#arkthara

[ark-of-noon]

AU: Ark the Human - Letter to Vilathara

To vilathara:

Vila,

I have finally finished basic training so I am allowed access to the courier services. It is hard to explain how drastically my life has changed in just a few short months. Prior to my enlisting, I spent most of my time making sure I had something to eat and that I could stay clear of the local gangs. Now food is hardly a thought, meals are provided and all I need to do is focus on my training, and keeping making the cut. Several of the other recruits were cut during basic training, others left, unable to tolerate the harsh training regime.

It's strange being away from everyone, the people here are my brothers and sisters in arms, but there are few here I would call friend. Word has gone around that I was going to be turned down but someone called in a favor with the recruiters to let me in. It has not won me many friends, but I am not bothered. I know your father pulled for me, and I will always be grateful he did. Tell him 'Thanks' for me when you next talk to him.

It's strange not being able to just walk out in the morning and find you at the water pipe. I never thought much of those mornings before, but now that they're gone, I miss them. In just a few weeks everything I taught you about swordplay seems like foolishness compared to what they have drilled at basic. Keep practicing, and when I get back I'll show you what I've learned.

Your friend, Ark

[ark-of-noon]

Beginnings

A mist had settled over the Watchful Source this morning, he stood vigil as he often did, keeping a high perch that looked over the small community. His thoughts drifted to the past week, taking time to consider all that had transpired. The dance, the moment they drew in close, the feeling the look she gave him evoked. To an outsider it may have seemed a calculated seduction, but in truth each step was a test, feeling out the water, seeing where the currents flowed. He was surprised that it all went as it did, he had always enjoyed Vilathara's presence within the Inflorescence. She had a strength of spirit that he admired, and an adaptibility that he could only marvel at.

Ghauri's reaction to all of this was all the more amazing, he admitted his fears but he embraced her as a part of our union. His fears would fade in time, once he saw that he was not being replaced, but instead their own circle was growing. Naer's reaction was more expected though he has adapted well after some adjustment. There is still adjusting to be done for both sides, Naer hopes to have another that will assume his role when he is weary, but projecting his traits on another would not change the nature of who each of them were.

It is said that Sylvari are often attracted to what inspires them, at this point he could not deny this about himself. Ghauri inspired him to be a protector, he felt no fear of any battle if it would keep Ghauri safe. Vilathara inspired him to fight by her side, facing hardships and triumphs with courage and determination. The defender and the conqueror, the two facets of any seasoned soldier. Many voiced concern that they would be hurt, that this would be confusing, that they should be careful. He would concede that he did not know for certain what the future held for himself or those that inspired him, but he knew for certain that he felt more whole than he had in ages.