Welcome to Gaia! ::

Along the edges of Zena’s border where Sauti touched some of the southern hills was a large estate. It was a deep gray stone building with three floors, if one included the large cellar for storing food beneath. Through the first hallway was a large dining room that overlooked several fields near the estate. A giant arched window was there, the pride of several craftsmen who had laid the original stones just so before fitting in a window of delicate glass, and the natural lighting with the overlook made it one of the most perfect places to sit. A few scattered cushions, made of deep indigo and velvet material, were nestled together on the stone seat built beneath the window. It was there on that seat where Zyphire currently perched. He enjoyed perching here during the day so that he could observe the outside world in the comfort of the dining hall that was warmed constantly by the large fireplace on the opposing end of the room.

One would have thought that spending most of his youth in Zena would have made the shifter more accustomed to the cold, but in recent years travels had taken him back and forth across the continent and back into the warmer regions such as Jahaur and Oba. Zyphire had enjoyed his time traveling there, his objective to pass letters between his cousins and to visit with them as well, but the warmth had seeped back into his bones and reminded him of how bitter the cold could be. Or perhaps he was just being a bit dramatic? The shifter smirked at the thought before glancing back outside.

At least it was warmer weather. That was the one good thing about being on the edges of Zena. They had a flowing stream that cut through the property and acres of fields that actually grew greenery during the warmer months of the year. A forest marked the transition of the Zenan lands into Sauti and between the acres of fields Zyphire could see dry grasses and other scattered trees that the creatures in the fields preferred to graze upon. His cousin ran an animal sanctuary of sorts and in between his travels, trading letters, saving damsels and doing whatever other exciting things he could find, Zyphire often came back to Zena to stay and help out with things. His cousin kept him fairly busy, always doing chores or helping to watch the children that now roamed the halls again, but Zyphire didn’t mind. He was thankful that he had found his cousins all those years ago. It was nice knowing that he had family, no matter how dramatic he was about the errands the Shifter truly did love them all.

But did Kian have to crash things? Zyphire rolled his eyes though a smile did cross his lips. Who knew that his oldest cousin would actually settle with a woman and have children? Two mischievous boys that were too much like Zyphire and Kian for Talisia’s tastes. The thought made the shifter chuckle as he twisted to better position himself in his perch, “I suppose they’ll keep things lively enough.” So much had happened in the last five years that even Zyphire was still trying to catch up with things. Had it been almost three years since the babies were born? Only a month since Eresin had left on another mage mission of some sorts as well.

Was it about time for him to venture out again? Zyphire sighed as he traced a finger along the cold panes of glass. He could travel again, maybe run into that crazy iceling woman who had helped him out before, and perhaps even piss off more bandits. That did seem to be his habit as of late. An errand boy who also did guarding duty for merchants who paid him coin. Would he just continue doing similar things like this for the next five years as well? Or would he learn from his cousins and finally settle down? Zyphire made a face at the thought. He much preferred being a free spirit, the last five years were proof of that enough. He doubted that there was anything truly to make him change his mind. He had seen enough battles and helped raise enough younglings in this manor to get a good taste of the family life. So far it seemed battles were far more exhilarating and much more to his taste.

But who knew? The last five years hadn’t changed him too much so maybe it was finally his time to go out and find out exactly what he was meant to do. If one believed in destiny and love and all that bullarky that was. Zyphire just chuckled at the thought before closing his eyes to settle into an afternoon nap. Only time would tell what his future held in store for him after all. There was no need to try and figure it out now.


[WC: 830]