When it Rains, it Pours

[Byron]

...Gray clouds blotted out the sky, making everything appear as if it were night time. Wind baffled the side of the Tavern, rain plattering against the windows and thudded on the roof and walls. Lightning streaked across the sky in bright flashes of white, while deafening crashed of thunder seemed to shake the nails from the walls at some points.
The rain pounded, the wind howled and whistled with eerie moans while lightning lit up the outside as if it were day time, thunder chasing after it.

Inside was fairly quiet. All the usual buffering about, busy bar maids, and drunken men were gone and safe at home while the storm hurled. There were the few travelers and people who wandered about, maybe two or three, but other then that there was no one around. Even the bar tender seemed to be missing in action, only coming out when someone stopped by the bar...


That was fine for Vol Turin. He enjoyed the quiet, and the constant thrumming of the rain was almost peaceful despite the crashes of thunder and strong winds. He knew that Ombre, his horse, was well taken care of; warm, dry, snug and cozy. Sidedish was there aswell. When Vol had left, he was already curling upside down from the beams on the roof of the stables, nose under wing most likely.
So his companions were well taken care of, and Vol was left to fend for himself.

At first, he was afraid that there would be many people here; all hiding from the storm outside. But when he entered, all that greeted him was silence. He even had trouble finding his way to a seat it was that quiet. He had to rely on the quiet 'tmp' 'tmp' of his feet on the floor boards and the crackle of the fireplace to find his way over.

Now he was seated comfortably by the fireplace, the fire warm and probably stocked up high from the amount of heat it was giving off. Already the middle of his cloak was dry with an exception of the edges at the bottom from where the water slid down to drip off and onto the floor.
His hood was pulled up far over his face, yet with the light from the fire, it made the outlines of his facial features slightly visible. His metal gauntlets and 'boots' were in his bag that sat at his left hand side. As soon as Vol had smelt the rain starting to come, he had taken them off to prevent them from rusting. Now he just had his leather boots and gloves.
His white wooden staff was neatly leaned against his right side, the top at his shoulder with his right hand draped over the top and hanging down just above his thigh.

The fire popped loudly, making long shadows across the floor and across Vol as he sat alone in the corner by the fireplace. A brief thought popped into his head. 'I probably look like the menacing 'bad guy' from everyone's nightmares...' The thought made him frown.

[Arlenwa Nenharma]

Wind, rain, and thunder. These couldn't stop the large bay stallion from barreling through the storm, his rider clinging to more than just the reins, cold rain soaking into the thick cloth of the female's cloak. The cold didn't usually bother her people, but this rain was chilling and left nothing she carried dry. She would need to find shelter to wait out the storm.

Arlenwa had rather she stayed outside in the thrill of the storm, but she was alone and needed to stay healthy. The tavern wouldn't be too full considering the severity of the storm, but still she prefered the trees and wetness dropping from the dark clouds.

The stallion was pulled sharply to the left, sliding to a stop in the mud breathing heavily. The she-elf dismounted, handing the reins to a small boy who hurried from the shelter of the stables. He led Sakar away, placing him safely in the warmth of the barn.

The heavy door creaked with age as Arlenwa pushed it open, ignoring any heads that turned, if there were any. The heat from the fire met her skin, pulling a smile from the darkness of her hood and across her lips. Perhaps the tavern wasn't such a bad idea after all.

Moving to a table near the fire she pulled off her cloak and laid it over the table, merely smiling at the barkeeper who grimaced at the action. She spread the fabric out, smoothing out the folds, lips pursed in thought. The elf turned to face the source of light, relishing in the warmth.

Her gaze shifted to another traveler at the other side of the fireplace, and curiousity flitted through her. Apparently she was not the only one who had need to rest and dry off. His face was lit slightly, only the more prominent features visible. A smile flickered across her lips, disappearing within a moment. She eyed his staff and listened to the low rumblings of the outside world. With her keen eyes she could see that the bottom of the staff was darker than the white of the higher reaches and worn slightly more in the middle than other places, both indicating he used it often. "Hmm," she pondered quietly, studying the fire now. "Interesting." Her voice was somewhat louder, but still quiet enough that it was a whisper. Arlenwa would have liked to study him longer, but feared whoever occupied the tavern would be.. angered. An Elf, daring to stare at a human? She doubted she would be able to leave the town without trouble.


(Notes: Hope you don't mind me popping in? I didn't want to make a whole new thread if there was already an open one xD)

[Byron]

( XD That's perfectly fine! ^^ )

Vol's ears twitched slightly as the pattering of the rain increased and was more clear as the door opened with a loud creak. Footsteps entered, lighter, and more delicately placed then those or blunkering oafs. Eyes closed, he listened carefully.
The fire popped, momentarily confusing Vol with the wearabouts of the 'new entry' to the Tavern. There was a brushing noise, followed by very, VERY faint dripping. 'A cloak? on the back of a chair? A table? It could be simpler... a person wearing a cloak and brushing up against something?' He frowned, reached into his hood and gently stroked his chin.
Faint words reached his ears, being simple mumbles as the fire popped noisily.

"Interesting..." He said, dropping hand hand back to his side. "Very interesting indeed..."

Shuffling his staff off his shoulder and bringing his feet closer to the chair, Vol gripped the middle, the usual spot on the white wooden staff and stood up. This person, male or female, just came in from the storm. Hot cider was in order.

Using the staff as a walking stick, he started towards the bar. Tap. Tap. Each foot made a sound that almost told a path. Each foot planted firmly on the ground told him that there was a chair here, or a table just off to his left. The walking stick was exactly the same. He didn't prod around in front of him like he sued too, Sidedish taught him to listen, so he didn't need to search. Vol just ... walked, his cloak curling behind him.

He found his way to the bar, and placed his coins on the table. Asking for a hot cider, he strained to hear where the person was. Back the way he came, by the fire most likely. Taking the mug in his left hand, he walked back the way he came.
Stopping, he looked around. Or well, turned his head to the left and right to feel the heat of the fire on his face.

There 'they' were, just off on his right side. The plicking of water told him that the cloak was in fact, over a table. "Hey..." He said, walking over. "I'm not sure if you like Hot Cider, but it's what I'd like to have after being out in the storm..." He could still feel the damp moisture in the edges of his cloak and his shoulders, and when had first gotten here, this is what Vol had.

Being careful not to set the mug down on the cloak, Vol set the Hot Cider down. He had no clue who this person was, if it was male, female, even a race. Nor did he know that he was looking straight at her.

[Arlenwa Nenharma]

The man at the other side of the fire spoke, but Arlenwa ignored his words, hoping to be a bit more polite than she had. Staring wasn't something that was exactly smiled upon in most societies. Even in Aglar Arda it was rude. Not that the Elves actually took the time to stare at each other unless out of anger or love. The elf heard him stand and move away. Perhaps he had noticed and he was moving away, most likely irritated. Frowning briefly she watched the embers glowing beneath the logs and flames that consumed them. Fire was quite an interesting thing.

"Hey..." Startled, a hand reached instinctively to the hilt of her sword, but she relaxed seeing no signs of aggression or anyone waiting in the shadows to attack. "I'm not sure if you like Hot Cider, but it's what I'd like to have after being out in the storm..." Smiling, she studied him, wondering what had possessed a mortal to show an act of kindness to an Elf. Then she noticed he wasn't looking quite at her, only very slightly to the left. Perhaps it was because he didn't know what she was. To let the human know or not know?

"Thank you," she spoke softly, trying to hide the suspicion and surprise she felt, though it was slowly ebbing. Lips pursed, eyes fixed on the mug, and she pulled her cloak out of the way, draping it over the edge of her own chair before looking back up at the man. "Would you like to sit for a while? I won't keep you long, I'll be leaving as soon as the storm quiets some." The barkeeper looked over at them warily, probably wondering why he, a human, bother with her, an elf. Arlenwa didn't bother caring about his opinion and brushed the mug with her fingertips. "I'm Arlenwa by the way." If he didn't give his name, it was his business and right. She just figured it was the polite thing to do. Plus if he didn't want to sit, then she could at least feel satisfied with having done that.

Lightning flashed, thunder rumbling lowly, but as the sound died she could hear hoofbeats and yet another stranger pushed his way through the door and headed straight for the bar. Hopefully Sakar wouldn't trouble the stableboy much. As much of a warhorse as he was, he still spooked at the louder rolls of thunder if his elf was nowhere to be seen. It was more of an act than a real fear. Pushing thoughts of her equine companion away she watched the stranger again, fingertips resting gently on the rim of the mug, the plesant scent of the warm liquid floating around her nose. Arlenwa pulled her hands back, the wood scraping against her smooth skin.

(Notes: Good! Sorry about the weirdness of this post also =))

[Byron]

Vol's nose wrinkled slightly as the door opened and another stranger came in. His head snapped to follow the person's movement, and as the footsteps leaved, he turned his head back to the first. A woman. He was sure of that. The voice wasn't gruff; husky or deep.

"Vol Turin," He smiled, "and I'd be delighted."

Flashing a smile, doubting it wouldn't be visible anyway, he took a step forward, his staff rubing against a chair. Ahh. There it was. Walking around it, he rubbed the staff against the legs until he found the front and sat.

He nodded. "That's perfectly fine! I'll be leaving as soon as the storm clears aswell." He leaned his staff against his right shoulder, and rubbed the shaft of the white wood. "It seems a little miserable it this is only early afternoon and it's raining so hard..."

[Arlenwa Nenharma]

"Vol Turin." The she-elf grinned, shifting on the chair. "and I'd be delighted." It was nice being able to talk to someone without insults or hateful stares. Her eyes followed the movements he made with the staff, brows furrowed until he found the chair and she relaxed.

"That's perfectly fine! I'll be leaving as soon as the storm clears aswell." That was good. Then she wouldn't feel so rude. "It seems a little miserable it this is only early afternoon and it's raining so hard..." A small grin worked its way along the length of her lips and she shrugged, although she assumed he wouldn't see the motion anyway. He seemed to use the staff too much for it not to be a tool to help him see. "Perhaps, but I like a good storm from time to time." Her gaze shifted to a window, the rain still plinking against the sides and rolling down. "Not when I'm traveling of course.." she mumbled, and fussed with her cloak to make sure the fire pulled all the damp from it.

"Do you live around here or are you a traveler as well?" Arlenwa had identified Vol as a traveler so far. His belongings seemed more weatherworn and well used unlike those of the locals who didn't have to travel far from home to reach the tavern. But with the war waging the number of travelers varied from town to town. Some places were simply to dangerous to visit for most common folk. Being an elf made some places especially dangerous.

[Byron]

Vol nodded slightly, turning his face to feel the full heat of the fire against it. It was warm, and felt good on his chilled limbs. Ombre would enjoy himself for now, and Sidedish always seemed to snooze during the day anyway... either way, this little rest did at least the two of them good.
Rain was good. April showers bring may flowers. His throat clenched momentarily. April. Where WAS she?!

"I'm a traveller..." He said, looking back at the direction of the voice. 'Aswell' It seemed Arlenwa was a traveller too. Vol didn't blame her. Being a wanderer, a traveller made one free to come and go with little worrys.

"Seems to be the life for me. Wandering where I please; coming and going as I am needed."

An ear splintering crack rolled against the hills, seemed to bounce off of every corner in the room and roll around in an echo. It rumbled slowly to a stop, taking it's time. Blood pounded in Vol's ears at the loud noise, making his pulse beat slightly faster. It had startled him nearly to death; and the thunder would have been torturous for the little bat.

Vol frowned and sat back in his chair. 'They'll be alright.' He kept repeating in his thoughts. He sighed, relaxing into his seat once again.

"My home town was around here I suppose." Rubbing his chin, he was silent for a little while before setting it back down on the arm rest. "What about you? You are a traveller, no doubt? You grew up in this area?"

[aurelianrider]

Kelvhan and Ellarian... You can't separate them.

A silent group moved through the rain, none of them speaking. The two riders were bent against the storm as the winds whipped their capes about and the wet manes of their horses. The horses sloshed through the mud, their feathered feet fighting it. Slightly ahead of them a red coated wolf trotted along. He was spattered in mud and soaked to the bone, but he didn't seem to care. A strike of lighting showed them for what they were. Two ragged travelers, one on a solid black horse and the other on a larger black and white horse.

The solid black mare pinned her ears as the mud squelched under her feet. Her rider, a blonde man patted her neck. He sighed, he didn't mind the storm. His dark cloak was soaked and he was starting to feel the chill of the wind. He knew that his companion would not be faring nearly as well. Kelvhan spared a glance at the other rider, who was hunched over her steed’s neck. He knew he had to get her out of the rain soon.

"Come Cumar what do your wolf eyes see?"

He called to the red wolf in front of him, who stopped and looked back. The wolf did nothing but tilt his head, but it was enough.

"Good lead us there as quickly as possible."

The man pulled his cloak tighter and clucked his mare into a trot. The mare refused so he dropped it and let the mare walk. He had other things to worry about. He looked sideways at his companion and reached a hand out towards her.

Ellarian was fighting the storm. She liked rain sure, but not to be coated and soaked in it. The lighting and thunder crashed around her making her nervous. She clung to her stallion's neck, huddled over a small creature. There in her lap was a cat, sliver in color and striped, it's silver-blue eyes staring at her.

"I know Cricket I don't like it either. It's much too cold."

Her light, musical voice was drowned out by the storm and a flash of lighting made her cringe into the stallion's neck. She was wet, and freezing and would be lucky not to get sick. She knew her brother was looking for a way out of the storm, but she couldn't do anything. Her body was shaking too hard. She knew the instant her brother reached out for her and did the same clasping hands. His fingers were warm and strong against hers, a protective, familiar grasp that comforted her. There was love in the gesture, a kind that was unspoken and unbreakable, the love between siblings. The horses walked together, sloshing mud about, not at all thrown off by the hand holding.

He was worried automatically. Her hand was cold, and he could feel her shaking. He regretted taking her out and silently cursed himself for it.

"Ella, hold on. I'll get you inside. Cumar says there is an inn or something close."

He cursed himself and the storm again. He wouldn't forgive himself if Ella got sick. She was all he had currently, she gave the group something to smile about. Silently he cringed at the thought of her leaving. He wouldn't be able to stand it, after all they were twins and they shared everything. He was lost in thought when Cumar barked. It was a minute before he could see anything but then there were lights. The horses picked up their pace, flinging mud.

They reached the stables and he pulled the horses up, Ella no longer able to hold onto the reins. He handed the horses to a boy and gave quick instructions to have them thoroughly cleaned. He swung easily from Lithea's back and then helped Ella down. The horses easily followed the boy, causing him no trouble.

Kelvhan wrapped his arm and cloak around Ellarian and lead her towards the tavern. Cumar followed quietly behind, he went where Kelvhan did. Kelvhan kicked the door open pushing Ella inside quickly. Cumar slipped in and he went to the bar to get warm drinks.

Ellarian hardly paid attention as they stopped and Kel helped her down. She patted Rashk once and wrapped her shaking arms around Cricket. She walked numbly inside and toward the source of heat. She didn't see the two around the table, and frequently she didn't care at the moment. She was freezing and wet. She hurriedly pulled off her cloak, revealing a flowing light blue skirt that swung about her knees and a matching light blue sleeveless vest. She wasn't dressed for such weather, her clothes and hair were soaked and dripping onto the floor. Her bare skin was pale, taking on a slight blue tint, and she was visibly shaking.

Cricket meowed and jumped lightly to the floor, he didn't like being wet and she was too cold for him. Ella wrapped her arms around herself and put her back to the fire. Her vest was made in a revealing cut that showed her stomach, and the blue ink tattoo there. Today she was wearing a small ice blue jewel in the center of it. She was easily mistaken for a simple human, but she was far from it. She only half watched as Cricket moved about. He jumped onto a table, one she hadn't known was occupied. There were two people there and man and a woman.

Cricket waltzed over to the woman, planting himself in front of her. His silver coat was marred by darker lines and those on his forehead resembled the tattoo on Ella's stomach. He watched the woman, knowing her for what she was.

Ella finally paid attention. It wasn't any woman but an elf. She stared not capable of anything else. Her body shook again, her teeth rattling.

Cumar had waltzed in following after Kelvhan. Kelvhan was standing at the counter waiting for the keep to hand him the mugs of warm cider. He looked down at Cumar nodding slightly. The wolf trotted over to Ella, standing in the shadows near her.

[Arlenwa Nenharma]

Studying his movements she could sense a tenseness about him.. as if he were worried about something and it bothered her. Maybe he couldn't be trusted after all. What if he was an Anorian, come to capture her for something.. Or worse, a Battonian come to kill her or enslave her. They would ambush her once she was far enough away from the tavern. She gripped the edge of the table, but relaxed after a moment, bringing her hands to her lap, gazing at the mug she hadn't touched.

"I'm a traveller..." Her head lifted, eyes fixed on Vol. "Seems to be the life for me. Wandering where I please; coming and going as I am needed." Arlenwa nodded, adjusting her cloak. It was nearly dry and she would be ready to flee if need be. "Yes, it's a good way to live. Peaceful for the most part.." she bit her lower lip, finding it increasingly difficult to speak with him. How could she be sure he was really only a wanderer? Then again, why should she think otherwise? He had made a friendly gesture, bringing the cider over.. and he didn't know who or what she was. They wouldn't send someone who didn't know to retrieve or stall her.

"My home town was around here I suppose." The elf frowned. "He supposes?" She thought, shifting in the chair, but feeling more relaxed than she had during her bout of paranoia. "What about you?" Arlenwa froze, dreading anything else he might say. "You are a traveller, no doubt? You grew up in this area?" Yes, he had done it. Asked the question that could set most humans off these days if it had the right, well wrong, answer.

Arlenwa laughed quietly, trying to calm herself. Why did she insist on visiting the lands of the humans if she knew they would treat her unkindly? "I am traveler of sorts.. though I am tied to one place from time to time." She hesitated, trying to figure out how to answer his question. Then again, there were only a few people besides Vol and herself. "No, I was raised quite far from here actually. In Aglar Arda." Though the she-elf had been paranoid of his identity, she was convinced he wouldn't do anything too.. rash. Though the prescence of the other humans did leave her a bit uneasy.

"A cat?" Her voice was quiet, eyes lifting from the cat and to the woman who was staring. Puzzled she studied the other female, then the cat, and back again. She looked cold. More than that even.. freezing. Grimacing she turned to see the man she had come in with and assumed he would see to his companion. Arlenwa smiled weakly at the woman and quickly looked away, back to the cat.

[aurelianrider]

"His na...name is Cricket." Ella managed to stutter out the words as she shivered. She noticed she was staring, but still couldn't seem to do anything about it.

The silver cat looked in her direction and then turned his attention back on the woman in front of him. His stump tail flicked and his ears twitched. His sliver-blue eyes trained on the elf. Suddenly he jumped up and pranced forward again, going straight towards her. He rubbed against her arm a warm slow purr building up.

Ellarain shifted and caught one of her feet on the floor. She stumbled and nearly toppled to the ground, only to be caught by a strong pair of fimilar arms.

There was a low growl from the shadowed corner. Cumar watched as Ella spoke to the woman and Cricket rubbed against her. He didn't approve in the least, of course he wasn't one to be social.

The instant Ella shifted, Kelvhan left the barkeep. He caught her before she could fall to the ground, carefully keeping her upright.

"Your freezing Ella. I knew we shouldn't have left. I can't stand if you get sick."

His voice was low and ruff, trailing off into nothing more than whipsers so Ella wouldn't hear. Kelvhan glanced at the woman and man at the table. He offered no smile but his blue eyes were kind. He pulled a chair away from the table, one handedly and slipped Ella into it.

"Stay here for a few seconds I'll be right back."

He turned to leave, stopping when she caught his hand. He sighed heavily and untangled their fingers.

Cumar took his place, sitting under her chair and laying his big head on her knees. Eyeing the elf.

Ella dropped her hand frowning. She was out of it, not understanding where exactly she was. Shivering still she pulled her knees up to her chest. Her feet rested on the seat, completely bare. She was always fighting Kelv about wearing shoes, she hated them. One hand fell to rest on Cumar's head and her gaze went back to the elf.

"Wh...what's your name? Your an elf right?"

She mouthed elf, it wasn't normaly a word to use lightly. Even if it was a deserted place. She shivered again, enough to make her bones rattle and Cumar whine.

Kevhan looked back to Cumar, it would be a miricale if she didn't get sick. He sighed again, quickly paying the barkeep and carring the hot drinks back to the table. He watched the woman carefully, setting the drinks down and then wrenching off his soaked cloak. Underneath he was wearing solid heavy leather boots, dark pants and a dark blue shirt. The shirt was form fitting and showed off his muscles slightly.

[Byron]

Vol's head never moved. It remained in the position of look across at the fire, half tilted down to his lap. He stroked his staff gently, feeling comforted by the smooth feeling of the wood.
"Aglar Arda..." He paused for a little while. "I think I've heard of that place. It sounds very pretty..."
His blind gaze flickered from looking at his lap, to turning towards the woman's voice. He smiled, and sat back in his chair. "I'll have to find my way over there someday...It sounds like a nice place to visit." He said with a smile. 'Plus it's possible that April's there.' His hopes fluttered. Gosh he missed her so much. He sighed sadly, looking down at his lap.

The tavern door opened noisily and many footsteps entered. Very noisly. He sniffed dissaprovingly, then sighed. Noise. Annoying, loud, obnoxious at points. He heard them wander about, sitting not to far away. A growl reached his ears. Dog? Maybe not. It sounded to magestic for a normal dog; sitting quietly at a slightly further distance. Wolf? A voice reached his ears from Arlenwa sitting next to him. A cat? He frowned. Definitely. It's steps were light and graceful, and the purring sound was obviously what cats do.

The two women spoke, small words, and Vol was silent,; pushing htem both away from his thoughts and ears for the time being. But one line of their confersation reached him.
His hood snapped up. Was she a ... what? He frowned, wishing he could see. But being blind proved useful to him in such situations. He shrugged off the line, pushing it away. These people apepared nice to him, and he wouldn't hold it against them.

The fire was getting low. The heat was beginning to fade, not seeming as warm against Vol's face. These new comers in the Tavern were cold. Very cold. Cold and wet.

Grabbing firmly onto his staff, he stood up, and with a flurry of his cloak behind him, walked over to the fire. Dim heat warmed up the front of his face and chest. It wasn't good enough; just hot coals. Stiffening, his good hearing picked up teeth chattering close by. So atleast one of the new comers was fairly close to him.

Thud.

His staff hit something; mosty likely what Vol was searching for. Leaning the white wooded staff against the fireplace, Vol reached down to find wooden logs. Perfect. He brushed off a few strips of bark, and hauled two medium sized logs from the little stack and returned to the front of the fire. He stood there, staring at the fire blindly, before putting the wood in. Taking a step back, already the heat was beginning to swell as the fire began to eat away at the logs. The warmth increased.

[Arlenwa Nenharma]

"Aglar Arda..." Arlenwa smiled at the name. "I think I've heard of that place. It sounds very pretty..." "It is.." "I'll have to find my way over there someday...It sounds like a nice place to visit." She grinned, "Oh, yes do. I feel the forests are more beautiful than the city itself, but.." Stopping herself, she glanced, searching the tavern for an unfriendly face, paranoia rearing its ugly head.

Looking away from the two strangers and to the fire, Arlenwa sighed, rubbing her forehead. "Wh...what's your name? Your an elf right?" Slowly, she looked up and nodded. "My name is Arlenwa.. and yes," she paused, slightly startled by Vol's abrupt movement. "I am an elf." She lowered her voice, clutching her cloak now. Leaving would be in her best interests, or so Arlenwa assumed. She had hoped the storm had passed but a loud rumbling outside said otherwise.

The she-elf turned to see Vol moving about and place more logs in the fire. The heat that was created warmed her and she smiled while turning back. A man at the bar got up, walking past Arlenwa and the others near her, glaring furiously at the elf. Words met her ears, unkind ones at that. Ignoring them she pulled her cloak around her shoulders. It was still a little damp but it was warmer than going without it. Her gaze flickered to the shivering girl then Vol who was standing near the fire and finally the man that had come in with the other woman. She offered a small smile but quickly looked to the window.

[aurelianrider]

He worked quietly, meeting Arlenwa's gaze. He let his sister talk, turning his attention to the man. He watched the man carefully, observing him. Once the man was away from the table Kevlhan approached him. He should have thought about tending the fire eariler but it had slipped past his concentration. He took a position next to the man, he seemed harmless enough. "Thank you for tending to the fire. I should have thought to do it myself." He didn't extend his hand to the man, but rather stayed his distance. Thanking the stranger was enough for him, he wasn't a social person.

Ella smiled as best as she could. She tangled her hands deep in Cumar's fur. "I knew it Cricket loves elfs." Her voive was steadier, the warmth from the now glowing fire was spreading to her. Her clothes were starting to dry, and the shivers growing less strong. "I've always wanted to meet an elf. You know me and Kelv are..." She froze, Cricktes purring broke off and he stood like a statue.

Kelvhan knew what his sister was about to say. He had listened to her talking and let it go, but now that she was going to reveal what they were he objected. He was suddenly standing behind her, eyes sweaping the room. "Ella you've said quite enough already. I suggest you rest, I don't want you getting sick." He changed the subject hoping that she would go along with it, and knowning that she most likely wouldn't.

She looked up at him, frowning. "But this might be the chance we've been looking for. She could help us, she probably knows it or has seen it or something." Cricket jumped down from the table landing lightly on the floor. He curled up by Cumar, unafraid of the wolf.

He sighed heavily. "I know that but it doesn't mean we can go about and ask every single elf we run into. We have to be careful about this Ellarian." He used her full name knowing that she'd listen better.

"Kelvhan Iyrandrar, you as my brother should be helping me not fighting me about it." She looked away from him off to the other side of the room. "This is important to me. You know that."

Kelv winced at her, she had used their last name on purpose, hoping no doubt that the elf would recognize it. He stepped around her chair and knelt, catching her face between his palms. "I know little sis. I know." He put one of his hands across her forehead, finding exactly what he didn't want to. Her forehead was hot, while the rest of her skin was cold and chilled. He sighed heavily. He wasn't good with healing, but he hoped that once she dried off it would go away. For now he stood and pulled a chair up, sitting beside Ella and turning to the elf. "My name is Kelvhan, Kelv if you prefer. I'm sorry for my sisters behavior. She ment no harm." Unconceously they both reached for each others hands, twining their fingers.

[Byron]

Vol gave a simple nod and a small grunt to acknowledge the thanks. "No problem. Getting cold and sick is the very last thing anybody would want."

He listened to their conversation in silence. Vol could careless about the squabbles between elf and man. He didn't notice any difference between the two races other then the fact that elves were lighter on their feet, quicker and more agile. Vol thought it was amazing. It was a handy trick, definitely helpful. Man was most likely jelous.

He shifted his position, still standing by the fire. Resting both hands on the top, his grip tightened. His shoulder burned painfully, and with a snort, Vol straightened up and rolled the shoulder a few times before reaching to grab his white wooden staff.

Unfortunatly, he judged it's distance to far and his hand whacked against it.

THUD!

It fell against the floor. Wincing, Vol simply stood still. Problem was, he was mighty embarassed, plus he couldn't see where it was. It fell, but didn't roll thank goodness, due to the fact that the sound was harsh and brief. There was no slidding of wood on floor. With a small sigh and a quiet sniff, he turned around, his hooded head turning slightly to face the brother and sister Vol could identify as Ellarian and Kelvhan.

"If one has something to say, it is good to say it. If something's stuck on a mind it'll stay there until the story has been told..." He turned to full face them. He smiled with a small chuckle. "There was no harm in her speaking... definitely no need to apologize...."

Not moving an inch of his upper body, he stretched his left foot out and stepped on the edge of his staff. The wood came flinging up and into Vol's waiting hand; as if he knew where it was the whole time.
He smiled, and walked back to the fireplace. This time, Vol kept the staff in hand and just leaned against the warming stones, folding his arms across his chest while keeping the staff firmly in his left hand. The warm fireplace felt good against his aching back, scars and burns pounding painfully...

[Arlenwa Nenharma]

Averting her eyes, Arlenwa tried to ignore pairs' gentle bickering but it seemed impossible. "But this might be the chance we've been looking for. She could help us, she probably knows it or has seen it or something." This confused her further, brows pushing together. Still she kept her eyes off them, instead choosing to look at Vol for a moment. Biting her lip as she heard the thud Arlenwa again looked away, but this time to the two.

"Kelvhan Iyrandrar-" Her eyes widened, but she containted her surprise hurriedly. She watched him, Kelvhan apparently, as he looked to his sister and put his hand to her forehead.

"My name is Kelvhan, Kelv if you prefer. I'm sorry for my sisters behavior. She ment no harm." Her gaze shifted to Vol as he spoke up from the fireplace. "If one has something to say, it is good to say it. If something's stuck on a mind it'll stay there until the story has been told..." His smile and quiet laughter eased her and she nodded at what he had said, though she knew he wouldn't see but the siblings might. "There was no harm in her speaking... definitely no need to apologize...." "I agree with him," she spoke calmly, looking back to Kelvhan. "No reason for an apology." She paused, "I can help if it is needed."