Vail’s eyes widen in surprise as the young woman playfully pats his head. He was used to anyone touching him, especially not since he left Darkveil.

“N-no it’s okay. I… I don’t mind. I suppose I’m just used to focusing on work and business, so something so casual is a bit jarring.”

As the girl released his hand, he looked down at both of his.
His left was as pale as the rest of his body. Uncovered, it was a reminder to him that he was still himself.
His right was wrapped tight in black cloth and gloved. The covering made no difference, with or without it, he couldn’t feel anything he touched. It was his shame personified; a signifier of his unnatural state compared to everyone around him.

Part of him debated whether he could do this. Whether it be easier for him to just run his gloved right through her hair and be done with it, letting her be none the wiser that he didn’t feel a thing. He debated whether he deserved this.

Come on now, stop feeling sorry for yourself and live for once.

He took a deep breath and closed his eyes momentarily before smiling. Looking the young woman in the eyes, he gently placed his left hand on the side of her face.

“Keyke… thanks for reminding me that it’s okay to live.”

He lets his fingers drift through her hair as they pull away. He looks towards peak of the mountain path as he holds his smile.

“I can’t remember the last time I smiled this much.”

He leans back into his seat at his companion’s announcement.

“When we arrive, we should celebrate our hard work, or rather lack thereof, with a cold drink. What say you Keyke?”

   His little debate on which hand to use was honestly kind of hilarious. I could only wonder why it was, perhaps something was wrong with his right hand, a prosthetic perhaps? Maybe he was wondering if it's alright to leave a trace, like a bit of magic could attach itself to me? Or could he be one of those, what were they called? Mancers? I hear that some of their skin to skin contact is very harmful.

   My own thought stopped as I felt warm skin rubbing my head through my hair. I instantly pushed my head into the rubs and preened at the physical affection. What can I say, very few I know have soft enough hands to rub this nice. much less actually do it. I think back to all the times the wood elves tried to give physical affection and forget about the vines or any bark aspects they unknowingly have collected from around them.

   I smile hearing how I could help Vail find life, feeling the kinship grow over the probable need that both wish for physical contact but wish for it only from those they trust.

   Hearing an offer about the drink options without even needing to ask about his flavor preferences, it only added to the preening feeling I had accumulated over this trip. I gave a quick applause, before stopping and having to think. "I know just the place for a good drink! I know someone who works there, but they are out of town for school at the moment." I pause and quickly fixed what I realized I had not said. "Yes, though, we can definitely get a cold drink to celebrate the lack of action!" I give a little fist bump into the air.

In truth, Vail looked to the peak of the mountain for multiple reasons. He was enjoying the scenery as held his smile, but part of him, somewhere deep down, was worried.
Worried that he had overstepped, that he’d misread the situation and showed a bit too much affection.

He looked back to his companion, preparing himself for the worst, only to be relieved by the young woman’s smile.
Her eagerness to share a drink only further cemented his feeling of relief, he felt that he could finally put concerns aside and just enjoy someone's company for once.

“It’s a shame I won’t be able to meet your friend, I’m sure I’d get along with anyone who’d associate with.”

Her gesture of excitement elicited a small giggle from the normally stoic man. He’d been so focused on work since the tremors in Darkveil, he forgotten how much he enjoyed spending his time with such easy going people.

As the carriage reached Sky Peak Village, he immediately noticed how thin the air was. It wasn’t something he couldn’t handle, no ash lander could live if they didn’t know how to breath with limited oxygen, but he wondered how the rotund nobles they were escorting were fairing. The effect was palpable on the rest of the guards, so their employer may very well be regretting their decision.

The village seemed peaceful, the few residents walking out looked at them with curiosity, only to look away when they saw the wood elves following us. As the center of the village came into view, the carriage came to a stop. Vail climbed down from the carriage and turned to face companion with a smile as he offered her his hand.

“Come on, let’s go collect our payments and celebrate a job well done.”

   The sylvan elves known for being secluded walking with a wagon of humans, that brings curiosity. It is quickly replaced with understanding when sighting me on top. It felt weird being basically paraded through the town. It goes all the way till we finally reach what should be the highest non-acclimated people can handle. Looking to Vail, I could tell he is light winded from the atmosphere. I think back to the many thoughts I have talked to hear, this little fact often overlooked making the biggest change in meetings and giving me more power to talk rather than them.

   At the stop, Vail climbed down neatly and held out his hand. A true gentleman so it seems. I smile at his and look straight in his eyes. I jump right off the top, tossing him my doll as I do so. I keep my eyes on mini me as I am in the air, watching just in case it misses or Vail drops it. I have a light landing and simply skip up to my doll. I look over it and take his hand.

   "I am more than ready for that." I start pulling/dragging, leading the way to the front of the wagon.

Looking the young woman in the eyes, Vail could tell she wasn't going to accept this gesture without some manner of twist. As she threw her doll in the air, he reacted instantly, catching it in his right hand between his thumb and index finger^[1].He handed Keyke her miniature doppelganger with a smirk, only to have her grab his free left hand and begin pulling. The woman's small stature meant she couldn't really drag him along if he wasn't willing, but Vail held his smile as he played along. 

"I have no idea where I'm going, so it's not like you need to drag me along like I'll wander off." he replied in a sarcastic tone.

The pair approached the nobles who looked to be on the verge of asphyxiating due to the thin air. The rest of the guard looked at the pair with a confused expression. Whether it be vast differences between the pair, or simply the fact these two former strangers were now holding hands, he couldn't tell. Either way, Vail paid them no mind. He faced the noble in charge of their payment. 

"Well we're here, time for you to pay me and Keyke."

One of the other nobles spoke up in a nervous tone.

"B-but we didn't encounter any danger…"

Vail immediately side-eyed the noble, giving him the message that there was nothing stopping the ash lander from taking his dues from their possessions should they be stingy on their payment. 

"P-pay them in full…" the outspoken noble added nervously.

Once the pair had gotten their solars, Vail looked down to his companion with a smirk.

"Now let's go get those drinks."

---

[1] Steel Catch

   The sarcasm that runs in his words freely was a true dosage of happiness and thrill. I made note of his natural ability to joke even in the extreme and normal atmospheres. The difference of atmosphere between breathing is was so dramatic. The guards still shaking from fear, but I seems the nobles were to prideful to understand what exactly happened.

   Once more the fear of Vail's looks, and dramatic nature, gave us a quick and easy escape from the caravan. After Vail had given his permission to follow me to our destination, I grabbed him once more and pulled him through the crowds. "Stick close, don't want you to miss a turn and be lost!" I call out behind me, giving a teasing giggle at the end.

   As we travel, I look around the city, many noticing and giving a friendly greeting as we pass by. Sometimes I simple nod back, others I reply in either a warning tone or an unassuming child-like way. The trip constantly changing from tunnel to tunnel, ladder to ladder, or stairs to a solid flat surface on the rare time.

   I could think of one place other than Sky Gardens that would be willing to work with us. Bird's Perch, the five story Inn with one of the top kitchens here! That was the destination that I had in mind, hoping that Vail would understand, while warm, I find it holds much variety to each beholder. After all, what good is an Inn that doesn't allow a basic brewing of drinks?

As the young woman grabbed Vail’s hand, his smirk formed into a smile. It was a rare occurrence for him to don a smile without his adrenaline flowing. Usually it was reserved for a hasty getaway or a good fight, whenever he felt the most alive. He felt a small amount of joy as he realized he could feel this way outside of conflict.

“Yes Miss Keyke, I’ll try not to lose you in the crowd.” He replied in an equally playful tone.

Sky Peak definitely lived up to its name. No other village in Charon had this much verticality. He wondered how a vertically challenged woman like Keyke navigated so many ladders and stairs so easily, but he kept his amusing observation to himself.

They arrive in front of a rather fanciful inn, something he couldn't imagine existing in a place as inhospitable as the Dragon’s Spine. He didn’t think that an oasis like this existed outside of the desert.

Proceeding inside, Vail is immediately taken aback by the giant furnace heating the entire building, as well the multi-story kitchen connected via staircases and pulleys.

“This place looks rather nice. I’ve stayed in several inns before but none this warm. Hope it’s not too expensive solarwise, I kind of want to hold onto this payment after all.”

As the pair seated themselves at a table, Vail was forced to lean forward quite a ways in order to stay at eye level with his companion.

“So, what do you usually get?” He asked from his mildly uncomfortable position.

   After the host seats us down at a table with four chairs, I place my doll on one of them. It sits up straight and proper. My smile remains on my face as I turn to Vail. I watch as he leans over the table to keep to my height, looking very uncomfortable. I release the giggle that has been building up, "Sit how you want, I don't find you scary. Trust me, I've seen worse." I raise my hand and signal a lift for his body.

    I kick my legs thinking about the drinks menu, public and private menu options. "I like their teas, but not in the mood for that. Cold drinks sound really good after that trip." I pause and watch my friend, before an idea came to me. "How do you feel about boba? I know lots of people who like it, but there are some people who refuse to have it. Oh! How do you feel about cold brew coffee? If so, what kind of roast, dark, medium, light?" I stop my splurge of questions to let him talk, having to cover my mouth to stop my ramblings of the available drinks and what we could share.

“Well dang, I’m glad you’ve seen worse.” Vail replied in a sarcastic tone.

A stray thought ran through his head; his outward appearance, while intimidating, couldn’t compare to the brutality that lay in wait. Of course, Keyke hadn’t seen what horror awaited those who met the wrath of his other half, if she did, could she still joke so casually? He brushed the wayward thought aside; this was a time for relaxation, not worry. Recomposed, he returned her comment with some banter of his own.

“I know I’m not going to scare you Keyke, if anything I’m sitting like this to meet you eye to eye. I might also be sitting like this to draw less attention from the other patrons. Due to our differences, they might come to some nefarious conclusions, or worse yet, due to your young looks they may think us father and daughter.” He replied with a sly smile, knowing she wasn’t ready for this level of teasing.

His eyes examine the menu as his ears take her words into careful consideration. In honesty, he had little experience with the drinks she described. Being raised in a tavern since a young meant he grew up surrounded by alcohol, so naturally he grew an affinity for the substance.

“I never had this boba stuff you speak of. As for coffee, I usually go dark. I’ll leave it up you, what do you think I would like?”

   I could see his thought process, a contemplation of something. What it could be completely alludes me, as I don't have any form of mind reading powers, only researching of the past.

   Nefarious, funny how that word means so little to me. After the many criminals and guards of the many regions coming to me and talking with me in the most shady ways, I don't fear it at all. The second factor was what had caught me, a father, a figure I never could have. My bio father never gave much thought to me, the middle child of nine, but it was his decision to make when he started to make the bloodline. My family of heart became the Dryadali, but everyone was connected to another. I already stood out from being a human, much less a child with no want to play.

   My spiral ends for the calming drinks to plan, especially when Vail is giving me creativity rights. I bounce a bit in my sit after gaining the implied approval. I start to write out everything in my mind for his order. "I think you might like a Cold Dark Brew Tapioca Black-sugar Boba. Cooling but hold a balance for the no meed to add much sugar or milk due to the pearls." I gave a small clap, "Does that sound about what you are looking for?" A smirk lining my face.

Vail noticed a palpable discomfort arise in Keyke from his comments. He drew his gaze downward in shame at his mistake.

Idiot, you just had to run your mouth.

With a low sigh, he lifts his gaze upward as he meets his companion’s eyes with a concerned expression.

"I'm sorry, it appears I struck a nerve, that wasn't my intention. I'm afraid I'm bad at understanding those sorts of relationships." 

His eyes wander from his companion, staring off into space at nothing in particular.

"I never knew my father very well. I was born to be a tool, an asset to him, nothing more. I was simply another stepping stone for him to move up within the oppressive underworld of Darkveil. He never showed any interest in me, aside from making sure I was productive."

He brings eyes back to the table as he recomposes himself.

“I’m just a mess, aren’t I? I try to make some lighthearted banter and I end up ruining this relaxing mood. I’m so sorry Keyke.”

He closes his eyes momentarily as he refocuses on his drink choice. Perhaps a little sweetness was just what he needed at this point.

“Okay I will go with your suggestion.” He replied with a weak smile.

   I give a little clap, and signal one of the waitresses. A sylvian elf walks forward excitedly, recognizing me, and quickly pulls the entire rapid fire questions that the family does. "Keyke! Hows it going? How Nitin? Any luck on your research? What do you want to drink? Where is Nitin anyway? Are you dating yet? How about-" I stop her before she could reveal anything else, "We'll be having the cold brew boba! Dark brew with black-sugar tapioca pearls!Nit is finishing novice school, so he-isn't-here." I stressed the final three words through my teeth. She completely ignored me and wrote down the order. "Coming right up! give me the deets when I get back~!" She gave a skip away.

   I covered my face, slightly happy she broke the down mood but also hating the fact she completely through me under the bus. I simply groaned while hitting my forehead on the table, keeping my face covered. "Sorry about her, she's one of the friends of that other friend I told you about before."

Vail is taken aback by the sheer barrage of questions the waitress asked of Keyke. He felt that awkward sensation of being a third wheel to the conversation, but that feeling was quickly replaced by his amusement from Keyke’s embarrassment. Whatever regret and sadness he’d previously felt was now overtaken by a mischievous need to dig into his companion’s personal drama. Whatever could cause her this much turmoil was likely worth knowing; if only as ammunition to tease her with. Research, Nitin, Now there were multiple leads to satiate his curiosity with. He placed his elbow on the table as he rested his head in hand, an amused smirk adorning his face. He gives the waitress a wink of thanks for her assistance, before looking back to the clearly annoyed young woman.

“So, where would you like to begin? I’m curious about everything she asked about, both your research and this Nitin fellow. I’ve given you a bit of my past and current goals, only fair that you return the favor.” he replied in a smug tone.

He leaned back into his seat, eagerly awaiting Keyke’s response.

   The smugness in his tone reminded me so much of Nit. Perhaps that's why I felt so familiar with him. I raised my head, looking him dead in the eyes with a light glare, showing I recognized the tone and the meaning. After a moment, I laid my head back on the table. Hidden by my arms, I give a crazed grin, ready to have a bit fun with this trade off. "Well, I talk much about my research." I pause, "At least out loud." I smirked, ready to see if he could handle my multi communication.

I start to disassociate on the surrounding area as my mind works to layer my message to happen at the same time as my voice. "Let's start with Nit, he is my closest friend!" "Let's begin with space, it's always so interesting." "Lets see, he left for the magic academy to learn more to the earth domain." "I am studying to apply magic to more interesting places, planning new spells" I give a light smile to Vail, looking into his reaction to know if he could understand, or if my plan was too much and little was absorbed in his head.

---

1. Message(will be bold and underlined with purple)

Vail meets Keyke’s glare with a smile, one that only grows as her words begin to enter his mind as well as his ears. He continues to lean back, unfazed by the spell; he’d had experienced a similar magic before, only in a much more dire circumstance.

"Interesting trick Keyke, I'm following along. But fair word of warning, you should maybe ask next time before you use this trick on someone. I have met others whose minds aren't entirely their own and whatever lies inside them might not take kindly to visitors."

"I've never had an affinity to magic, until recently, I'm afraid." He mutters as he looks down at his left hand lightly glowing on command as it rests underneath the table^[1]. It was a strange feeling, having some form of magic flow through you after living without it for so long. It felt as foreign as his invasive guest, but perhaps, he could do some good with it. It was flowing through more than just his right arm after all. Whatever power this was, he had some control over it, which was a welcome improvement.

He maintains a calm expression as he lifts his eyes back up to his companion.

"Whatever you're planning, I hope you air on the side of caution. I've heard stories of those consumed by their studies to the point that they sacrifice their life for a mere taste of power."

Their discussion, both inner and outer, is interrupted as the waitress returns with their refreshments. The sylvian elf quickly placed their respective drinks down before resuming her conversation with Keyke. Vail curiously eyes the orbs resting at the bottom of his drink, wondering if they could serve some ulterior purpose.

---

[1]Bare Hands: Holy Enchantment