It was a new feeling for Ceriss, to be trusted for more than just his painting ability and the concoctions he could make from simple herbs and plants. To be trusted with a life? To be a second set of eyes for a boy who was in constant danger? He had never gone back on his word before, and Ceriss was not going to do so now. Almost absentminded, Ceriss followed Liendo along the path, back to the tree and the house he could see between the leafy branches of those lining the path.

Liendo had quite the control over the air. He would easily be noted as one of the many, many others who were cursed with the power of a god. The dark gods who destroyed Liendo’s home would not easily detect the absence of absolute control over wind in the boy, because they would certainly not get near enough to feel it. It was a refreshing feeling, as though a veil of wet cotton had been lifted from Ceriss, giving him more to live for than just map-making and healing. If he could be of any more use, to anyone in the world, rather than just take up space, he could help Liendo get to know the land, his power, and become stronger.

For a moment he lost track of the world. It rushed back when he nearly tripped over a particularly raised tree root but remained upright. Looking up, to the house he had built over a course of four years two decades ago, something seemed different about it. Glancing down to Liendo, he realized it was because of the boy. The house was welcoming again. He could not contain a smile as he adjusted the strap of the bag at his side. “It’s changed.” He said at last. “For the better, I would say. Come.” He ushered the boy forward. “Best to get these plants in a cool place before they wilt.”

Walking slowly back to the tree house, Liendo shifts his feet inside his shoes, feeling the leather beneath his toes. A small smile finds it's way to his face as the new sensation registers as pleasant. 'They are something Ceriss gave me. And the whistle too. I must take good care of them' Stepping over a raised root, Liendo smiles a little wider as he gazes up at his new home. It couldn't be any more different from the one he grew up in. Leaving the ground all together, it hangs suspended in space far above. Or at least far above for one who spent his life in a hole. When he feels the man behind him stumble slightly, Liendo whirls around to help him keep his feet, but instead of helping he bounces off Ceriss's front and tumbles to the ground. Landing softly on his backside on the leaf strewn ground, the boy lets out a small giggle at how foolish he must look. 'Like one of the Jester of Gerenti from 'The Tales of Learned Nomads' I love that book.' Glancing up he watches the man shift his bag before he speaks.

The boy is flooded with confusion at Ceriss's words. Craning his neck, he looks over the tree house carefully. The railings and landings all seem the same to him. 'I don't understand, what is so different? What makes it better? Or is it something he can see but I can not. Something magic.' Tilting hi head down he recalls the gust that had come earlier. 'I think I made that. . . .But how? I know I felt something inside, but it that it? That tingle, that. . . .burn?' Shuddering Liendo blocks out that last thought before looking back up at Ceriss As the man walks forward Liendo scrambles to his feet to follow him closely.

Feeling another bout of questions coming on, the boy takes a few deep breath and sets up in his mind exactly what he wants to ask. Chewing his lip he watches Ceriss for several seconds before the questions tumble forth. “So what plants did you get today? What do they do? Can I help you care for them? I read many books on the matter, so I think I could help. Do you keep them in your tree house, or in a garden down here. I've read of people keeping plants indoors and of farmers and such keeping them in plots outside. Can you make food from them? I'd really like to help. . . .” Trailing off, Liendo shuffles from foot to foot as he tries to get a good look at just what Ceriss is doing.

Ceriss crouched in the shade of the massive tree, the floor above them. Setting the bag before them, he opened it and lifted the topmost item out, a root that seemed to be gnarled in a four-clawed hand, sharp at the ends as though they were claws. The color was of an earthy brown, spotted here and there with mossy green. “Certainly, you can help.” He said. “I’m sure you know of these simple, though uncommon items? Dragon Claw, a root of great strength. This makes for a useful pain reducer when boiled and made into a paste.” He set it down on the ground. “Best to be dried first.”

Lifting the delicate silvery-white bundle of what looked like leaves, he was careful to hold them flat and without a firm grip. “Angelwing is difficult to use for its finicky nature, best for sleeping powder, but can be merely useless if ground up and stored the wrong way. Don’t be afraid to touch them.” With that, he put the leaves aside, explaining the rest of the items. Blue Ash was a type of wood, and tended to be harvested from old, but preserved trees of a bluish tone. Best used to boil the essence out and use the remaining syrupy liquid as a sealer for particularly bad wounds. Deadroot, commonly found deep in the ground, from trees long dead, made good for its numbing ability, to take pain out of aching muscles or bruises, but easily made sick the host if it got into wounds.

“And this.” Ceriss carefully lifted the last, and most interesting, thing out of the bottom of the bag. “I’ve never seen it but in books. So rare, I’ve heard, Sun’s Gaze only blooms at a very bright, particular time of day. Its properties are unknown, though, because it’s not easily converted in any way. I’ve read, though, in many an old book, that the essence of the flower and the sun’s light itself is protected in the thick petals of the flower, and can be coaxed out with assistance of the power of light.” He stared at its glow for a moment, and even in the fading light above, the flower shone in faded brilliance. “I might be able to do something with it.”

He felt the energy of the flower live on even so long after it had been cut from the lively earth. Sun’s Gaze was not just a name, Ceriss knew. It was the flower most-prized by the sun god, in times gone by. But the thought was sobering. He glanced up at Liendo. “I often plant some of them, though this time is not one of those times. Perhaps tomorrow, if you feel up to it, you can come with me back to town while I gather some of what I do plant.” He shrugged. “Of course I’m not pressuring you. Seems like today was a rather abundant source of activity in itself!”

Liendo watches Ceriss pull out each item with a smile. A low giddy feeling runs through him as each time Ceriss explains about an item it matches up perfectly with what he can recall reading from his herbology tomes. Picking up the Dragon Claw he runs his fingers over it's gnarled surface. 'No matter how well the book described it, I still could not understand the feel if it. Now, here in my hand, I feel I truly know what this is' Setting it back down gently he carefully picks up the Angelwing, mimicking Ceriss's earlier actions of holding them in an open palm. Bringing the herb to his face he takes a light whiff. The soothing tingle, like mint, brings a strong tickle to his nose. Setting the Angelwing down quickly, the boy's hands snap to his face as he sneezes loudly. A few nearby animal scatter at the sound, and Liendo adopts a guilty look. Running his fingers over the Blue Ash, Liendo finds his gaze drawn by the Deadwood.

A tickle at the back of his mind causes him to reach back and scratch and scratch the spot. 'I swear I remember reading about another use for that. Something about augmenting a. . .a potion of some sort. It was in one of my alchemy books. . . .Maybe. . . .' Liendo is distracted from his thoughts as Ceriss brings out the flower. 'Drawn out by the light of the sun's reflection.' The phrase echos through his mind as Ceriss tucks the Sun's Gaze away. The boys chides himself mentally at his inability to recall his books as well as he'd like. 'I know I have seen a picture of that before, and it said how to extract the essence, but I just can not think of it now. . . .' So distracted by his own thoughts, it takes several seconds for the boy to register that he was spoken to, and several more to process what was said.

A low shudder runs through his body when he realizes that Ceriss is suggestion he go back to town tomorrow, while at the same time a small thrill bounces around his chest at the thought of getting plantable plants. 'I would love to go get such things, but what if the man is still there? What happens if he sees me with Ceriss and Ceriss gets hurt?' Shaking the thought out of his mind, the boy smiles up at the taller male and replies, “I will think about it. As you said, today was quite exciting.” Shuffling from side to side, a question pops into Liendo's mind. After several seconds of silence he finally says softly, “I would like to go back home and get some things. There are several books I really think would be useful, and others that I would like to share with you.”

Dropping his gaze to his feet the boy's voice drops even lower. “I never really said good-bye to them before I left and I would like to lay them to rest even if only in my mind.” A single tear leaks out as Liendo thinks of the piles of ash on the floor of his once home. The last remnants of what had once been the only other humans the boy had seen in his entire life. Realizing he's starting to cry, Liendo brings his hand up and scrubs his eyes furiously. 'No more crying. It accomplishes nothing! I need to be strong now. Not just for myself, but for Ceriss's sake. He promises to protect me. The least I can do is try and become strong enough to return the favor.' Coughing, he shifts his gaze from side to side, trying to keep a strait face.

Lying the glowing flower in his other hand, Ceriss looked to the boy through eyes half-closed. It was a calming trick he had learned, something that set himself at ease, pushing away all other negative, sad, solemn emotion to leave an empty sort of feeling settled deep in his chest. Sometimes it could render others’ minds eased as well. Ceriss could tell Liendo was thinking on each and every plant, root, and stick of bound wood. He had of course only noted the effects of the items that he used. The other uses of Angelwing, Deadwood, Dragon Claw, Blue Ash, he had no interest in completing. It wasted the helpful effects of the finished products, and Ceriss needed them both for himself and to trade. And now, perhaps, for Liendo.

Sun’s Gaze was part of the lessons he learned about the Sun god. Of all the gods, the Sun god was the most interesting to Ceriss, and for some reason, he could relate oddly to his way of thinking, about the world, the people, and even the most miniscule of things. It would be blasphemy if he could not recall, or had not at least written down, what he knew about the Sun god’s favored plants, Sun’s Gaze being among them. Mixed with the failed paintings of the past, the scrolls and parchment bits would possibly rest in one or two chests, possibly at the bottom, wrinkled and discolored from the passage of time. Ceriss could almost see them…

He started placing each item back in the bag when Liendo spoke. With the placid veil over his gaze, he nodded slowly, taking in the words but letting them through with nary a reaction. With a vague understanding, he shifted the bag up and rested the strap over his arm, and snapped out of his fog of indifference to be awakened by Liendo’s request. He shook his head, looking to the boy for a moment. He nodded once. “Of course, Liendo.” He said at last. “Of course you can go back. Tomorrow, though, would be best. Evening is near, and your old village is farther away than you think. This time you can go back along one of the main roads.” He set one hand on the ladder leading up to the house. “And I will accompany you. This time you can say goodbye to your parents, lay your mind at ease.”

Ceriss wished he could say something else, but after so long, he had come to learn that sometimes, saying nothing was better than all the comforting words in the world. Or that at least trying to understand the pain of losing a loved one was better than being able to relate perfectly.

Liendo's heart stopped for a moment when Ceriss shook his head, but it started back up the second his word registered. 'For a moment I though he would deny my request. He seemed so far away as I spoke. . . . .' With a nod and small smile he says, “Yes, I suppose tomorrow would be best. Though it will sadden me to return to the chard village, I feel a longing for my hole.” Scuffing his feet on the ground he adds, “Strange is it not? Longing for a thing that is what most people would call a dungeon?” Shaking his head he follows the taller male up the ladder on to the first level of the tree house. Walking over to the workshop area he begins admiring the tools and devices around the room. The golden orange of the sun casts a honey colored hue around the area. Liendo is careful to keep his hands to himself least he disturb anything important.

Ceriss had gone past the workshop tables and went to a stone-lined box under one far-off shelf, distributing the bag’s contents inside carefully. He would use them quickly, but later. He had no interest in bothering with them now. Instead, he went to the edge of the house, and stared at the setting sun. “I hardly think it’s strange.” He said after a moment. “You lived there all your life, it was the only source of protection and comfort you ever knew. We all have that longing for a particularly special place, that anyone else may find unappealing or frightening.” He looked down, watching animals rustle through the long grasses just in the shade of the trees. “I find this place a comfort from the rest of the world.” He added. “While others fear heights and would rather be indoors, on the ground.” With that, he looked to Liendo. “We can start off early, before the sun rises. Around then, only the straggling traveler will be wandering the road, and I can use an orb of light to lead the way.”

Ceriss knew the way to Liendo’s little village rather well. He had been often, and it would take several hours to make it.

Liendo listens intently to Ceriss, his eyes still wandering over all the things in the workshop. 'I suppose he is right. I myself feel ill at ease being off the ground at all, but to the birds being underground would be disturbing. Just as the underground dwellers would feel as I do so high above the ground. To each thing there is the place for them, but I. . . .I can change.' Glancing over at Ceriss he watches the sun reflecting off his light hair and is filled once again with wonder. 'So many things I can see and feel now that I am up here. I can feel the fears at the back of my mind at all times, but with all these new things they are but a whisper much of the time. Such beauty I have only read about in books, and here it is all around me' Liendo slowly makes his way to stand beside Ceriss, looking out through the nearby trees to catch small glimpses of the sun beyond. 'Such light, so bright, it shakes my core. But here, beside one who has sworn to protect me, and help me. I feel so useless, but at the same time, so hopeful and fearless'

The boy looks up as Ceriss turns to speak to him. Nodding at his words, Liendo turns back towards the forest. Crossing his arms he sets them on the railing before lowering his head to rest upon them. “Thank you so much Ceriss. I do not know what I would do had I not met you. Though I've known you only this short time, I feel at ease with you. You offer me everything I have ever dreamed of, and without hesitation. Something. . . .” his voice trails off for a moment as he tries to gather his thoughts. “Something. . . .seems really special about you. I may have very little experience with other people, but I have read about them. Most. . . most people ask for something in return. Most have conditions for things. But you. . .you feel so. . . .warm. I do not know how else to describe it.” He continues to stare out through the trees for several seconds before ducking his head. “Sorry for saying such strange things. I sound strange do I not?”

Ceriss glanced sideways at Liendo, taking his gaze from the opening between heavy tree leaves for a long moment. He had been considered many things before. Friend, father, helper. Of all the beings he knew, none had seemed as grateful as Liendo, if still a bit hesitant to ask much. “You sound like a boy just falling into pace with the rest of the world.” He said at last, staring at the birds flying from the treetops and forming a spiral in the sky. “I would never ask anyone for something in return.” He continued through the calling voices above. “Especially from one who has had almost everything taken away from him.” Automatically he raised a hand to his head, running his hand through his hair. “The only thing I want in return is to know whoever I help is happy in the end, perhaps, for a moment.”

He stepped back and away from the edge of the balcony, and turned. “I sense a great aura in you, Liendo.” He said, moving to one of the tables nearby. “Your display of wind control not long before was exceptional, albeit unintentional. Though you were never given this power at birth, you seem to have a very solid grasp on it.” He moved one of the flat stones off a stack of paper, and studied the flat, dull paintings that had been failures on many a night, half finished, with no hope of becoming bright, lively things. “I said before that I live to help others, did I not? I can help you control this power of yours. It’s strong enough to deter the dark gods… the false gods… that you would not be considered a refugee. But if that comes to be an issue…” He dropped the stone to the papers and grinded it into the wood of the table. When he spoke next, it was in a voice barely noted even to his own ears: “I’ll not let them get away again.” With a final angry twist of the hand, he dropped the stone and closed his eyes, quickly calming himself again.

Liendo's heart swells with the thought of Ceriss taking such joy in helping others. 'I would love to be like that. To be one who does for others with no other reason then to make them happy' The boy watches the man move back into the tree house, turning around so that he can lean up against the railing. He smiles happily at Ceriss's complements over his element control. 'Well, I did spend a lot of time playing with it after I discovered that I could do it. Perhaps those little tinkerings have lead to more control then I realized. Maybe. . . .Maybe I really can become a wielder of strong magics?' Liendo is startled out of his thoughts at the sound of the stone dropping. His eyes dart to where Ceriss stands, grinding the stone into the table. His eyes widen as a flicker of dark purple seems to waver about the man's body as he begins speaking. Fear and wonder fills the boy as the cloud grows then surges before suddenly vanishing.

Creeping forward, Liendo makes his way to Ceriss's side. Using the only skill he knows of to comfort someone, he wraps his arms firmly around the pale haired man's arm and squeezes tight. Still holding tight he whispers, “It is alright Ceriss. I can help. Anything you need, I shall do my best. I-I do not know what you mean by false gods, but if they are something you do not like, I will help you stop them. I promise. You have done so much for me over such little time, I feel like I would do anything to return the favor.” Tilting his head back, the boy looks up into Ceriss's eyes. “You tell me what to do. You teach me, and I will be happy.” Leaning his head back down, he rests his cheek against the man's arm and just stands there still, trying to comfort him.

Calming himself came easy. When his anger or rage grew out of control, his darkness power did as well, feeding off that chaos brewing in his heart and shivering as it waited for him to unleash it. Ceriss didn’t like his anger. It made him someone he didn’t know, a stranger to himself. And that stranger hated everyone, everything. With that, he looked at what he had done. A twisted hole defaced the failed drawing now. He smiled pityingly at it before realizing Liendo had come across the room and taken hold of his left arm. He softened his gaze to look at the boy, and his heart skipped a beat when Liendo noted no idea of the false gods.

But perhaps his parents had spoken of them differently. Perhaps his parents had never spoken of them at all. For a fraction of a second he weighed the options of telling him and not telling him. If he did tell Liendo, perhaps the boy would be in constant worry. It would make him a mass of negative, jumpy nerves. But if Ceriss kept it to himself, Liendo would be put in a false sense of security and not be ready for anything that could be thrown at them at a certain time. He shook his head and took a breath. He was ready to learn, and Ceriss believed him.

“Liendo, the false gods are the ones who killed your parents.” He said at last. “Thy were the ones who destroyed your entire home. They often become angry at towns and villages, rarely large cities, and demonstrate their power when they feel the lesser beings are losing their fear and faith. Sometimes they find families that have been harboring their children since birth, saving them from the burden of elemental abilities. They take these actions as a personal attack and feel especially angry. When they find families like this, they leave nothing behind in the end.” He tried to sound reassuring as he added: “Liendo, I will not let them near you if that comes to be a problem. Not until you feel strong and confident enough to at least outrun them, if that happens. I feel confident that your power over wind is enough to pass you off as an elemental wielder, though.”

He shut his eyes and moved his head away. A moment more looking at the boy, and it would have driven Ceriss back to a mix of his own past and coming to find Liendo cut up and dirty in his home.

Liendo shakes slightly as Ceriss describes the false gods, and what they do to those who defy them. Clenching his teeth together he keeps his breathing slow, determined not to cry. Holding tighter to the man's arm, he looks up and chokes out, “I-I know you will Ceriss. I trust you can, and will. Do not be angry. I can hear it. I do not know how, but I could always here when someone was angry.” Dropping his face, the boy presses his forehead to Ceriss's arm. “The one who came to my home and killed my parents was not angry. He was happy. Happy to kill. I spent all of my time away from people, so I learned their voices instead of their faces. This man was happy, but it was for bad reasons.” Looking back up, Liendo puts on a brave smile. “You, you make me happy, for good reasons. I do not know what will happen with these false gods, but I do know that Ceriss is good, and will protect me. And I,” He pauses for a moment, trying to look as sincere as possible, “And I will protect Ceriss too!”

The boy's voice burns with determination as he makes his declaration. A moment later a sudden weakness comes over him and he has to cling to the man's arm to stay upright. As he tries to steady himself, a loud gurgling comes from his midsection. A faint blush tinges his cheeks as he glances up at Ceriss. Mumbling low he says, “Um, may I help you make dinner tonight?”