What is this place? Where am I? - Vetis (xxx)

This was so utterly confusing. Everything was, right now. And had been for the few weeks he'd been in this world. He could still remember seeing the portal closing behind him... But what had happened before he'd gone through it, he had no clue. His memory was wiped utterly clean of everything before that moment. He had wandered around for a bit, flown around a bit, too, but he preferred to keep away from most people - they had a habit of staring at him, at his wings, and he didn't really like that. Yes, he himself stared a lot at people, too - but that was mainly to study them. Looking at their lips when they spoke this strange language he knew nothing of. Trying to learn it quicker by reading the lip movements, too, and keeping an eye on whatever gestures they made while talking. He had figured out a few base words like this - but nothing that would really help him in any conversation, only just enough to know the words for a few bare necessities, like 'food'.

But for his own food - he had done something completely different. He had just felt like he already knew what he needed to do there, especially as he had reached behind himself, and found his spear still strapped to his back - the two-headed spear, that he knew he had had for most of his life, but he couldn't remember any of his training with it. But still... Using the spear for a dive attack on a deer that had tried to flee him through the clearing, he quickly found out that he still knew how to use it, expertly. He had no clue how he knew to do things just this way, but it had just been so natural for him, as it had been to make a campfire, too, and cut up the doe with that same spear. But where other hunters might have put the animal out of it's misery as soon as possible... He had decided to slowly cut it up while it was still alive, letting it suffer for as long as possible, the anguished cries from it echoing in the forest and making a small smile appear on his lips as he felt... Invigorated... From that... While he was slowly cooking other parts of it on the fire.

Right now, it was another of those days. He had been able to trade with some other hunters in this forest, giving them the pelt from his last kill, in return for a smaller knife for skinning and quartering an animal, and some string... And as such, he'd managed to capture a small, lost doe with a string trap, and had knocked it out cold before he'd made the fire. And now that the fire was raging, he began cutting one of the doe's legs off, which promptly awoke it, causing it to let out all of these anguished cries, pleas for help, in hope of anyone being able to hear and help it. Meanwhile, he simply smiled at those cries, spear once more securely strapped on his back, in between his ebony black wings.

So... the weather had been unusually terrible as of late. No surprise there, but, what had managed to piqued the white-haired demon's interest was the fact that it had suddenly stopped... out of the blue and unexpectedly. Not to mention disappointingly. He'd at least expected the weather to rage on for a few more months. Mostly because the chaos it had wrought had been more than pleasing and had given him so many possibilities to and things to play with… however it was useless to dwell in the past. Instead it was time to look forward towards the future… where chaos fortunately still raged. The weather had after all left countless countries in a state of devastation and uproar. Monsters were on the loose and people were starving and everyone seemed so delightfully devastated and depressed. It was music to Vetis’ ears, so it was no wonder why he’d been smiling more as of late. He had so many reasons to smile after all. Not that many would agree with that statement, but what did he care? He felt amazing and had even decided to go for a leisurely stroll through the east of the Ashen Wood forest. Not that his walk was all that leisurely – his trip had a specific thought behind it.

Just recently Vetis had heard of something terribly interesting that had made him prepare himself immediately for a small trip. He’d heard of the most curious creatures being spotted within these woods. Something feathered and bewinged, that looked like an already existing creature… but very different. This he just had to investigate, or his mind wouldn’t let him be – at least not until he’d figured out what it was or had the chance to dissect one. Either way, he was sure that this possible new discovery would distract him long enough. That and he might even find some possible uses for such a creature – not that he didn’t always find a use for the things he got his hands on. He was after all a very creative and resourceful man… and he didn’t like for things to go to waste.

Vetis was very aware of his surroundings when going through the forest. He scoured it for strange tracks and clues, but so far he’d seen nothing unusual. He walked carefully and made sure not to leave any tracks behind himself. After all he had no knowing of what kind of new creatures ventured through the forests… they could be hunters themselves, and Vetis didn’t feel like being hunted on this day. Not that it wouldn’t be entertaining to ascertain the creatures hunting abilities, but that would have to be a pleasure for another time.

Suddenly Vetis’ head perked up as he heard the pained cries of an animal. Is sounded much like a doe in terrible anguish. Now that wasn’t usually something out of the ordinary, but normal prey would put it out of its misery quick… This pain however was prolonged, which indicated that either it was trapped or being tortured. Having tortured various creatures himself, over a span of many years, Vetis concluded that this was one of those cases. Vetis looked around upon his surroundings and in the sky he spotted it… black smoke rising slowly from somewhere close by. He smiled and set forward towards his new destination. He shifted into a more hastened and stealthy gait and hurried towards the origin of the smoke.

Vetis wasn’t sure what to think when he’d finally arrived. He’s found an excellent hiding place not too far way, and in his crouch he’d laid eyes upon the most remarkable creature… a winged man. One would most commonly think this man an angel, but such people were fools. This man was something else entirely… and the only thing that was comparable to that of an angel was the wings. Vetis observed without moving a muscle or making any sounds. Vetis felt a smile creep upon his own lips as his watched the man’s cruel demeanour. It would seem as though he took pleasure in torturing the animal which lied helplessly before him.  Vetis observed for while before deciding to want to see the man up close. He’d already seen the spear strapped to the man’s back, and didn’t think it to be merely a decoration. He’d have to be careful around this creature… but then again… where was the fun in that?

Vetis stepped out of his hiding place and stepped on a branch lying on the ground – on purpose. He wanted to see the creature’s reaction to another humanoid creature. Would he stand his ground, flee or attack? Maybe strike up a conversation or get into a defensive stand? The possibilities were endless and the outcome even more so… especially with dealing with the unknown, but, that was what made it so entertaining.

Ezekiel, none the wiser, had just kept tearing off pieces of the animal and began cooking them, the ghost of a smile on his face as he felt just how energized it was making him feel, the animal's pain sort of... Revitalizing him, for lack of a better word. Soon, though, the animal bled out enough to lose consciousness, which made things less fun than they had been just before. Sigh.

Right after he'd taken a bite from the now cooked leg, though, he heard a branch snap behind him... Making him instantly drop the leg, and reach for his spear as he spun around, spear at the ready as he defaulted into a defensive stance, but one that also told of just *how* ready he was to attack, should the need for it be there.

And he saw that it was a man who had snuck up on him... He must be used to sneaking around, since he had managed to do so flawlessly around Ezekiel... But either way, the death angel was quite clearly battle trained, with the specific posture in his stance - one that left no obvious openings unless he wanted there to be one. But this guy... He seemed different than others Ezekiel had already met. Just *what* was he?

"... Who... You?" he asked, with a clear accent, but from where... Well, that was harder to figure out, since he hadn't come from this world, after all. Even if his stance was defensive, his voice and tone was calm, almost monotone in nature, bearing no distinct emotion of any kind with it, and neither did his facial expression - it was just neutral, calm... With only a little hint of suspicion.

//undskyld længden, skal lige igang igen :')

It would seem as though, as this creature chose to take a stand instead of fleeing. Vetis was delighted by this reaction, as he'd expected the spear not to be just for show. This creature however hadn't senselessly attacked as of yet, which was worth noting. Instead it seemed wary and surprised by Vetis' presence. The man seemed skilled in combat by the way that he held himself and his weapon. His muscles seemed ready to lash out at the smallest hint of a threat. Vetis however showed no signs of being a threat. In fact he seemed all too relaxed and calm, but that was a fool’s notion to have about him. Vetis carried this air about him on purpose. It was a trick to get people pondering and confused… a way to get them to lower their guard and think him harmless, however Vetis didn’t believe the man fool enough to lower his guard. Vetis however did want to keep him puzzled, so he stopped where he stood and kept a smile upon his lips.

Vetis’ smile widened as the creature spoke. This could only mean that is was indeed sentient and highly intelligent… however the accent was quite interesting. It wasn’t one that Vetis himself had heard of before in all of his years in this world. Something Vetis also found rather interesting was the death in the creature’s voice… the absence of emotion in both the voice and in the face. There was however the smallest hint of suspicion, which most people might not have picked up on. Vetis might not himself have picked up on it, if not for the fact that this was something he excelled at.

Vetis wondered how to answer this creature, since he had the notion that the creature had some difficulties speaking the common tongue. Therefore the question could’ve meant a plethora of things. Vetis however just chose to go the easy route and simply answered,

“Not your enemy.”

Whether the creature believed him was up to them, however Vetis had in fact meant it… in the moment. He was after all no one’s enemy unless the chose to cross him, and so far the creature had done no such thing. Also with the way that they’d seemed to have tortured the deer, then, Vetis believed them to be somewhat similar in some degree. To fully determine this; Vetis would have to get to know them, which could now prove a challenge… especially if the man didn’t truly speak the common tongue.

“And you are?” Vetis then questioned the strange man, careful not to speak to fast. Vetis thought that he might as well try to get some conversation going, since the man had showed an interest in speaking instead of stabbing.

Ezekiel stood his ground, carefully observing the man in front of him, watching his every move and obviously trying to analyze it all, figure out what it meant and what this man who had so suddenly appeared right in front of him, had in mind. What his purpose was - what he was about to do. Had he come here with intentions to fight him? No, it did not seem that way. At the very least, it didn't seem like it was his purpose of stepping out like that and announcing himself to the death angel. Nobody who wanted to fight would so blatantly out their position when they had been hiding perfectly well and could have gone straight for the hit instead. No, his meaning of being here, of making Ezekiel aware of him, had to be something entirely different.

Maybe, even if his scent was so different from the others, he mostly wanted to talk like they had, and not fight? That seemed more plausible at this moment, with how relaxed the guy seemed, the calmness about him - but that wasn't necessarily the truth. He knew that people lied and deceived, and as such, he didn't let his guard down for even a single second, spear still clutched tightly in his hand, even if the man was smiling at him, it might very well still be fully on purpose, to try to lull him into a false sense of security. Ezekiel, however, was far too paranoid for that.

He narrowed his eyes just slightly when he heard the answer. Very clearly using several moments to turn it over in his head, dig out the words he had learnt from the draconians, and eventually, he came to the conclusion that the man was saying he wasn't a threat. Well, not right now, at least. Things could change ever so quickly, after all - not just on a battlefield, but in the day-to-day life as well. Take the doe for example - in but an instant, its fate had been sealed to die under torture, being cooked alive while being stabbed. Just a moment before he had caught it, its fate had probably been a much calmer one, or at least, its death would have been postponed until a wolf found it.

"Ezekiel." he answered, after another few moments to turn over the next few words the guy said. His name was something he knew, and could give the man - if he was asking about his race, though... He had no clue. he just knew that there were others like him, people like Savas - other people just as lost and confused at this new place as himself. People struggling to find a place in a new world, but all feeling drawn to the pain and suffering of others. All of them highly trained in the art of battle. All of them searching for a new meaning with their lives. "... And you?"

The cogwheels were in motion - that much was obvious. Especially from the scrutinizing and analytical looks the man sent Vetis’ way. Vetis seemingly dropping his guard seems very nonchalant about it all and let the man take his time. He himself had after all claimed not to be an enemy, and he intended for it to stay that way. Currently there was no profit in it and nothing to be gained if he was to attack him. Any other day he might have done just that and then chosen to examine the man thoroughly… both inside and out. Today however was just not that kind of day since he wasn’t in the mood. That was not to say that he wouldn’t be in the mood if he one day was to stumble upon another of these creatures… Vetis shortly looked around. He’d already assessed the place, and made sure that there were no one else around – but the man was winged. Vetis had learned that not all winged creatures were able to fly, but one should always act on the assumption that they could. Therefore it was still likely that more of the man’s kind was around… flying of perched in tree somewhere. However Vetis had the sense that, that wasn’t the case. He of course couldn’t be sure, but he just had a gut feeling. It was not the smartest thing to go on, but currently Vetis didn’t think much of it – mostly because there was something indefinitely more interesting in front of him. The man, smart as he was, didn’t seem to let his guard down at all. Were Vetis in the same position, then he’d done the same. Especially when confronted with a person such as Vetis himself.

Vetis was interested in seeing whether or not the man had understood him. He had used simple terms, but then again… maybe he should’ve used signs to convey the message clearer, however it would seem that there had been no need. The man had seemingly understood what Vetis had said, or at least what he had meant, and had answered – giving his own name.

“Ezekiel” Vetis repeated, saying it the same way as Ezekiel had.

“I guess that is your name? It certainly sounds like one…” Vetis said, not really caring whether the man understood. It was mostly a comment to himself. His own question could after all had been understood in multiple ways since language was such a fickle thing… often used as a weapon and a ways of concealment, deception and other fun things. Not many however seemed to care to master it, but that were perhaps due to the fact that not many thought much of it. It was after all a privilege for many, and often people know not how privileged they are… therefore letting such privileges dull and waste away in the pursuit of more useless things. A pity, but that was how things were.

“I suppose you want my name as well,” he said in a humorous tone, smilingly. Vetis didn’t tell his name. Often he let others name him, but a man barely seeming to understand the common tongue might not be able to do that.  He then pondered for a little while before he said,
“Of names I have many – none which are my own, but you… Ezekiel may call me Hope.” As he said the name Vetis laid his hand on his chest and made a small bow.

Ezekiel's eyes stayed as narrow as ever as he regarded the man before him. The scent was... One he had smelled before, he was certain of it, now. He had passed by a creature such as he, before - but never talked with them, and thus, did not know what that scent really was. Pity - it'd be nice to know a bit more about the being right in front of him to know hoe to act accordingly.

He nodded when asked if Ezekiel was his name. And if he noticed the humorous tone in the man's next words, he didn't show it. Truthfully, when you yourself were emotionless, then the more subtle emotions of others were hard to pick up properly. Joy, sadness, anger and fear were easy - but most other things seemed sort of.. Muffled, if that was even the right word to use for it.

After another while of deciphering the next onslaught of words, he simply raised an eyebrow. "Hope?" a word he didn't understand much of - he'd heard others say it in what seemed like a sort of happy voice - talking about things that might or might not happen rather than rational, logical thinking... Hmm. Should he put that much thought into it? Probably, probably not... It was hard to tell with a man such as this, but still, he nodded to show he understood that the man seemingly wanted to be called by this word.

And then - seeing as the man had made no intention to attack yet, or anything of the sorts... He gestured with his free hand for the man to come sit on the opposite side of the small fire where he was roasting the by now dead doe... Inviting him to come eat with him.