon just a shape of red in the aging light. With a sigh she stepped up to the door, opening it on silent hinges and ducking inside. It was quiet in the front room, but the smells of cooking that reached her nose told that it wasn't empty. She lightly padded her way to the kitchen, peeking into the softly lit room.

"Oh Vel, you're back." Melan said, noticing her presence and looking up from the food she was preparing.

"Hello." She replied. "Is... Falren here?"

"No, he's not." The woman answered; setting down a knife she had been using. "He went for a walk after you left and he hasn't come back yet."

"Oh..." Velanis muttered.

"Would you like something to eat?" Melan asked. "I was just cooking some food and it will be ready soon."

"Ah, no, thank you." She declined, ears twitching. "I think I'll just go to sleep, actually."

"Well alright." She said, giving her a slightly worried look. "It will be here if you want it."

Velanis gave a nod as she turned away, making her way back to the main room and then from there the stairs. She just felt like sleeping and forgetting about her frustration for a while; and since there wasn't much else to be done she may as well sleep. She entered the room, quickly closing the door behind her and making for the bed. With a growl she fell down onto it, curling up into her spot and squeezing her eyes shut. She willed herself to sleep, hoping that Falren would come around with how he felt...

If she found peaceful sleep once consciousness slipped away though, it was lost on her. For her sleep was disturbed by the quiet sounds of the door opening, and slow footfalls crossing the room. She didn't have to guess who it was; she knew full well. She cracked her eyes, peering into the gloom that had settled in the room in her brief sleep. At some point she'd also rolled over, facing away from the door and Falren as he walked his way over. She remained motionless, half curled from sleep as she felt his weight slowly settle on the bed.

He laid down next to her, close enough for him to slowly rest a hand on her side. Her ear twitched as he slowly stroked her fur, drawing an unconscious murmur from her.

"Vel..." He said softly from the pillow next to her. "I'm... sorry."

She blinked at that, slowly rolling over to face him and giving him a curious stare in the gloom.

"You're sorry?" She asked, quirking her ears at him.

"Yes." He agreed, rubbing her side gently. "For not... accepting you."

"Ah." She uttered, lifting an arm to wrap around him and pull him closer as before. "Falren?"

He hummed in response as she rested her head above his.

"Is it because... you're afraid of losing me, if you do?" She asked.

He didn't answer her immediately, but the motions of his hand paused as her question sunk in.

"...Yes." He finally replied.

"Well," She started, pulling him tight and nuzzling the top of his head, "You won't lose me."

She felt him relax and press into her chest, letting out a breath into her fur. He didn't say anything for the longest time, merely laid against her as his hand continued with its movements.

"Vel?" He asked, finally breaking the warm silence.

It was her turn to hum in response, eyes closed with her head on the pillow.

"You're... beautiful." He said quietly.

"You... think I'm..." She muttered, opening her eyes to look down at him. That was something she'd never had someone say to her.

Falren had a different look in his eyes then, a softer look to them from their usual flat calmness. It... was strange to see, and it made her ears droop in reaction. His hand moved to her front, running through the thicker fur there. She nuzzled into his neck gently, waiting patiently and hopefully, as he seemed to open up to her.

"You're... sure I'm the one you want, Vel?" Falren asked her, resting his hand on her abdomen.

"Yes." She answered without hesitation, placing a hand on his shoulder as she breathed against his neck.

"Alright." He murmured, making small circular motions on her belly.

It felt nice to finally have him returning her attentions, even if she could still feel some hesitation. "Going slow" was fine though, if it truly meant he'd not be reluctant to her. He hadn't exactly said he'd be her mate, but... if that strange look in his eyes and his new attentions were any sign, perhaps it wouldn't be too long. Her short patience would just have to hold out until then.

"We should... probably get to sleep." Falren said, giving one last rub to her front. "Wake early to set off, and pick up some last things before we go. Still need to show you that map as well, but... we still have time for that."

She gave a mumble, putting her head back on the pillow and bringing his to nestle unarguably against her chest.

"Thank you, Falren." She murmured contentedly.

"I, ah... Sure." He replied, letting out a breath through his nose.

She gave a quiet laugh, closing her eyes into sleep in preparation for the coming morning. Yes, maybe she was just lonely... but not so much now.