He'd decided to take a step outside. The air here was fresh, a distant cry from the purity found in the wilds, but somehow still of better quality than that of Levalles. The city never slept, all hours of day and night the rats ran, the smoke of industry colored and filtered the sky. It merged within the shroud that blotted out the daylight - the very same that he stayed just on the edge of.  However, to say he was alone would be a lie. The little cream tabby circled around his legs once more, her head bouncing in a silent demand for affection against the palm of his hand. He had long since crouched to give in to her relentless commands for more, along with even capturing the attention of a servant passing through the greenhouse and enlisting her to bring a snack for the feline. A slight smile drifted upon his lips as a purring meal left her as his fingertips brushed in a soft scratch against the tops of her shoulder blades.  "And what is your name?" He would inquire softly as yellow eyes looked up to him as her small whiskers flexed forward. Her nostrils flared slightly and he would release a soft tsk. "Well, I've no more food for you... though... I suppose I could go ask for more." Unlike Os, there was no change in the mentality of the animal, a simple meow released as he rose to his full height and left her ears now unscratched. Instead, his hand would touch upon the door back into the greenhouse, opening it and stepping out of the outside air which was beginning to get chilly with the descent of night.

Temporary voice w/ disguise azazel | Image is his disguise. just a simple leprechaun here to steal your lucky charms and nothing else, thank you. No wine either, also thank you.

Helayne Ilirium She made her way through the growing crowd of people, glass in hand, pretending to be interested in the artwork on display around the home. All while silently listening to what tidbits she could as she passed. She’d heard several bits of gossip, mostly names she hardly knew, and things that were of little use to her. It didn’t matter what lord had a bastard with his maid or what couple was rumored to be in an affair with another. Such concerns seemed rather wasted when the human race faced becoming chattel. To beasts it seemed welcomed into these very halls. Many of them were better at hiding than others, but she recognized their patterns. An ethereal grace, a hunger in their eyes, a quick reminder to breathe. Younger, she supposed, then their older counterparts who blended seamlessly with the crowd, pretending to be something other than what they were. None of them were the face she sought out. No one spoke the name she desperately needed to hear. Breathing a heavy sigh, she turned and made her way slowly out an open door onto the terrace and down into the gardens wide expanse beyond. There were fewer prying eyes here, most choosing the party inside. Breathing in the cool night air, she let it settle her growing frustration. It was not the air of home, it still stunk of too cramped bodies and the bustle of the city, but it was better than the pressing heat of so many stares inside. She pulled the ridiculous shoes Halfdan had found for her from her feet, wiggling their aches freely into the cool grass and made her way towards the large greenhouse. She just needed a moment, she thought, to collect herself and to let her feet bend back into their normal shape before she went back inside. A small cream tabby cat greeted her eagerly as she came to the door, a soft mewling as it rubbed against her legs. She smiled slightly at it, ”Oh hello, are you hiding too?” She reached to pet its eager head a moment before it darted deeper into the warm dimly lit greenhouse. She followed it inside only to see the silhouette of someone she did not recognize. ”Oh, I’m sorry…” she grew cautious, setting her glass down on a wooden table at her side, her hand slowly and reflexively going to the dagger concealed at her hip and thigh. ”I didn’t realize anyone was out here.” "Speaking color"

art by lianili

He'd found a servant willing to lend him an ear. A nice shiny coin for a few good scraps from the kitchen, tidbits that were unseasoned and a much better choice to give to the feline than seasoned finger foods from the various drifting trays. Though the feline hadn't offered any semblance of a complaint as she'd wolfed down his previous offering. No, he honestly suspected that perhaps she had a litter somewhere as well, though he wasn't entirely sure. It was a brief reprieve, a way to distract him from his own familiar. He couldn't chance risking the little lordling coming to his - a stranger's - side should Avarice be near him. He couldn't risk giving her a chance to recognize him and stir trouble. He doubted she would do such a thing on purpose, but he also held his doubts that she knew who he truly was either. Even so much as uttering his name could be the end of him. ”Oh, I’m sorry…” The unfamiliar voice called softly within the dimness and he would halt mid-step. Seamlessly, he feigned the startled errand boy, a light gasp leaving his lips as he clutched the odds and ends from the cook's line in his hands. He couldn't help but notice the trail the lady's hand took, either. Rather than recoiling to her chest or even her lips as most frightened women's did, her fingers instead reached towards her hip. His eyes remained there a moment before dragging themselves up her figure, a slight flush forced to his boyish cheeks. All things that once upon a very long time ago, he would have naturally done. Those youthful days of his humanity lingering in an act most convincing, or so he'd been lead to believe. His eyes quickly averted down to this own boots as he relinquished a nervous laugh. ”I didn’t realize anyone was out here.” "Oh, well," again, he would utter a soft chuckle. "I was just, ya know. Stepping out, getting some fresh air." Though this part wasn't at all a lie. His skin had begun to crawl long ago, and the interior had become overwhelmingly suffocating to him. His tie long since becoming loosened and his outermost jacket currently resided upon the back of a nearby greenhouse chair. Many of the guests had also become.... outlandishly rowdy. One woman spinning into him and spilling her glass of wine on him. That had been his final straw. He was ready to go home. Instead, he would raise his hands, slightly, offering the unknown woman a faint explanation. "I just met a friend out here, you know?" As if on cue, the feline would once again embroider herself along his legs and he would give her a piece of the trimmed chicken and a pat to her head, warm smile painting his countenance.

Temporary voice w/ disguise azazel | Image is his disguise. just a simple leprechaun here to steal your lucky charms and nothing else, thank you. No wine either, also thank you.

Helayne Ilirium A slight gasp, and the man turned to face her fully, his hand full of something it seemed he’d been offering to the cat swirling with eager demand around his legs. His gaze followed her hand to her hip, and she cursed herself silently. She’d become too jumpy, surrounded by so many, worried old foes lingered within the manor. She’d supposed she’d spent so long alone in the woods save for the company of her little band of creatures she was becoming too obvious. Slowly, she dropped it to rest against her side, almost awkwardly. She thought she saw a hint of a flush to his cheeks as he looked over her again, ”Oh well, I was just, ya know. Stepping out, getting some fresh air.” She noted his slightly disheveled attire, his tie loose about his neck, a jacket thrown over the back of a chair. It was finely made, a man that fit among the upper echelon. Something about him seemed unsettled though. ”You don’t like the crowd either.” It wasn’t so much a question, more of a statement. It was why she’d sought solitude in the greenhouse as well. The heavy scent of flowers and herbs, some familiar and other’s she’d yet to learn of more native to the land, were more comforting than the rich colognes, and the sweat of so many drunk and dancing bodies. More than that it was wearisome to hear their trivial conversations and hushed gossip knowing people only roads over were struggling to feed starving children from this war, people were disappearing to feed monsters while they sat well protected within their households. ”I just met a friend out here, you know?" He lowered himself down to the cat curling around his limbs, who took a piece of food eagerly from his hand. His smile was sweet when he looked back up at her, but her nerves still felt keenly aware. It was hard to not like someone who was tender towards animals though and his obvious affection in his gesture. ”A good one it seems,” she smiled, watching the purring feline a moment before boldly taking a few steps closer. ”Do you have one? You seem good with her.” Hel watched the cat wander and throw her shoulder eagerly into the low hem of her dress, her long tail curling over her back. She reached down to offer her a loving stroke between her ears before she wandered back to the stranger. ”Sorry, I’m Helayne,” she said, offering her hand to him. "Speaking color"

art by lianili

”You don’t like the crowd either.” He would give a light nod of affirmation to her observation. He preferred, even when in subterfuge, to keep from telling lies, even small ones. He felt it was one of many mistakes those of novice skill made for themselves. They tried to be far more different than their true selves, but those lies slowly became a noose. It began at their feet, tripping them up with triggering wires, they stumbled, they fell, and eventually they hang themselves upon the words dribbling from their own tongues. The less falsehoods one spread, the less stories one had to keep neat and orderly within their mind. It also wasn't an inquiry of uniqueness either. Before him stood proof enough. He was not alone in a desire to avoid crowds, it was far from a trait that he held monopoly over. "I find animals much better company." He would repeat, rocking back onto his heels as the feline took the trimmings with a ravenous excitement, offering her own form of thanks on occasion as well. He merely hoped that she would not find hungry, cold days ahead of her once he departed for the evening. Should he perhaps try to simply smuggle her out with him as well? His brow would furrow upon her slightly. If he could find her kittens - if his suspicions were right, of course - he would certainly try. As the woman took a few steps forward, she would speak once more. ”Do you have one? You seem good with her.” He would nod, his gaze following the trek of the cat as she made content motion towards the dame. "I do. He's.... a bit spoiled." The last of the admittance would depart him on a sigh as his chin rested within his palm. He watched as her fingers tenderly brushed over the sleek fur, eliciting yet another yearning purr and mewl from the small creature. A figure eight path retraced as she made her way back to him, her teeth edging softly against his skin after whatever remained of her snack. ”Sorry, I’m Helayne,” she offered, extending her hand and he would raise to stand once again, wiping his own palm in disregard against his pants leg before he would lightly clasp her digits, bringing them lightly upwards as he bowed his crown in cordial greeting. "A pleasure to meet you, Helayne." He would offer her a genteel simper, finding something oddly familiar. Light emerald finding a sharper focus upon her that he hoped she wouldn't find too harsh. All the while, his benign smile would linger upon the upturned corners of his mouth. "Aevor."

Temporary voice w/ disguise azazel | Image is his disguise. just a simple leprechaun here to steal your lucky charms and nothing else, thank you. No wine either, also thank you.

Helayne Ilirium He nodded slightly in reply, his attention wavering between the eager feline and meeting her gaze. ”I find animals much better company.” He answered, his concerned gaze lingering on the hungry feline. Helayne could not help but smile at his words though. It was something she could agree with. Since her escape, she’d wandered all over the continent and beyond it, always appearing to be alone save for the animals at her side. Halfdan often chided her on traveling alone, concerned for her safety. On more than one occasion he’d made the comment that she needed to find her peace, to find a partner and start a family of her own. It was an old world expectation, a path that maybe once had things been different she would have come to eventually. That path had been obliterated for her though. She’d found a family despite that. In Freya, the old bay mare, more dragonsblood then equine, the last of her family’s renown breeding line. In Ghost, a relic of her old world, an omen of her people. He was wise beyond what any beast had right to be, a knowing and cunning that predicted her leadership her tribe would have said. Sif and his sweet eyes, bringing tender gifts and morsels from his meals. They’d saved each other's lives at one point, both alone and broken. And now a strange egg that waited to hatch into… something. It’s heat flaring at her touch as if it recognized her already. ”I agree. Animals are far more honest.” she murmured, watching his affection for the cat. It melted some of the barrier between them she felt, intentionally or not. ”I do. He's.... a bit spoiled.” He sighed, hand coming to cup his chin. Hel pulled herself back, sitting on the edge of the low table that rested in the center of the room, legs dangling over the edge, as she watched him carefully. ”It sounds like you’ve tried to amend this… behavior?” She asked, unsure if he was frustrated with the creature. He stood, reaching out a hand to take her own with a graceful bow. She paused slightly, something unsettling familiar about him. His green gaze locked onto her, seeming to study her in a way that made the scars along her back feel too taught. She suddenly wished she’d covered them better. More than just the long loose waves of her silver hair. It didn’t match the casual polite smile he wore. ”A pleasure to meet you, Helayne. Aevor.” His name did not bring anything to mind for her though. It was unique, surely if she’d heard of him or met him she’d know it. Should she know it if he was among this crowd? Her mind wandered, trying to pull some foggy memory forward, forgetting to let go of his hand. With an apologetic smile she let go, letting it fall to her lap. ”So what brought you to the party if you’re no fan of crowds?” "Speaking color"

art by lianili

There was a pricke in his skin, one that warned him that he should depart. That this was not an enconter that he should be willing to entertain. The scent that ligered on her skin was not akin to those within the granduer of the hall. It didn't match or accentuate the dainty garments she wore. It was of the wild, feral, free. It was of beasts and trees alike. However, it wasn't only the base nature that she reminded him of. No. What she reminded him most of, was a night in the past, perhaps it was years ago, maybee it was mere days or weeks ago as time had an odd way of flowing for him now. A young woman, curled upon the floor, bloodied, ruined. That was the faamiliarity that reached to him, coiled about him like the distant fog of the salted sea breeze. The water that could not drown him. The cold kiss of iron nothing in comparison to the hot caresss of silver. Was she the very same? A daughter of the woman he had pried from death's jowls? Despite his sense of caution warring within, it was curiosity that overruled in the end. ”I agree. Animals are far more honest.” To that end, he would mostly agree, as he alas turned his full attention from the feline that circled about their ankles like a ravenous shark and to the woman who sat such a short distance away. Again, he would inhale the heady allure of the towerring pines and equine that marked her. He would release it easily, an amiable smile tenderly affixed to his lips as he mirrored her ease. He leaned back against the table at his back, fingers lightly gripping about its edge, forefinger tapping softly at the softer wood grain beneath. ”It sounds like you’ve tried to amend this… behavior?” In face of her gently posed accusation, he would merely allow a slight laugh to leave his lungs, along with a rueful shake of his head. "I'm afraid not. I've certainly only made it worse," as was proven by his defense of the frail maiden in face of Mithras' inquisition and the fact that the feline had resided in her company for some time. He would not argue it, nor press his familiar to return to his side, after all, the cat did so distaste violence and all that accompanied it. He could feel it then, this slight mark of unease that plagued her person. Outwardly, perhaps he'd have missed it, she certainly retained her demeanor - but it was only with this unnatural wrongness that he could perceive it. It was the slight hitch in her as a person, the very pallette of the air changing. Had he unintentionally done something that would alert her? He certainly hadn't held his breath, his flesh would imitate the warmth of life when he had briefly taken her hand in greeting. Did she recognize him, then? He had to stop himself from cocking a brow, index giving the underside of the table another tap in thoughtful repose as she released the other after an elongated pause. Interesting. He held no worry that she would deign connect him to the general of Lavalles, but it wouldn't do for her to recollect an entire face all together for 'Aevor' either. ”So what brought you to the party if you’re no fan of crowds?” The lilt of his friendly simper never diminished. "My blame lies with a work collegue." He relinquished a sigh then, along with a low, thoughtful hum. "Said I needed to see more of the city, so, here I am."

Temporary voice w/ disguise azazel | Image is his disguise. just a simple leprechaun here to steal your lucky charms and nothing else, thank you. No wine either, also thank you.

Helayne Ilirium The full intensity of his gaze moved from the circling feline to crash against her own. Something within them pulled sharply at her. The careful calm of the river before the storm came to break its peace. Hel ran through the names and faces of the aristocracy, the politico, the military and its most notable figures again, and still nothing came to mind. She watched as he leaned back against the table to fully face her, his posture carefully relaxed, losing some of the practiced posture of his rank and status, but not the ethereal sort of grace he carried. Azure gaze drifted over him quickly, taking in the badges of his rank and accomplishments, but nothing seemed familiar about his formal dress. He tapped lightly at the table, drawing her attention back to his gaze. She braced her hands on either side of her hips, leaning against them lightly, her ankles draped one over the other, bare feet swaying slowly back and forth, the cool metal of her silver daggers pressing into her hip with the movement. Hel carried her own grace, but it was not that of the ladies swaying in the house only a few paces beyond. It was not to draw the eye of suitors or carefully balance tea in her hands. It was calloused and bloody, a hunter’s lethal step that trained her movements. ”I’m afraid not. I’ve certainly only made it worse.” At that she could not help but smile in return, a tender heart at least somewhere in the soldier’s chest. It did not fit the picture she seemed to first paint of him. She thought of her own companions, Freya’s fierce spirit and Ghost’s haunting shadow. ”He sounds well loved then,” her gaze never left his as he studied her. Was that a flash of recognition in his beryl gaze? She leaned forward slightly, as though she could find the connection they bore somewhere in the brief tells of his face, the quick tension of his posture that was carefully relaxed once more. Something told her there was more to him then she could see. ”My blame lies with a work colleague.” he replied through a sigh, ”Said I needed to see more of the city, so, here I am.” to that she laughed slightly, looking around the greenhouse to break the tension she felt. As was her habit, she tried to stretch the length of her spine, pulling at the tight flesh of her scarred back to loosen it. The city has its intrigue I suppose. I’ve yet to find it as breathtaking as the wilds though,” a sly smile touched her lips as she forced her gaze back to his. ”So how are you liking the city? Has it met your expectations?”

art by novaakuin

She was not to be underestimated. That much was certain, and from the first impression of her touch lighting upon the hilt at her hip, she had revealed much and more to him. Perhaps, in truth, she was well onto his ruse, picking the wolf from the flock despite the wool that cloaked him. Despite the quit suspicion that roiled within his mind, she seemed just as curious about him, and if she had indeed gleaned the truth of his person, she had yet to sound any alarm. He had to credit himself, however, he had played this masquerade many times before, and his mask was better placed than many of those among his ilk. Many habits of mortality had never truly died with him as he had at first clung to the precipice of what used to be normalcy for him. ”He sounds well loved then,” he didn't miss the faint softening of her expression. An animal lover herself, he supposed. She would probably enjoy Os and his antics, his charms enthralling despite his clumsy nature. He did miss him, yet he didn't have the heart to call him back, not when he seemed to enjoy the new company he had found himself within. Another factor which was certain to only further his coddled behavior. "You seem to have your own companions." He would briefly gesture towards the stray who had curled a comfortable distance away. "Are you a cat person as well?" It was a question he already had a partial answer to, but there was genuine curiosity behind the inquiry. It only grew as she canted forward slightly, repositioning her weight as if she had expected something more. He knew there should be some limit to what he should share, ask, and allow. If she did indeed recognize him from some way or another, it wouldn't do to have her discover that here - not if the faces failed to match. Even if she didn't care about the monstrosity that was posed just before her, he also couldn't run the risk of others becoming savvy to his presence. He also didn't dare give the option for Mithras to find out how she knew of him. He couldn't allow the naval commander to harbor any further opinions or suspicions towards him in the face of him running into Avarice here. Her laugh would ring softly through the fog of his mental regulations. A quiet, clarion bell that was accompanied by the movement of a stretch, accentuating the memory of what lay etched across her spine despite having seen the flesh since healed. Had they faded well, he pondered. "The city has its intrigue I suppose. I’ve yet to find it as breathtaking as the wilds though,” he would allow a slight nod of agreement. In truth, he favored the unruly terrain to the large gatherings, but he simply could not shake all of the nostalgia that this place welled within him. It was nearly enough to make his stomach churn with sensational nerves he had not experienced in quite some time. He wondered if the fates had merely placed her here as well to further to plunge into yesteryears. Unnerving. That's what this entire evening had simmered down to. ”So how are you liking the city? Has it met your expectations?” Emerald would avert slightly, away from the playful grin that slipped her mouth. "It's.... certainly something." Anything else may have been too much, and yet he couldn't halt the last of it. "It somewhat reminds me of home."

Temporary voice w/ disguise azazel | Image is his disguise. just a simple leprechaun here to steal your lucky charms and nothing else, thank you. No wine either, also thank you.

Helayne Ilirium ”You seem to have your own companions.” He nodded towards the cat, her gaze briefly moving over the small creature curled up, content with its full belly and the warmth of the greenhouse. ”Are you a cat person as well?” She smiled, turning to meet his glance once more. ”I’m fond of most animals, truthfully. I travel quite a bit, and they are all I have with me most of the time.” She felt no shame for the life she lived, but she was used to his class seeing her as something lesser, she supposed. Instead of the fine halls and classical music she moved between the forest and mountains, the only music she heard was that of the river and the birds that called the land home. ”I have a horse, Freya, who's a bit more dragon than equine,” her smile broadened, a small laugh escaping her at the thought of the fierce mare and her spirited nature. ”Also a hawk, Sif, and a wolf, Ghost... It’s a bit of a crowd I guess,” her smile turned a bit sheepish, briefly thinking of the strange egg that had yet to hatch, its steady warmth tucked carefully into the forge back at Halfdan’s home. She supposed it was a bit of a menagerie, but they were all remnants of home in some way. Sif had saved her life early on when they’d still been in her home country. Freya the last of the war horses bred from her father’s infamous lines gifted to her by her brother. Ghost was well, true to his name, a haunting spirit of her past. An omen of her family's lineage and legacy. He and the wooden bow were all she had of her father. ”And your cat? What's his name?” She couldn’t help the question, her gaze drifting once more among the plants closest to her. It was possibly an overshare, his nature seemed rather reserved but she supposed most among his rank were. She had not served in the militia long, but from what she’d seen most of the men were rather stoic in nature. Granted, she’d had to be rather stoic herself to avoid being found out and hung up or worse as an example. Perhaps that was the only connection she felt. Certainly his name had come up among the briefings and her time among the military. She’d tried to memorize them all, but it must have just slipped her mind. ”It’s… certainly something. It somewhat reminds me of home.” Curiosity piqued at the mention, she tried to relax, leaning casually back on her hands, her gaze meeting his once more. ”It is, that,” she smiled, one hand moving to the small silver disk at her neck, toying with the medallion absently, ”Oh? Where is home then?” she asked curiously, trying to place his features among the places she had traveled.

art by novaakuin