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 Posted: Sun Oct 23, 2016 4:47 pm
It had been a few days since the eventful evening at the oasis with Arima, but Leukos had not yet seen the pale Matori girl again. After every show he'd ask if there was a girl waiting for him, but every time he was told that no one was there. This of course was a source of amusement for all those involved: Leukos had a reputation in the troupe as a licentious little imp, so the idea that he might have been stood up was priceless. Much teasing was had by many, there's no way they'd miss this chance. His retorts were quick and snappy, and he tried to not let it get to him, but it was all rather bruising to his ego. She said she might not be able to get permission to come, stop being a little baby! Gods!
By the fifth day, it was the last day the circus would be in the city, and Leukos tried to push out any nagging thoughts as he prepared for their last show. He did his usual stretches, contorting into uncomfortable poses as he cleared his mind. Focus on your performance. That's all that matters. He changed into his costume and proceeded to tie up his long hair out of his face, heading out to the animal pens to make his final rounds before the show started.[1/10]
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Posted: Tue Oct 25, 2016 6:08 pm
Her hair bouncing in braids behind her Arima dashed through the crowded markets and towards where a flood of earthlings were gathering by the giant tents. As she got closer to the crowd the girl found herself slowing down so that she could glance about. Everything was so colorful! And so active! Her cheeks flushed, Arima watched as performers walked among the crowd as if to build the atmosphere. It truly was an energetic experience.
Energetic especially with the little ones that bounced past her and kicked up some dust. Blinking, Arima only shook her head with a soft smile at the 'sorries' which floated up in the air behind the trio as they darted through the crowds towards the grand entrance. There truly were so many earthlings here that she easily lost track of even those three in a few seconds...
Brushing some dust from her long silk skirts, Arima twisted around so that she could scan the crowds. Was he going to be here with other performers? Oh this is silly - he said to come and watch though. I wouldn't want to disappoint him by not coming...unless his offer was only from courtesy. The Matori bit the inside of her cheek thoughtfully. Even if so then it was still rude not to come right? So of course after using all of her time the last four days the girl had managed to secure some freedom for herself to come here. She had even taken the time to wear some of her noble clothing from before becoming an apprentice - something that she even questioned, but she had been raised to always dress well when coming out to an invited event.
Still, it was hard not to be like those younglings. Arima's steps were full of energy and excitement as she moved forward. And as the acts began the girl found it even harder to keep her lady-like poise as she cheered and clapped along with the crowds...
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Posted: Thu Oct 27, 2016 11:37 am
With the sound of a large drum's bass reverberating through the encampment, the show was ready to begin. The mass of onlookers filtered into the tent, their chatter that had once been deafening now muffled by the thick fabric. As the show started, music mingled with the cheering, rising and falling to different rhythms to match the mood of the performance. Leukos smiled as he heard a lilting tune that was one of his favorites: they really had a fantastic group of minstrels working with them. When he heard his cue to enter, he ran into the tent in the dark, taking his place in a low crouch.
As the lights in the tent suddenly illuminated the ring once more, there was a murmur that swept across the enclosure, the crowd waiting for his contribution to the show. A gentle tune emanated from the band as he began entering balancing poses, handstands and one armed push ups. He felt himself falter for a moment when he spotted the pale girl he had been waiting to see, dressed in elegant silks and gold, surprised but glad to see she had come after all. There was polite clapping, but everyone was clearly losing interest in it quickly compared to the spectacles that came before him.
Suddenly a huge Janarim ran into the ring behind him, snarling menacingly at the startled audience, the music coming to a crashing halt. Leukos paid no mind to it, knowing what was coming, but the audience was totally unprepared for this turn of events. He continued with his act, back turned to the supposed danger, relishing the nervous energy emanating from the crowd as the huge beast crept silently closer to him. It stopped behind Leukos and crouched into a leaping position, its fanged maw open and ready to clamp down on the supposedly oblivious boy. He could feel the hot breath warming his back, the well trained creature waiting for its cue. Some in the audience couldn't take it anymore and leapt out of their seats, crying out as they tried to get him to turn around, flee, anything but stand there and let the monster get him!
He snapped his hand into a fist. With lighting fast speed, the Janarim reacted to its cue, lunging forward at Leukos as he rolled out of the way, a mask of pretend fear on his face. The room was positively buzzing now, panicked faces transfixed on the horror taking place before them, oblivious to the eery music that had softly started playing again ever since the encounter started, building the tension in the room. He dodged and stumbled across the dirt, "narrowly" escaping its snapping jaws and razor sharp claws. He glanced at the stands to look at Arima, keeping the delight off his face when he saw how engrossed in worry she was. Suddenly he unfurled a long length of red fabric that had been tied to his arm, whipping it in vibrant arcs in front of the beast's face to "disorient" it, distracting the crowd so that they paid no attention to his other hand; he contorted it into a specific position, letting the animal know it was time for the finishing move.
It ran at him and seemed to ram its head into his abdomen, many in the stands screaming in terror and covering their eyes. The music that had subtly been humming during the whole encounter suddenly swelled into a frenzied roar as in the blink of an eye, Leukos had grabbed the creature by its horns and flipped over its head, landing squarely on the bridge of its huge back. The red fabric held in his hand fluttered dramatically down around the unharmed boy who stood with his arms outstretched, smiling from ear to ear atop the suddenly still and calmed beast. Well that went perfectly.
The tent was absolutely silent with no music to fill it, but that was quickly remedied by the thunderous applause from the crowd, reveling in their folly. Some who new from the beginning what was coming leaned over at their friends, laughing at their startled faces, being privy to the secret joke that only they and Leukos had shared. The lively music started up again as he continued his act, dancing atop the well trained Janarim's back while he twirled his ribbon in magnificent arcs and spirals, moving from the crown of its huge head to its stiff outstretched tail, never losing his balance. Leukos tapped the side of its flank with his toes, causing the creature to turn to the audience and bow with Leukos as the music came to its dramatic conclusion.
The audience loudly applauded appreciatively; but before they could settle down he had hopped off its back and directed it to leave the stage, when suddenly a Matori girl ran in with a Xaraan attached to a long lead. The music started up again as he began the next part of his act, launching himself by the handles of its saddle onto its back while she stood in the center and led it in circles around the ring. He delighted the crowd with back flips, handstands, and thrilling poses, suspending himself with only one leg off the side of the creature at times. For the final showstopper in his act, a ring of fire suddenly appeared in the arena, concocted by the mage they kept on staff. As the Xaraan ran towards it, Leukos stood and dived over the head of the animal through the center of the flames, tucking into a controlled roll. When he popped out of the tuck successfully, the music fell silent again as he took his assistant's hand and bowed deeply to the applauding crowd. He made eye contact with Arima and waved, smiling wide as he blew her a kiss.
He really was an awful tease, but nothing else in the world gave him as much of a thrill![2/10]
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Posted: Thu Oct 27, 2016 12:31 pm
Arima’s gaze was glimmering as she watched the performances unfold before her. So this was what a circus was like. It was all very exciting! She wondered where Leukos would be in the act and then there he was. Smiling, the girl straightened her back with some lady-like poise as she watched him begin his own performance. I can see where he gets confidence from. She teased lightly as she watched his bold movements.
Still it seemed rather calm compared to the vibrant performances that had previously filled the stage…so what…Arima’s gaze widened as the Janarim ran into the ring. Was – was this a part of it? What if it wasn’t and he was about to be harmed? Her hands clenched at her skirts as she wished she had thought to bring her staff. Not that she couldn’t heal without it, but the thing did make it a bit easier for extreme emergencies…such as being gutted by a wild janarim. And then the next thing she knew he was on the back of the beast with a wide smile. Oh. I see. Smiling softly Arima just shook her head. She should have known! I suppose the circus truly does love surprising you.
It was amazing to watch how easily he handled the janarim and then the xaraan. Seeing him go through the flames made the girl’s cheeks flush as well. He had surely practiced that a few times before! Yet, the healer in her wanted to fuss about how dangerous some of those stunts were…what if he pulled a muscle or what if the fire managed to nick his clothing? Arima closed her eyes in frustration. Enjoy it, don’t worry yourself to death over it. Trying to relax Arima settled back down in her seat before finding herself at a loss.
His act was over…but he…had waved at her? And then the whole kiss blowing – of course those in the audience nearby wanted to turn around and see who it was the young man was blowing a kiss to. Flushing, Arima quickly turned her gaze away as if she too was searching to see who he had spotted, “Oh well I wonder who?” She mumbled out loud for anyone listening. It wasn’t me, nope, nope, nooooooope. As some gave her a curious glance and others a wry smile, Arima found herself scooting back a bit in her seat. Once the attention lifted the girl just placed her hands against her face. Why would he do such a thing? Obviously she wasn’t used to such open flirtations or signs. I’m sure he’s just teasing me.
Maybe I should find another of those bug creatures to tease him then instead. She thought playfully before watching the rest of the performances. Afterwards Arima would find herself slowly weaving out of the crowd to leave the tent. While she was still debating on what to do the pale Matori found herself drifting further away from the circus area. Did she go and ask for him? Or did she just go home now…after what he did maybe I should. Her cheeks still slightly flushed from embarrassment as she remembered the stares from those around her. So much teasing! She found herself twisting a curl nervously as she finally did take a few steps back towards the tents and began peering around corners…was he still around? It wouldn't be polite would it to just watch his show without staying to say hi, right? Even if he had made her almost die from embarrassment...
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Posted: Thu Oct 27, 2016 6:22 pm
Leukos grinned ear to ear when he saw how cute Arima was as her whole face flushed at the attention he gave her; there was a bit of wickedness hidden in there as well, he couldn't help it, being dramatic just came naturally to him. He ran off stage with his partner so the next act could start, panting from the excitement and exertion. He helped put the animals who had performed with him back into their pens, giving them affectionate pats as he took care of putting away the harnesses and costumes involved. Soon it was the end of the show and he entered one more time with the whole cast of performers, taking one final bow for the evening. And with that the show was over.
Leukos ran off to his trailer as quickly as he could to strip out of his sweaty costume. He wiped himself off as best he could and applied some lightly fragrant oils to his skin to help mask any lingering smells. He threw on some civilian clothes, but just opted to keep his hair in the complex updo so he didn't have to fuss over it. He jogged over to backstage again, looking around for Arima. But when he couldn't find her, he had to ask around again, but no one had seen his mystery girl. He bit his lip as he headed back out to snoop around the outside of the tents. Maybe she just got lost? Or... maybe I shouldn't have blown that kiss at her? She did look awful embarrassed... but girls usually love it when I do that?! Was that too presumptuous? She was dressed like a noble tonight, maybe she's worried she'll get in trouble if she's seen with me...?
He was starting to get a little torn up over the endless possibly scenarios over why she didn't want to see him, until eventually he spotted her snooping around the corner of one of the tents. He sighed a breath of relief and loped over, composing himself again and smiling at her. "Oh there you are! I didn't see you backstage and thought you might have gotten lost. Looks like I found you though! Thanks for coming out, I hope you liked the show!"[3/10]
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Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2016 3:09 pm
I'll linger around just long enough to say hello and be on my way. That would be the best way to handle things, right? Ariima twisted her fingers thoughtfully before she was finally spotted. Oh! Her attempt at looking stern immediately faded as she found herself smiling at the sight of him rushing over to her. I suppose I shouldn't be too angry....maybe.
"Lost...." Arima replied lightly as she glanced over at him. Could she confess that she had almost been too embarrassed too stay with some in the crowd still glancing her way? Nope! "Thank you for inviting me, it was really enjoyable. After all this time I finally got to see a circus and it was a great act." She took a step towards him before raising a finger accusingly, "Though I was never warned that you enjoy nearly getting mauled by a janarim on a daily basis." All that worry for nothing! Still, the petite healer smiled. "Truly though I really enjoyed the show. All of the performers are so talented here....as were you as well, I suppose." Not that she wanted to be an open fan -especially considering his teasing during the act-, but definitely that act had been amazing! All of it had been...she didn't realize how people could be so capable of the things she witnessed tonight. That interaction with the xaraan and janarim could have made any of the riders she helped before proud. Though they may question the Matori's use of such battle beasts...
Arima blinked as her thoughts wandered back towards Leukos, "So...what now?" She glanced back towards him with curiosity, "I suppose since I'm here I could do that tour you promised. Unless you can't of course! I totally understand being busy..."
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Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2016 4:48 pm
Leukos put his hands up and grinned at the accusation. "Oh psshh, then it would have ruined the surprise! But now that you've seen it, I'm going to have to switch it up again. Gotta keep everyone on their toes!" He gave her a little bow when she complimented him, "Your praise is like music to my ears, Miss Arima. And for your kindness, you get my undivided attention the whole evening, if you should want it. I've been looking forward to showing you around all week."
He offered her his well toned arm to link with. He might be a bit of a brat now, but he was raised to always be courteous towards women. He smiled down charmingly at her, "It's nice to be able to see you again, this time with proper lighting. Looks like my eyes weren't playing tricks on me, you're just as pale and lovely in the daylight as under the moon. I'm sorry if I've done anything to offend you thus far, I wasn't aware I was in the company of a noble lady." He ran his eyes appreciatively over her, not leering, just assessing. "Those silks lie beautifully on you by the way, they really compliment your figure. You can tell a master tailor designed them. Was it by any chance done by Sir Beeron Vannesh of The Black Xaraan? I feel like I've seen that stitch-work somewhere before..." He realized he was staring at her shoulder and tore his eyes away, cheeks tinted with a light blush. "Sorry! Sometimes I can get way too engrossed in fashion. It's really an unhealthy addiction! Shall we get the tour started then?"
[4/10]
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Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2016 5:12 pm
Arima could only shake her head with an amused grin, "You seem quite capable of that. Perhaps you should find another one of those bugs - that would be an exciting experience!" She found herself teasing lightly, "Still, I'm thankful that your familiars seem so fond of you. They must be amazing companions for you to have so much trust in them."
Her cheeks flushing lightly the girl simply blinked at him, "You...you have?" Had he truly been waiting all week for her? The pale Matori bit the inside of her cheek. Surely it was just simple flattery. She couldn't imagine anyone waiting around for her save for anyone needing her help as a healer.
Ever so slowly Arima raised a hand and carefully slipped it into the other Matori's arm. If he had met her before everything changed then he would have seen a shy, flushed girl who flailed at the thought of touching a man so casually. Now at least her experiences had made her a bit bolder and more at ease with touching the skin of another, "Pale and lovely?" Her gaze peeked at him from the side, "Ah, yes. I do stick out a bit, don't I? Unfortunately I'm no oasis spirit, but am just an average earthling with some different features instead. And please, no apologies needed! We were both strangers fighting some strange creature in the dark of the night - you did what you could at the time." She shook her head, "I may be in silks, but these are old clothes from a different time. I just...I uh...didn't have any of my healer's attire prepared. So I'm still just Arima the healer's apprentice, plain and simple. " Actually she had a few more clothes back at her mentor's manor, but the girl had wanted to look nice for an event like this. But she did make a note that perhaps finding some more casual clothing for when she wasn't on the field so that she didn't stick out in crowds more than her normal appearance already did.
Still, the praises made her cheeks flush furiously, "They...they may have been. I'm sorry, I wasn't always aware of who made my clothing as my mother often would love surprising me with new outfits..." Her voice trailed off as she found herself catching him staring. What did she do? How...what? Ah, my clothing - my clothing not me! Arima shook her head as she tried to calm her startled heart, "Then I suppose I can always send you some silks if you ever wanted, haha. Seems like you truly enjoy it." She found herself commenting as she glanced everywhere but at him, "Yes, the tour! Lead the way!" She gushed trying to shove aside her sudden shyness as she peeked back towards him, "Where first?"
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Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2016 6:30 pm
Leukos shook his head and clucked his tongue at her statement. "Times may change, but being raised in a household of some worth will always leave its mark. Even though you may see yourself as 'just a healer's apprentice', the way you carry yourself, speak, and all the tiny mannerisms that you may not realize people can see will always be the telling signs that there's a noble woman underneath that healer's smock. You have an air of grace about you that is lovely, Miss Arima, you should appreciate yourself more." Leukos thought back on his own experiences living in a house of nobility: even though he may have just been a slave, and years had passed living in his new way of life, those lessons were ingrained in him for life.
He began walking with her and laughed, "As much as I would love to own something so fine, regrettably I don't think I'm exactly the right size for your silks. I'd much prefer to see them modeled on you..." Hmmm, we might have to work on her confidence. She doesn't even realize her own beauty... what a shame. Then I'll just have to be the one to remind her. "I think the best place to start would be the tent itself, before it gets too dark to see inside. It's highly improbable that I can wrangle our mage to light it up for us, so it's a more time sensitive location."
He led her to the back of the main tent, making small talk along the way. Leukos miigghht have also taken a longer route than he needed to: he had to rub it in all the smug non-believers' faces that he did indeed have a pretty girl who was waiting for him. And she was a classy one at that, so they could suck-it! He opened up the heavy flaps backstage, showing her all the workings that happened before the performers came running into the front. He stopped at the base of one of the large supporting beams, releasing her arm and hopping up onto one of the rungs embedded in its sides, languidly hanging onto another to lean over her. He gave Arima a sidelong look, a twinkle of mischief in his eyes. "Do you want to go up to the rafters? It's truly spectacular up there."[5/10]
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Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2016 7:26 pm
Arima found herself staring at Leukos. He truly believed that? Surely he said that to others as well. The Matori flushed lightly before nodding, "I suppose years of living can't simply be erased, can they?" She whispered before giving him a small smile, "But as it is that doesn't change my present either. My mentor could care less about my roots. He just needs someone who can work themselves to death to learn his ways."
"Ah, I suppose they would be an awkward fit wouldn't they?" She peeked over at him and laughed a bit herself, "Maybe you can give them to someone you like then instead since I probably won't be able to wear them often anymore." She found herself teasing before looking awkwardly away again. It was the clothing - not her, nope, nope! She refused to even linger on such thoughts. Wasn't it more typical for any one to just flatter a lady out here? Arima had to keep pushing aside those silly notions she once held as a child. Nothing like what she had read could exist out here. The world was far more cruel than that.
Though as they did small talk, she found herself loosening up a bit. It was interesting to see how the circus was set up all around them. A huge caravan must be needed to move all of this. Her gaze was often taken away by others as she glanced around with a light flush on her features - a mix of excitement and the embarrassment from others glancing her way aided in that, "So much work." No wonder those performances had been so intense! All the practice and preparations...it was outstanding.
Watching as Leukos moved away, Arima found herself looking up at him. "The...the rafters?" She replied with surprise, "You think it will be acceptable?" She bit her bottom lip as she peeked around the tent - it was rather empty in here, "I suppose if it's not too dangerous then...sure. After all I wouldn't want to miss out on another spectacular sight." Wasn't she supposed to be bolder now? Something like this was definitely a challenge and she wasn't about to look weak or afraid by backing down! Let's just hope I don't fall and die... She took a deep breath before reaching up a hand for a rung, "It'll be hard for me to climb in skirts, but if I go slowly I'm sure it'll be alright." As she moved forward her skirts did make her pause once more. With a sigh, Arima glanced around once more. "Don't tell on me...but let's see..." Her cheeks flushed the girl bent down to hitch up her skirts and tie them at her waist. Now they barely covered her knees as she began her ascent up the beam before her...
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Posted: Sun Oct 30, 2016 1:16 pm
Leukos was rather surprised that Arima had actually agreed to his proposal: he didn't think the easily flustered girl had it in her. But there she was, climbing up the other side of the post. Well well, guess I judged her wrong. She has more moxy than I thought! He started ascending the pole easily, making sure he moved slowly to match her pace. When her skirts got hiked up, he glanced over appreciatively at her slender exposed calves. "Don't worry, I wont tell a soul; it'll be our little secret." He pretended to lock his lips, tossing away the imaginary key and winking at her. As they neared the top, he figured it'd be best to go ahead of her so he could help her up. So he quickly covered the remaining distance and stood on the platform at the top, reaching a hand down for her to take, hoisting her up to join him.
Leukos hadn't been exaggerating when he said it would be a spectacular sight: they were remarkably high above the ground on a small platform with an unobstructed view of the many seats down below, at a height not many earthlings of Tendaji got to experience. And this wasn't even the very top of the tent, the posts kept ascending higher to support the canvas above them. From the top one could see just how many winches, hooks, and clamps it took to make the acrobatics above the ring seem to effortlessly come to life. Ropes laced across the space like spider webs, secured to posts to keep things taught and in place. "So what do you think, it's pretty cool right? Let me show you how it works." He pointed out the different beams and what they connected to, pulling on ropes to show what they did.
He unhooked the trapeze bar that had been secured for the night, standing on the edge of the platform and letting his weight lean back against it, butt jutting out for balance. "See, in order to get the right momentum, you have to lean your whole body back like this. And then you just have to hop off, completely trusting yourself and the partner that will catch you. And there's no net, can you believe it? I've tried it out a few times, the rush you get as you fly through the air is unbelievable!" He knew that this might have been a bit cruel, balancing so close to the edge of a great fall, but it was just so tempting to see Arima become flustered and worry about him. He could tell she was a bit of a worry wort, but this sort of thing never phased him anymore. And he really was an attention whore.[6/10]
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Posted: Mon Oct 31, 2016 10:05 am
Arima smiled at the exaggerated promise. She just hoped she could trust the other Matori to keep to his word. If not then he may have an accident in the near future...teased Arima quietly to herself before reaching up to grab his hand. As she stood, however, the girl found her legs wobbly beneath her. "We...we are pretty high up." She whispered in awe as she looked around them. Arima knew the tents were large, but this was something! I truly didn't think this over well. Her chest tightened as she forced herself to glance downwards again so that she could truly appreciate the full view.
Watching Leukos, Arima just numbly nodded. "That explains a lot." The craftsmanship of this tent was impressive. "I suppose that's why it takes time to prepare before the circus actually opens up." She shook her head, "To think you actually travel while constantly having to redo all of this..." Better yet to believe that they felt so comfortable while being up so high! As exciting as it seems I believe there's a reason we weren't gifted with wings. She mused before finding herself staring at Leukos who was demonstrating the trapeze bar for her.
"Leukos...I don't know..." She began with a hand moving towards him. But in the same second that very hand went right back to curling around her waist, "I'm certain with experience you've become a natural up here, but....I'm not so certain about myself." She finally confessed as she glanced towards him. Oh, he was leaning so dangerously close to the edge! Just thinking about it made her visualize him jumping off and falling. She had to remind herself that the bar was there for a reason and that he had a good grip on it. However, it wasn't working so well for herself as she clenched her arms tightly around her waist. This was okay, she was fine. She enjoyed high vantages, so why was she nervous now? Was it because there wasn't a sky and it was dark? Unlike being in a room up high or on a solid balcony there was something different about having just beams to support her. Arima forced a smile on her face as she glanced back to Leukos, "Sounds like you truly enjoy this part though." She offered quietly, "Especially the rush. Though unless you're wanting to demonstrate I would be careful about leaning so far over." She teased lightly despite her racing heart.
They would be down and back on land soon enough. Arima's cheeks flushed as she forced herself to glance around once more. She was supposed to be brave so why was this simple area making her so nervous? Grant me strength. She silently prayed as she waited.
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Posted: Mon Oct 31, 2016 1:34 pm
Leukos looked over at Arima again and actually took a moment to process her body language. He felt a worm of guilt squirm its way into his conscious. He'd been so caught up in himself that he didn't stop to think how she might actually be taking this all; Arima was clearly uncomfortable, she wasn't really having fun with his teasing. Look at me being a d**k... So he secured the bar back in place and turned back to her, sheepishly scratching the back of his head to stand between her and the drop off. "Yeah... but I guess it's not for everybody. There's still lots to see, so we can head back down. We can go as slowly as you want, there's no rush, you set the pace." He helped her get settled onto the top rungs of the ladder, then began the slow climb back to the ground, glancing over at her to make sure she was okay.
When they were back on the ground, he let her get herself back in order again. Don't let that ruin the evening, you can still recover from this. Come on, she's your guest, show her a good time. He put his hands on his hips and smiled, motioning to the the exit. "Ready to head back out there? How do you feel about meeting some of the animals in our act? We've got quite a few, even some exotic ones. I promise, they're all great company!"[7/10]
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Posted: Tue Nov 01, 2016 6:37 pm
"Eh?" Arima blinked with surprise before a flush of shame crossed her own features. Had she been that obvious? "I'm...sorry." She whispered bowing her head so that she could avoid his gaze. So much for being that bold and exciting. There were still so many parts of her that weren't accustomed to living outside of that pampered lifestyle yet. It was frustrating, yet there was little to do when her limbs felt frozen solid from looking down at that drop.
Admittedly she did lean into Leukos quite a bit as she made her way to the ladder. Quietly the girl counted to herself as she slowly lowered her body to the ground and once there Arima found herself reaching out to Leukos for support, "Seems...my legs are quite wiggly." She commented with a sheepish smile, "I'm truly sorry, Leukos." Arima bowed her head as she slowly let go of him and took a few careful steps backwards. Her legs seemed to be in working order now. Maybe I'll practice going to high places next so that this doesn't happen again. What if someone needed her on a high peak or something? Wouldn't be very professional of her to wilt on the scene when there was a patient nearby!
Smiling towards Leukos the girl was thankful that he didn't tease her about her silly mishap, "Sounds great to me." She offered with a nod, "I'm definitely curious to see these ferocious beasts behind the scenes." Tucking back a stray strand of hair the girl took a few brave steps forward so that she could be the one to loop her arm in his, "Let's go!" She tugged him towards the exit which he had pointed towards, "Can't waste time else I'll be in even more trouble at home for sneaking out." She teased lightly as she forced some more bounce in her step rather than those previous shaking movements from before.
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Posted: Sun Nov 06, 2016 1:24 am
Leukos was glad to see that she had rebounded so quickly. Her positive energy and enthusiasm definitely helped to lighten the mood again; he found himself lightly laughing as she so boldly tugged at his arm, the timid little thing at the top of the tent had been replaced by a capricious little imp. What a charming girl! "Alright, I'll lead the way then!" He held the tent flap open for them and began the trek to the animal pens.
Time had passed by quicker in the tent than he had realized; it was already late afternoon by the time they made their way outside again. But at least it was a relief on their eyes, the hot Oban sun no longer at its zenith. And when they made it to the pens, it looked like the animals appreciated it too; they didn't have the sweltering heat beating down on them any longer, many lying contently in the shade of their shelters. As Leukos arrived with his guest, a few stirred at his familiar scent, lifting their heads to look over at him. “Afternoon everyone, you all did a fine job today! I see you’ve settled in nicely for the evening. I want to introduce you to my guest, so do me a favor and keep up the good attitude, alright?” He motioned between Arima and the pens with his free hand in mock formality. “This is the lovely Miss Arima, savior of my unworthy hide. Arima, this is the other half of our troupe; they can be a fickle bunch, but I love em’. Even though SOMEONE insists on chewing on my good sashes, that’s right, I’m looking at YOU, Prash!” He squinted at a scruffy looking Aldabuk, threateningly pointing at it with two fingers swiveling between his eyes. He laughed and took a satchel off a peg on a post, handing it over to Arima. “Maybe if they’re good you can give them a TREAT…”
At the mention of rewards many of the animals snapped their heads towards them, the two Xaraan in the pen they stood before getting up off the ground to come over to stick their heads over the railing, snuffling Leukos’ hair and nuzzling his shoulder with their beaks. He laughed and reached up to scratch at their cheeks, playfully pushing their faces away when they started getting too nippy. “Oh-ho, I see your attitudes have changed, look who’s being all friendly now! But I’m not the one you need to woo, Miss Arima here is the one who will be doling out rewards tonight.” He took their snouts and held each in a hand, giving each a gentle shake as he spoke. “This big blue one is Ginsho, he’s always been a bit of a show off. Don’t let him intimidate you; he only gets a treat if the blighter deserves it! And this lovely red beauty is my performing partner, Ginsha. She’s as loyal as they come, and the most patient woman in my life. I don’t know how she deals with her idiot brother all day, but heck, I’m an only child, so I guess I can’t relate! Pet them if you want; they may act like brats sometimes, but they really are total sweethearts!"
He nodded to the bag in her hand, stepping over to open the flap, holding a piece in his hand. "If you think they’re being good, you can put the treat in the palm of your hand under their beaks, keeping your fingers together. Just don’t point a single finger near them, they might smell the treats on it and mistake it for food. Silly beasts get way too excited, I learned that the hard way!” He wiggled his middle finger, showing off an old, deep scar. He didn’t seem deterred by it, smiling reassuringly at Arima as he gave the treat to Ginsha, stroking her muzzle fondly as she nibbled on it.
[8/10]
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