Thread: Light in Shadows (Fates and Flame)

Theyre these massive lizards! Kaia explained vigorously, With huge claws and teeth sharp enough to put your swords to shame. Theyre great swimmers and even faster runners. If one catches you by surprise, it could take your arm off before you even knew what happened She was prepared to say more, but realized she was getting dangerously close to rambling again. Surely he wasnt looking to hear a lengthy explanation about what creatures might be lurking in the swamp. And honestly, she shouldnt have cared to given one. All this time speaking and her nervous chatter kept her driveling on instead of broaching the topics she really wanted. To her dismay, it seemed things would remain that way as he appeared to reject her offer of guiding him safely. Kaia could only imagine the sort of things he must have been thinking, her heart all a flutter while Aezon appraised her with a peculiar gaze. Why was he hesitating? Her mind ran with the possibilities, hoping she hadnt made a mistake when speaking of Radiance. She hadnt said much, but if Kai and Lenas ominous threats were anything to be believed, it might be enough to seal her fate. Yet when the words finally came, Kaia found herself both relieved and surprised. The young man appeared to be so guarded that she never expected him to change his mind like that. No matter, the acceptance had her beaming. With any luck shed be able to talk with him a little more after all. While she was still reluctant to reveal her own situation, she remained eager to learn more about Aezon specifically if he was an Ascendant as Kaia suspected. Great! She blurted, unable to hide her joy over his decision. I guess wed better get going then. Tentatively, she stalked forward, mulling over how best to bring up her curiosity. None of the ways she might approach the topic felt right, however. Perhaps it would have been best to come right out and ask him, but Kaia imagined what her own reaction would be if someone pointedly asked if she was an Ascendant. Such a thought was enough to squash any ideas about using that tactic. But then, how? She pondered silently. Leading the way back towards the crossroads, Kaia stole a fleeting glance over her shoulder, spying Aezon and Leiku as they followed behind. Words were on the tip of her tongue, but she could not summon them forth. Why is he so hard to talk to? She wondered. More often than not she had trouble holding her questions back, not bringing them forth. Was it simply her fears of him learning the truth about her? Or was it something more than that? He did have a sort of intimidating air about him, even without the spirit at his side. Perhaps all the rumors and legends about the Shadow Tribe had gotten to her after all, a touch of fear overriding her inquisitiveness. For now, Kaia decided to focus on the task at hand. As they trekked further into the bog, she pointed out spots which could easily deceive a traveler. Sometimes the ground isnt as firm as it appears, she explained. I see you learned that the hard way, though, she said with a gentle smile as they passed what were undoubtedly Aezons tracks. You could still see the depression where the less than solid earth had attempted to swallow him whole. If youre not familiar with the terrain its usually best to bring a walking stick, that way you can test the ground as you go. Lucky for you though, Ive been wading through here all my life. Kaia flashed him a grin before guiding him down the most concrete path. Though, even proven trails could be hazardous. Muddy and uneven, it was easy to lose ones footing. Kaia moved with lithe grace however, leaving her to slow down in order to keep pace with Aezon. She spent the time explaining ways you could make an easier time of a journey, hoping that by focusing on a topic she was knowledgeable in, she would feel comfortable enough to breach what was really on her mind. Plus, the added knowledge couldnt hurt if he was truly planning on navigating the Mist all on his own. Its easiest if we follow the river from here, she told him before striking out to the left. As they grew ever nearer to their destination, Kaia knew she was running out of time. She chewed on her lower lip and kicked herself mentally trying to pluck up the courage to talk to him about such potentially sensitive matters. She decided to start with the one area she felt she might hold an advantage in. So, she began slowly, hopping over a small mud pit to reach solid ground, If you dont mind my asking Kaia waited for him to do the same, making sure he was across safely before strolling on. What did you need the Shadow Root for? Her eyes fell on him softly, patiently waiting for his answer even as her mind ran wild with the potentials. She knew they were often used in rituals, particularly with his tribe, but what said rituals might have pertained to she could not say. Admittedly, she was a little nervous to find out. No matter her curiosity in Ascendants and his culture, there was no denying that shadow magic brought their world to its knees once. Aezon didnt seem like he would, or was even capable of doing such a thing. Yet, his air of mystery was palpable. It was daunting and intoxicating both. Kaia found herself drawn to him, absorbed in the moment as she waited for his answer and hoping she hadnt overstepped a line. Regardless, she felt like she deserved to know. Whatever his intentions were, she was now culpable. It was she whod stolen the ingredient, and placed it into the hands of a dangerous stranger, after all.