[Jared] A Moment's Peace on the Long Journey Ahead

[Ford Edevane]

With the key in tow, Ford had led the way up the short flight of stairs to the next level of the tavern, where the keep rented out some rooms. With their things in hand and Jared close behind him, Ford came to the door to the room, opened it and lifted a hand up high to grip the top of the door, and pulled it open, standing out some with the door held open so Jared could go underneath his arm and enter first. Once Jared had gone inside, the blonde followed behind, closing the door behind them. The room itself was quaint. The faint smell of staleness clung to the room from the furniture and items that went largely unmoved. It was clean, and it just looked like it could have used light dusting or airing out. To Ford, it was perfect. It was rustic enough with the two wooden chairs near a criss-cross beveled window that was frosted over, either due to the elements and being old or the quality of the glass had not been the greatest. Either way, the dome-like object rested against the wall under the window, and if Jared had allowed Ford to carry his belongings, they were also placed near the item.

"Make yourself comfortable. Sit down, lie down, or do whatever you want to relax. I'll get a fire going."

The booted feet carried Ford toward the hearth, where he looked through the collected, dried firewood pieces to see which would be the best. Finding a couple of smaller pieces of wood and some flint stones, the larger blonde knelt down, resting one knee on the floor while the other bent outward. Placing the wood to leave space between them in the middle to allow air to circulate, the striking of the stones together could be heard, as well as the motions of the hands and arms' movements jostled Ford's back. "...So you mentioned downstairs you had to get away. What are you afraid of happening that you had to get away to find some peace of mind?" He asked were quite a few more motions and sounds of the flint were striking before a spark finally caught, and embers began to burn. Ford would not move yet, allowing the kindling to catch and start to burn before he would do anything else.

So rather than moving his entire body, he turned his head to look at Jared, allowing his blue-eyed gaze to wander over his friend to ensure he was, in fact, okay, before resting his attentive eye on Jared's gaze. He was pretty curious about what the Draedan was afraid of. Ford knew there were people, beings, and even creatures out there who fought against things that were considered different and were even subject to the influence of an entire society of it for his whole upbringing. He knew what it was to be different in a place that allowed for nothing but normal. And now that they were behind closed doors, Ford was curious as to why Jared was trying to get away for a while. The blonde's current line of thought had the Griscian furrowing his brows in confusion again. "And why did you wait so long to get away?" Ford didn't think too far ahead with that question. Where would Jared go? They had been nothing more than adventuring mates initially, let alone friends and acquaintances, by the end of their journey. Ford had not even disclosed where he lived properly before and still hadn't. But one thing Ford could not sit idly by for was someone imposing themselves, unchecked, against someone who had done nothing wrong.

Only when the orange-hued glow caught his attention did he look to the beginnings of a fire and move a few pieces of dried wood to take their resting place in the hearth, so they could eventually catch to the fire, build up heat and warm the room.

[Gloomcrest]

31st pf Glade. 4623

Following Ford from behind, the amber-eyed thief couldn’t help but admire the physical conditions that the blonde hair man was in; There were a lot of qualities that Jared wanted to emulate in his form, but that would require hard work and dedication. While that is possible, the thief has recently been focused on trying to perfect his skills, but that does not mean that his active life as a thief has hindered his ability to grow some muscle underneath it all.

Only then did his friend introduce him to one of the rooms the tavern provides; to Jared, the quality of the room was something the thief couldn’t expect since he mainly lived in squalled conditions. In some ways, the room reminded him of home but better since most of Alistian’s experience with home was shabby at best.

“Oh, I will; this is far better than a cramped cottage, to be honest. A place like this is rare when you aren’t given many opinions to work in the first place.”

Despite chairs, the amber-eyed Draedan plants his rear on the cold, wooden floorboards. He briefly took a moment to examine the room and take everything in with all the senses. The stuffy air, the windows rattling, and the breathing sound. It was strangely relaxing, evident by how Jared’s posture started to sag.

It was nice of Ford to carry some of his belongings, and the Griscian male didn’t have to, especially since his bag was quite heavy compared to Jared’s size. The Alistian thief couldn’t help but glance over towards Ford, pondering for a moment what he was doing before quickly realising that he was placing some logs of wood into a fireplace. Briefly taking a moment to set some of the fuel on fire with some flint, the brief clacking of stone as sparks begin to fly and nestle into the bird’s nest of flammable material.

“Dunno… It is hard to explain when you only know a tiny island going through multiple near-death experiences within a year. Then, I guess you start to question whether you belong to the place you were born to.

My fear was dying so quickly at the hands of others. When you have no control over your own life, that is pretty scary, as if you were simply a puppet that could only watch, but your actions meant nothing.”

Seeing that a brief smoulder was being produced from the hearth, Jared couldn’t help but place his right hand on the floor, Letting his divinity seep out of his skin and transfer it over to the surface of the wood, which began to darken, black as the night sky that glimmers with various constellations and glimmer starlight through the usage of Acclimate.

It was still a bit hard for the thief to grasp what he was even doing with his powers, there were so many questions as to how he could use them and to what end, but these questions would require time and patience, which the thief did not have much to spare at the moment.

“It is hard to leave a place that you call home. Weird, I know, but despite all the bullshit that has happened in my life. Daravin will always be my home whether I like it or not, but if I think about it. Home could be anywhere I could pick, so why did I stay so long and endure so much… I guess, memories; All the little trinkets and baubles I have collected over the years have strong memories that resonate close to Daravin since I have never gone outside since thieves don’t then to fair well anywhere if I am honest.”

At this point, the Draedan used his left hand and started to concentrate for a moment, producing a small sphere of silver light through Ray. The light being produced did not go beyond 5ft of the globe itself, but the thief couldn’t help but stare at it with a longing look as if the thief was hoping for something better in the future.

It was an exciting display as the thief was sitting on the floor, the boards around him were painted out from a section of the sky, and a luminous orb was acting as a beacon to the surrounding fabric of celestial bodies that were being drawn from Jared’s divinity which started to affect his appearance more as his vitality begun to fade slightly, becoming more mortal.

"Even if I did leave. Where could I go; I would essentially be a drifter where as in Daravin, I would at least have a home of sorts... A sense of belonging, but maybe that is what I am after. A place that I belong but that I could desire something more or less."

[Ford Edevane]

When Ford turned to look at Jared, thinking he had sat on the bed, he instead found him sitting on the floor. A brief glimpse of Jared seated on the floor had Ford looking him over before taking him to the fire to make sure that everything was looking good for the fresh fire. Listening to Jared's answers, Ford picked himself up from his kneel, brushed his knees off, and stood, staring into the beginnings of the fire. "Just because you were born somewhere, and it was your home, does not mean you have to remain beholden to that ideal of home. Home is wherever you choose to make it. Once the blonde was confident the fire would be okay, he turned to find Jared doing something with the floorboards. The coloration had darkened and changed to reflect a night sky. Lifting a brow in curiosity, Ford approached the Draedan and sat beside him, looking to the floorboards, then to the side as he had eased himself down onto the floor as well. Once he was comfortable, he glanced over as Jared's hand lifted, and Ford watched as a hand lifted and an orb of light was created and held. The combination between the changing of the floor and the formation of the sphere was fascinating; however, a sideglance at Jared as he spoke, the Griscian could see the toll doing as such had on Jared's physical features.

"If you leave, you could go anywhere your heart wanted. If you wanted to see the mountains of Radenor or Lorien, you could do that. You could travel across the seas and see lands not many of us would ever dream of. Or you can leave it all behind, build a hut in the middle of the forest and live by yourself if you truly want to seclude yourself away from everything and everyone if you feel safer that way." As he spoke, the Griscian looked back to the orb of light, and in the briefest flash of a moment, something flashed before Ford's mind's eye. The words he had been saying were cut off as he nearly winced at the image. The muscular man's legs stretched out in front of him, and his fists turned into clenched fists, balling up and resting on his thighs as he looked away from the usage of Ray and the creation of the ball of light. It would take a few moments for Ford's fists to unclench and his head to turn back to regard Jared in conversation.

"You are a good person. You have made choices fate forced you to make to survive. Perhaps it has been unfair to you, but that does not make you any less deserving of a happy life. You can find the silver lining and happiness as you go. Although this world will try to tear you apart every chance it gets, you can stand in defiance against it and choose your happiness. Fight for it, even. You deserve to smile, be happy, and feel safe like anyone else."

[Gloomcrest]

31st of Glade, 4623

“You are not wrong… Home can be anywhere; as much as being born or tied to where you originate, it is only the starting point of one’s story, and it differs for everyone. You could say that I have a rigid mindset regarding these details, but I guess that is a lack of experience or not truly understanding what I yearn for….”

The amber-eyed Draedan couldn’t help but smile, taking solace in Ford’s advice, who seemed to know more about dealing with these questions than Jared would. Despite living for almost three decades worth of life, there are still questions that the Alistian-born thief couldn’t wrap his head around, probably not for a long time. It was as if one was asking what the meaning of being alive was, and that question has been elusive as time itself.

At this point, the thief stopped channelling his divinity through the floor, which caused the starry night appearance to fade. Instead, the imparted divinity would create a wisp of golden light before disappearing to the ethereal but Jared, just making a fleeting moment of what the thief thought was worth it. In essence, it reflected what the thief wanted to convey in some abstract way.

At that point, Jared turned his gaze to Ford, who decided to join him on his venture on the floor. Briefly mentioning having the choice to leave and allowing his heart and soul to guide him to where he wanted to be, the sentence alone resonated deeply with the thief as his smile grew. Taking comfort in that leaving things behind and starting a new one was okay.

“I hope so as well, but that is subjective to everyone. I hope my choices will lead me somewhere to rest my head and enjoy the fleeting moments. Pretty much we can sail towards different horizons, and I think that it is true that we all deserve some happiness. The world is cruel yet beautiful, haha.”

He was reclaiming his left hand by dismissing the luminous orb and retaining some of his divinity. The thief begins to tap the floorboards with his hands, creating a rhythmic beat and humming again. The tapping was relatively soft, and the beat was slightly off-tune, but that did not stop Jared from at least trying to convey what he was currently feeling through his interaction with Ford.

“Take your soul, and let it shine;
Across the universe, let the stars align;
When you’re almost out of fight, let your fire burn;
Let your voice be heard singing;

Mother, Mother, Mother
Won't you free me from my chains?
Mother, Mother, Mother
Won't you come show me the way?
Mother, Mother, Mother
Won't you free me from my chains?
Mother, Mother, Mother
Won't you come show me the way?
Mother, Mother, Mother

Won’t you come show me the way?”

As the novice thief continued to hum away, something caught the thief’s attention which was easily noticeable by the look of concern was evident enough based on how Ford was clenching his fist as if the display of magic and wonder was too much, which caused Jared to stop his humming.

“I’m sorry… Is what I am doing causing you discomfort…. It is out of habit….”

The thief showed genuine concern as he didn’t want Ford to feel uncomfortable about what the Alistian-born thief was doing; the tension started to creep up on Jared’s muscles and nerves as he wasn’t sure how to interpret Ford’s current emotional status or body language.

[Ford Edevane]

The blonde had not quite realized what his face had turned to, nor had he realized his fists were tightening. At first, the display alone was what had caused Ford to feel the way he was feeling, but the rhythmic cadence of the words had actually eased the larger of the pair a bit. When he heard the other's words, Ford snapped out of it and looked at Jared; noting the concern on his face, Ford's expression changed quickly as he looked down at his hands and cleared his throat. Clearly, Ford did not have as clear of a grip of control on it as he thought he had. Chuckling, half in defeat, he lifted his gaze upward and looked to the ceiling. Taking a deep breath in, he let it out slowly. "N-No... It was actually quite nice. I..." Ford was not accustomed to divulging information to people. Most times, he spoke only to Taelian about things, but Taelian was busy and not there at the moment. Keeping his gaze upward, his blue eyes slowly slid to the side to look at Jared. He had allowed Ford in, even if a bit, and told him some private things. Even before everything happened, Jared told Ford a bit about his past.

Once more, his gaze returned to looking at the ceiling, remaining silent. "Ever since everything finished, and we all went our separate ways... Some things changed for me." At first, the blonde was going to leave it vague, but he realized how unfair the exchange of information and feelings had been, and he finally turned his head to look at Jared, the drain of what he was about to admit to was clear in his eyes. "I have dreams... Nightmares. About things that are happening that I have no control over. Each thing I can not do results in me losing a piece of my life... So I have not been sleeping much." He did not need to go into further detail from what he had already admitted for that. "And I have visions... About hurting people... Murdering even whenever I see something that should be dealt with. Sometimes I feel these things so much that I burn a hole in the shirt that I'm wearing... And no matter how hard I've tried, I can't do anything with what I was given."

He did not want to admit Ford, intelligent, strong-bodied husband to Taelian Edevane, Draedan of Venadak... Could not even use his Mark of Control all of these months later. His brows furrowed as he admitted his imperfection and weakness and looked back to the ceiling. "It is what I am doing here, so far from home. I am trying to work through my... Issues. And I had finished training when I found you walking." Admitting the last part with one last breath taken, Ford could not help but feel a little relieved he had told someone outside of his tiniest of circles. He was trying to figure things out, but he was finding it more difficult doing that on his own than he would have had if he had someone there who understood it and could help.

[Gloomcrest]

31st of Glade, 4623

Taking a moment to recollect his composure and thoughts, the amber-eyed Draedan couldn’t help but keep his silence for just a moment as his gaze watched Ford motion his gaze up the plain-wooden ceiling, his expression changing to that of the defeat of sorts as if he had his own demons to bear. The thought alone didn’t settle too well with the thief since he was essentially dumping his issues on someone he could consider a friend when they were struggling with something they could not comprehend or resist.

Seeing Ford stutter on his words as he attempts to convey these thoughts into reality, Jared couldn’t help but feel a sort of resonance in regards to not wanting to spill information or personal secrets to others. After all, it was not uncommon back at home in Daravin that secrets were used as a form of currency, an unofficial one in that intriguing snippets, appalling secrets, and scraps of incendiary gossip were a way to get ahead. As much as the thief didn’t want to partake in these exchanges, there were times that the thief was forced to divulge information to obtain necessary pieces of evidence or clues for his work.

Listening closely to what the blonde-haired male had to say, the thief took a moment to lie down with his back against the ground, staring at the ceiling as well. Sort of mimicking a person’s stance or action was meant to be a form of bonding from what Jared recalled from a random off-handed comment he had previously listened to, and thought would be appropriate for the situation. After all, right now, it was only two guys sharing their woes about the world of sorts.

“Seems like we have a similar situation; rest hasn’t been easy for the past couple of months…. Not too sure how intense yours are, but it makes me question so much about myself…. The urge for violence is becoming too much; this feeling takes a weird toll, I never had such an intense emotion before until we finished our trip through Bel…. It feels like a trial of fire…. From my experience of being a mage…. I will admit I can’t even use my previous magic after ascending as a Draedan; my entire crutch was taken, and I don’t know what to do…. I am trying my best to work with what I got, but like any magic, training and practice are needed….

I can try and help you navigate these visions; we are both on the same boat and have some experience with the nature of magic. Maybe, some insight can help?”

The thief could only provide some sort of guidance, even if it were minor in comparison, after all. No raw magic was the same, and the principles that make the natural magic function vary from their creator. Nevertheless, it was possible to teach specific concepts or sensations that would assist in building up the foundations needed to make the magic their own. Still, the journey itself would be gruelling, as evident when Jared was close to death’s door when he first met Ford back at the Eternity Priory.

“Maybe it was by fate’s design to meet today, the purpose still unknown but waiting to be portray; Despite how far each of us has walked, A new door is present, waiting to be knocked; It is only when we all meet at the destined crossway that we see the new pathway.”

The thief couldn’t help but let out a sigh of relief as the mutual exchange of woes was at least something that the two could share; in essence, Jared’s heart felt lighter in Ford’s comforting presence, and hopefully, it was the same as well in some shape or formed that the Griscian man could accept as well.

[Ford Edevane]

There was more to the dreams and visions, something darker and more sinister. He was not yet ready to talk about it as he was not ready to come to terms with what he saw and felt. When Jared began moving until he was lying down with his vision straight up to the ceiling, Ford looked at him curiously as he seemed more at ease lying like that and continuing the conversation. Hearing that someone else was enduring something similar put the blonde's mind at ease. He would not wish it on anyone, but there was most definitely a level of comfort that he felt knowing that it was not only him. Listening to Jared's interpretation of things that were in Ford's mind led to Ford's eyes closing in relief. There was nothing wrong with him; it seemed to be part of the process. That Ford could handle. It was just a matter of navigating his mind from that point forward.

"Had anyone asked me when I lived in the Commonwealth if I believed in Fate, I would have found a flowery way of telling someone to shove it." There was no point in keeping the overtly polite demeanor with just the pair talking to one another. "Gods, Draedans, Magic, Fate... It is all a bunch of annoyances that outside influences want to affect you and destroy the purity of your legacy. Draedan were remnants of an evil that deserved to be wiped off the horizon of the lands. Magic was a disease that needed to be purified from existence. Its taint corrupts your soul if you allow it to embed its mark on you. Fate was cursed, and if you did not take it into your own hands and mold it with realities and commonalities, you were considered a pariah. When you gain any foundation, sycophants will swarm you to pull you down to gain their edge. And if you were not normal and intended to go against the grain, they would find a way to fix you..."

The Griscian's voice trailed off momentarily, his thoughts running to the end of that train until he turned his head downward to regard Jared. "My husband's identity was outed to an entire Kyngdom because a Kyng thought he could manipulate him into getting what he wanted. I have been the useless puppet at his side. The Kyng thought it; his daughter thought it when she and her father made a play to marry Tae into the royalty and dispose of me. The Covenant thought me his weakness. Considered me a mistake of proportions that would ruin them and Taelian if we remained together." That same defeated expression came over his face, but he smiled toward the end of it. "In the end, he still says I am the one who saved him... He saved me, really. He knew where I came from and what my people were responsible for doing. He knew I had no idea what to think of ether and using it to perform miraculous things. The Commonwealth knows I am married to the son of Venadak because of an overzealous Kyng..."

"...I have painted an even larger bullseye now. Not only is he the son of Venadak, but I, his husband, have been marked with a Mark of Control of power that Venadak himself created. Not my family, not anyone I knew at the Covenant, not even the acquaintances I have at the Mage's Guild could know. But if I cannot figure out the basics, I am an even bigger danger to him now than I was before. So really... Half of it is the dreams and nightmares, the other half; I am afraid to fall asleep and bring shame to the one person I love unconditionally in this world."

...Ford had never spilled his guts like he just had to Jared. The only person who knew more than that, which was merely the topical portions, the bleed-off, was Taelian. Taking in a deep breath, Ford closed his eyes and let his head rest back; as he let the breath out, feeling not necessarily better, but just enough steam had been let out that he could make more sense of his situation.

[Gloomcrest]

31st of Glade, 4623

Looking over towards Ford, a sense of pain and anguish could be felt in the brief moment of silence. The stillness of the air and the quivering heat slowly bleeding into the room from the hearth itself, yet seeing Ford relax for a moment as Jared was sharing his experience with the Lucence seemed to be some relief.

As the muscular blonde man started to let loose, what was essential to a torrent of concerns, confusion, and distress was real…. Too accurate for the thief as despite coming from different countries with different views of how the world should be, Jared couldn’t help but dig his fingers into his palm.

“Haha…. I want to say that I understand, but I do not; I cannot say what life is like coming from the Grisican Commonwealth; Daravin is very much the opposite but the belief of the Omen and how they are the actual creators of the world…. It is easy for the mass to follow something when there is no hope. When we all walk in the dark, we trudge through the unknown murk.

To be honest, it is nice that you aren’t keeping such a polite manner…. You are talking about a slum rat, after all. I find all the flowery language to be a waste of people’s time, but I can understand its place and use as a form of expression, but in this manner, I prefer that you were blunt since there is no point in going around in circles. ”

The thief couldn’t help but gaze over Ford, watching his body move and how the Griscian man compiled his thoughts. It was hard for Jared to comprehend the struggles of being a mortal associated with a publicly known Draedan. It was understandable why Taelian advised being careful with disclosing his status as a Draedan himself. Probably to avoid the constant gaze that is Taelian and Ford. Spending so much time in the public eye would be draining for them, no less murder for the quiet thief who was happy to stay in the shadows but at the same time wanted to be noticed by someone who could end up with his back being stabbed.

“That is understandable; we all fear something, and to allow history to repeat itself would frighten anyone. Gods, and Magic; are alluring because it allows people to place hope in times when there is none. We seek comfort whether the source is of mortal or divine nature.

I wouldn’t have expected to be a Draedan of Saren… Hearing how Taelian’s identify is revealed to the world must of been so tough… I wouldn’t even know how to deal with his situation since it has only been two months since I understood my origin… Although to be fair, people are assholes, only wanting to better themselves since they are afraid of losing power, people will go to great lengths to preserve it, even if it means extinguishing the light that could pave a new path for all for the better or worse…

All I can say is that I am sorry you had to go through all that…. It makes my skin crawl that people would do such a thing, but they are trying to make a move that would best further their agenda….”

It was hard not to sympathise with Ford and his current dilemma with his association with Taelian; the pain in his eyes said it all and for a moment…. Jared couldn’t help but question if his presence might also affect Ford. While his status is unknown to the public, there will be a day when his status as a Draedan will be revealed, and the headhunting will begin.

“Don’t think of it as such…. You have been of big help for Taelian…. Imagine the struggles he would have to go through if you were by his side…. Even now, you are helping me, A Draedan who has yet to fully comprehend a tiny grain of sand’s worth of life, seeking guidance. Although, I will admit you have that aura about you that makes it easier to talk, and my concerns are that eventually, my status might be forced and put people in harm’s way when I didn’t want that to happen… I have been through collateral damage before…. And it is why I worry if my presence might make it worse….”

The amber-eyed male couldn’t help but sit up and draw his legs close to his chest, curling up like a street urchin, finding comfort in a self-soothing hug. It was hard not to get people involved in things, but sometimes the control of the situation can be far greater than anyone would expect.

“Nevertheless, thank you for sharing something that deep with me…. To bear the world's weight and yet with no outlet or way to soothe is agony itself; When you don’t have anyone to lean on, and you are fending off the dark alone. It is easy to curse the world, so if you need an arm to lean on, I can try…. I know that sounds naive, but I care for your health and sake, despite only knowing you for a bit of time.”

[Ford Edevane]

The thought of confiding in someone that was not Taelian was frightening. He had not allowed himself to trust anyone with any information because he had grown up knowing how information could be used as a tool and a weapon. He understood it when Jared mentioned Daravin, as it was not uncommon in Grisic. Slowly, he turned his head to look at Jared as he was talking, his brows rose, and a smile finally creased his lips. "It's a habit of mine, being polite and careful with my words. You learn more about a person when you act a certain way. I studied people and how they interact with one another at University. Sociology is fascinating." Besides his appearance as a muscular half-giant, Ford enjoyed many finer things in life; education is one of them.

Listening to the Draedan, still looking at him, he was thinking back to when Taelian had informed him of some things, and he was trying to remember how he had reacted. He knew it wasn't anything abnormal, Ford did not even ask any questions, or so he thought. When Jared mentioned being a Draedan of Saren, he refocused on the thief's face and nodded. "I think it suits you what we learned about Saren and the others aside. I think you have suffered more than your fair share of cruelties. And although I only know a fraction of things dealing with the Draedan, I find comfort in the fact that someone like you has been born to it. Someone who remembers what it's like to be humble. Someone who knows how cruel people with power can be. A person who was not looking for power, but looking to help in any way he could, even if it meant you could nick something to remember the occasion by." A genuine smile was on his face as he rolled his head back to a neutral position to look up at the ceiling. "I am happy that you feel comfortable speaking with me. Many people look to find what they can get out of every interaction. And so far, the only thing you have gotten from me is some help making soup, conversation, and a hardwood floor that you seem to like a lot." Without tilting his head, Ford's blue eyes slid down to look at Jared with a smirk, joking about how quickly Jared took to the floor versus the bed or a chair.

Taking a deep breath, he held it momentarily and gently let it out from his nose. "Be smart about who you tell things to... I think that is something you've already mastered, though. Keeping secrets, at least the important ones, is a power only you can wield. Regarding who you choose to spend time with or befriend, that's your choice. Your power does not define who you are. You are not merely Jared, son of Saren. You are Jared, kind, affectionate, needing a large meal, and the best cook I have ever seen. I know you pay attention to detail and concern yourself with the smaller things rather than ignoring them for, the larger picture. Grow your power; let it be a tool, not a detriment. Protect those you call friends and family." A final, defeated laugh came from the blonde. "At least, that's what my plan is."

Chuckling at his words and Jared's, he finally sat forward and rested his forearms on his thighs as he looked at Jared. "I would lean on your arm, but I think I might crush you if I did that. But I appreciate you and your words, Jared. I do not have many people I can call a friend. But I would like to consider you one, going forward."

[Gloomcrest]

31st of Glade, 4623

It was nice to see Ford smile, even if it was just for a moment or two; any form of joy was fleeting, which the thief knew all too well. When struggling to live and crawling out from the gutters and muck that isn’t your own, it was easy to get caught up and blame others or, more commonly, yourself for being in a situation outside your control.

“That is fair; we all have various habits that make us…. Well, us. Some habits are better than others, but who am I to judge; I’m just a street rat with no sense for social tact compared to yourself. I would probably be floundering in a simple group conversation…. So tell me, do I meet a certain archetype or something along those lines based on your experience with meeting people, or am I an enigma?”

The amber-eyed thief couldn’t help but a heavy yet hearty chuckle since Jared takes a little pride in being elusive in many forms, but in this heart-to-heart moment, allowing one’s guard to be lowered felt liberating. Almost as if he could sore high up into the sky like the many birds or seeds drifting into the breeze.

Jared couldn’t help but feel his cheeks and neck slightly burn as his usual pale-tan skin would fluster into a light shade of summer pinks. Ford mentions being comforted by the fact that someone like himself was born into a role more significant than anyone can imagine. Never did the thief think himself worthy of such a feat or burden placed. Even now, the path that is set is filled with uncertainties.

“Maybe that might be my role; to take away things that would cause harm to the place we call home. Far too often, we see the innate greed that festers from within, and while I am no saint of virtue, I believe that would be a nice way of seeing how I could herald Saren’s will or even my own. The little, fleeting sparrow…. I always find it funny that many people I have met would call me a little sparrow rather than a crow, a raven or something else entirely; not too sure why that particular bird has stuck with me, but in some ways. I think… No, I feel it resembles who I am, but what is your take on that?”

As Ford rolled his head back slightly, allowing his gaze to look back up into the wooden ceiling, Jared couldn’t help but mimic the same action as well, releasing his curled-up state and relaxing in the Griscian blonde’s presence.

“That is fair, to be honest… I never really ask for much since I know that others tend to have their issues, some worse than others, and I can’t bring myself to put my burdens on others. It is why I feel guilty for talking to you about all of these matters, but I can at least tell that you are finding solace in our conversation. Even if it wasn’t as much as one would help, it had brought some clarity when there was none; I can say is true and grateful for….

Also, rude of you to assume that my love for the chair or the bed is no less significant than the floor that nestles my buns at this very moment!”

The thief couldn’t help but laugh at Ford’s statement, while yes there was a chair and a bed; the amber-eyed Draedan couldn’t help but rest his rear against the cold floor, as the majority of his life, the solid ground was his bed, friend and pillar he stands upon through thick and thin. Sure, the thief would have loved flying freely, but being grounded was his fate.

It was only when Ford started to take a deep breath before advising the thief to be wary about who he should be willing to share his secrets with. The Alistian cook nods, letting it sink in momentarily as this notion was rather significant in all lines of work.

“That is fair; all of these are just an aspect of who I am or who I am to become; the past is history, the future is unseen, but all that matters now is present for where we all stand on our two feet.

I hope my own divinity will grow into something more; I know this sounds greedy, but truly… I want to be able to take things that no one can abuse. People are always out for blood, an eye for an eye, but take something that could cause conflict. I could at least do that and store it in a place where no one could reach. My horde of trinkets and baubles….”

As the night was getting darker, Jared couldn’t help but stare towards the window, looking at the moon with a gleam; his muscles relaxed, and a wave of fatigue began to nestle in. Despite being a Draedan, a man with divinity flowing through his veins, the call to slumber felt mortal.

“Haha, I am as weak as you might think, but I will say that I need a lot more training to reach your hulking mass. You are right that you could crush me, but that is worth it for being a friend~ Through thi…ck or thin…, a bond bu…ilt fro…m the em…bers and flames tended… by two sen…tinels… For…give me… I sudden…ly feel… so tir…”

At this point, the amber-eyed Draedan’s vision would become blurry; the expenditure of his divinity in quick succession and the long journey from Genteven to Malevin had taken its toll, especially for a non-traveller like the petite petty thief. His body falls slightly limp as he lays his back on the solid ground and begins his well-deserved rest. Despite looking rather uncomfortable for most, the cold floor has been his bed as a mere street urchin at times, and it was these moments that made Jared cherish the fleeting moments that fate has given him. His breath was light and airy, his chest rising up and down gently, for once; the thief felt safe enough to let his guard down, and all of the tension would collapse, for that is, the amber-eyed Draedan felt he was in safe hands.