Two paths colliding {Malkaer Andares please ;)}

[Zokia Zora]

TS coming soon-ish (Keep your pants on! I’ll get to it… eventually. )

In her travels thus far Zokia Zora, the Eshlahier Elf, had never seen anything so inviting to the eyes as when she first approached the forest of light’s borders, a hedge of dense trees that seemed to drastically collide with a thick bed of plush grass that has now slightly tinged with brown due to the colder climate that has pleasantly engulfed the atmosphere of Alleria as a whole. Naturally her heart began to pound within her chest, which caused her to practically gasp for a life-sustaining gulp of oxygen. However to the observer it may have seemed that she was upset but nothing could be the farthest from the truth. The area merely proved to wisp away her breath due to its glory and heavenly beauty, and even heaven itself couldn’t capture such an illustrious splendor as this, or so thought Zokia. Certainly it was an awe-inspiring sight for the Elf who hadn’t seen her home in many passing of the moon(s).

For a long while she stood and just stared into the trees, trying to capture perhaps a glimpse of life within, but to no avail, for all seemed quite and still. Her violet colored eyes couldn’t see a thing save for the trees that seemed to be the only objects that she’d have to pass in order to obtain entrance and to begin her journey into the city of light. The city of light… that just seemed to roll off the tongue and so Zo whispered it ever so lightly as the sound pulled the corners of her lips up and into a soft smile, a smile that really couldn’t be seen by a soul due to the fact that the hood of her cloak hid her face quite well.

Of course she needed to dress heavily due to the weather but it also proved to hinder others to be able to discern that she was indeed a Esh Elf, a race that had been hated by many. But now she feared prejudice no more since her homeland was sitting right before her with her arms open wide ready to embrace one of its very own. And so without further ado she pulled her hood off of her head, her long blonde hair cascading from its temporary bun, falling over her shoulders as it escaped from its hindrance. Indeed this revealed a radiant beauty, even though she held a humble opinion of herself. And indeed it felt good to no longer wish to conceal her identity.

Upon her back though was hidden a child, an infant that was snuggled in a nest of warm blankets. Zokia simply couldn’t wait to show her daughter the place that she always considered home, even if she was way to young to understand and appreciate the beauty of it. But perhaps the serenity of it will be burned into her little mind for later recollection and positive influence. Really no one could understand the impact of certain things or events upon an infants life… surroundings that are taken in through their windows to the soul could have an impact that would last for an eternity.

[Malkaer Andares]

The Forest of Light, a vast body of wood covering a great part of Western Lauryl and extending even past the borders of the province and the Empire. The trees were both a blessing and a curse to those who lived within: the esh'lahier elves of Eth'gantor. Long ago a bargain was struck with the spirits of the ancient forest. Protection from the outside -from the doomed vysstichi and vengeful lightborns, and later the ignorant humans- in return for a terrible price. The shadow elves have not such a warm relation with nature as the lightborns do; the shadow elf is ever at odds with nature, caught in a love and hate relationship.

Thus as Malkaer set his eyes on the snow covered trees of the Forest of Light for the second time in a short while, a grimace crossed his face. From top to bottom the esh'lahier was wrapped in a thick grey mantle, concealing him from bandits aswell as protecting him from a far greater danger: the weather. He travelled on foot, guiding his horse with his reigns. He feared for Marnair's life in this cold, but he had no choice but to take her with him for one last ride. His white mare was covered with a thick horse blanket and carried his rations and other necessities for the journey to Eth'gantor.

In the distance, at the border of the forest, Malkaer suddenly noticed a figure. The person, packed as a traveller, stood still for a long time. The esh'lahier did not blame him or her for hesitating to enter the dark wood. He stepped warily forwards; one never knew with strangers, even though the individual did not seem to take notice of him. When Malkaer had approached the woman -he could discern now- at roughly a hundred feet he halted, while a hand reached for the handle of his blade. "Serale!" He spoke, the loudness somewhere between loudly speaking and a yell.

[Zokia Zora]

It wasn't like she had anything to be afraid about or to hide, though she wished the package upon her back to remain a secret. Zo had been here before, born and raised, but still one could never tell if the danger of an intruder was present. At times the evil hid well behind trees and used the foliage of the forest to hide their presence, desiring to use the element of surprise, and so in any case it wasn't wise to travel alone, especially for a woman with an infant on her back. Well either way Zo had no choice and so she straightened up her posture, girding up her courage, and was about to press on, penetrating the border, until she heard the sound of a voice coming from behind. Naturally she jumped slightly and then spun around quickly, her long blonde hair captured by a small burst of a cool breeze. The appearance of surprise was written on her glowing violet colored eyes. Immediately her mind began to assess the situation. 'Who was he and what was he doing here?' These were all the natural questions that one would wonder but one would never know if one didn't speak, and so she stepped forward, her face wearing a pleasant enough expression. "Serale!"

Her attention didn't miss much. The Esh Elf was forever observant as her eyes watched his hand as it strayed toward his primary weapon. He looked to be a rather efficient swordsman and so her actions she'd keep in check so as to not bring his senses to alarm. There was no need for him to want to attack her, for she'd give him none, or so she inwardly reasoned. Zokia was but a weary female traveler and as she took a few steps closer toward the male she could plainly see that he too was an Esh Elf.

Naturally though from time to time even the light Elves were seduced to the evil ways and so it was wise to still keep ones guard up... just in case. Still though Zokia knew how to use her feminine wiles and her diplomatic ways to buy herself peace. This time and situation would be no different. Her smile grew as she then spoke once more. "My name is Zokia Zora. I was born and raised here and I've returned home for a visit. May I safely assume the same for you?"

[Malkaer Andares]

Some needed little reason to attack another being. That the victim existed was enough reason. Yet these parts were not renowned for harbouring many highway robbers. The forest instilled a fear within even the most ignorant. Instinct told them to go away, to seek their troubles elsewhere. What remained was a greater danger for those who did roam here.

Malkaer lowered his sword arm as he heard the woman's response. Her stance, her matter of speech, she appeared no threat. His suspicion did not pass entirely, one never knew what guise the enemy could take and which it's weapons were. The esh'lahier approached, keeping his robes close to his body. Even a healthy man in the time of his life could not beat the weather.

Malkaer formed a slim smile in greeting, regarding the woman with his steel-blue orbs. The coldness was detrimental to his manners, for he would surely have treated a fine specimen of the female gender with more egards under usual circumstances. "Malkaer Andares, well met", his voice creaked, not having used it for candlemarks on the lonely journey. Coughing lightly, he looked past her to the forest. "If your home is within the forest, then yes." It was pleasant to speak in his native tongue. Even with other shadow elves in Mystique the conversation was usually carried in Common. Malkaer hesitated, but his sense of duty to protect a weaker member of his race won over his carefulness and desire to travel alone. All by herself -he had not noticed her child yet- she would be an easy prey for the dangers in the forest. "Since we seem to share the same destination, would you mind travellng together for a while?"

[Zokia Zora]

Without a doubt in her mind she knew that he was of pure blood and of her own race. He played the part to perfection, the way that he acted and the way that he spoke but also the way that he looked the part. Yes… he was an Esh Elf for a certainty. Zo felt sort of relieved but still her mind showed resistance since many of her own kind had turned out evil. But still he seemed pleasant enough. The female wasn’t easily fooled. Unlike many women in the world of Alleria she thought of herself as wise and able to discern many things that weren’t always spoken with words.

Zokia smiled and then nodded, her brilliant violet eyes shining with the proper reflection of the winter’s sky illumination(s). Truthfully she wasn’t sure how she was going to survive, having not given that much thought. All that she knew was that she needed to get out of the city of Daltina for a while and then if Steve would return there would be a note to greet him upon the door… but in her heart she knew that there wasn’t much hope of that happening. He promised and he lied, or so that is how she viewed it.

The female bowed her head slightly, her eyes however never leaving him. ”I’d be more then happy to travel with you. What are your plans for entrance? Do you plan on camping for the evening or traveling until night fall?” Truthfully she wished to stop but she wouldn’t display as such, for she saw her feminine ways as a weakness, or perhaps she thought that he’d view it as such. She however sorely wished to rest though it would be a smart thing to enter the boundaries of their homeland first. Still though she let it up to him… already giving him the authority of decisions.

[Malkaer Andares]

Not quite a perfect being where it concerned looks. A vertical scar crossed his left eye from forehead down to his cheek, unsiring his countenance. An elf could hardly be called 'rugged', but for the longlived race Malkaer was certainly one of the less perfect members. Unlike his conversation partner and possible travel companion. Zokia Zora... There was something about her eyes, but it was difficult to tell exactly what. He shrugged it off and focussed on the matter at hand.

Malkaer nodded, he had expected her to accept his offer. The male looked up to the sky, gauging the time and the course the weather might take. No weatherman or druid by far, anyone could tell that the greying of the sky ment snow, lots of it. "We should proceed a bit further into the forest to search a good shelter for that storm." Here in the open they would freeze to death. "If you wish you can ride on Marnair." It seemed like a proper thing to suggest, or maybe he sensed her tiredness intuitively. "Or at least pass your burden over to her." The pale elf nodded at her package.

[Zokia Zora]

It was settled then, they would travel together for as long as fate would allow or dictate them too, not to say that they couldn't give a word in edge wise in regards to controlling their own destiny. Zo found that she was relieved to actually be conversing with another intelligent being but she to found that she was feeling a little nervous about this particular male, since his distinctive but intangible quality surrounding him, his aura, was quite breathtaking and just a tad intimidating. But yes indeed it was still heavenly to be able to embellish ones self with a proper interaction with another of her own race. She didn't realize how much she actually missed that, feeling most times that others just didn't understand her or that she was on an entirely different wave of thinking then them.

Their electrical interaction continued. It was obvious that he wasn't totally fooled by the 'package' that she carried upon her back. Zokia giggled slightly, her full lips turning up at the edges, crinkling slightly, as she decided to reveal to him what she held most endearing to her heart. With a little wiggle and a little effort she managed to get her daughter to the front of her body. Slowly she peeled back the layers until her beautiful tiny face was revealed. Her featured glowed with and cried out gorgeous, as her mother was but of naturally to Zo she was the most breathtaking thing in the entire world of Alleria.

Zokia's violet colored eyes glowed even more, if that were physically possible as she glanced from her daughter and then up to Mal. Her voice then spoke; it was as smooth and as soft as satin. "Malkaer Andares meet my daughter Kaiota." Of course Zo knew that this could possible change their entire arrangement to travel together. She thought that maybe he himself would wish to 'not' have the added burden of protecting an infant but this was the chance that Zo had to take. Mal deserved the whole truth, or so she gathered plus she didn’t wish to leave such important details to chance just in case anything actually did happen.

[Malkaer Andares]

Malkaer's eyes narrowed, unsure what to expect as Zokia attempted to move the package through her front, an unreadable smile on her lips. Whatever it contained it was obvious that it was quite valuable to the woman, as she went about it with an uncanny delicacy. The delicacy of a mother, as he found out. Upon looking on the tiny face Malkaer's breathing halted. He was caught off guard, unprepared for this event. The babe was unmistakingly hers, the esh'lahier noticed, confirming his thought with one look at Zoria. Kaiota resembled her mother clearly, one look in their violet pools was enough to tell. There were also other traces, traces of her father. Malkaer suspected him not to be of esh'lahier blood, but it was difficult to tell with such a young child, especially if the father was a lightborn. More importantly he was not here with his family.

"Kaiota..." he repeated in a neutral voice without much affection. The child was readily accepted into the small band of travellers. Regaining his posture Malkaer looked up to Zokia again. "A journey in this time of the year is dangerous for a young child." A statement more for himself than as a warning to the woman. Of course she realized the danger to her child and herself, but had nevertheless decided to undertake the heavy journey. A sign that her reason to travel to Eth'gantor, or away from another place was urgent. "Come, wrap in your child and mount Marnair. We have yet to cross a distance before the weather forces us to stop." He stood ready to aid her, fearing his horse would not be too happy carrying the additional weight in this already trying circumstance. For once his old mare participated though and with only a soft neigh she allowed Zokia and Kaiota on her back.

Once she was properly seated he took the reigns and led them within the Forest of Light. Strangely enough he felt a slight regret after witnessing the child and although he tried to hide this feeling from Zokia, Malkaer made no attempt to start up a conversation. Fool, the male said to himself. There was a mission to be accomplished in Eth'gantor and these sort of thoughts would only distract him. Just bring them within the White City and that will be the end of it.

[Zokia Zora]

Yes it was unmistakably true that her life was now wrapped up in this child that she held within her arms, she held no other ties to the living except for this life that she helped create and that she carried within her belly for so long. She couldn't help but to think about how her father would never get to see her grow or how she would never have the chance to get to know her father. Steve would have been a good influence on her and a good father to her, of this Zokia was sure of.

Zo was determined to show no signs of tears today. She willed them to remain where they were but still her violet colored eyes were perhaps a little more sparkling then usual... evidence of the small amount of emotion that had just welled up in her heart. Zo swallowed hard and then covered her babes face back up. She allowed Mal to help her up on the horse; he of course could lift her petite frame with much ease, even with the additional weight of the infant it wouldn’t be a problem, but not without a glance into his eyes with her own. For a moment she looked into the windows to his soul. She wondered what made this man the way that he was. But then again she wouldn’t jump the gun and judge him to harshly before she got to know him.

Once on the mare Zo’s mind began to race. Mal seemed distant, a place that he seemed to be the most comfortable. The female was far from ignorant but she wouldn’t question him further about himself nor his feelings nor his past or present life. She simply nodded and decided to respond to his earlier statement. ”If I had stayed in Daltina I surely would have went out of my mind… stir crazy if you know what I mean?”

It was simply stated. She failed to tell him why she would go crazy if she stayed there in the house that surrounded her with memories that would surely cause her to go insane. Likely she’d sell the house and use whatever coins it brought to further her and her daughter’s survival. This would be the smartest thing to do. In truth she didn’t wish to step foot in that place again but she kept all of this within her own mind, thinking that he wasn’t the talkative sort and wished to know as little as possible about her and her child. Likely he was already pondering over ways that he would simply dump her off and be done with it, his duty then would be finished.

Still though the female’s gaze at him was enough to perhaps cause him to feel at least something… anything. But she said nothing as she ducked a few branches that would otherwise threaten her position upon the mount.

Traveling was what they would do until Mal saw fit to stop. Zokia wouldn’t complain since she’d rather feel safe with him then be out on her own, even if he seemed cold, harsh and reserved.

In the meantime Zo didn’t bother to cover up her long flowing hair. Surely at a glance one could see that she was Esh through and through. She no longer wished to hide this fact; her aura revealed as such as her glowing violet orbs penetrated everything that she looked at. This experience was liberating to say the least. In a long time she hasn’t felt so alive. She knew now that her decision to travel was the right one, even if she didn’t know what her future held.