[IC] When the Roar Falls ~ PopeAlessandros x Raafling

[PopeAlessandros]

Viltez does his best to calm his shocked visage, the guilty expression on Aryx's face making feel bad. 'I'm not angry, I hops he doesn't think I'm mad' He swallows, his expression turning curious rather than surprised as his tail relaxes a little more. His ears burn a little however when his guest seems surprised that he didn't recognize what happened to his tail. “No, don't worry, it didn't hurt, it was just, really strange. Like ice running up my spine. Not unpleasant, just very different.” He ducks his head slightly in embarrassment.

“It's always wandering over thing, and I don't pay it much mind. I suppose I should start learning such things. I mean, I am a grown man now, I guess it's about time I learn to use this thing. . .” His voice trails off as Aryx raises his hand over his tail again. The appendage contracts only slightly just before he touches it, but as soon as his fingers run across it it becomes very tight around the stranger’s arm once more. Once again the odd sensation runs up the half beastman's spine at the touch, but this time the sound from his throat is muffed with an effort.

Swallowing again, his eyelids drooping slightly. “That, really is interesting. Your fingers are warm, I can feel that temperature difference, and the skin pulls on the hairs, unlike the stone and wood it's normally touching.” He looks down to his own fingers, a confused look on his face. “I've never. . .Pet it before, but on occasion I fiddle with the fur near the base of the blade. It's never felt like this though.” He looks back at the tail, the blade slowly sifting against Aryx's upper arm. “I've always supposed it's a weapon of some sort, maybe it's less sensitive next to the part that suppose to strike things.” he muses.

[Merule]

"hmmm," Autharyx murmured, flexing his arm slightly to feel how tight the appendage was. The blade seemed sharp enough from up close, but he wasn't particularly nervous. It wasn't like Viltez had given any indication that he wanted to hurt him.

"You usually carry it around your waist, no?" he said, still trailing his fingers through the soft fur. as long as the other seemed to be neither uncomfortable nor insulted he was going to keep the oportunity to satisfy his curiosity. "don't you feel the temperature of your skin, or the shift of the fabric of your clothes?" He knew he did. It wasn't as bad as it was at first, but whenever he thought about it, he could feel the drag of fabric against his skin again. even walking around without clothes didn't help with the distraction, as the heat of the sun and feeling of the wind were just as bad. as time passed, though, his body had found a way to turn off the unnecessary sensations. He imagined that this was how humans dealt with a lot of things: just ignore the bits you can't change and pretend they don't exist.

"It would make sense if the part with the weapon is less sensitive, and it's easy enough to figure out, is it not?" He reached over to the part of the tail thant was on the table, digging his fingers in the fur and then slowly moving towards the tip. "Does it feel different?" he asked, head tilted as he watched Viltez' face with interest. He kept following the line of the tail with his fingers, occasionally skipping a part where it was wrapped around his arm, until he he reached the tuft of fur that surrounded the blade.

[PopeAlessandros]

He gives a little nod when asked about where he keeps his tail during the day, his body still recovering from the feeling of fingers caressing it. Not trusting himself to speak Viltez instead listens, chewing lightly on his lip. 'I could feel it when he flexed his arm, but it felt a lot different than when he used his fingers on it. I wonder why it feels so different. How come I never did anything with it? Somehow I feel really silly now for going so long without using it. . .' His self loathing session is interrupted by more questions from the stranger. It takes a few seconds for him to catch what he was saying and he chides himself for not listening. “Um, yeah, I can feel the cloth against the fur. It lets me know it's in place. I kinda rely on the feeling actually, to stay calm in public. . . .”

His voice trails off as once again Aryx reaches for the appendage. It was just starting to relax when he sinks his fingers into the fur and begins drawing them up the length. He tries desperately to keep focused on tracking how what felt where, but the sensation becomes too much as he begins brushing the part wrapped around his arm. A low keening comes out of him and a flush rushes to his cheeks. Even he recognized the burning feeling the races into his loins at the elongated touch. 'Oh god, I get it now. It's not because it's a new sensation, it's specifically because it's a hand touching it that I'm reacting like this' He turns his flushed face shamefully to his guest and lets out breathy noise. 'How the hell am I going to get him to stop if I can't speak?'

Carefully he brings up a hand, begging for a halt, but at that point he's already reached the end of his tail. Using his well trained control of himself he managed to mumble, “I, um, gimme sec.” before turning all of his will on to the tail, trying to force it to let go. It does not react immediately but after half a minute it begins uncoiling and sliding back across the table. By then Viltez once again has control of most of his faculties. Shifting a bit uncomfortably he gives the man a smile, his cheeks still rather red. “Sorry about that, the feeling was just a little too much. I, uh, did notice that right around the end, the last few inches or so, were definitely less sensitive. Thanks for your help on that.” He realizes he's rambling, but for the most part it's a desperate attempt to calm his body down.

Glancing at the window he notes how dark it is, but with the rain there is no telling how late it really is. He hums lightly as if trying to think of something then slowly stand and with a little bow excuses himself to the washroom. Once inside he begins breathing hard, wandering over to the spigot and pumping the handle so he can get some cold water. As soon as it starts pouring he hold his hands under it and begins splashing his face. It's not the first time Viltez has felt like this, but the experience if far more intense than the short little thrills forced upon him by some of the town girls. Soon enough his breathing returns to normal and he lets the water stop flowing. After drying off carefully he gives himself a little nod in the mirror and moves back into the little hall. Stopping by a little alcove filled with shelves he grabs up a could spare blankets and takes them out into the main area. He smiles as if nothing happened and shows him his armload of blankets. “Got some extras in case it gets chilly tonight!” Moving over to the bench he sets them down at the foot before moving around tot he table. “Done with your drink? Or would you like another before we settle in for the night?”

[Merule]

Autharyx knew he should have stopped at the sound, but his hand didn't even pause when the noise seemed all but pulled from Viltez. He could feel the tail twitch minutely underneath his fingers as the half-breed's face slowly flushed dark at the cheeks. He didn't know what it was about the situation that he found utterly fascinating, but whatever it was had crawled underneath his skin and was now buzzing right beneath the surface.

"Of course," he said, voice calmer than he had expected as he waited for the tail to uncoil again. The drag of fur against his wrist seemed somehow amplified this time, and he had to let out a controlled breath to keep from shivering again. By all accounts he would have expected to be uncomfortable with this unforeseen reaction of his body, but then he remembered the slightly breathy noise Viltez had made at the end and he didn't really care any more. It was... intriguing.

He couldn't quite keep his gaze off his host's face, pupils dilating to take in everything, even as Viltez rambled his way through some kind of explanation before fleeing the room. The moment he left, Autharyx stood up, unsure what to do with the sudden restless energy that seemed to fill him. This was something new, and as he paced back and forth in the small room he tried to imagine where it could have come from. Viltez had seemed rather agitated himself, so perhaps he was simply more sensitive to the moods of others than he had expected? And of course there was still the thunderstorm raging outside. Now that he thought about it, he could feel the turmoil of the air above him, tension building sharply before releasing with a clap of thunder that he felt in his very bones. It was hard to tell if he was influencing the weather or if it was influencing him, but in the end he supposed that it mattered little. Even confined as he was, he was still a part of the world in a way that mortals weren't, and the sound and feel of the rain outside was enough to ground him again.

By the time Viltez returned he was standing by the window sipping the last of his drink as he watched the play of rain on glass. He turned to look at his host, answering his smile with a small one of his own. There was nothing, now, to suggest at anything like the tension he felt earlier, so Autharyx put it from his mind. If this fleshy shell was going to throw him for a loop like this more often, he might as well try to get used to it.

"I am fine, thank you," he said. He briefly wondered if he should apologise for his liberties earlier, but that would involve bringing it up again and it was easier not to. Viltez didn't seem to hold any of it against him, so he supposed he might as well follow his example and let it go.

"Settling in for the night sounds great, it has been a long day." As he said the words, Autharyx felt surprised by finding he meant them. He knew his body was stronger probably stronger than a human's, but he'd been travelling for a night and a day and it was starting to wear on him.

[PopeAlessandros]

Viltez nods at his guest, wandering over to take his cup so he can put it int the kitchen with the other supper dishes. 'He doesn't seem to have noticed anything, great. I'm glad. I was hoping that I wouldn't scare him off with my acting weird' He chuckles softly as he sets the dishes next to the others. 'Although, if my tail didn't scare him off I think I would be surprised if something like my being flustered scaring him off' turning back to his guest he motions to the hallway with a bright smile before leading the way down the short little distance to his bedroom door. Slipping inside to the modest little room, complete with bed, some shelves, a wind, and a small chest, Viltez wanders over to one of the shelves. Shifting through some clothes on the shelf he pulls out a large tunic made of soft materiel and lays it on the bed.

A littler nervous about what he's about to say Viltez looks at Aryx a little sheepishly. “Um, I'm not sure if you brought any with you, but here';s something to sleep in. Your clothes are a bit, well, filthy from your travels, and if you just leave them outside the door I'll be up really early tomorrow to do some of my own laundry and I can wash them for you. I, just just cleaned the sheets you see, and normally I don't think I'd have a problem with this, but as it is. . .” His voice trails off, his gaze wandering about the room, only looking to his guest every few seconds as he speaks. Finally he gives the man a little nod and slips out the door. “Anyways, goodnight. I hope the storm doesn't keep you up, and good dreams to you.” With that the young beast man wanders into the washroom to change into a spare tunic he'd nabbed from his shelf.

After washing off the best he can without taking a bath he slides on the comfy tunic and sips back into the hallway, leaving his dirty clothes in a wicker hamper inside the washroom. He spares a glance at the door to his room, but somehow feeling like his intruding on something he continues on to the living room and begins preparing the bench for his night of rest. When at last it's set up just the way he wants it he settles on to the now slightly more plushy surface and pulls a set of blankets over himself. 'Today was a good day Father. I met someone really amazing, and I hope that he'll stay as long as he can. He doesn't mind my tail Father. I didn't know there were humans like him. Why didn't you leave me with people like him?' Curing up a bit over the last thought Viltez soon falls asleep while the fire across the room slowly turns into bright red ember, then eventually dies completely.

The next morning as he said he would Viltez wakes even before the sun rises and with a long drawn out stretch and yawn he welcomes the day lazily. Flopping back against the bench very haphazardly after his stretch the young man smacks his lips and smiles ay the gray light coming through the window. 'I wonder if he's awake yet' Sliding off the bench he carefully folds all the blankets before piling them carefully on one end. Then, before he forgets he sets in to do the dishes. Once each one is set out on the drying rack he wanders towards the hall, peeking at the floor beside his bedroom door to see if his guest had left his clothes there like he'd asked.

[Merule]

As he followed his host into the bedroom, Autharyx was aware that some awkwardness had returned, even though he didn't know where it stemmed from. To be safe, he just nodded at Viltez' comments as he explained the conditions for his stay. If he had any doubts whether Autharyx would comply with his terms, he would do what he could to dispel them.

"I will leave the clothes outside," he said, smiling slightly to show his willingness to cooperate. "A good night to you as well." When the other had left the room, Autharyx finally took the time to take a look around. It was much like he'd expected: small and modest as the rest of the house seemed to be, with nary a trophy in sight. Of course he could snoop around a little in the chest and shelves, but that would be the height of discourtesy. The half-breed had done nothing to warrant a display of disrespect from his side, so he just focused on getting ready for the night.

He peeled off his clothes slowly, mindful of the fastenings as he fiddled with them. His clothes might not be as good as he would have liked them to be, but they were all he had until he had an opportunity to get better ones. Using the clothes on the shelves for an example, he even managed to gather them into a sort of tidy pile before leaving them in front of the door. He could hear Viltez getting ready for sleep in the living room, so he closed the door again to do the same. After some deliberation he decided to take out the beads and stoned he'd woven into his hair, storing his treasured in the same bag that kept his comb before twisting his hair into a loose braid again.

If he'd ever bothered to think about sleep before, it had been as something that mortals just 'did', much in the same way as he would rest when he was in his true form. Just having a mortal body, however, did not seem to be sufficient to master the activity. He'd started out in the tunic Viltez had left him, but it had ended up beside the bed when it kept twisting around him as he tossed and turned in the bed. After deciding that he was going to sleep, he'd spent what felt like an unreasonable long time being very much awake, flickers of thought skimming across his consciousness like shiny mayflies- enough to catch the attention, but otherwise unsubstantial. He was also getting increasingly aware of every point of contact between him and the blankets across him, but when he kicked them down the air chilled his skin until he had to pull them up again. It was only when he'd resigned himself to a life without sleep, that he closed and opened his eyes to find the sky outside lighting up.

He blinked awake slowly, disorientated by the feeling of lost time, but he had to admit he did feel better, if a little groggy. The room had warmed up, so he pushed the blankets aside so he could stretch out in the sunlight for a bit. The bed was a bit of a mess from all his tossing and turning, and he straightened it best he could before picking the tunic from the floor and pulling it over his head. His braid was starting to get a bit loose, but as long as he was still chasing the sleepiness from his braid he couldn't really bring himself to care. Even so, now that he was awake he didn't feel like keeping still, so he opened the door to see whether Viltez was awake yet.

[PopeAlessandros]

He smiles happily at the sight of the mound of fabric sitting before the door and humming lightly he scoops it up before heading for the washroom. Pulling on his pants from the night before he tosses the armload of clothing into his little hamper and hoists it into his arms. He continues to hum happily as he stops at the front door, setting down the basket. 'Round and round, tuck it down' Lifting his shirt he watches as his tail wraps around his waits then as the blade comes back around the front he slips one hand down to make sure it's tucked in firmly and like every day in his little village he pulls his shirt back down, checks, double checks, and triple checks, just to make sure it's out of view.

Once satisfied he makes his way outside, careful to keep the basket far enough away from himself so it won't make his shirt ride up. Each little breeze as he moves has his eyes darting down to make sure he's still safe. His hyper attentiveness had never been as noticeable to him as it is today. Even though he does not fail to check each and every time as he always does, something about today makes it feel a little off. Reaching the pump outside he quickly fills a basin in the predawn light and sets the washing board inside. Settling on to a squat little stool he sets to work, doing Aryx's clothes first so they can be ready hopefully by the time he wakes. 'I know why it's bothering me so much, I don't have to wonder' Working carefully because the fabric seems rather fine to his fingers, Viltez feels his stomach beginning to churn.

'It is wonderful that he is here, and so open to what I am, but I can not help but feel all the more trapped now. Having someone else see me for what I am. Having someone touch what I have fought so long and hard to keep an absolute secret' His cheeks color at the thought of the touch, but his mind moves on even as his boy reacts. 'Now everyone in town somehow feels that much more scary, and I can not help but feel sad that after he leaves I will once again be alone with my burden. . .' Letting out a long sigh he wrings the top out carefully and wanders over to his clothes line. One side is attached to his home, the other a sturdy poll he'd set up for this exact purpose several years ago a good distance from his house. He never really has much in the way of dirty clothes, but in the winter it can be a long time between washes so he needs the room.

Stringing the fabric up he moves back to the basin and continues washing piece after piece, each time standing up to put it in the line. It doesn't take him too long and just before the sun decides to peek over the horizon the hamper stands empty, and beside it Viltez watches the fabric fluttering in the breeze. With a huff of satisfaction he turns to the mountains just in time to see the sun greeting the day. He lets the light of it wash over him, the still damp ground beneath his feet feeling refreshingly cool as he stretches his arms wide. “Good morning sun, good of you to return today.” He murmurs, knowing it's a little silly to talk to something so far away, but he's always felt better each morning he can greet it properly.

[Merule]

It didn't take Autharyx very long to locate Viltez, and he made his way to the front door. He wasn't sure of the protocol, but he figured that saying 'good morning' would be a good start. The half-breed seemed to be an impeccable host, and Autharyx was sure that it would be his best bet to just follow the man's suggestions to appear as human as possible.

When he opened the door, his host was turned towards the rising sun, head tilted back to feel the warning rays on his face. Autharyx was just in time to catch the murmur aimed at the heavenly body travelling the air. It was enough to shake the last of his sleepiness away, and he watched Viltez intently, even though he realised that he should probably announce himself.

It was just... He'd almost forgotten what it was like to have mortals properly appreciate the wonders and parts of the world, and Viltez seemed to do it so effortlessly. It reminded him of the priests and priestesses that had tended his shrine so long ago. He honestly hadn't had all that much to do with them, but he hadn't realised how much he'd appreciated them until they'd been long gone. Now he couldn't help but imagine what Viltez would say of his home, his lake or even the play of sun on his scales.

He shook of the inappropriate sense of possessiveness that threatened to creep up on him. Just because he'd found an interesting mortal didn't mean he should think of him as something he could scoop up and store away with the rest of his treasures. He could satisfy whatever curiosity he had the human way, by interacting like a proper mortal would. After all, this was Viltez' world and he would play by his rules.

"Good morning," he eventually said, doing his best to keep the intensity of of his eyes as well as his voice.

[PopeAlessandros]

A light breeze tosses Viltez's hair about as he keeps his eyes fixed on the dawning day. His tunic makes slight rustling noises, having been left loose for more coverage as always, and he doesn't even notice the eyes on him until he's addressed. He jumps slightly, his arms snapping down to his sides to take hold of the bottom of his tunic. Holding it in place he whips around, a slight touch of fear in his eyes. However when he sees it's Aryx he lets out a tense breath and smiles, releasing his tunic. “Sorry. I mean, good morning! I didn't hear you come out. I was just. . .” A little embarrassed at what most would see as a silly ritual he looks down away from the other's face.

It is then that he realizes that his guest is outside in nothing but a top. To his embarrassment he could tell that the man had not been wearing any unders, and he highly doubts based on his prior actions that he would grab a pair of Viltez's. As the breeze blows by again, threatening to lift the light but durable fabric the young man's eyes snap back up to those of his guest's and he lets out a little uneasy chuckle. Before he can think of anything better to say he squeaks out, “Isn't it a little chilly out here dressed like that?” A shot runs through his chest and he brings up his hands apologetically.

“No, um, sorry, if your comfortable out here like that, then, that's your right. I'm not judging!” With another laugh, a little easier one now, he wanders over to the clothesline to check the laundry. Running his hands over them he is careful to not look at Aryx just yet. When he'd realized that he was practically naked a heat had rushed up his neck, a strong blush blossoming on his cheeks as for some reason the sight brought back memories from the night before. 'I need to get this under control. He's from a different area, and to each their own, right? feeling the still rather damp cloth his shoulder slump. His hands come up to rub at his cheeks before he turns around to face his guest. Holding a hand up to indicate the wash he calls out, “It'll be a little while still, I just got the last of them up. You're more than welcome to wait with me if you like.” Bringing his arm back in he brings the other up so he can cross them over his chest, a faint smile still in place on his lips.

[Merule]

Autharyx' smile slowly droped when it became clear that something was bothering his host. At first he thought that he must have interrupted a private moment after all, but the half-breed's comment made him suspect it was about his clothes. As Viltez looked away, he quickly looked down to check if he had somehow put the garment on wrong. Viltez had been the one to give it to him, so the garment itself couldn't be the issue, could it?

He'd known humans were very peculiar apt which parts of the body were acceptable and which weren't, but as far as he could tell the most impolite parts were covered. Still, 'I'm not judging' implied that there was something that should be judged, so he told himself that he would strive to be more careful in the future.

"I did not want to rifle through your stuff uninvited, " he said by manner of explanation, leaving out the part where he'd really wanted to, but decided not to four politeness' sake. "It would be nice to wait with you. I am not cold, " he added hesitantly in case Viltez was actually worried about that. He noticed the man's face had coloured up again, and tiled his head slightly as he tried to figure out what that could mean. He'd done that yesterday, when his touch seemed to have made him uncomfortable. Did it mean he would rather Autharyx headed back inside?

"Um, or I could head back in, if you'd prefer? " Autharyx didn't quite like the tentative edge to his voice, but he couldn't really keep it out.

[PopeAlessandros]

Shaking his head a few times Viltez's smiles brightens and he tilts his head toward the clothes. “I put yours up first, so they should be done. I would love the company!” He is very sincere, the look in Aryx's eyes and the tone of his voice making it obvious that he'd slipped up a little more than he thought and he wants a better chance to explain. 'It's not like I think he's done anything wrong, so maybe if I just explain to him about the way things are around town he'll understand more why I was flustered' Already the heat in his cheeks begins washing away be he even lets out an honest laugh.

“You really are durable, not being chilly out here like that, it's neat. I know it's not exactly cold, but with the storm last night the air is damp. That combined with the breeze would have most people shivering at least. You really are amazing mister Aryx!” He speaks in all sincerity and motions for him to come closer. His gaze shifts to the side once more but after a second he brings his eyes back to meet the other's. “I really am sorry before, if I upset you about the clothes thing. See, around here, unless you're a girl, most people don't leave their house without at least some unders beneath their tops, and most wear pants.” Moving strait past that he quickly adds, “However I once read of a place where the people wear nothing but unders, even the women!”

He smiles wider, leaning back easily against the wall of his hut. “And, that's normal where they are, and what makes them comfortable.” motioning to Aryx he adds lightly, “And if that is comfortable for you then you just go ahead and wear it. Well, around the house and yard at least. If you go into town like that I'm not sure how everybody would react. Most likely not all that well.” Suddenly he recalls what his guest had said about going through his things and grateful look graces his features. “Oh! And about going through my things, I'm glad you have such respect for them, but when it comes to clothes your free to grab what you need, well, if you need anything.” He glances over at the fancy light clothing. “Well, they may not be as nice, but they'll get one through I a pinch, heh.”

[Merule]

"I guess growing up near a lake has its advantages, " Autharyx said with a small smile, even as he decided to pretend to be cooler in the future. The lesson about local customs was useful at least. The humans by the lake had been covered in greater and lesser amounts over the decades. even nudity hangt ben that big a deal, at least during some of the times. It was probably different when they were away from the lake as well, since clothes didn't really tend to go well with water.

As Viltez was talking about 'unders', it took him a while to figure out what he meant. He probably meant the little pants that humans sometimes wore underneath the rest of their clothes. Since he'd assumed that humans couldn't care about what they couldn't see, he hadn't bothered with scavenging an adequate pair. He supposed he would have to attribute it to 'cultural differences'.

"If they are almost dry, I might as well wait for a bit, " he said, still long himself against the wall of the dwelling as Viltez had done. "It sounds like I should consider myself most fortunate that I encountered a free-thinking person such as yourself. I would hate to cause someone discomfort solely because I do not know the customs. " his mind flashed back to the stall-human he'd been very nearly willing to... make an example off before Viltez had intervened. Okay, so perhaps he was a little more inclined to cause 'discomfort' when he wasn't interested in respecting that particular human. He wasn't actually lying.

"I appreciate the trouble you're willing to go through on my account. "

[PopeAlessandros]

He keeps his eyes on his guest as he comes over to lean against the wall, happy that he seems to no longer be bothered by his earlier comments. 'Good, he's more relaxed now. I need to be more careful in the future. I know I can relax around him some, but I must never forget that he's from somewhere else with his own set of habits and customs' He nods and chuckles over the comment about causing an upset because of customs. Reaching over to pat him on the arm softly he almost freezes at his last comment. However he is able to complete his action and draw his hand back without looking too awkward.

“I don't think I'm all that free-thinking. I mean, I don't even let my tail wander around on it's own out of fear, suppressing a part of my body every day just to fit in.” His head hangs down a bit but his smile remains firm. “You haven’t caused me any trouble, really. . . And, I'm kinda glad you stirred things up a bit in town. If you hadn't we may have never met yesterday. I would most likely never met someone I can talk to freely about. . .Things.” A touch of fear enters his voice and he looks around worriedly. 'Can never be too careful. Eyes around every five, or else you might take a dive' He knows his little rhymes are rather foolish, but they keep him on his toes like they are designed to do.

Looking back to Aryx he grins before stepping forward to check the clothes again. Running his fingers over the fabric he notes that his outfit is still a little damp in the thick places. Giving out a little sigh he returns to the wall and he props himself up, arms over his stomach. He doesn't even notice the extra precaution as he looks off towards the mountain. “You saw, earlier, didn't you?” His fingers curl a little tighter about him as he thinks about how weird it must have looked. Becoming too bright to look at directly Viltez instead focuses on the mountains themselves, his tense muscles jumping.

[Merule]

Autharyx had to resist the urge to That it had been the stall-owner who'd 'stirred things up' rather than him, but he managed. It was good to see that Viltez didn't seem to blame him for anything, but there still seemed to be something he was nervous about. He kept glancing around fearfully, even though Autharyx was pretty sure there was no one around. It made him start to look around as well. Still, it was nice to hear Viltez talk about him in such a positive manner, and not only because it stroked his ego.

"The feeling is mutual, " he said in an attempt to get Viltez to relax a bit. In the past he'd encouraged a healthy amount of caution in his human guests, but now that he wasn't aiming it, it was not nearly as satisfying. When Viltez asked about what he'd seen, it took a few moments to figure out what he was talking about.

"Oh, you mean when you greeted the day?" He tilted his head as he looked at host. There was something about it that seemed to add to his tension. "Did I... interrupt? I can leave you to alone next time if you prefer, I hadn't considered it could have been a ritual for you..." he said, to feel out what he was doing to make his host nervous.

[PopeAlessandros]

His body jumps ever so slightly when Aryx calls his silly habit a ritual. “No, um, I don't mind. . .” H he mumbles, caught off guard by the odd realization that the man may be right. 'Is it really a ritual? I mean, I do it every possible time I can, and it doesn't feel right if I don't. But that's just weird. No on else does it, and it's not like I'm part of one of those religious sects' His head hangs a little bit as he thinks. A light breeze causes his clothes to flutter once again and he unconsciously tightens his grip over his waist. “I've, never thought of it as a ritual, really. It's just something I do, it feels right.” Looking towards the town he tries to imagine what the others would think of his morning habit. The many faces laughing good naturedly, the chuckling over his foolishness. He's not sure if anyone would out right have anything to say about it, but he does know that they would all laugh about it.

Without another word he walks out to check the clothes again. It's more a nervous action than an actual curiosity over whether or not they are actually dry. 'Maybe it's that half of me. The beastman half. I could be a part of my heritage. Maybe I'm closer to nature than I thought' He tries hard to remember if he did it before coming to this little town, but his memories of that time are hazy at best. 'I can not remember even a single sunrise with my father' The thought stops him, frozen in the middle of the last article of clothing.

After several seconds his hands fall to his sides and he looks strait up into the sky. Forcing his arms away from his body he spreads them out wide and takes a long deep breathing. The breeze picks up again but this time he just lets it wash over him for a few seconds before his arms fall once more to the hem of his shirt. Wandering back over to the house he props himself up again and smiles over at Aryx. “I guess it is a ritual. I never thought of it like that, but you're right, it is.” His eyes fall to the ground and he adds, “I don't know when I started to do it, or why, but it is what it is.” Looking back to his guest he has an apologetic look on his face, but he looks a lot more relaxed now. “Sorry about all that, I was just, caught off guard by the concept. I'm a simple kind of guy and to think something like that actually is as important to me as I now realize it is was a shock.” His smile widens and he tilts his head tot he side. “Thanks for pointing it out for me, Mister Aryx.” The wind fans his hair as he thanks his guest softly.

[Merule]

Autharyx watched wroth open curiosity as Viltez wandered by the clothes before t turning towards the sun again. This time he was prepared, but he could still vividly feel the breeze that ruffled his hosts clothes. He was surprised to find that he looked to join him, but decided to keep to himself, at least for today. His eyebrows went up when Viltez revealed that he'd never even considered it to be a ritual, but he had no trouble answering his smile.

"There is no need to thank me," he said modestly, though he was actually pleased by the courtesy. "And I wouldn't disregard the importance of paying one's respects to nature. After all, one never knows who or what might be listening. " He didn't mean goods, of course, though his kind had often been revered as such. In his experience it had always been the smaller spirits that showed the most attention to humans, for better or for worse. He hadn't really noticed any so far though, apart from the ones chattering in the top of the trees. Perhaps he was not the only one that had gradually drifted away from the world.

[PopeAlessandros]

Pleased that his guest is smiling too Viltez turns his gaze forward as he listens to the man talk about nature. He's a little confused about the comment on who might be listening, but he shrugs it off as a cultural thing he'll want to ask about later. For now however he smile smiles and nos, watching the clothes flutter in the breeze. In the distance signs of the village coming to life greet his ears and eyes as columns of smoke begin to rise from houses here and there. 'It's time for mothers to be waking, preparing meals for their little ones and husbands as they continue to be lost in their dream lands. Some fathers will be rising too, getting ready for a hard day at work, the toil of their backs earning them what they need to keep their families happy and healthy'

His gaze turns to the man next to him, his mind trying to make a good guess about his age. 'I wonder if he's got family somewhere. Or if he will have one some day. I mean, he is beautiful, even just in a shirt without his adornments. He could get himself a good wife some day. The children taking after either of them. Maybe one day setting of to foreign lands to explore like their father' His eyes linger on the man far too long, until at last he realizes he staring and coughs lightly, looking away. Pushing off he checks the clothing one last time, smiling as he finds them now dry. 'Looks like the breeze got them done quickly. I'm glad. I need to get started on breakfast and then I've got some odd jobs in town today' He glances at his guest before scooping up his basket.

'I wonder what he'll be up to today. I don't mind him if he follows me around, even if that will be boring for him. But I don't suppose I can assume that. Perhaps I should tell him about some good places to check out around town. Yeah, I'll do that. . .' Carefully pulling the clothes off the line he resolves to also invite him along on his daily rounds. 'It's only polite to give him the option, after all' Once all the clothing is in the basket he smiles at Aryx. “Could you get the door for me? It's harder to get the door open like this.” He nods towards the basket in his arms happily while walking towards his front door.

[Merule]

As Viltez busies himself with the clothes, Autharyx can hear the village wake up in the distance. The blessed calm of the morning is starting to get interrupted by the noises that make up the lives of humans, and he knows that by noon it will be hard to escape from the noise altogether. He doesn't know what it is about humans that makes them so noisy, but he suspects a large part of it is that he is simply attuned to it. The great flocks of birds that pass through his lake every year make just as much noise, but he doesn't pay nearly as much attention to it. There always was something about humans, wasn't there? They were both the source of many of his treasures, as well as the source of some of his greatest irritations. Were Viltez' people like that as well, or did they live a less... conspicuous life. His host, at least, was not nearly as grating as some of the humans he'd met.

When he looks at Viltez, he's giving him one of his intent stares again, though he turns away when he notices Autharyx watching. The dragon tilts his head thoughtfully, wondering if there was something off about him that his host was noticing. He'd said something to that intent the night before, hadn't he? Whatever is driving the curiosity, Autharyx can't sense anything confrontational about it, so he doesn't really mind. The scrutiny only gives him an excuse to return it in kind. He keeps his eyes on the half-breed as he gathers the clothes. He'd never really held the appearance of humans in high regard, but he has to admit that looking with mortal eyes gives him a different perspective. Where as a dragon might she a body that will be gone in mere decades, now he can see the strength and grace in that body. Viltez moves with grace, even in a task as small as folding some clothes, and Autharyx does not find it a chore to observe him. He opens the door when asked, accepting his own clothes when he is handed them.

"Would you care to share in my fruit for the morning's meal?" he asks as he steps into his pants. He doesn't fumble once with the fastenings before closing them, a feat of which he is probably more proud of than is strictly warranted.

"You provided the food yesterday and I would like to return the favour." Viltez' shirt was nice enough, but he doesn't mourn it when he takes it off. While the plain style suits his host, he personally prefers something a bit more... flashy.

"I could also go to the markets, or perhaps partake in a hunt if you prefer meat?" He folds the shirt neatly before putting his own back on. As he examines the edges to see if they held, he notices that the texture of it is far more agreeable than it was the day before. Whatever Viltez did to it, it obviously worked better than repeated soakings in lake-water.

[PopeAlessandros]

His smile widens as his guest opens the door for him, a slight nod of thanks thrown his way as he walks past the taller male. Setting the basket down in the middle of his living area he carefully removes. Aryx's clothes and hands the sleek fabric over to his now companion. 'I hope I didn't damage it. The stuff it's made of is far finer than I am use to. . . .' He blinks at the offer of sharing fruit for breakfast, a warm feeling setting up in his chest at the thought of sharing another meal. He has no idea why the offer sounds so pleasing, but he turns away politely when the other begins pulling on his pants. 'Not my place to see such things, even if on accident' He muses, his hands now busy looking through the now clean clothes to find some to put on for the day.

When he hers the shuffle of a rougher fabric he turns to take his shirt from the man. He stares for a second at the other's bare skin, somehow finding the sight very interesting. He's of course seen others without their shirts on, but when Aryx's top is bare, it is almost as if he can smell the man better, and the scent is intriguing. 'It doesn't quite smell like all the others, but I suppose if you grow up in a different place, different things go into your body to make different smells' Shrugging, he accepts his idea and goes back to his search for his own outfit. Only to pause again when his guest offers to hunt.

His first instinct it to outright reject the idea, the thought of making a guest work so hard for a meal feeling somehow wrong to him. However after a few seconds he continues digging. 'This may be a good opportunity. I can learn more about myself, and get some fresh meat out of the deal!' “Well, the offer is kind, I do not have time this morning for fresh meat. However I would love to share in some fruit with you this fine morning.” He pulls out some sturdy pants and a long tunic triumphantly before turning to his guest. “Tonight on the other hand, I would love to got out hunting with you, if I won't be in the way. The best hunting is done in the woods, and no one really goes very far in there. I was thinking perhaps I could do some practice with my tail. . .”

He shakes his head a little. “That is if you don't mind me coming along. I know a lot of hunters hate bringing people with because they scare off the prey. I mean, I would stay back and all, but if you still think I'd be in the way and still would like to have meat I can just stay away in town and let you do your thing. . .” Realizing he's rambling a bit he crosses his arms, clothing still in hand, and looks off to the side. 'I'm babbling like a fool, I should give him the chance to actually respond. So stupid. . . .' he chides himself.

[Merule]

Without anything to do, Autharyx just waits patiently for Viltez to finish deciding. He feels... just a little nervous, though he can't really grap why. It wasn't like he's trying to win Viltez' favour, as humans had often tried to do with him. No, this was just an offer of convenience. They both needed to eat, didn't they?

A small smile spreads over his face when Viltez accepts the food, growing even wider when he expresses a desire to hunt together. He was eager to see more of the forest, and'practice with his tail' could only mean he would get to satisfy his curiosity some more. It still left the issue of how he was going to spend his day, but discovering the town some more would do.

"I think hunting together sounds like a great plan. The woods are different from my lake, but theft seem interesting enough in their own way. I'll go get my fruit. Do you eat it raw or do you want to do stuff with it again? " He asks over his shoulder as he heads of towards where he'd left his bag in the bedroom earlier.