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It was rare for Regelus to feel tired, even rarer for him to feel old or worn. He had been around for longer than many others even of his race; one of the few original Angenis, he had been watching the world and the people and Soquili in it since...well, he honestly didn't know. As the Keeper of Destiny, it had been his duty to watch for dissension and lack of faith and nudge those that lapsed from the path back into the way of acceptance. That duty had eventually brought him to the Kawani lands, where understanding and acceptance of fate were at distressingly low levels; since his arrival, he had been moving among the lands, sharing the wonder of things yet to come and the ultimate reward that would accompany that coming, if only people would let it in.

It had been an important duty, and he had taken it very seriously. Regelus himself had always been honor-bound, and he lived up to his domain: calm of temper, steady of nerve, he took the bad with the good and a grain of salt, serene in the knowledge that everything that happened was meant to happen and would be for the best.

However, a new and unforeseen duty had become his several months ago, and it was proving to try his nerves and legendary calmness like nothing ever had before. That duty was responsibility for another Angeni; unlike Regelus, his mentee, Ausdauer, was one of the younger generation. Ausdauer's domain was perseverance, and it had manifested in the form of a hard-headedness and dedication to doing what he himself felt like, regardless of the wishes or wants of others. This brashness had managed to anger Ausdauer's guardian spirit, cating him out of favor and into penance in the form of a small pony for one year of his life. That being complete, he had been given over to Regelus' guardianship, that he might learn from Regelus the proper attention to duty and honor.

Needless to say, it had been a trial for both. Ausdauer was good-hearted, but his stubbornness was something that Regelus was unused to. Regelus himself had yet to crack under the pressure, but he was far more ready than he would like to admit to allow Ausdauer to have some time to himself. Today had seen the two part ways for some mutual de-stressing, and Regelus was taking advantage of that break to indulge in some quiet meditation.

It was a lovely afternoon, and he had found a pleasant spot atop a small rise on which to settle himself. It was just above a small pond and afforded the calm aspect of the forest; he had stationed himself facing the woods, spread wide all of his wings, closed his eyes, and allowed the warm light to bathe and cleanse body his body and spirit. In the sunlight, his many ornaments and jewels gleaned even brighter than usual, brilliant and glowing against his deep coat.

For his own lot, Regelus had no other excuse than his own inward concentration for why he didn't notice the arrival of another. Then again, time and long experience had taught him the value and importance of the inward-facing eye, and the equal importance of sanity and taking the time to clear his mind. He found the greatest contentment in his meditating, especially where he could also enjoy the effects of the sunlight on his dark coat, and could adopt a nearly zen-like state, if he so desired.

However, he also knew the value of not being completely oblivious to the surrounding world, even when deep in thought. The world, for all of its good points, could also be a dangerous place; while his size and the fact that he was an angeni would be a deterrent for some, there were others who would take it as a challenge and wouldn't hesitate to take advantage of an angeni with his proverbial guard down. Consequently, in spite of his inward focus he was aware of Kaiya's presence before she had even had a chance to nicker. But it was that very obvious gesture of greeting that caused him to lower his wings, open his eyes, and regard the other creature.

That she was an angeni required no explanation. That she was a pure was equally obvious, as she had none of the frantic energy, mixed traits, or small size typically associated with those of mixed blood. Her appearance was a trifle unusual, but he was sure that her's was relevant to her task in life and besides, it was never sporting to judge based on appearance. Regardless, it would be pleasant to converse with another, especially if she was as placid as she appeared.

Folding back his wings, he gave the mare a light, cordial bow. "Good day to you. I do hope that I neither obstructed or distracted you from anything important."

If asked, Regelus wouldn't be able to state the origins of his body ornaments. For as long as he could remember, he'd sported the silvery decorations at his back, headwings, neck, shoulders, wings, and legs; had the blue jewels dangling from his wings, and born the symbolic Key of Fate around his neck. He slept with them on, bathed them along with himself; they were as much a part of his being as his mane or feathers. But he was also aware that it was less then common for Soquili to be decked out in such a manner, and he acknowledged the accompanying surprise with dignity and good grace. Few people ever understood the honor, that the ornamentation tied in with the markings on his own coat and body and that the jewels were the exact same shade of piercing blue as his eyes. Even fewer understood the key, but that was just as well; the last thing he needed was for more cocky youngsters to feel the need to try and pilfer it!

However, in spite of the common nature of his being stared at, he appreciated the decorum exercised on the part of the mare in not staring; yet another sign of her good manners and obvious purity. Many of the Angeni race sported significant physical reminders of their duties; either in their coloration or their ornamentation, so it was likely no surprise for her to see another so bedecked. Or perhaps her domain was good graces!

At her apology, he smiled in his kind but detached way. "There is no reason to apologize, my friend. I may have been trying to draw some peace from the spirits, but there is no reason to assume that I can't also draw some peace from pleasant conversation and fellowship, assuming that you are willing to oblige me." Flexing his wings to allow the dangling jewels to straighten themselves out, he then folded them against his back, the many feathers concealing most of his back ornaments. "I too have been a long time without the pleasant diversion of meeting another of the older of our kind."

It was playing with fire, to refer to the mare as older, but he expected that she would know what he meant. Obviously she was pure, but he would also bet heavily on her being an original Angeni, not born in these lands. And she also lacked the fretfulness of the younger first generations, such as his trying protegee. It had been more than a year since Ausdauer had come to him, but the younger Angeni still seemed as childlike as ever. Perhaps one of these days...

But that was not a thought for the moment. The occupation of the hour was to enjoy this glorious diversion, bestowed by benevolent Fate herself! "But who do I have the pleasure of addressing? I am called Regelus, bound to serve the will of Fate." His speech was formal, but so too was and always had been his manner. No one could ever accuse him of slacking when it came to protocol!

Regelus approved, both of the meeting and the mare. While he would unswervingly follow through with his duties, even the oldest of Angenis could find themselves overwhelmed and feeling isolated. In a world full of chaos, faithlessness, and self-importance, it could sometimes make one feel like they were completely alone; an island in a sea of chattering voices. Regelus had never given in to any form of despair; he, at least, had the serenity available in the form of knowledge that everything that was happening, both to himself and to those around him, was for a higher purpose. But it pained him to see others give in to their despair or frustration, especially those that should be embracing a higher calling. Too many times had his own protege, Ausdauer, had the audacity to question his purpose and his spirit, both in seriousness and, worse, in jest. If Regelus himself was to be driven to despair, it would be by the despair of others.

Which was why the appearance of Kaiya would be good for him for a few reasons, and he offered a silent prayer of thanks to the all-knowing Fates who provided him with a companion who he could talk to, rather than talk at. Short as this meeting would inevitably be, for however long it lasted he would be able to converse with another of the Blood that truly understood.

Still, he wasn't the type to ever be even moderately exuberant; his pleasure showed in his mild smile and in his bright eyes as he bowed in response to Kaiya's introduction. "Well, it is already a pleasure for me, Kaiya. Tell me, what is it that brings you to this part of the Kawani lands? Are you seeking a specific soul, or is this more a journey for discovery? Or are you perhaps making a home here, for the time being? I myself am a transient who found that this place charmingly served my purposes as a place of peace and solitude."

Regelus nodded approvingly as he listened to Kaiya, finding her words sensible and proper and her points valid. He too found a great to enjoy in the quiet, understated beauty of this part of the Kawani lands, and he too was surprised that there weren't more permanent residents. However, that was advantageous when he needed time to clear his mind, and was definitely beneficial when it came to reining in his occasionally wayward charge. It was an exchange; the opportunity to do good for his charge at the expense of mingling with the populace. He knew that both were noble and high purposes and did not regret either charge, but he often felt a p***k of conscience that he was neglecting one or the other.

"I too find it unusual how quiet this area is, but at this point it suits my purpose. Our kind doesn't, or shouldn't, if I may be so bold as to offer such a declaration, have a settled home. It isn't our lot to be localized, but to be amongst as much of the Soquili here as we can. I am glad that you feel the same way, for it seems like many of our kinds are actually settling themselves down. There are some whose domains emphasize the peace and security of home life, but I confess that I don't see how settling themselves will help spread their message." Without realizing it, he had begun to pace as he spoke, his words more vocalizations of his own thoughts than a true conversation that invited response. It was an easy practice for one used to the company of his own thoughts, but hardly mannerly when in company.

He realized that he was running away at the mouth after a pause at the end of his speech, and halted his pacing in the same instance. "I apologize, Kaiya; I'm not in the practice of actually speaking to other Angenis, not others who practice the old ways. I confess that I cannot count Ausdauer, good as his heart can be, as one who understands. Were he of my kind, I wouldn't be in the charge of him to begin with." He smiled apologetically at that point, giving Kaiya a short bow. "Please forgive me."