[Gil'Dae Cheb] Path of Contemplation (Open:Siltrin/Calariel)

[Aarkon]

15th of Aperitus In the Season of Spring, Era XIII, Era I of the Celestine Mandate

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ooc: Cala or Siltrin (Isowyn) please join. =) Or not. >_> Meh, I'm bored and felt like taking a walk... And since its like a million degrees outside, I'm doing it in Alleria instead. :P I still don't get timestamps so I'll timestamp this when I figure out when the hell it is when I take the walk. lol

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"So much has happened.."

He thought about awaking all alone in the forest, the dispair he felt within his heart and mind. He thought about his first meeting with Calariel in the forest and all that ensued. He thought about his new position in the Quicksilver Guard, and also thought about all of his training. He thought.. About his future.

Rising from his trance-like state of contemplation, he gazed at his surroundings once more, seemingly for the first time. No matter how many times he sees it and walks through it, the Gil'Dae Cheb's lush Garden never loses its effect of beauty and sheer radiance. Slowly, Aarkon rises from the position in which he unconsiously sat in order for him to gaze at the beautiful plants surrounding him.

Slowly, ever so slowly, he moves through the garden, purely so that he may prolong his walk through the lush garden which he admires so. Something about the garden triggers a special feeling within him, and for that reason, he enjoys walking through the garden even more than the average person. Dubbing it the Path of Contemplation, Aarkon lists the Garden as one of his favorite areas within the beautiful and grand Gil'Dae Cheb. Wondering if Arwen Calariel is nearby, he snaps back to reality and begins walking in the direction of the nearest person he can see, in order to find out if Calariel is nearby.

As he decides to find Calariel, he thinks to himself..
"I've been so preoccupied with The Quicksilver Guard, and my training.. Its been a while since I had a leisure conversation with Calariel, without all of the formalities, rules, things about training, and all that.. Yes, I'm going to speak to Calariel... Not as a member of The Quicksilver Guard, but as a loyal friend, and an eternal admirer of her of kindness."

Not sure who it is he sees in the distance, he begins his walk towards them, in hopes of finding Calariel, or anyone at all to speak to...

[Nimavel Mynendil]

Tendrils of ebony flowed haphazardly about the elfin lord’s stoic visage as he loomed defiantly against the contending breeze. Lavender eyes closed meditatively, he reveled in nature’s transparent caress amidst the resplendent and vibrant gardens of Starshadow Manor.

The Heru Mynendil’s alabaster-hued face was marked with the customary nobility and elegance of his people. His high-set cheekbones and crown of luscious raven hair accentuated his striking appearance, offering both admirable and authoritative qualities to his presentation. His penetrative violet orbs, however, distinguished him from the traditional elf, for few were blessed (or cursed) with such an eminent gaze.

Unbeknownst to all but one, though, concealed behind his lavender stare was a power beyond mortal comprehension.

The sound of footsteps clattering along the garden pathway elicited a single blink from the elfin lord. His gaze remained fixated upon a bed of multihued flowers as the newcomer approached, though he gave no other external indication that he was cognizant of the other’s presence.

Had this been Hillwillow Manor, refuge of the notorious Mynendil family, then he might have turned to proffer some gesticulation of greeting to his fellow kindred; however, as he was a guest here at Starshadow Manor, the elfin lord normally adopted a level of discreteness customary of his normal behavior.

There were few outside of Calairiel Gil’dae whom he was acquainted with here at the Gil’dae Cheb. He had met Anton on a single occasion, but other than the House Weapons Master, the elfin lord was relatively unknown.

This was a sad notion considering he had been romantically involved with Calairiel for some time now.

Suddenly aware of this peculiarity, the elf sighed and turned on an uncharacteristic whim to acknowledge the advancing lad –whoever he was. This was not the Heru’s home after all, and thus he reminded himself to display a level of amiability for the sake of mannerisms –regardless of how untraditional it was for him.

It was amazing how Calairiel had changed him in so many ways.

Locking stares with the ambling elf momentarily, the assassin executed a perfunctory nod, as close a form of acknowledgement that he had performed in a long while.

OOC: hey, i hope you don't mind if we timestamp this thread sometime in Aperitus?

[Siltrin Aluwenae]

Siltrin had only been in the cheb for a month since he arrived looking for the support of the Arwen Calairiel. He had been staying in one of the many guesthouses that were among the Starshadow Manor. His favorite spot of the whole cheb was its vast and beautiful gardens. The young Heru Aluwenae spent much of his time contemplating his future here among the radiant colors that surrounded him.

Today though there were two other elfin lords enjoying the gardens this brightening and it was strange to say that the elf was actually curious as to whom they might be. He had met many others in the cheb yet in fact he was only met Calairiel and a few of those who served the Arwen.

Siltrin stood proud in his fancy silk pearl tunic and breeches, and draped over those was a dark blue leather studded cloak that was lined with blue silk on the inside. He wore the cloak behind his shoulders this afternoon. It allowed a clear view of circle of thorns tattoo that was on his left shoulder. His tunic hanging slightly under it the only thing that kept his tunic from falling off was that it hung properly from his right shoulder.

The young elf took his time first watching the two others he then took his time walking over towards the pair working up the courage to introduce himself. He carried himself well with a sense of confidence that was really just a front. Inside the elf was not sure of things as of lately. There was so much he had to do but yet he couldn’t help but spend most of his time in the gardens.

The elf stopped only a few feet from the two who seemed to have been locked in a stare. The elf wore a small smile as he introduced himself to the pair of elves before him. “Vedui brothers how are you enjoying the gardens this brightening?” he asked in a calm and friendly manor. He did not know these two and he was sure that they did not know him so they really had a chance to ask he was quick to introduce himself.

“I am Siltrin Aluwenae, I am staying here as a guest of the Arwen Gil’dae; It is nice to meet any friends of the Arwen.” Siltrin wondered what would come of this meeting he had no idea how these strangers would react to him. He was curious as to who and what these elves were. Siltrin would just have to bide his time and wait to see what these others had to say.


OOC: can it be time stamped before 19th of Aperitus

[Katerynn Gil'dae]

The Gil'dae gardens were breath taking. Katerynn hand played in them all throughout her childhood. Once womanhood had taken hold, they had become her favorite place to train and to think. Today was no different and she had been in the gardens for some time now though she was completely oblivious to the others in the garden. It wasn't unusual for the gardens to be occupied on a beautiful day. Katerynn however had her own nooks and crannies she'd uncovered throughout the patterns of her life that she called her own. One spot in particular was dear to her heart and it was where she was now.

It wasn't too far off from where the men had gathered. In fact, if she cared to she could see them from beyond the leafy confides of her small glade. The glade it self was nothing special except to the young Gil'dae. It was just fifty paces away from the men and one could only enter it by crawling on their hands and knees under the over grown branches of one of the forsythias that created the circular glade. It was walled by not just several forsythias but by a few dog woods, honeysuckles and even one large weeping willow whose long dropping branches provided shelter for the glade. At the far corner of Katerynns hide-a-way was an old maple that was long dead and half fallen down. What was left remained for the woodpeckers and squirrel. It was also very hollow and it's outside was scared with a myriad of knicks and notches that Katerynn had put there. She would put many more there this day and was about to continue when she picked up the faint sound of mens voices from afar.

The young Gil'dae crept under the branches filled with yellow blossoms of one of the forsythias and parted them to gaze out into the garden. She spotted the three elves after some effort then walked away from her vantage point and back into the glade. She retrieved her longbow and an arrow that she notched with practiced ease. It wasn't beyond Katerynns skill to down one of the men from here. It wouldn't be difficult either as long as she made sure her shot would clear or go over the forsythia that were her cover.

Katerynn pulled back on the string, minded her stance, took aim and loosed her arrow. It flew in a straight line with grace and speed before it implanted itself with a resounding thud into the old maple. The thud echoed throughout the garden and disturbed many birds who took flight from several trees protesting with loud squawks of alarm as they did so.

Well, she had wanted to get their attention. Would they be able to find her? Would they care? The thud was rather nasty. What if someone was trying to tear something down? Katerynn notched another arrow and loosed it. It implanted itself neatly next to the last and created a thud that was just as loud. It echoed and more birds were disturbed. My, it was fun to cause a ruckus. Who ever said the Gil'dae Gardens had to be tranquil?

ooc: I hope I didn't take too much leave with the description of Kats fave place. I figured that if she lived her all of her life she would have had to have found a secret hiding place by now. Cala, if you mind I'll rewrite the post.

[Calairiel Mynendil Gil'dae]

OOC: Pfft, like I'm going to have a problem with that, silly girl. =-) Everyone should have their cool little places.


The gardens –were- beautiful, and also one of Calairiel’s favorite places. She enjoyed the solitude and peace they brought to her thoughts. However on that particular brightening, it seemed as though –everyone- was out enjoying the weather and sites. Everyone, including her beloved Heru who seemed to have found company if her silver gaze wasn’t deceiving her. She quickly located the trio upon stepping out of the Cheb and slowly glided towards them, enjoying every step with bare feet and a bright disposition.

She had almost made her way to them when the arrow embedded itself in the nearby tree, eliciting a small giggle from the beautiful Gil’dae. The trajectory of the arrow gave away who was responsible for the display, whether the other three realized it or not. Actually, in thinking upon it, none of the three really –would- have known.

Her bare feet made no sound, but she was very certain that Nimavel knew she was there. Instead of saying something though, she simply slipped her arms around his waist from behind and kissed the back of his neck as she slipped her head to his shoulder, smiling in greeting to the Anton and Siltrin.

"Vedui. Please don’t be alarmed at the seemingly errant arrow. I believe that was my niece, Katerynn, saying vedui. She has a hidden place she likes to train. We all have our little corners of the Cheb, and that just happens to be hers. I encourage it because it’s important to have a place that is one’s own."

Thinking quickly, Calairiel called over to Katerynn’s glade, knowing that her niece would be listening.

"Vedui to you too, Katerynn. Why don’t you come join us? I have some people I’d like you to meet. "

With the invitation given, the young Gil’dae turned her attention back to the handsome Heru in her arms, kissing his cheek softly. While Calairiel knew better then to use such public displays of affection outside the walls of Starshadow, those within were her family and she felt comfortable letting others see healthy displays of love such as those that were passed between the two. Love was not something that should be hidden, although there was a time and place. This, however, was her home….no, actually, it was –their- home…hers and Nimavel’s…and the people within their family, whether the elfin Heru realized it or not. He had his own House and Calairiel accepted that, but he was her family, and by extension, he now had a new family. It was a lot to take in, but she was committed to exposing him to it a bit at a time. It was not the way he had been raised, so it was going to take time to adjust, but she had faith in him…in them.

She had all the time in the world for him.

[Katerynn Gil'dae]

Katerynn chuckled when her attempt at surprise was foiled by her aunt. After being called out she put down her bow and cried out. "Coming!" Soon a wiry frame emerged from underneath one of the forsythias and Katerynn jogged over to the group.

"It seems that my secret place is no longer as secret ." Her silvery eyes sparkled with mirth as she plucked a stray forsythia blossom from her hair. "I hope I didn't startle anyone." She grinned. "Too much."

The only elves she didn't know completely were the two men. Nim, she had seen him about the Cheb before but wasn't aquainted with him yet. Cala always lit up when she was around him and Katerynn loved that. It was nice to see someone who was so utterly in love.

She turned to those she didn't know then. "Vedui, I'm Katerynn."

[Nimavel Mynendil]

Nimavel Mynendil had never fancied the sunlight. The myriad streams of reds, oranges, and yellows tended to evoke the softer facets of his personality, qualities that surfaced as rarely as the Heru Mynendil made appearances in broad daylight. Ironically, though, Nimavel had more frequently been spotted outside of Hillwillow Manor than was customary of him during this time of the era.

Like the changing of the seasons, the Lord of House Mynendil had changed immeasurably.

“The pleasure is mine, Heru Aluwenae.”

Canting his head sincerely, the elfin lord dipped into a small bow, stooping enough so that his raven locks spilled haphazardly over his slender shoulders. It was self-evident that the Heru Mynendil had rehearsed the gesticulation many times, and thus it was executed to perfection.

“I am Nimavel Mynendil.”

The obsidian haired elf insipidly replied. Normally he might have expounded upon the conversation, but considering his apathy of flowers in general, it was difficult for the Heru to flavor the discourse. Nevertheless, his introduction was similarly articulated to the other elf that had approached.

It ceased to amaze the elfin lord that Calairiel Gil’dae had entertained the friendships of more people than Nimavel had accumulatively met in his lifetime. He had always known that Calairiel had been an amiable and agreeable person, but unbeknownst to her, it was perhaps her most admirable strongpoint. Few were capable of forging such bonds with so many people.

Indeed, it was a gift to be treasured.

Before Nimavel could further inquire of Siltrin’s familiarity with the resplendent Arwen Gil’dae, the elf’s elongated ears twitched at the abrupt sound of a projectile impacting against a nearby tree. His lavender gaze narrowed momentarily as he craned his head in the direction from which the sound had originated from.

Instead of spotting the perpetrator, however, the elfin lord was greeted by a jewel of Starshadow Manor.

“Calairiel…”

Nimavel’s normally stern disposition noticeably softened at the sight of his beloved, though his cheeks flushed slightly at her public display of affection, something that the typically reserved elfin lord was unaccustomed to.

Forcibly recomposing himself, Nimavel uncharacteristically revealed an arm and draped it across Calairiel’s shoulders. The motion was unorthodox to say the least, but then again there were so many other factors of the present moment that were unusual as well.

At the sight of Calairiel’s niece, the elfin lord exposed a trace of a smile as he bowed to the younger woman. She possessed the same eyes as Calairiel, the eyes of the Gil’dae. It was a remarkable trait that the family nobles possessed and one that Nimavel certainly marveled at every time he was gifted with the opportunity of staring into them.

“Arwen Katerynn. Your aim is impressive. I pray that you'll never use it on me.”

Nimavel affably commented, nodding towards the arrow embedded in the tree. As Nimavel had personally come to respect those who were adept at long-range fighting over the eras, there was no doubting the sincerity of his words.

[Aarkon]

Ooc: Holy crap, where'd all the people come from!? lol This will be very interesting. =D

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Locking stares with Aarkon momentarily, the elf executed a perfunctory nod, and stood, waiting for Aarkon to speak. Arriving at his position, Aarkon nodded back and introduced himself.

"Vedui.. My name is Aarkon. Uhh... Have you by any chance seen Calariel nearby? Its been a while since I had a friendly conversation with anyone, with all the work and training and all the things I'm learning.."

Abruptly turning around at hearing someone's voice coming from close by, but not the mouth of the one he is speaking to, Aarkon faced the other elf and listened as he greeted them both and introduced himself as Siltrin Aluwenae.

"Vedui, Siltrin Aluwenae. I am called Aarkon, and this is.."

Aarkon greeted Siltrin and watched as Nimavel executed a very official looking bow and greeted Siltrin while introducing himself in the process of it all.

As Nimavel completed his greeting, Aarkon heard two consecutive thunks, coming from nearby. Alarmed, Aarkon imidiately broke off from the conversation and quickly observed the garden and his surroundings to see if there were any intruders or if anything else was amiss. Seeing two arrows inbedded into a trunk, Aarkon began to panic, inside, of course. Aarkon was not one to panic. Always having a stoic expression on his face, no one could know what he thought unless he purposely expressed his emotions on his face for all to see, which he rarely does.
Now highly alarmed, Aarkon quickly gazed at Siltrin and Nimavel to see if they had noticed the sound and the arrows, and he realized they weren't alarmed, but instead, had awkward and confused looks upon their faces.

Suddenly Aarkon heard a small, almost smothered giggle, and spun on his heels to meet Calariel's gaze and smile as she wrapped her arms around Nimavel and kissed him on the cheeck. Raising his left eyebrow, Aarkon wondered if this was the elf who he overheard someone speaking about, not too long ago. He had heard about Calariel's lover or whatever he is, but Aarkon never thought it could be... This guy. They're so different..

Seeing the glow in Nimavel and Calariel's eyes, and their smiles, no matter how conspicuous Nimavel's is, Aarkon could sense that they were truly in love, and smiled at the thought.

Aarkon greeted Calariel with a vedui and a grin, followed by a warm smile. He listened as she spoke of the alarming attack with a calm voice and said that it was probable that the arrow had been launched from her niece Katerynn's bow, which was hidden within a nearby glade, which Aarkon attempted to locate, but had no idea where to begin. Locating the glade as Katerynn crawled out from beneath a forsythia and proceeded to greet Aarkon, Nimavel, Siltrin, and Calariel.

"Vedui, Katerynn. I am Aarkon. I believe I have seen you in the keep before. You are Calariel's niece, correct? Your skill and accuracy with the bow amaze me.. I hope to become as skilled, although I obviously have a long way to go."

With a grin, Aarkon completed his greeting and lowered his guard as the adrenaline within his veins, released because of the thought of iminent attack, began to lose its power and control over him. Aarkon smiled once more and spoke in the group's general direction.

"Well, this is certainly a once-in-a-lifetime occurance.. I rarely see other elves within the grounds of the keep, and today I meet three strangers and also find Calariel."

Grinning, Aarkon moved his eyes onto Calariel's and began to speak again.

"I was walking towards Nimavel to ask him wether he had seen you nearby.. Once I realized I didn't recognize him from anywhere, we introduced ourselves to each other. Siltrin appeared, introduced himself, and the same happened with you and Katerynn.

I was, at first, looking for you so that we could have a calm, friendly conversation, which we haven't had in a while, with you being busy with business and me, with training.. Things are much more interesting now.. This has gone from a simple stroll on The Path of Contemplation, which I call this path through the garden because I come here to think and reflect, to a mistery-filled stroll through The Garden of Amity.. Hey, that has a certain ring to it.."

With a final grin, Aarkon curiously wondered what Calariel thought of all of the names he made up for the paths and the garden itself, and wondered if Cala, Nimavel, Siltrin, and Kat had thought of any names for either the garden or any of the paths, or their special nooks within the keep.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ooc: I tried to type as little as possible... I'll edit and add more if I feel the need to do so, as soon as its posted. I feel uncomfortable typing all of this without being able to see it completed and be able to go ba.. Err, oh. Right, the preview post button. << Feels like a fool right about... Now. >.< What do you think about me naming the path? Did I do good with the post? Its hard trying to answer 6 posts in 1. >_< I've been having and will be having even more work, homework, and tests, in portuguese of course, and since I think in English, I have to read the port. translate to english, think, come up with an answer, translate the answer into port. and then write it down, which takes long as hell compared to reading/writing/typing english.... English class, of course, is a breeze. I type 10x more and 1,000 times better things in 1 post on Alleria than I do in English class in a month. :P IC, I want to get to know all of you better. Kat seems interesting, Nimavel reminds me of... Me, lol, Cala rox!111one <3 (lol) and Siltrin, at first seems like an obnoxious rich '''', but I know him OOC and I've heard Isowyn say that he wants to become a sword dancer and all that, so I know that he's a good dude, and as long as he shows his true self to me, I believe we'll become good friends IC. Nimavel I believe I'll become good friends with, also, if thats even possible. O.o Kat I'd like to train with and get to know better, and Cala is... Cala! Calaaaaa <3 lol you rock =p Well, Ill stop typing before the OOC message becomes bigger than the IC one. LOL

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Siltrin Aluwenae]

Siltrin smiled at the fancy introduction that Nimavel gave it showed some sense of style something Siltrin had yet to acquire he had been left out in the woods too long only now that he was here among the people of the Cheb did he begin to learn such pleasantries… An introduction could do many things from instill fear and even enchant people with awe, there was some mystery behind the different ways people chose to introduce themselves. Aarkon introduction left some mystery to the elf. Was there no surname for Aarkon? Alas it did not really matter Siltrin had something to call him by.

Surprise was the newest introduction to the group with an arrow’s thud the elf quickly spun around attempting to locate where the initial sound of release had originated from but alas Siltrin was not skilled enough in these kinds of things. Before he spent too much time wondering where this astray arrow had came from there was yet another surprise and this time it was that of Calairiel.

There was a flash of curiosity in Siltrin’s eyes he had not known about the lady’s affairs and truth be told he was not that interested. He smiled back at her smile and then averted his attention to the arwen who had been called out by Calairiel, there was a sense of relief that ran through the elf’s body as he rested assured that they were not being attacked.

This Katerynn had chosen a very strange way of introducing herself in Siltrin’s eyes she knew how to make her presence known by all. This peaked a little interest in the elf as his eyes adverted from the other three in the group. “Vedui Katerynn, it is a pleasure to meet you, that was quite an introduction” It was the best he could do at the moment he was still stunned by the entire event. His features though gave no evidence of his shock and amazement at the gathering before him.

Regaining his composure the elf turned his attention to Aarkon now this was an elf that had a way with words. Siltrin thought it interesting that the adolescent before him had named the paths and areas around the Cheb for himself. The thought of naming places among the cheb had never occurred to the elf. It was not his home and as much as the cheb held great beauty it was not his to name. Yet perhaps this Aarkon was on to something by naming the places you visit you could create your own home carved from another’s home.

“You have a way with words Aarkon, if this is the path of contemplation, then I turned from the road of discovery to get here. Now if I only knew what I was contemplating” he finished with a chuckle. He was joking of course hoping to keep the mood light. “So now that we are standing here all acquainted should we do something or just regale stories of past brightenings? Siltrin smiled he was feeling less serious this brightening and now was looking to enjoy it with his soon to be friends… Or at least he hoped so.

[Katerynn Gil'dae]

It was Nimavel who she addressed first. "Why thank you and well, don't give me a reason to..." She grinned at Calairiel "or give Calairiel a reason to order me to." Her impish grin turned into a genuine smile as she turned from Nimavel to Aarkon who greeted her next. "Vedui, and thank you." She shrugged rather nonchalantly. Katerynn knew she could shoot. Now they did too. The constant flattery that was exchanged between her people was often lost on her. That wasn't to say his assessment of her skills wasn't appreciated and neither was Nimavels. She had made the shots to start a game of hide and seek though it had been spoiled by her aunt and not to show off. At least, that's what she told herself.

Then when Siltrin greeted her she cocked her head to the side and slipped her hands into the pockets of her tight fitting knee length breeches. She nodded her head towards him as she spoke. "Vedui, and my introduction was spoiled by my aunt I'm afraid. Two nice shots weren't my only intention but I guess we'll never know what my intentions were now." A cocky grin replaced the smile as a devilish glint entered her silvery eyes as she winked at her aunt.

Katerynn was feeling surprisingly confidant. Socializing wasn’t her forte but the anxiety that normally plagued her was temporally tempered. It may have been the beauty of the gardens or the calming presence of her aunt. Whatever it was, she was thankful for it and was going to use the most of this opportunity.

"It is nice to meet all three of you.” She meant it too. She felt good around these men. It wasn’t something she could put her thumb on. It was more of a gut feeling than anything else. They all seemed genuine and without an agenda. She liked that and she liked them so far. Katerynn would continue to like them too though her friendship was more often than not like the extension of a rope. They could use it wisely or hang themselves. It was they who would chose their destiny in terms of any potential friendships but the opportunity was there. Katerynn was extending both her self and the rope this brightening. Her goal was to become more social after all.

“Aarkon, you already have guessed why I live here. I take it you're in the guard?" She listened to Aarkon as he continued to speak about his naming of the paths and nodded her head in agreement as Siltrin complimented Aarkon. Before she would answer Siltrins question she would also compliment Aarkon. "Maybe, you would be serving our house better as a poet? I like your names for the paths of our garden. I think I shall use them though," That wicked grin of her returned. "I do remember being chased half naked after a bath when I was a toddler along this path. What I was contemplating then I simply can't tell you." Her attention returned to Siltrin then as she replied to his question. "I'm honestly not sure what we should do with our impromptu gathering. I'm mostly out on patrol riding horses and such. I'm not very good at entertainment."

"What do you suppose we should do?" The question was posed to everyone but Katerynns' eyes were directed at Cala. She was the head of the house after all and most likely the best at entertaining guests here. Katerynns idea of fun was shooting targets from horse back and taking wagers on silly stunts during it. She had a feeling that wouldn't be appropriate for this group.

[Nimavel Mynendil]

The elfin lord had never excelled at advancing conversations, and he certainly was inept at prolonging them as well. Still, like the changing seasons, so too had Nimavel Mynendil attempted to change his traditionally unsociable behavior. Although he was unaccustomed to being in such an amiable environment and thus exuded a partially awkward demeanor, he nevertheless managed to articulate with the normalcy expected of an elf lord of Syl’rosya.

“Well met, Aarkon. And a pleasure to meet you as well.”

The words flowed immaculately from the raven-haired elf’s lips, and there were no discernable traces of insincerity in his tone. After issuing an accentuating nod, Nimavel stepped casually beside Calairiel and afforded his attention to the responding Aarkon.

In truth the younger elf was not the only one who was unfamiliar with the visages of the inhabitants of Starshadow Manor. Despite his relationship with Calairiel Gil’dae, Nimavel had not even begun to acquaint himself with a quarter of the residents of the notorious family. This reality did not perturb him, however, as the elfin lord had never been fond of unnecessary friendships in the first place.

Still, if meshing with his love’s family would make Calairiel happy, then Nimavel would certainly try.

His lavender gaze flickered in the glinting sunlight as he relocated his stare to the proposing Siltrin, an elf whom Nimavel had not previously been aware of. There was something about the composed Heru Aluwenae that struck the elfin lord’s attention, though he failed to astutely place it.

Perhaps it was the inborn confidence that Siltrin openly radiated –Nimavel did not know. Regardless, he was self-assured that the Heru Aluwenae was bound for great accomplishments. Whatever these would be, however, was beyond the elfin lord’s foresight.

Nimavel did not laugh at Siltrin’s jest, not because his personality was devoid of humor, but rather subsequent of his inability to register it. Therefore he offered an innocuous nod, conceding that it would be more comfortable to relocate to a more convenient activity as opposed to standing idly and bantering.

Or at least he believed so.

Turning inconspicuously to Calairiel, he secretly gifted her with a small smile, one that was not bound to be observed by the others.

Meanwhile he was grateful for Katerynn’s extroverted nature and her ability to carry on the conversation. Providing a humble nod as she replied, he merely stuffed his hands deep into his pockets and stood silently while the others discoursed. Sometimes it was better to remain silent and listen.

[Calairiel Mynendil Gil'dae]

There was far too much going on for Calairiel to keep up with it, although try she did. Nimavel’s compliment to Katerynn was greeted by a wide smile from a very proud Aunt. It was true that the maidens of Gil’dae had done the House proud that brightening, regardless of the result. What her niece probably didn’t realize is that Nimavel –didn’t- hand out praise haphazardly. A compliment from him regarding weapons skills was very rare and something someone should be proud of considering his enormous skills. He was one of the best warriors in Syl’rosya and he knew talent when he saw it.

Wrapping her hand around Nimavel’s, she smiled and kept up as best she could with the others as they conversed, seeing where the conversation was headed immediately and knowing that she would be called into action to provide an idea for the small group’s entertainment. Thinking quickly, she found the perfect idea that would allow them to continue the conversation.

"It’s about time for the mid-brightening meal. Perhaps I could ask the staff to prepare a picnic for us in the garden and we can continue to tell stories and such? I don’t know many better ways to get to know people then sharing stories and I’m sure we all have a few to tell."

Well, that wasn’t –completely- true. Nimavel, she was sure, wouldn’t be too pleased with her suggestion but she had a plan for that. Calairiel was an expert in moving conversations in different directions to keep the elven Heru within his comfort zone…meaning not needing to talk. He was more comfortable allowing the young Gil’dae to speak for them in trivial matters, and Calairiel was more then happy to do so. He didn’t need to contribute if he didn’t wish to…it was enough that he was there with her.

That was all she ever needed.

[Aarkon]

As Aarkon heard the group praise his names and ideas, he grinned and accidentally let out a smile and a laugh when he himself wondered what Katerynn was contemplating while running along the path the day of her story.
Not paying much attention to the rest of the conversation at the time, he heard Calariel speak and immidiately turned to listen to her speak.
At Calariel's suggestion, Aarkon nodded and gave his opinion on the matter, which he almost always does.

" That is a heart warming and stomach filling suggestion, Calariel!"
With a grin and a slight giggle, he look at Nimavel and Siltrin, followed by Katerynn, so that he may see what they think about the idea, although he had little doubt anyone would object, as the group had been speaking for a little while and probably had empty stomachs.

" Calariel, that is a fine idea. What better way for us to get to know each other better, than to share stories about our lives and our travels? I.."

Suddenly remembering that he himself had no stories or travel or history at all, Aarkon broke off in mid-sentence, gazed into the distance, and slightly frowned.

" Ahem.. Anyway, I'm sure you all have very interesting stories to tell. Well, shall we?"

Cheering himself with the thought of interesting stories to quench his endless curiosity, food to quench his inexistant, yet eternal hunger, and friendship to quench his loneliness, he began to slowly walk backwards, with his arms open at acute angles, elbows outwards, and his hands clasped together with the palms on the back of his head, which usually meant he was bored, impatient, or simply tired of having his arms crossed or playing with something.
With a malevolent grin upon his face, Aarkon attempted to coax Katerynn, and whoever else might join in, to take part in a friendly competition.

" Heheh.. I'd like to issue a small challenge. Nothing complicated, it is but a simple race. I'd like to challenge Kat, and whoever else might want to join in, to a race. he goal of the race is to find a suitable place for our picnic. Quiet, yet inspires speech and story-sharing. Beautiful, lush, serene, and awe-inspiring. These are the traits that such a place should have. I can sense that the stories which we share here will form the base for much future interaction and friendship between us all.

I am usually not one to speak.. Although.. When I do, it comes out in large quantities, and laced with many emotions. You can convince anyone of anything with the correct combination of words and emotions.. Hrmm.. Sometimes I think I really -would- make a better diplomat or poet than a soldier, haha!"

With a grin on his face, a laugh in his voice, and a spin on his heels, Aarkon turned and ran off, giggling, to find that special spot in which the picnic will be held. Thinking to himself, Aarkon reflected upon all that had happened so fa