"If you have never known anything else, it is easy to see injustices as normal," Veryan mentioned, although he wasn't trying to belittle the drow's culture and society. The elf brushed a hand through his hair, combing it out as they spoke.

Veryan was almost slightly surprised at Xuneari's willingness to adventure. Not that he hadn't wanted such a response, he just hadn't exactly anticipated it. The thought of letting this drow out of his cell prematurely continued to roll around in his mind. Although the elves had planned to let Xuneari live amongst them eventually, with the way everyone was acting and going about things, he had doubts it'd be within any realistic time frame. Veryan knew it'd be held against him as treason if he were to act on these ideas.

"Do you drows eat?" Veryan asked, considering Xuneari hadn't touched much of his food. Not that the elf really expected him to have too much of an appetite; especially with the gruel he was being offered. Yet, it'd meet in interest with his upcoming question, of what they ate.

Xuneari had no response to Veryan’s words. There wasn’t anything to say about them, the elf was right after all. Or at least to an extent Xuneari could see the words as being somewhat right. What one race or society believed was going to be different from another, so what was acceptable in one might be almost like a crime in another.

He had to laugh slightly at Veryan’s question. It seemed such a stupid thing to ask. “Of course we eat,” he said.

((ugh sorry it’s kinda crappy))

"Oh? Really?" Veryan said, faking some form of surprise. "What ever would drows eat?" He questioned, seemingly puzzled, as if the question was rather perplexing. There was a hint of sarcasm in his overall tone, yet not in an insulting manner. "Because this one does not eat," The elf said, tapping on the door of Xuneari's cell, to show it was him Veryan was referring to.

Veryan walked a bit further down the hall, away from the drow's personal prison. He didn't walk far enough, however, to be out of earshot of Xuneari's reply, and he turned to pace back to where he'd began from; as if it was just an act of boredom. He did so again in the other direction, this time going far enough to look out a window, before returning once again. Yet, despite his short stroll, the elf was far from bored with Xuneari's company.

From what Veryan had seen from the light of the window, it'd soon be turn that someone else took over. Yet, the guard didn't really want to give up his position; even if he hadn't eaten and still needed to sleep at some point, he did want to further his conversation with the drow.

"Pretty much anything that can be found in the Underdark," started Xuneari being a bit vauge. Half the time he wasn't sure what to call the things he ate, actually he tended to avoid the larger feasts that his house would throw on special occasions. "Things like mushrooms and cave crabs," he said with a light shrug, "occasionally we can get a hold of some of the surface foods."

"I eat," said Xuneari perhaps a bit indignantly, "...when I feel like it." Which really wasn't as often as he should. Part of that was because he was a picky eater and the other part was just the fact that he usually wasn't hungry when offered food. He hardly ever made anything for himself so if he did get hungry but didn't have anything readily available to himself he would generally ignore the hunger and then forget to eat for the time being. Surprisingly he wasn't malnourished nor was he too thin.

Veryan laughed and shook his head. He disagreed with the drow's eating habits, assuming there was no way such a thing could be healthy for him - but he couldn't argue it. With the conditions of his previous home, the elf could assume he might not have had such a plentiful amount of food, anyhow.

"I'll be sure to find you spider jerky," Veryan said, although he wasn't serious. He did plan, though, to start bringing Xuneari decent meals - ones he might actually want to eat. It was probably safer that he keep them in small and disposable proportions, in case anyone else was to notice... Yet, now that his rounds had lengthened, he didn't think there'd be much of a problem with other people looking at anything inside the drow's cell.

Veryan walked over and took another glance out one of the windows, walked back again, more promptly this time. "Tomorrow, Xuneari," he said, taking up a more 'proper' position of someone who was guarding a cell, then falling silent. As if on que, another guard opened a door down the hall, and approached to take over.

Veryan was sure he could spend eternity just sitting around, listening to Xuneari, asking questions about this and that to feed his curiosity. Yet, seeing as the elf did require food and sleep like any other, he had to go. As Veryan left and reached the door out of the prison hall, he turned back for one last glance, to see the new guard poking at Xuneari's cage. "I heard drows bite," Veryan mentioned, making the other guard take a second thought about what he was doing. Yet, when Veryan left, he persisted.

Xuneari laughed at Veryan's comment about spider jerky. While he might find it funny he was almost certain his sister or any Drow female for that matter would be offended by such a comment seeing as how they worshiped a goddess known as the spider queen. But Xuneari held no love for the goddess of the Drow and had long ago turned his back to the vicious queen of the spiders. Which was probably one of the reasons why his mother had wished to sacrifice him to Lloth.

Xuneari watched as Veryan moved to the window once more, he thought he had an idea as to why. And when Veryan moved to a more guard-like position he was almost certain he knew. It was the other guard coming in that proved Xuneari's suspicions right. It was kind of sad to have to deal with another guard, but he supposed Veryan did have to sleep and eat and do whatever else elves needed to do on a regular basis to stay healthy.

He smirked slightly at Veryan's words to the other guard. "I'd listen to him," said Xuneari when the guard started to poke at his cage again, "I do bite."

((Sorry for the night-to-day time skip here, not exactly the best transistion. I hope you don't mind. :sweat: ))

Veryan awoke against the thick trunk of a withering tree, he'd fallen asleep while admiring the beauty of the forest. Crumpled leaves which were fading of their healthy green laid along its roots, some had gotten tangled in the elf's hair. He stood up with a yawn, stretching slightly, it hadn't exactly been the most comfortable of sleeps.

Veryan walked away from the tree, with some of its decomposing bark in his hand. It wasn't often trees began to die in lust forests that neared many elves homes, there were often certain incantations that protected them, even from natural disease. Yet when they did, their aged bark could be considered by some, rather ironically, a charm of good health; if it was blessed properly.

....

By the time Veryan had made it for his guard duties, he was a bit late. He'd stopped by a few places on the way, which'd caused the delay in his schedule. There was a guard waiting by this time, one who'd clearly stood in for the elf when he didn't show up on time. The other guard looked annoyed for having to take the part of the shift, perhaps even disappointed.

Veryan walked up and took his post infront of Xuneari's cell without further word. The other guard gave him a grimace which told of his unspoken complaints, but left without much more notice. "Alive this morning?" Veryan asked, once he was sure the other guard was out of hearing distance. He knocked on the door of the cell, not that he really felt it was necessary.

"I brought you something," He said, kneeling down to where the slide door was. He slid it open, leaving it that way for a while before bothering to dig into his pocket for whatever item it was he'd come with. Veryan took a small package wrapped in white cloth out, and set it in. It had a welcoming scent to it, and inside was a fairly varied plate of fresh, still warm foods. He also added in some more fruits, after noting that Xuneari had actually eaten some of the last he'd set in. The elf knew it was early, but hunger didn't really have a set time, and it'd give Xuneari all day to pick at it if he wanted.

After he pushed that in the cell, he added the small memento he'd taken from the dying tree. The bark was now quite smoothen and decorate, striped of any previous roughness. There was a little, green gem inside a small carved slit in it; and it was most likely the main part of what had made him late. He put it to the side of the wall, where it could sit and stay if Xuneari pleased it. To most, it wasn't much more than a placebo - or in this case, well wishing, considering the drow would not be able to view it in a way that'd give it a placebo effect. To the elves, it was a healing charm. Veryan wasn't sure himself exactly which he believed in, yet it was the thought behind it that made it worth bringing. This time the elf left the little door open, feeling there was no need to close it.

((not at all, as long as I get posts and I’m able to respond that’s all that matters))

“Alive, well I guess,” said Xuneari who for some reason looked to be studying the floor very intently. Though the truth of it was he couldn’t find anything better to do at least not previously to Veryan showing up. The other guards weren’t much good for company and he had avoided toying with them so that had left only one thing to do, stare at the floor.

“Oh?” said Xuneari moving into a crouched position before moving to the door. He was relieved to find that his leg no longer hurt like it had when he’d first come to find himself in this cell, but that seemed a very small comfort but he supposed he’d take any he could get. He tilted his head to one side as he considered the food, he was somewhat hungry not haven eaten much since being in this place but he was still at that stage where even though he trusted Veryan he wasn’t sure he trusted him enough when it came to food. This really just meant he wasn’t hungry enough to try something foreign.

“And what is that?” asked Xuneari referring to the other item that Veryan’s slid in through the slot.

"A charm," Veryan responded, his tone holding a sort of sly whisper, like he knew something Xuneari didn't. Despite the way he'd voiced himself, there was nothing harmful or distasteful behind the thing. "It is for good health. Although in your position, one for good luck might have seemed more suitable..." He explained, expanding on his previous statement. The elf let out a light 'hmm,' as if he was contemplating his choice of charm - like the other choice might have been a better one. He shifted his position slightly.

Veryan tapped his fingers lightly against the side of the cell, setting his weapon down on the ground behind the heels of his feet. "If I were to let you out, how would you react?" The elf asked, completely disregarding, for a second, his morals of guard duty. Perhaps it was just his curiosity getting the better of him, although he was almost seriously considering it. "Of course, I can't let you out. I have no keys, and you have no where to go," He added, like it made a difference to a hypothetical question. In reality, he knew it'd come down to waiting for the rest of the elves to actually get around to doing this 'reforming.' Yet, he could pretend otherwise, for his own imagination's sake - at least it passed the time.

“I see,” said Xuneari as he picked up the charm and turned it over in his hands. It didn’t look like anything too extraordinary, but he knew that charms didn’t need to be. There were some charms that he had encountered of the magical variety, which obviously weren’t of the placebo variety, that were extremely plain and simple but were more dangerous than a simple spoken spell at times or very helpful depending on who made it. It certainly didn’t look dangerous either. After he had finished exploring the item with his hands and eyes he set it back down.

He was a bit surprised to hear Veryan’s question, but didn’t let himself get too excited about the proposition. His reasoning why was soon evident by what the elf said as a follow up to the question. The Drow had guessed that he did not have the keys to the cell, nor did he probably have the permission to let him out anyway. “Well like you said I don’t have anywhere to go, so I doubt my actions, if I were to be let out, would be anything to cause your people harm or distress,” said Xuneari with a light shrug.

Veryan nodded his head as he listened contently to Xuneari's response. He wanted to blindly believe that the drow wouldn't go against what he'd said about not having ill will, although it was something that teetered on the edge of his mind uncertainly. Even yet still, the corners of his mouth curved into a smile at the thought.

"And if I told you to come with me?" He asked. It must have seemed an oddly placed question, especially since Veryan had spoken to him for what could only have been a couple days at best. The guard seemed to be studying the cage, although his mind appeared to be somewhere else than the present room - like he was a bit lost in thought. The elf wasn't quite willing to actually commit such a treasonous act, if only because they'd then both have no where to go. Yet, he was devising a fair amount of alternatives.

"And where would we go?" asked Xuneari with a somewhat amused laugh. "I doubt very much your people would have any good will towards you if you were to let me free. And as I hear it humans are a much less forgiving race, so I'd like to steer clear from them if I ever hoped to get on their good sides to begin with." He wasn't afraid of humans, he felt, from what he knew of them, that they wouldn't be much of a problem from a combative stance. The elves on the other hand he was a little more leery of because, despite wanting to admit it, they could probably hold their own against Drow and some, because he wouldn't admit to most, could defeat a Drow in one on one combat.

The other problem with the whole combative viewpoint for Xuneari was that he didn't like one on one confrontations, not that he couldn't handle them, he could and he was good at it if not one of the best fighters in the Underdark. However, he was use to being able to get the drop on someone before a battle started leading him off with an advantage. Though more often than not his target opponent was dead before they knew what hit them. It was a good skill for a Drow to have, one that was prized amongst houses, but despite his skill he was still marked as a liability for the goddess Lloth's good graces.

"You speak like there is no where civilization does not reach," Veryan commented. He looked up towards the ceiling as he thought things over. "The way I see it, I either end up getting you out, or they shove me in there with you. It's really a win-win, for me," The elf chuckled, as it became slightly more apparent his ideas were in his own interest. That wasn't how it worked, he knew, but it was worth mentioning.

"At the least, I might push them to actually attempt to deem you fit to leave.."
Veryan figured it wouldn't have him killed to simply suggest something be done with the drow other than let him rot in this cell, considering reforming him had been the original idea.

"I didn't really give it much thought," said Xuneari with a light shrug, "for all I know about the surface your city could be the only one." He was joking it was apparent by his tone of voice, but at the same time such a comment could be very true. But this Drow wasn't foolish enough to believe that his elven city was the only civilization on the surface.

"I doubt very much you'd like it in here with me," Xuneari said with a chuckle, "besides aren't there elves you'd much rather spend your time with?" That was something Xuneari did understand about Veryan, surely there were others of his own race that he'd much rather be spending his time with. Did this elf not have a family or even a lover? Xuneari might of hated his family, and would rather spend his time somewhere else, at least he'd had lovers. Not that he could trust them anymore than he could trust his own family but he'd have rather been with them than with a prisoner of a race his people couldn't stand.

"Or kill me," said Xuneari, "not that I'm saying you would suggest that I just mean that it would be a far better fate then waiting to die of something else...like boredom."

Veryan waited till Xuneari finished talking to make any form of response. "If its a death wish you have, then I can kill you," He offered, picking up his weapon and then letting it fall back to the floor. The clattering noise it made as it hit the ground made its existence all the more apparent, although the elf wasn't actually serious about it. He smiled lightly, but that smile sort of faded as he thought back to the drow's other comment.

"I would rather be in your position," He answered. It was a weird sort of discontent Veryan had, to not be so happy with his own people. It wasn't that he had anything against them, yet he didn't feel right around them. He was fairly known amongst most of his brethren, but he did not know them. He did not relish in their moments together or share very fond memories, and living here amongst them seemed dull, pointless. The elf just never made a real connection. It was perhaps for this reason he let his interest in the drow consume better descision, when he considered things like letting him free.

"And you're such an interesting creature, don't you think?" Veryan pointed out, his smile rejoining him. He brushed the cloth that covered his knees off slightly as he stood up, first closing the tiny door he'd left open. "Oi. I am leaving," He said, picking his glaive up. He put a finger to his mouth as if to represent a 'shh,' although without the noise the elf knew Xuneari couldn't see the gesture.

It was certainly no where near time for his guard duty to be over, even if he hadn't extended his shifts. Yet, Veryan had plans, and he figured he'd be back shortly.

((oh no, I responded to this but looks like it didn't post....great now I gotta type it again and I don't remember it at all *sniffles* I liked my original reply this is going to be crap))

"No, I suppose I don't really have a death wish, otherwise I really wouldn't be here," said Xuneari with a light sigh. If he'd wanted to die he could have let his mother and sisters go ahead and sacrifice him, but that was a fate worse than death itself. He also probably could have easily escaped his cell, which might end in his death by the elves, but at least then he could go out with a fight. In one on one combat he was a great fighter but without initially getting the drop on someone he felt like he was at a disadvantage. Most of his targets hardly knew what hit them before they were killed.

"According to you maybe," said Xuneari with a light shake of his head. He could never view himself as something or someone interesting, even if in his own society he was a bit of a curiosity himself.

"Well don't be gone too long," said Xuneari with a light laugh before adding softly, "it gets lonely without you."

((Yeah, I thought that happened.. Ugh, that really sucks. ))

Veryan smiled to himself as he left, hearing what Xuneari had mentioned about being lonely without him. He knew he shouldn't have thought much of it, especially considering he was the only one who talked to the drow - so he didn't have many options, yet it brought a kind sort of feeling to his heart. As he walked out a couple of passing guards made a bit of a fuss that he was leaving so suddenly, knowing no one else had been around recently to take his post.

"Veryan, where are you off to? You've got a job to do. You can't just leave that drow in there alone," one protested. Veryan shook his head, laughing lightly, feeling like he really shouldn't be leaving Xuneari alone, but for different reasons.

"I have to speak with Elessar," Veryan explained. Elessar was one of the head elves of the guard. The guards both seemed like that wasn't a reasonable excuse, but didn't pry as to what he needed to speak to him about. "I'll take your place then, Veryan. You owe me," the other guard explained, leaving Veryan and the other elf, muttering something unpleasant to himself as he went to take over the duty for the time being.

"My thanks," Veryan said. Veryan bumped into the left over guard as he was walking on. The elf was farm from clumsy but he'd make it look like an accident. "Watch it," He said, feeling a bit estranged and maybe even annoyed, brushing his side off and moving on.

"My condolences..." Veryan apologized, smiling softly, like he knew something the other elf didn't. The guard gave him a weird look but continued on his way. Veryan looked down to what he had in his hand, smirked. The other guard had been a bit higher up and had a ring of keys on his belt, one which Veryan held now. He didn't plan to use it unless need be, knowing he was risking a lot already for just having it in his possession. It was still a handy thing to have, though. The elf tucked it quickly into his clothes, concealing it.

It took Veryan a little time to reach the place he expected Elessar to be in, and when he did, he was busy dealing with paper work - his inked feather pen running over the near transparent, thin slits of tree wood. Veryan had to wait outside of a wood framed entrance, the entire place being carved out of a rather wide tree. "Come in," Elessar said, eventually, setting the pen down as he invited Veryan.

Veryan stepped passed a pair of guards on either side of the entrance, making a small sort of bow as a sign of respect - although it really wasn't necessary. Elessar wasn't much higher up than Veryan, not at all on a level of elf-to-elf, merely in that he held a different position in guarding. "You wanted to speak to me about the drow..." Elessar predicted, leaning forward from his seat, waiting for Veryan to properly address it.

Veryan was surprised that he knew, but somehow that elf always had his sources. He was a lot more understanding than most, yet also not swift to act on anything; thriving off other's opinions to make his decisions. That part of Elessar wasn't going to win Veryan any quick favors, considering he'd have to go against the majority's distaste for the drow for anything to happen. Even still then, the most Elessar could do is probably consult others of higher position than him, in the community overall. Veryan explained his desire for something to be done with Xuneari, that they should not be keeping him prisoner so mindlessly and some form of interaction with him should be put into place. Something that would further instate that original idea of reformation, or at least bring it along.

"Are you volunteering to do this job, Veryan? You seem to have taken a liking to this drow," Elessar said. Unlike other guards, Elessar did not seem suspicious of Veryan's motives, over interested in them himself. "If that is an request I would take on the job," Veryan said, neutrally. In all honesty he wanted to jump at the opportunity, but kept his desire to do so at bay. There was silence for a few moments, thought taking place. "I will think it over," Elessar said, ending their conversation and dismissing Veryan back to his post.

When Veryan made it back to Xuneari's cell, the guard that'd originally taken his placed was replaced with another. He took his duty back, walked in front of the cell as had become ritual, and waited till the other elf left. "If I am lucky, they might let you out," Veryan said to Xuneari. "If you are lucky.. I'll let you out," He added, hands brushing over the metal of the keys on his person.

Xuneari retreated back to the far wall of the cell as Veryan left his sight. It seemed the only place he felt comfortable in the presence of the other elves. It could be said that he was afraid of them somewhat, though he would never admit to it. Their intentions were as alien to him as his intentions were to them. He knew he didn't have any plans against the elves, but they had no way to prove that.

He had taken a short nap while Veryan was away, he woke up to Veryan's words. "Well I guess we shall see just how lucky we are then," said Xuneari with a laugh. He thought that the elves would much rather, as a whole, keep him locked away for ever. If that was going to be the case then Xuneari wouldn't sit back for much longer before acting in a way that would be viewed as aggressive towards the elves.

Veryan nodded, although the way Xuneari had said it almost made him a little uneasy, not that he realized why. "We shall."

The rest of the day went by slowly, Veryan only occasionally making small talk with Xuneari, his desire for converse fading into thought. At one point the elf took out some food he'd brought for himself and ate it, but that certainly did not add to their interaction. Eventually another duo of guards came in, a elf in hooded robe following behind them. Veryan raised an eyebrow to their presence, as they announced themselves in no way, nor greeted him - they simply walked passed, pulled out a set of their own keys, and unlocked the door of Xuneari's cell.

The two guards restrained the drow, without word - continuing their silence. The hooded elf stood in front of him, putting a sticky, paper charm on his chest, muttering something like: "N'tess gothamin." The blank charm lit up, lettering appearing on it with the apparent mage's words. It seemed to do nothing more to the eye. "What are you doing with him?" Veryan asked, knowing he had no real right to intrude.

"Who are you?" One of the other guards snapped back. Veryan felt a little insulted, most of his brethren recognized him, so it was almost alien to be making an introduction. "Veryan I-" Before he could even finish his full name, one of the guards turned to him - simultaneously letting go of Xuneari, and interrupted him.

"Veryan? Why didn't you say so sooner. You're being entrusted with the drow, for now. I don't agree of it personally. Poor soul... Everyone just wants to wash their hands of this matter, you're getting it stuck with you," The guard said, laughing lightly, proving his sympathies probably weren't sincere in the face of his own humor.

"Oh?" Veryan said, questioning his words. If this were true, he'd only just spoken to Elessar, who undoubtedly would have had to consult others to have gained permission for this happening. It was strange how quickly things involving the drow were being delt with, and Veryan would have assumed such a heated issue amongst the elves would have had a more prolonged debate.

"If he tries to run far from you, that binding spell will paralyze him," The other guard added, as the mage exited - the two guards following behind. The mage handed Veryan another slip of charmed paper, presumably what enabled the spells working. "And if he tries to kill me?" Veryan asked, almost sarcastically.

The guard that'd spoken previously turned back with a very grim stare, like he didn't take the thought very lightly - obviously not very fond of the idea that the drow was going anywhere far from this cell as it was. "You've got your weapon, don't you?" He said, apparently entrusting Veryan; or perhaps just underestimating Xuneari.

When they left Veryan waited for Xuneari to leave the cell of his own accord. "I suppose... they'll want me to show you whats proper," Veryan said, although he had other things in mind. He wondered if those higher up realized Xuneari had no where else to go, and that was why they were allowing him such a long leash. Even still, they were practically handing the drow freedom on a silver platter. The elf shook his head and smiled, having never expected for things to progress this quickly or easily. Surely, there must be some catch to it all. Veryan left any suspicions he had at ease, considering the opportunity this held.

"Maybe you will better see the stars."

It was getting closer to nightfall. Veryan had never really cared much for or about the stares of others, but knew they'd be getting a lot of them if they stuck around the general community - especially during the day.

Xuneari nodded his head, indeed they would see what was too come. The rest of the day passed rather slowly. It seemed strange to the Drow that the elf should be so quiet, when before he had had so many questions to ask. Perhaps there was just something heavy burdening the elf’s mind. If that were the case it wasn’t in Xuneari’s nature to question him about it. At least it was still more pleasant to be in Veryan’s company than any of the other guards even with minimal chatter.

Xuneari peered out the cell window as two new guards approached followed by a hooded elf. He didn’t like the looks of that. He retreated to the back of the cell; there wasn’t anywhere else for him to go. His eyes narrowed as the door was unlocked. He didn’t make any move to escape or any attempt to free himself of the guards’ grips as the retrained him except for a small hiss that escaped his lips.

The placing of the paper charm on his chest and the uttering of magic words wasn’t something he was too happy about. He was about to spit out some venomous words when Veryan spoke up, voicing Xuneari’s own question with less vehemence of course. He quieted for a moment to listen to their conversation. Well he supposed the spell could have been worse.

Xuneari waited for the guards and mage to leave before he ventured a step outside the cell. “Yeah right…though I suppose if I wish to tread lightly it wouldn’t be a bad thing to know at least,” he said almost with a snort.

“Maybe so,” said Xuneari with a thoughtful expression.

"I will let you escape, if thats your wish..." Veryan said. "Although, you'll have to allow me to enjoy your presence first." He assumed it would do the drow no good to be let free, anyway. As had been mentioned in a conversation before, where else had he to go?

Veryan had not gotten a good view of Xuneari, having had the cell separate them. As they left, he took his appearance in as a whole. The elf had started out in front of the drow, leading him, then beside him, and eventually behind him. Veryan pushed Xuneari forward at one point, poking into his back lightly with the tip of his blade - although not in any malice or roughery.

A few guards eyed them warily, but Veryan simply smiled, as if to reassure them. The smile brought them no reassurance. They eventually made it out into the open, and Veryan stuck close to the drow. It wasn't that he wasn't capable of more distance, more so the elves around them would be even further disgusted if it didn't appear as if he was properly following through as a guard. "You're the center of attention." Veryan pointed out. Indeed, all eyes seemed to be on Xuneari.

“Where would I escape to?” asked Xuneari with a note of sadness to his voice, “even if I went to one of the other Drow cities I would undoubtedly be starting from the bottom if I wished to keep my identity a secret, and even if they knew my status in my former home I doubt it would do me much good. That is certainly the last place to go, and without that option I don’t really have any idea where I would go.”

Xuneari shrugged slightly. It might not be so bad to stick around here, at least if he could ever get the elves to trust him enough or at least get them to stop staring. But he knew that would take time, he wasn’t sure though if he wished to take the time to earn their trust. But then what where else was there for him to go?

Xuneari was slightly shorter than Veryan, as was to be expected. The Drow tended to be shorter than their surface cousins. His body was slender like that of a surface elf though perhaps a bit more so. But he wasn’t without muscles; one might compare his build to that of a gymnast. It would be safe to assume that he was of the fighter class over that of a magic user just by the way he walked and carried himself. He certainly did not have that timidness that appeared in many casters while in the possession of an enemy race.

Xuneari had tensed considerably at the poke to his back; even if it was not meant with any malice or the like it was still not the best thing for Veryan to do. The Drow was able to keep his calm, despite usually being a very aggressive being. “I’ll tell you this once, for your own sake, do not do that again,” it was a threat a very open threat and one that the Drow was sure to follow through on, though it had been vague and he did not even hold a weapon.

“Great…” said Xuneari glancing around and in some cases making eye contact with those who were staring. He was not pleased with the staring though he doubted there was much he could do about it currently.

Veryan smiled softly inside at the drow's threat, although the expression on his face did not mirror it. For a second, he felt like a child, tempted only to do what they were told not to; if only to see Xuneari's reaction - to find out how he'd match against a blade without one himself. Of course, the elf refrained. He may have been curious, but he was not necessarily stupid about it.

Eventually Veryan left the more core of the community and into the thick of surrounding trees, which forced most of the following eyes to disperse. "May I assume you are not appreciative of nature?" The elf laughed, as they walked on. Of course, Veryan could not move too far out, lest others begin to suspect him of working with drows. In regards to his own question, Veryan really assumed Xuneari had never had the time, opportunity or care to really appreciate nature anyways.

Veryan put his hand out, and rested it on Xuneari's back, where he'd previously poked. He thought about what the drow had almost just mentioned, then pointed out, "You're too malnourished to ever win a fight against me.." In truth, though, the elf had no clue what Xuneari was capable of. "If there is something you will eat, I will bring it to you," he offered, removing his hand.

“You would be wrong to assume that,” said Xuneari, “our worlds might be different in what grows in them but do not think that we are foolish enough to not appreciate it. We have druids, though they are rare they do exist. Though they’re of course a bit different from your own I would assume.” Xuneari knew a little about the surface world, though mostly from books as he’d only ever once before been to the surface himself. He also listened to the talk from the traders that came through his homeland; it was part of his job and one that he had on occasion really enjoyed.

Xuneari only slightly tensed at the hand being placed on his back. “Looks can be deceiving,” said the Drow before adding defensively, “I am not malnourished.” He was indeed completely healthy he was just thin. The things that he did eat offered plenty of nourishment but lacked a lot of fats, so that was really the only thing he was lacking in his diet.

"My mistake," Veryan replied, although he seemed more satisfied with what he'd learnt from the drow's responses than being guilted from being wrong about what he'd said. As they walked he could see, in the corner of his eye, a small clearing in the distance. There was gentle laughter and conversation drifting from it. It was the group he sometimes joined in his spare time. Of course, he would decide against visiting for the moment, as although he hated to admit it, bringing Xuneari to them would only cause for a sour mood - for all of them.

Veryan didn't actually have much he wanted to show the drow; at least nothing that'd be viewed significantly by anyone else. There was perhaps much he should be showing, or values he should have been trying to teach or pass on, as far as the community was concerned. Yet the elf didn't feel that task to be quite as imminent, nor one that'd be accomplished very easily. Veryan ended up picking small herbs or plants that grew near the base of trees and on the forest floor, like this entire ordeal was really just an excuse for him to stroll around and do whatever he pleased. If other elves actually acknowledged his way of doing things, he'd probably not even have his position as a guard.

Eventually, the elf, in perhaps what was a mix of both interest and stupidity, boredom and free time to test what limits he really held with Xuneari, decided to take up that prior threat. "You're different than how I imagined most drows..." Veryan mentioned, before prodding him in the back with the edge of his blade again. He awaited the reaction and possible counter attack much too eagerly, willingly leaving himself open to it.