Penumbral

Chapter 23: Couple Duality

The three women walked through Hylsadrou's gate in silence, for several minutes Kelige thought about striking a conversation with Aurora but didn't want to over share, an idea sparked and she questioned the Demi-Human.

-Aurora, did you know me and Tuinn used to get on each other's nerves not too long ago?- The Darkan's voice was slightly strained as she set on a relatively personal theme.

-I do remember a lack of Telfan technology in the Darkan district... do your races have a quarrel?- The Demi-Human responded with curiosity.

-Yes, most Darkan are... "stuck" in their ways- Tuinn responded with caution.

-Tui no need to be like that, I know how my kin are- Kalige gives a slight smirk and continues talking -You see Aurora, a large number of Darkans are very atuned to the world flow... darkness is... cruel... however that does not stop them from expanding their link with the flow-

-Telfans on the other hand do not see the flow as a force of nature to be communed with, my kind uses it as tool to create new things to benefit themselves- The Telfan sighs -A few years ago in Luldnaw the board of minds managed to harness the flow and use our aspects to charge these new machines... there have been some disagreements on bringing it to Hylsadrou but in the end I convinced the board-

-And I'm thankful for that... unlike before- The Darkan spoke in an unnerved tone -I'm sorry Tuinn-

-I apologize as well... culture is... strong, it leads us towards how our ancestors believe we should act- The Telfan concluded in a sad tone.

-I won the fight though- Kalige spoke with a smile.

Tuinn smiled before setting a small flame in Kalige's overcoat, the Darkan quickly put it out and scoffed, the dark skinned woman shackled her Telfan fellow with shadow chains and continued walking, Tuinn tripped and as she got up both Council women laughed.

-Thank you Kalige... oh Aurora why don't you tell us about yourself?- Tuinn spoke between laughs.

The two laughing women adjusted themselves and beckoned for Aurora to follow and talk.

-Well my life isn't that interesting... I was always home reading books or training for most of my years-

-You were sheltered then?- Kalige asked while tilting her head.

-I... I never thought about it... I always had books to read and my parents to talk to... when I was younger I used to sneak out to Huia... I don't feel like talking about how that ended- The Demi-Human started questioning her life in silence.

-It's quite alright...- Kalige noticed the grim mood Aurora began to feel -Would you like to hear some interesting stories about request brought to the Council?-

-Kalige! We cannot discuss something like that- Tuinn lectured.

-Don't worry I'll only tell the funny ones, what do you think half Scaleborn girl?- Kalige said while trying to cheer the Demi-Human up.

-S-sure I would like that-

As the three continued their way Tuinn's mind submerged in concern "Poor Kalige... hiding herself in jokes... I suppose it'd be good for me too... my little Jen..."

Alimur backflipped to dodge the low sword swipe from the lion Beastkin attacking him, once the Human touched the ground he extended his shadow arm to grasp at Mufam's shield and disarm him, the Beastkin smiled and pulled the Gaisgeach by his whip like shadow arm and the Human soared towards Mufam from the pull, the Beastkin readied himself to cut Alimur, as the Human got whithin range he quickly unsummoned his arm and summoned it again with a shield, he parried Mufam's slash and pierced underneath his arm, the Beastkin backsteped and tried to pierce the Human but a stone wall formed in front of him.