The Purple Lantern was by no means Sable's favorite place to find himself. The crowds had a habit of growing in size, volume, and rowdiness; the drinks weren't anything special, even if a few of them were a matching color to the name of the tavern itself, and it was increasingly rare that he could go a single night without having his reverie being interrupted, but it was one of the few taverns in the city where Celeste was free to be out in the open rather than tucked away inside the hood of his cloak. With the number of characters that entered and made merry within, it'd be rather hypocritical to make a fuss over a baby drake sitting on one of their tables, after all. More so when she was certainly better mannered than half the lot that would find their way here by evening's time.

It did help that Sable and the tavern owner had something of an agreement of sorts, though, one that was forged in his own somber silences and willingness to not get involved unless asked. Not that he was turning a blind eye, of course, and not that the owner was allowing criminal activity to frequent their establishment, but there was a time and place when Sable was being paid to keep the law, and the instances where he found himself sitting at a table off to one side, alone save for Celeste, as he nursed one of maybe two drinks he'd order for himself were neither of those.

They were actually quite the opposite, really, and as it was currently, Sable didn't have interest enough to turn a critical eye to the comings and goings of the patrons. He had thoughts enough to keep himself distracted, the leather cord about his neck played with idly, his fingertips tracing along the silver etchings he'd all but memorized.

In fact, Sable had been lost for quite some time with them, those thoughts starting mundane with regards to the many routines in his life before they turned to melancholic memory, such as their whim. He had a great deal he wished he could forget at times, and no matter the noise around him, it was always too quiet to chase away the darker shadows that crept forward, dagger-like claws sinking in and dragging him back to regret and loss.

...until there was a sudden jolt to his arm, talons scraping gingerly against his skin as a rather concerned-looking friend stared up at him with big eyes after pouncing on his wrist. It was enough to earn a quiet smirk, the memories attached to her still filled with sorrow, but it did not feel like drowning. He wasn't quite sure what he would do without her still in his life, his thanks for her presence given as he scratched the scales under her chin be

"Would you mind cooling it down for me, little one?" he asked softly, the words like fire upon his tongue in that language but suffered for her willingly. The resounding chirp of affirmation caused him to hum in amusement, though, as the small drake unfurled her tiny wings, rearing back with a deep inhale... and breathed her icy breath on his tankard, stopping moments before the liquid inside froze.

    It was around this time a tall cloaked figure walked in seeming to be mumbling to himself as he walked towards a table. In actuality he was talking with the sassy little drake on his shoulder which made a small sound here and there "No Darius I told you I dont know this area well. I don't know where an inn would be but at least we found a place to eat so just calm down I am sure we can figure it all out okay?" he responded quietly to the little drake as he found an empty table and sat down, getting out a small plate and bowl. He filled the little bowl with water for the drake and ordered himself a water and a meal with a little extra meat for his companion. He only took one small glance around the tavern before setting the drake on the table to enjoy his little meal as he began to eat his own when it arrived, soon removing his hood for the time being.

    His blue eyes shone vibrantly as he relaxed enjoying the time to rest occasionally commenting to the drake or refilling something for the little guy along with a few pets "At least this place isn't as frigid as the last hm?" he asked happily, as his tail moved a bit to wrap around himself to avoid being in the way of anyone walking around. Though tieflings could look rather terrifying this boy was nothing but a teddybear 

His nails scraped gently along the scales on Celeste's neck once she was done, a gentle, "Thank you," spoken before he raised his now chilled mug to his lips.

There was a moment of hesitation, a winding trail of thought running through his mind that this wasn't what was wanted for him. To be alone, to be drinking in a tavern without company or any real desire to be there, to dedicate himself to his duty with nothing else in his life to guide him. Not when there was a time where it had been different—where it had been more. But the notion was dismissed, cut down suddenly as Sable finished off his ale, uncaring of how full it still had been as the alcohol burned all the way down.

As he went to set the tankard back on the table, though, his companion startled him as she went rigid and turned sharply to one side. Her eyes narrowed and tension was a thrum of energy simply waiting to be released, but before he could ask her what was wrong, before he could even reach out to her, icy blue wings stretched out, and with a single beat, Celeste was no longer on the table.

"Celeste!" he hissed in vain, watching the small drake glide her way to the other side of the tavern.

With a faint noise of agitation, Sable hastily rose from his chair and moved to follow after her, that he might mitigate whatever trouble her presence could cause. It was fortunate for him that it was not a terribly busy day, the number of people he had to shoulder past limited to only a few, and they seemed to accept his grunted apologies as he chased after the small drake.

What he found was... surprising, his wintered gaze falling upon a tiefling with shimmering eyes and accents of gold wrapped around their horns, a drake of their own perched upon the table. Blinking as if to shake himself from some sort of charm that had captivated him in the unexpected, he saw also Celeste having claimed the back of an empty chair, her attention focused on the other drake, wings outward in some sort of display. For the other drake, perhaps?

"...please, forgive her," he said in Common after that brief moment of... observation, his voice quiet and calm. "She has... forgotten herself and does not have much experience with... other drakes."

Sable then looked to the other drake, his next few words coming in another tongue, one that was like glass in his throat and graveled because of it. "She will not harm you, friend," he told them before his gaze shifted once more and rested on Celeste, his expression becoming a touch firmer. "...and you know better," he admonished, though not unkindly.^[1]

---

[1] Language Used: Draconic (denoted by red)

Mikael was surprised by the sudden arrival of another drake and chuckled softly "Hello little one. Here to make friends with darius?" He asked softly noticing the wing display. Darius on the other hand looked up with a little trill noise cocking his head curiously towards the other before doing a happy spin with another trill soon displaying his own wings to the blue drake proudly and happily.

He looked towards the voice, his friendly smile growing as he shook his head "Ah don't worry I dont mind. It's been a while since Darius has been around another baby drake. Seems like the two are quite friendly actually" He said happily as he turned back to the two. Darius looked shocked at the other hearing him talk like a drake and gave a look of awe before looking between him and celeste a few times. He soon lowered his front and wiggled his hind legs like a playful cat signaling he wanted to play with the other drake.

Mikael examined the other curiously. His gaze and initial attitude seemed a tad cold but hearing him speak was soft and kind, especially to the drake "She is well forgiven. How can I be mad at such a kind and friendly little one? I am Mikael by the way, Mikael Mooreson, and you are?" he asked, holding his hand out to the other excited to have met someone with a similar friend who seemed kind.

They were... vibrant. Beyond just the glow of their eyes. There was the easy smile given, and their words were draped in a sort of levity that belayed a bit of carefreeness in harmony with the gentle bit of mirth he could hear in their voice. Had this intrusion not been the first time they had met, Sable would almost think that they were reacting to him as if he were an old friend with that kindness rather than just a stranger.

It was odd, but not unwelcome. Perhaps, it was because it had been some time since Sable had been on the receiving end of such a thing, his own nature cultivating only the polite and formal when it came to interacting with people, if they simply didn't leave his presence. Of course, the current climate could easily change as it likely would after a short while should he remain any longer. His abrasiveness was not conducive to much more, and there had only been a rare few exceptions that were now... gone.

With his gaze returning to the two drakes, however, there was the faintest change in his expression. It became warmer with the faintest whisper of a smile tugging ever so slightly at the corners of his lips.

The other drake—Darius as they were called—had lowered themselves in something of a challenge, and Celeste was quick to reciprocate... with a slight bit of mischief. Folding her wings, she had glanced from him to somewhere else and looked wholly uninterested for a few seconds... Before she launched herself off the back of the chair to crash somewhat gracefully on the table before Darius, batting him playfully on the snout with one of her hands, mindful of her claws.

A soft huff of amusement escaped him unbidden, and Sable was quick to regain control over his reactions as Mikael introduced himself, his own icy gaze returning to him and flicking between the outstretched hand and their face.

"Sable," he said. "Rivien. Sable Rivien," because he was able to give his own name despite the evidence to the contrary and how it felt a bit like pulling out his own teeth. "...and this is Celeste," he added a bit more smoothly.

Shifting a little, the barest hint of a wince at the corners of his eyes, his attention returned to the hand offered to him. "Forgive me, it is not... I would prefer not to, if that is alright. Not that..." his words trailed off as he tried to explain—as he tried to find the words and failed a little bit. How could he say that he left his gloves at home and was averse to touch in a way that wasn't revealing of himself or offensive?

"...it is not you," he finally settled on, the admission coming as a soft exhale, frustration building within himself for his inability to manage a simple handshake without a barrier of some sort.

Try, he remembered, that voice ever a guide that pushed him forward, and with a steadying breath, Sable motioned to the chair Celeste had now vacated. "May I?" he asked, realizing after that his intent was not quite clear. "I... wouldn't wish to interrupt them, but I do not wish to... intrude either."

Mikael was surprised to see the other close to a smile, only brightening his own. The man seemed rather complex in thought and emotions so he was happy the other felt at ease and happy for at least the moment. Darius looked at celeste and playfully nipped at her and pawed at her, careful to not actually hurt her as they played. Mikael watched with a little laugh "This is Darius by the way he is a lightening drake. Would I be correct in assuming yours is an ice female? She's beautiful" He asked looking like a kid on Christmas with all the wonder of one as he hoped for an answer

"It's a pleasure to meet you Sable!" He replied before tilting his head and looking down to his hand "Oh! alright no worries! I understand touch can be disliked by some especially with a stranger so no worries" He replied his smile returning. He then waved his hand "You don't have to explain yourself it's okay. Just like creatures, all people are different and it is not my place to question such things" He checked on the drakes a moment before hearing the other and seeing him gesture "Oh! you're more than fine to join! Would you or celeste like anything? Drinks or meals or anything?" he asked happy to have company

"Darius..." he echoed softly, committing the way it was said to memory as he watched the two small drakes play. What attack of opportunity Celeste had was quickly lost, though, she was not one to give up so quickly, a flash of her wings hinting to the very chill she carried as she used them to propel herself backward to dodge an incoming swipe before she was lunging forward and butting into Darius' neck with her head.

Distracted by the scene that was now gaining the attention of a few other patrons nearby, the turned heads and pointed gazes noted but not needing any sort of acknowledgment just yet, Sable almost missed Mikael's question. "Ah, yes," he hummed. "She is one of ice, and... thank you. On her behalf."

Sable cleared his throat, shifting his weight back and forth. He was not uncomfortable by any means, and Mikael hadn't done anything where he felt the need to leave or excuse himself. Sable was more than aware of himself, though, of his disjointed words and rigid attempts at conversing. A limitation he had... learned over time because of how much safer it was. A limitation he was now struggling to undo with how deeply he had wounded himself with that self-inflicted damage.

It was why, when Mikael's reaction to his aversion to shaking his hand wasn't one of taking offense but understanding, Sable let out something of a breath of relief. He was far more used to having to... accommodate people reacting poorly to his insistence, a few phrases prepared that offered apologies and reassurances that it wasn't them or anything they had done without betraying himself to them.

That quiet smile returned again, and the taller man dipped his head. "Just like creatures..." he repeated partially to himself. "That is... one way to put it," and was a comforting thought. Strangely.

"Thank you, Mikael," he added, his friendliness and willingness to accept his company making it easier to not feel overwhelmed, and as he pulled out the empty chair carefully to avoid it making that terrible scraping sound of wooden legs upon a wooden floor, he addressed the other questions.

"Celeste and I already ate, though I... wouldn't mind another drink." That wasn't rude to express, was it? No, no, he didn't think it was. Mikael had asked, after all. It was... fine. " And I am more than willing to cover a round or two as we are... something of an interruption."

There was a soft thud from Celeste pouncing on the table as Darius managed to avoid her advances, and after making sure the small drake hadn't hurt herself or the other, Sable got the attention of one of the barmaids, though it would take her some time to reach them. Yet as he turned back to Mikael, he realized he had forgotten something. Something quite important.

"It is a pleasure to meet you as well, Mikael," he said, ducking his head slightly in embarrassment for the delay and how out of place it was now was.

Darius played around pawing and moving about before she burst forward. He let out a little noise of surprise and played dead after she touched his neck, flipping onto his side with his eyes closed and tongue out. Mikael nodded and smiled hearing his questioned answered “of course!” Mikael was rather happy and calm enjoying everything about this day quite a bit in all honesty. He then paused hearing the other speak up “ah sorry! Was that rude? I didn’t really think about the phrasing it’s just that I spend more time around creatures than people so I reference them in conversation I do apologize if it sounded rude” he was surprised and relieved hearing the other thank him causing him to nod “ah of course!”

“Oh you two aren’t a disruption at all! It’s nice to find new friends in new places! What would you like to drink I’ll order” he said happily before looking to the small thud on the table. Darius had tackled her carefully when she got close enough before hopping off going back to playing and dodging happily enjoying the game quite a bit. Mikael paused now realizing the other hadnt said it before and smiled once more “I’m glad you think so!”

Sable blinked, not quite sure where Mikael's concern over being rude came from, his mind slow to put the pieces together. "Rude...?" he asked in the moments before everything fit together, realization dawning on him as a light within his eyes.

"N-no. No, you were not rude," he was quick to reassure. "I simply... found it amusing is all. Because it is... accurate." His gaze flicking away from Mikael's, he was unsure of what to say next but aware that more might help. Or he hoped that it would, at least.

"I am a guard, but before I was... a hunter," he added, "and I can see the truth in it, in people being like creatures as you said." The words forming with strange ease, there was a whisper at the back of his mind warning him that he was speaking of himself, that he was sharing, but it was something he could silence for the time being. "There are personalities and... behaviors that you can see in them if you watch long enough. As you can with people." His expression became thoughtful then, "I had simply... not thought of it in such a way before."

As he spoke, Celeste was tumbling and rolling at the end of being tackled, her lower half completely off the table, and her tail swinging wildly as she scrambled to find purchase and not just completely fall off the table. The sound of her claws scraping on the table caught Sable's attention, and he watched as she hoisted herself back up and charged across the way after Darius, a flap of her wings moments before she was about to crash into him, allowing her to flip herself onto his back as if to pin him down.

"Careful," came a gentle warning, though there wasn't any bite to it. Only concern.

Even though Mikael had said they weren't a disruption, he wasn't... eager to wear out their welcome. Kindness was... rare and given by sparingly few when it came to people he could name and tried to hold a conversation with him. There were less that offered to order him a drink, and none that had him easing a bit of the constant and natural tension that always held him as it did now. Faintly.

"...just ale," he answered, "And... I insist on paying, even if we are not bothering you."

Sable's wintery eyes returned to those that shone like gems illuminated by light, a quiet tremor of curiosity running through him. He had not met very many teifling's in his life, and of those he had, their eyes had not been quite so... wonderous. Was there a reason Mikael's were so unique? Did it mean something? A... blessing of some sort?

Not that he would ask such a question of a stranger, of course. It was not his place. Instead, he returned to something they had mentioned earlier. To try and keep the conversation going.

"You... said you spend more time with creatures than people," Sable started softly. "Do you work with them or... train them?"

He put a hand to his chest in relief "Oh thank goodness I didn't wish to upset you in any way I am glad it didn't come off that way" His eyes then widened amazed at what the other said next "A guard and a hunter? That's amazing!" He said happily not having met someone like him before "I suppose my way of thinking is different than most but I'm glad you agree and can understand my way of thinking. Most just consider it strange and move on ya know?" he asked tilting his head some

Darius ran and played letting out a little noise at being pinned and tackled, squirming and lightly pushing at her underbelly with his back legs letting out a playful little roar seeming rather content with their games just enjoying time with the other drake. Mikael looked at them and then smiled and nodded "Right then!" He looked to a barmaid "Ma'am an ale for my friend please!" he called before looking to the other "are you sure? I really don't mind" he asked a bit surprised by the others insistence. He then noticed the other gazing into his eyes and tilted his head some "Everything alright?" he asked before hearing the question. "Oh with creatures? I work with them and take care of the injured. If they wish to stay with me I am more than happy to have them accompany me but if they have a home to return to then I just heal them and let them go on" He replied simply

He didn't know about amazing, but it was nice to have someone that understood creatures and... strangeness. "I know the feeling better than most, I think," said somewhat partially under his breath as the weight of all the loneliness of being strange and moved on from rested on his shoulders, though it was loud enough for Mikael to hear in his carelessness and ease.

Too close, he warned himself in the aftermath, stifling a wince. His words were edging too close to himself—to his heart, which was already wounded—and that was dangerous, a risk and weakness he couldn't allow himself. Not after... not... after...

Icy eyes fell on Darius with his roar, and he watched Celeste, waiting for her response, and using that distraction to keep his mind from wandering. It was good to see that she was taking his warning to heart and not attempting anything too energetic. Her own roar was quieter than he knew it could be, and she untangled herself from Darius, pulling back a little and electing to lie down for a moment, her heavier breathing from their playing quite obvious.

...if only that distraction had been enough to keep his gaze from drifting back as the other man spoke with the barmaid, to keep him from staring at the ethereal glow cast by Mikael's gaze. Instead, he was caught. Instead, he scrambled to answer a question that had him feeling embarrassed for no reason at all. "Oh, y-yes, everything is... fine."

Fortunately, Sable was able to deflect away from this and asked after something that Mikael proved to be passionate about. Their answer had him admiring them a bit, a curious tilt of his head accompanying the gentle way he watched them speak about their work. Not many put much thought into the beings of the world that were not capable of common speech. Very few ever cared about those that scurried and scattered, that could fly or swim about, their lives simple when considering it as survival, but no less meaningful.

"...do you venture out in search of them, the injured ones?" he found himself asking, genuinely curious. "Or do people bring them to you?" A flicker of a tail caught his eye, and he looked over to the two drakes. "...is that how you met Darius?"

The question slipped free before he could catch it, forgetting his place as a stranger. "If you don't mind me asking, of course," he added quickly. "I am simply... not very good at... this," came softer motioning to the space between them in an attempt to communicate conversation, that he wasn't very good at conversation.

He nodded with a small smile glad the other could understand before sending the loneliness “well on the bright side we aren’t alone now right? We’ve got each other for right now and I’d say that’s quite amazing” he remarked filled with optimism and hope as Always. He always tried to see the bright side of things even when it was hard to. He however let it be after his comment seeing the other close off again. So with that he looked to the two as well

Darius seeing her lay down waddled over to her and lightly nudged her cheek as a thank you before he circled and laid down himself by her seemingly content and a bit tired himself after all the fun playing around.

He nodded hearing the others reply and finished the order to the barmaid with a bright friendly smile before looking back to the other and the two drakes “looks like they’ve worn themselves out” he remarked with a soft chuckle seeing the two curled up.

He then paused upon hearing the others words his gaze moving back to the other with a nod and a smile “usually I hear about a creature and go to find it but a few have brought them to me for help. Darius was the runt of the family and was Ill. The breeder wanted to toss him as he had decided he wasn’t valuable since he was the one that he couldn’t sell. So I took him and nursed him back to health” he smiled a bit “he was quite the little troublemaker and took a good while to trust me but I’m glad he does now though he is still quite sassy” he remarked softly with a happy and loving look in his gaze “doesn’t even want to stay home with the others when I’m away”

“Ah don’t be sorry I don’t mind at all. Any and all questions you have I am more than happy to answer. I’m rather happy to be conversing with you. You seem like a very kind person and Celeste is certainly proof of that as well as how caring you are. She has taken quite the shine to you I’d say” he remarked happily looking to the other “so far with conversation I’d say you’re doing wonderfully Sable” he replied

Mikael's optimism was gentle in a way Sable wasn't expecting. He was far more used to the way it could be grating or abrasive at times, cloying as it dripped from the lips of those who didn't understand or were partially delusional when it came to what was truly happening around them. All too often he found himself dealing and enduring those that were blinded by the hope that Sable had felt the barbs of betrayal from too many times before, and while he tried to not think less of them for it—for their ignorance or inexperience—he tended to shy away to avoid being struck again by optimism's punishing whip.

That was not the case with Mikael, though. There was no sting across his cheek as he was corrected for his mistakes, no inferno that swallowed him whole and left his arms scarred beneath his sleeves. There was no warmth either, no feather-light touch that grounded and guided him. All had passed or been stolen away, but this was... different, too. It did not hurt and was gentle. In that difference.

It was likely what allowed Sable to entertain a small smile, his gaze fond as it trailed to Celeste where she now lay with Darius, the sharpness of his features softening a touch. "...before something was knocked off the table by accident, even," he said fondly, reaching out to run his knuckles along the scales along her spine and eliciting a small shiver from the drake that had an amused hum escaping him as she flicked her tail at him.

The tightness in his chest eased up a little, and his attention returned to Mikael. Listening intently, the other man's kindness was only further proved the more he spoke of his work. "It sounds like they are lucky to have you watching over and taking care of you, then," he said, meaning every word. "There are not many who... care. About others, let alone the... creatures of the world. A lot are either left... or forgotten."

A quiet bit of melancholy came to him then as he wondered not for the first time what fate had brought Celeste to him. Was he truly better than the life that she might have had before? Both emotion and notion were dismissed, though, dashed away like driftwood against a rocky shore.

"Celeste is quite mischievous herself," he said instead, remaining in that gentle light that Mikael created. "...I have a feeling that she will not grow out of it, and it is clear to me—clear to both of us, I imagine, that your bond with Darius is quite strong." Sable's thumb teased at the ice drake's wing, sliding across the partially folded membrane there. "It is... endearing to see."

Mikael's next words had Sable freezing in place, tension a sudden bolt of lightning that ran down his spine. He had been slowly getting used to their gentleness, to their kindness and brightness, but the compliments that came had him faltering, his cheeks suddenly growing warm in that fleeting and fluttering way he had never quite gotten used to. The one that was a more delicate form of embarrassment, that was from feeling more than a little undeserving of what was said.

"I-I... that is..." thought fled as his tongue failed to work for a moment, but he forced himself to try, to not just lock up and go silent. "Th-thank you, I think. I... try to do right by her, and owe her... a great deal myself, but... thank you, Mikael. It is kind of you to say."

Mikael nodded with a bright smile as he looked to the two drakes before glancing back up “yes that’s quite true. The feeling of being forgotten is quite the burden and hard. I don’t want the creatures to face that. Even if it isn’t much I try to give them a home and help if they wish for it. “ his smile seemed a little more sad as he thought on that before it returned to normal “but we all have each other now so no one is alone” he replied gently patting darius on the head.

“Wel they are who they are mischief or not” he chuckled and nodded hearing the next words and blushing a little “oh thank you. I do my best to keep him happy and cared for that’s for sure” he remarked rubbing the back of his head a little.

His smile brightened and he nodded, cheeks still a little pink “of course! It’s the truth after all. She has a lot of trust in you and her behavior shows she has been treated with kindness and love.” He replied softly “it gives hope to see another looking after them so well” he replied his gaze looking back up to the other

The yawning expanse that opened up with the loneliness of being left behind and forgotten tugged at the jagged wounds of Sable's soul. 'Quite the burden,' Mikael said, and the one that constricted itself within him was made worse by sharp edges and the memory of a time when it hadn't been the case.

Although he hadn't known it initially, though, Sable now found himself sitting with someone who helped ease such a thing in others, in those that might not be considered worth it. The effort, the care, the patience. Just an animal, he could hear in the voices of those who had looked down on his family's ways of embracing nature and all its blessings. Better to put it out of its misery.

He much preferred hearing about someone that did care, someone that took the time required to help. It was genuine, too, the expression Mikael wore and the way he spoke so telling of this.

"I think it is much more than you are giving yourself credit for," he countered softly, his voice gentle. "And that is... coming from a former hunter that has seen—" the cruelties of others enacted on the 'lesser' creatures, he didn't say, "—a great deal before giving it up."

Anything else was interrupted by the barmaid returning with their order, Sable's thanks given quietly to her as he paid, tipping her generously. And while it was not a lifeline by any means, and while he wasn't one for drinking copious amounts, he was grateful for something to keep his hands—and maybe even his mind should his thoughts drift or go frantic—busy, the tankard lifted to his lips as he took a long pull from it.

He'd use that as his excuse for blushing at the compliments. It was the only reason, truly, just as it was likely the reason Mikael also blushed a little, the faintest bit of rosey color... captivating against his darkened skin.

No sooner had he noticed it was he then averting his icy eyes just as suddenly, finding Celeste looking at him with a knowing sort of expression, her eyes carrying a wisdom her small form wouldn't otherwise betray. Even though he never said it, even as she couldn't, it was love and trust. and they both knew it.

"I am... glad that you can find hope in it," Sable said, voice soft as always, the cold strength it carried tempered. "And I find that it is... refreshing to see another with a similar companion." A whisper of a smile returned to him, a quiet hum of amusement sparked to life in his words. "Another 'odd pair,' as it were," he added... before realizing what he had said.

"N-not that you are odd, of course," Sable quickly corrected himself. "It is simply... something that has been said to me. Before. I meant no offense by it."