losthunter | these are the haunted halls ((Faris))

For the last few weeks, Hunter has been spending a lot of time on his marble sculpture. Most of the sculpture is roughly exposed now, with no large blocks of marble remaining to be seen. But it is now getting to the delicate work, which takes a lot more time and patience.

Hunter has a lot of time and patience right now. One of the nice things about being an artist is that most of his deadlines are flexible. And right now he only has a few other commissioned work, which he is able to work on, during extended breaks away from the marble piece.

Much of Hunter's mind has been on Kendra, and how her most recent dream could have meant that he needs to go back, and reflect on the memories and experiences he had as a child, youth and young man. The life of Kyle, before he became Hunter.

And so today, needing an extended break from the marble work, Hunter decides that perhaps he should take a walk through his old neighborhood.

He doesn't want to go alone. So of course, that is one of the benefits of having a symbiotic creature in his household. He can always depend on Faris being around.

"Faris?" He calls out into the apartment.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"Confidence," Faris says after a moment's thought. "You are not timid, Hunter, but you often seek to hide in the shadows, beneath notice of others. It is not necessary to be the center of attention, but you once were, and so you react against it, moving to the opposite end of the scale."

"It is hard to regain that confidence, especially after so many years of hiding. I am not sure of how to get it back."

"Because it reminds you of who you once were?"

"No. I don't think that it is a reminder. I think it is more a part of myself that I just forgot about."

"Perhaps." Faris thinks there might be a subconscious aspect to it, but it isn't really his place to say. Hunter should know himself better than anyone else, after all. "You had that foundation once. It will be possible to build on it again."

"I have to be careful. I might want my confidence again. But I don't want to be cocky." Hunter frowned slightly.

"That is your choice to make. You are now aware of the potential to stumble, and the consequences of that. Let it temper your judgment."

[Work had dominated my life. But here is a mini story to make up for lost time]

Hunter nodded, moving to the podium once again. He touched the top of the podium, looking out to the empty seats surrounding him.

"If I had to do it all over again, I would speak about what I could change to help improve the senior class. I would talk about the strengths I had as a leader, and wouldn't bring voice any negative thoughts about any other person."

He glanced over to where Kendra stood. "And I am sorry about what I said about you. And about your appearance. It wasn't right to do that. I understand now that appearance shouldn't be the first thing to be defined about a person."

"After being locked away by my father, I do struggle with finding the confidence to show my features. Luckily, I have made great friends who support me. It is still difficult at times... especially when my heart is on the line, and I have to face rejection in the dating department."

"But I don't want to hide anymore, Kendra. I want to move forward."

"And I need help doing that."

Kendra tilted her head for a moment. "My goal has always been to provide guidance. Even if my methods are not clear."

Faris listens to Hunter's brief 'speech,' and looks at Kendra when she speaks also. "To solve a riddle, one must turn their thoughts inward and contemplate, rather than being told."

"And sometimes, a little guidance and support can help solve the riddle."

The K'da can't smile, but he manages to look slightly amused regardless. "Is that what you humans call a 'hint'?"

"To classify myself as a human would be a slight stretch." Kendra shrugged slightly.

Then she leans down to look at Faris with a slight smile. "It does the soul good to know that muses such as yourself exist still."

He cocks his head slightly. She certainly seems indistinguishable from a human to him. But perhaps she's some kind of subspecies. He's no expert after all. "My apologies."

"That is not the first time I have been called such."

"I believe that through you, more of Hunter's secrets can be unlocked." Kendra smiled slightly. Hunter glanced at her direction, noticing how she called him by his new name this time around.

Faris notices too, although he isn't fully aware of the deeper nuances of that implication. "I will put forth my best effort."

"I think that you have learned enough today." Kendra straightens her skirt.

"You are leaving?" Hunter clarified.

"For now. Until the time comes for me to return."

Faris tilts his head slightly. "Will you call again?"

"To see the muse, I will call." Kendra bowed slightly. Then turned and headed down another hallway. The sound of her heels echoing until there was no more sound.

"That was different..." Hunter sighed softly.