In Lost Dreams the Four Were Bound

38 - Davnian - Tying it Together

"So then, you're an amnesiac?" a world-weary talvuo man inquired as Neris plied her wiles while doting on the grey-haired huntsman. Bedimer was his name, as Davnian recalled. Adorned with a blade and a silver lantern, the old man was outfitted with unsurpassed finery compared to most of his kin. Looking at his green-clad frame garbed in a harness of hardened leather, Davnian would have mistaken him for any of the other would-be soldiers or hunters. But even without the ornaments, Davnian could tell the man was seasoned, if not jaded. "Many have feared your awakening, but if they had the chance to speak, I think they'd be as befuddled as I am."

"Even then I doubt most would forget their worries." Davnian laughed, tapping his claw along the wooden railing of their current vista. They had made rounds and begun their trek to the outer reaches of the village, taking a solitary, far-off path at the farthest reaches of the Hyunisti's home.

"I must admit, naisure Davnian," Bedimer began, gesturing to Davnian's claw, "even I'm somewhat put off standing so close. You're well within reach. I doubt I'd have time to react."

"Is that suspicion, brave Bedimer?" Neris cooed from beside the old man. She ran her hands along his shoulders, but the huntsman was unfazed.

Bedimer laughed. "Your wiles are put to ill use in public, vindal." The old man wasn't used to the attention, much less in the company of others.

"But there's only the three of us here. Think what mischief a trio could do hidden beneath the branches, vivahr." Davnian almost laughed as Neris overplayed the part. She was less than serious, though he knew if the man gave her even a sliver of interest, she would take him for everything he had. As she danced her other hand across his hanging arm, Bedimer staved off a shiver. "Besides, your duty comes later, and surely you're well-rested this late in the day."

"A younger me would be ripe for the task. But even now, I should get to my rounds," Bedimer said, brushing her off.

As Neris continued to ply at the man's morale, Davnian glanced every now and then to the Hyunisti's shades. He was a rarity, something Davnian had only glimpsed among the other villagers. The talvuo was gripped by two figures: the ephemeral husk of himself and a talvuo woman attached to the other. As Bedimer played Neris off, his shade betrayed a weary demeanor. Sagging, bubbling shoulders and hanging, gaping eyes gripped its visage. Its body was stoic and static, unwavering as the female shade beside it tugged and tried to drag it off. The feminine one wore a face mixed with joy and worry, like a jester's mask flipping between moments of applause and scorn. Unlike the other, it was animated and alive. Every now and then, it turned to Davnian with a look of wonder and supplication. It gestured for help to move the shade so stuck in its place, but Davnian could not do anything about it.

"Very well, though I expect to hear your call again one of these nights." Neris wore a playful smirk as she pranced away from him.

"You know no shame, do you vindal?" Bedimer said, laughing off the remark, embarrassed as his personal tryst was laid to bare at Davnian's feet.

"There's no shame in self-indulgence, especially that which is reciprocated," Neris teased as she ran her hand along Davnian's shoulders. He wondered how long she could keep up this act before either dismissing the idea or forcing the outcome.

[There's no worry. You're here to distract her, after all,] the other within his brain replied to his query as if it were certain.

[I'm sure there are plenty of distractions around,] Davnian said.

"My apologies for not staying longer," Bedimer said, bowing his head. "Naisure, vindal."

"You may have leave, gracious Bedimer, but please, don't be shy." Neris ran her free hand along Davnian's chest as she bowed. Davnian echoed the gesture.