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 Posted: Wed Jun 02, 2021 12:12 pm
 (Lines by kaname423, colors by Elyessi)
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Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2021 3:01 pm
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Jhin
Relationships
Rps & Plots
Inventory & Photos
Growth
Story so Far...
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Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2021 3:01 pm
Name:Jhin
Race: Wind
Gender: Male
Orientation: Taken by Kyril
Personality: Amiable, Peculiar, Meticulous
Jhin is a very amiable spirit whose kindness and courtesy attracts many. He is soft spoken with a flair for offering advice and has quite the knack for always offering a helping hand for any type of situation – perks of being the middle cousin of twelve. His childhood was full of female cousins who often relied upon him and teased him because of how adorable they found him. However, now while he is still kind hearted the man seems a bit more reserved and more so a loner while working as a ranger.
He is a bit peculiar as he often can zone out in day dreams or find the most interesting twist on things. As a child it would not be uncommon to see him talking to a tree or something similar - a habit that for the most part he grew out of over the years. He still has his respect and humble attitude towards everything in nature and enjoys listening to the wind as if it is carrying a message or song. The way he organizes things as well (everything has its own niche and strange category that may be erratic to them, but for him the set up makes sense) and often takes notes about almost everything seems odd to his often rowdy family.
Because of his history with his rather large family -so many aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents- Jhin tends to make certain that when he does help he does it in a certain way. It may seem meticulous to others, but when he does something the boy has a system and strategy for everything. When he was still living amongst his family Jhin even kept a collection of rocks and other precious objects organized in a certain fashion so that if a certain younger cousin decided to browse through he'd realize they’ve been touched. Other than that he has a ‘mother’s touch’ in a sense as he makes certain that any food preparation is done with outmost care and also when he crafts arrows and other objects Jhin makes certain that they are almost if not perfect. His own arrows are his pride and joy as he crafts them himself.
History:
Jhin was born to a pair of nomadic hunters – his father especially had a rather large family with his own two siblings and four half-siblings. In fact when he married the love of his life the man took her into his own home where his family acted mostly as their own little village of sorts. Jhin’s aunts and uncles all had their own relationships -save for his Aunt Tyka- while several already had children, Jhin was born in the middle of the fall festivals. While his mother struggled and many feared that the baby was to be lost the next morning welcomed a tiny babe. Everyone welcomed the little baby into the world while his mother, a delicate wind woman, especially cherished him. She had already lost children to miscarriages, but having one finally that was alive and mostly well – at first he frightened them with bad health and pale eyes, but as he grew up the youngling started to prove that despite being a runt compared to his stockier cousins that he was in fact going to be well.
So Jhin was showered in his mother’s love. Unfortunately for him, the boy didn’t realize that it appeared that his mother’s vast amount of prayers and time spent healing him as a baby had worn out the woman. Her energy mostly depleted -as she already had frail health- the woman quickly became bed ridden after an accident hunting. Since her leg never fully healed a cane was crafted for her by her husband, an artisan who was known for his delicate details in the craft of carving. In his own way Jhin also returned his mother’s love and often would work as her right hand – helping to prepare meals for the whole family when they returned from a hunt or trade, cleaning around their home, gathering herbs, and tending to the younger cousins who were left in his mother’s care while the rest were out trading or hunting. He was never bitter about not having as much time to play with his cousins and rather spent the days with a smile since he felt that spending time with his mother was much worth it.
But the days when Jhin’s father stopped going out to trades and rather would stay home marked a change. The young apprentice would lean against the backside of a tree to listen as the adults spoke of their worries – seasons changing, her cough was getting worse, how would his father and the son handle things? Yilay was going to die….even his father, Biao, knew that. It was a sad truth, but one that they all accepted. In those last few weeks together both Jhin and Biao pampered Yilay with love and she would often hold them with a brave smile before crying herself to sleep at night. Only her husband could see those tears as he would lay there holding her in his arms while Jhin sat outside just listening to the soft murmurs and the rare sobs that escaped…
Her last words were encouragement for a bright future along with how proud she was of him and that she would always cherish him. May her spirit watch over him and that he would prosper and find comfort in the family that was left to him. Jhin repeated those words that it would be alright and that this was a part of life – death took all in the end- as he watched his mother’s body being carried down the hill and towards the groove of trees where other family members rested. Bowing his head the young boy just wiped his eyes before forcing a small smile on his lips. For her he would live a happy life and always give a smile to the world…
His father, haunted by the memories of his wife, opted to take the longer trading routes as he would take the goods created by his siblings and nieces and nephews throughout the other countries. Travel he claimed could keep his mind busy while his heart sought heal from the loss of his beloved. Biao offered to take Jhin and once or twice Jhin would tag along, but in the end he would often just opt to stay behind with his Aunt Tyka who became a second mother to him.
As an apprentice Jhin kept a brilliant smile on his face as he took over his mother's role and helped take care of his family. Eventually his Aunt Tyka's influence had him pick up the bow and the apprentice found himself falling in love with the idea of archery and becoming a ranger. When the time came to pick up the merchant trade with his father, Jhin stood his ground and instead decided to follow his aunt into the deeper forest where he learned her trade. Over the years he has grown comfortable in the forest and finds it more of a home than his village in Sauti. Recent tragedies has made him mature into a more serious hunter, his previous instinct to never take a life forfeited as he lost a dear friend and had to save another. For years the death haunted him until the arrival of a certain hybrid helped him to start seeing the world in a brighter light again. Despite certain dangers and difficulties the pair ended up entering a relationship and now have a family with the rangers where Jhin has taken over his Aunt's position as leader.
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Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2021 3:02 pm
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Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2021 3:02 pm
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Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2021 3:03 pm
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Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2021 3:03 pm
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Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2021 3:05 pm
Story so Far...
Jhin has went into the deep forests bordering Tale and Sauti in order to become a ranger like his aunt. The boy has quickly grown up into a witty, mostly patient, young man with a knack for landing a bullseye from afar. Despite the changes going on in the world he was content to stay at home unless absolutely needed to roam.
[Old Journal]
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Posted: Tue Jun 15, 2021 9:31 pm
Daily Life
Jhin has went into the deep forests bordering Tale and Sauti in order to become “You could have had a merchant’s life and been all nice and cozy up in some nice house.” Amusement floated across a pair of emerald eyes as the leaf earthling lazed about in the upper branches of a large gnarled tree whose roots were wide enough to even serve as seats for others who were not quite as fond of climbing as the leafling was. “I cannot imagine why you would allow Tyka to convince you that joining our merry band was the better option when you could have so much more for so much less effort.” He sighed again and draped a slender hand across his narrow face, his sharp nose barely peeking out from the long fingers crossed over it. If the young man did not talk as much then Jhin would believe that he could be part of the tree with his thin frame and dark brown and tan attire that blended in with the oaken bark. Perhaps that was why they typically sent him to scout, both so that everyone in the group could get a break from the talking and since he actually could blend in with the forest while his mouth was closed. “I would have taken a wife by now and just enjoyed my evenings sipping some fine brew before treasuring that company.” Another dramatic, almost wistful, sigh left his lips as he obviously imagined what exactly all of those evenings would contain for his perfect world. Jhin wouldn’t be surprised if he would just expect to laze about and have a bunch of underlings doing his job for him at that point because that’s how everyone imagined the more successful, richer merchants lived. If only it was that easy to run a business!
Jhin could only roll his eyes at the dramatics. Ever since his fellow archer had learned about his own parentage and the fortune that Jhin had left behind for this life he had ribbed Jhin about it almost daily. Eventually he hoped that the other man would get such teasing out of his system. “Well I suppose we have different takes on life, Yaloh. I just found it stifling to be stuck behind paperwork regardless of the luxuries money could give me.” Jhin finally replied as he shifted, the toe of his boot nearly catching on a stray branch before he adjusted and continued along his own branch in the opposite tree. Somehow his patience made him the prime target for hanging out with Yaloh and he was often the poor soul that the group voted to send out whenever the scouting mission needed more than one ranger. So far though their day had been fairly peaceful with no bandits or even a witu to bother them. It was just a pleasant spring day with the sunlight shimmering through the pale blue, purple and green crystalized leaves of the giant trees, their shapes and colors causing a pattern of sorts to emerge on the forest floor. “Also I barely can tolerate finding ways to keep up with your conversations so how would I manage with a wife?” Jhin continued moving along the tree as he spoke, his fingers tracing along the familiar edges until he finally reached the area of the branch where the knot of a trap was tightly tied. The deep forest bordering Sauti and Tale had been his home for the last two years now and he knew most of the trap placements by heart. The rangers made certain to keep busy by keeping out bandits and the like while escorting merchants and other travelers through the safer routes. The forest was dangerous enough on its own with the wild beasts ready to rip out a poor passerby’s throat but it did not seem to be enough to deter thieves and rogues from wandering within its depths as well. The response to the stubbornness of man who didn’t want to be wary of the boundaries of nature? It was the creation of the rangers fueled by a pair of leaf and wind earthlings decades ago who grew frustrated with the bandits preventing trade between their country. They decided to find others who could hunt and track and fight to protect not only their people but the forest itself and the nature within its boundaries. Eventually the pair grew into more than twenty archers and hunters who continued passing on their beliefs and secrets to the next generation and the next and the next one after it. Now his aunt Tyka was the leader and most respected her save for some like Yaloh who had inherited his position by being the son of a deputy who had raised him within the forest. Those preferred to grumble about their lives but stayed within the forest because they did not know what else to do, some did on the rare occasion leave to go to the cities and towns throughout Tendaji but many others stayed for family and friends who relied upon them for survival. Jhin could not completely blame the leaf earthling for wanting to try a different taste of life but personally he loved everything about living in the forest. The peaceful sounds of nature, the summer storms and the interactions between the flora and fauna of the region all appealed to him. It was far better to be out here living a “dirtier” life than being stuck in a boring stone building all day. The working environment that others groaned about was more of Jhin’s ideal vacation away from everything else.
“Ugh, you’re probably best off without one.” Teased Yaloh as he finally shifted to kick at one of the loose traps, his laziness knowing no bounds as he was barefoot and using his toes to try and tighten the ropes back into shape. His boots were as usual discarded on the forest floor below them and Jhin would be greatly amused if another wild beast chased them away while taking the boots for a prize. How many had his friend been through now? At least four pairs within the last year? That was why he never got the best leather and always settled for whatever he could get after the first pair was lost to something whether it be a beast, bandit or even a random flood.
“The day that you get snagged on a trap for doing it half-assed is the day I leave you hanging until others can come by and laugh at you.” Jhin commented as he crossed back over from his tree and towards Yaloh so that he could finish up the final ties of the rope trap, his hands only pausing to smack away the intrusive pair of feet. Ugh. Did he really have to do that? Jhin shot a glare towards Yaloh who only laughed it off. One of those days an arrow would come towards the leaf earthling and Jhin refused to be the one to dive in front of him to block it. They still had ten other traps to check and Yaloh was taking his sweet time so that he could avoid other chores. Jhin rolled his eyes at the thought. If only he realized that taking his time out here was actually the reason they kept sending him back to do these tenuous tasks. Still, at least he gave Jhin plenty of time to make certain that the traps were truly secure instead of rushing through them all. That would be the worst case since rushing could lead to traps not being properly set which would either hurt another ranger one day or allow a bandit free roam of the place. Jhin shuddered at the thought of a trap failing because of someone’s oversight. That would never occur on his watch! The archer brushed back a stray strand of hair with a frown. His hair was going to be another issue as well. Soon enough he would have to get it taken care of….he would just up that Tyka had time to help him since she actually could cut hair. He didn’t want to end up like Yaloh who just lazily shaved his hair one day at random and had to get it fixed later. Yaloh was literally the embodiment of sloth and a living example of why one should do their best instead of only half-heartedly trying at life. Jhin knew that the other man could mean well though and on occasion he did come in clutch to help save the day - the only redeeming feature that kept him within their ranks and made Jhin tolerate him more. They had an unusual friendship, a pair of total opposites that somehow stuck together in the forest. Somehow they made it work though and for now neither one of them had killed the other while out on duty.
“You wouldn’t leave me for long though.” Teased Yaloh playfully before pausing, worry crossing his previous expression that had been full of confidence. “Would...would you?” The leaf earthling looked towards his companion with a frown. “Surely not.” He decided after a long moment of staring at Jhin, doubt still in his gaze. With the way Jhin was feeling today it was highly probable that the leafling would at least be hanging until evening before he finally agreed to help him down.
“Either way let’s just finish this up.” Jhin slid down from the tree and bent down so that he could pick up the other man’s boots. His nose wrinkled slightly in distaste at the condition of the leather before he tossed it towards Yaloh. “Come on.” A grumble was the only thing he heard as he started walking away, his quiver full of arrows bouncing against his back with every step forward. His bow was tucked against his back as well and it felt comforting knowing that his weapon was there in case of any emergency. Last week it had been a rabid witu ready to strike them down and the other day a wandering rogue who had tried to empty their pockets rather forcefully. So much for that man’s attempt considering he got painfully dragged out of the forest and taken to the nearby village for judgment. It was almost similar to how Jhin currently had to drag Yaloh through these tedious tasks. Some days it felt as if it would be easier to get a virma to emerge early.
“Where’s Aella?” Yaloh asked after they had been walking for a few blessed quiet moments, his friend glancing about for Jhin’s kinfa. Jhin simply shrugged as they finally had to continue on foot rather than catching a ride by his familiar, something that he could have easily remedied had he not wanted to punish Yaloh for being such a pain this morning. Eventually they emerged from the edges of the forest and actually were approaching one of the few clearings that surrounded their encampment that was nestled within the center of the area. A stream crossed through the glade, the crystal waters always a welcomed sight for those who had spent a day out and about, and smaller fish swam lazily through the calmer currents. Eventually if someone was to continue south along the stream it would deepen with more rapids as it turned into a waterfall going down the cliffs and into the border region that touched Matori. That was the appeal of the forest - the fact that it touched Sauti, Tale and Matori. It made the area a preferred place for merchants traveling through and for bandits who once upon a time claimed this area as their own kingdom of rogues and vandals of sorts. Now it was home to the rangers who had their own village hidden in the tall trees of the forest, their forest homes hidden high up in the branches with ropes and walkways tangled in between. This clearing was just one of the first areas leading the way into the heart of the forest where the others resided and Jhin waved towards the hidden platform that was up above the trees. Two of the rangers always rested there, taking shifts to guard the entry way just in the off chance someone or something tried to wander too close to the slender bridge that cut across the gap between the areas of forest and climbed upwards into the heart of it all. That was where both Jhin and Yaloh headed after stopping to wash their faces and to refill their water flasks in the stream. It was always so refreshing to have a cool drink after a long day and Jhin much preferred it to the wines and ale that others enjoyed. Most of those drinks were either too bitter or too inhibiting for his tastes. Yaloh on the other hand would probably hit the bar at the encampment as soon as they arrived.
And there he goes.
Jhin shook his head as his friend dropped down from the rope bridge and immediately darted towards the smaller hut at the back of the encampment where others were already gathered together. While Jhin was not completely fond of drinking his Aunt had made certain that they kept spirits in their supplies and even allowed one of the ranger’s wives to serve as a barkeep, her main role while the rest went on missions. It was a nice place to catch up with others as long as no one started trying to undermine one another at the card table again that was. Jhin would sometimes go and linger around the bar, his attention more on a glass of water and some of Merisa’s special stew, and that was his time to listen to all of the stories about adventure and what not. Some of the rangers did venture out into other countries, especially those who wanted to bring back foreign supplies and gain contracts with new merchants, and the stories they told could be rather exciting. Today though Jhin opted to instead go towards the home that he shared with his Aunt Tyka, the largest treehouse built around one of the oldest trees in the forest. It was his favorite spot in the forest since it looked over their whole clearing and if he climbed to the top branches of the tree he could actually see the skyline, including the amber and lilac rays of sunset. It was one thing that he did miss about Sauti when he could actually see the sun more often in its pure form rather than altered through the multitude of darker tinted foliage making up the upper canopy of forest. It was up here that he climbed and sounded out a whistle, a faint noise barely heard by other earthlings and sounding more like a sharp gust of wind more than anything else. Eventually the noise attracted the attention of a tan colored kinfa with creamy markings and brilliant blue eyes. “Aella!” Jhin smiled as his familiar slowly descended so that she could perch on a large branch next to him, her wings rustling as she gently knocked some of the crystal leaves aside. Other than the slight chiming sound of the leaves falling towards the ground the rest of the bird’s actions were silent, her head moving to butt against Jhin’s shoulder before a soft cooing sound left her throat. “You’re just being cute to get more treats.” Teased Jhin as he rubbed the kinfa’s neck lovingly. She was truly a great companion for him and Jhin was thankful that his Aunt had given him the egg when he first arrived in the forest. Most of the rangers had a mount of some sort, most of them kinfa with a few foriegn mounts from other countries mixed in, and his Aunt had wasted no time in making certain that Jhin was included in those numbers. Her own mount was a feisty crimson kinfa that rarely came around to the encampment, his preference for the wilderness reflective of his own free spirit. Who needed a spouse when one could have a kinfa at their beck and call? At least that was what his Aunt always declared after a few bouts of drinking. Jhin shook his head in amusement at the thought of her antics and still wondered how such a rambunctious woman could also be their stoic leader. Either way it was not as if she were lonely considering the amount of lovers she took during her travels and throughout the rangers. She was not an unlovable woman with her assets and charming personality but she was also not one to simply settle down. Like her kinfa she was wild in her way and did not enjoy being tied down to one spot or earthling.
Jhin was rather thankful for that at least because it gave him plenty of room in the house. There were roughly five rooms, a large circular living area and an adjoining kitchen with a washroom and two bedrooms and a small study connected to the one. If he were to get to the bedrooms from the first level there was a rope ladder that he could climb unless he walked around the outside of the house where a ramp was built through the trees, one could simply walk around at a slant or if they preferred to stay within the house there was the rope ladder that one could climb up through a hatch to the above level. For the most part Jhin would spend his days on the roof where Aelle could join him since she had gotten rather too big to easily nestle up with him inside of the home. Tonight wouldn’t be his first night spent under the stars with a simple blanket and a kinfa keeping him warm and honestly Jhin looked forward to it. While Yaloh wanted the cozy merchant life Jhin truly did enjoy this and he couldn’t help shaking his head at the thought of his friend’s desires for such a life. It wouldn’t be the same and he was thankful that his Aunt Tyka had given him the chance to live life the way he wanted. He did not want to pick up his father’s path as it didn’t give him fulfillment. He would rather help others and live a life feeling like he made a difference to the world. “Right, Aelle?” Murmured Jhin as he settled into his favorite spot with the kinfa nestled up against his side. It had been a long day and honestly he was just ready to sleep for the night, his body weary and more than ready to take a break.
[3106]
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Posted: Wed Jun 16, 2021 10:09 am
Tracking a Witu
If one was still worried about the changes in the world then they could do so. Jhin, however, was occupied with ranger duties and for the most part had stayed within the forest for the last five years. The battle with the Dretch had only brought out a few of their numbers to aid the rest in battle and while he had considered going his aunt had made him stay behind. It was not his fight according to her and she refused to lose her nephew when he was potentially her heir, if not his father’s heir. The very thought had frustrated Jhin but by the time he had arrived the battle had already been fought and the Dretch were gone far underground once more. For months it had caused some rift between the pair of them, mostly Jhin’s pride being hurt that his Aunt Tyka had not trusted him to survive while his Aunt Tyka was upset at him for trying to disobey her orders at the time, but eventually time and living together had forced them to settle their differences and revive their relationship moving forward. Ranger duties never stopped and they continued working together to ensure the safety of the forest and those who traveled through its pathways.
If anything Jhin found solace in his duties since it kept his mind focused instead of allowing it to roam towards other things, such as his father and that business or even the dretch and emergence of new countries. So much was changing and it was at times very overwhelming indeed. Jhin even focused more than others on training and continued to push himself harder and harder by the day. He trained so much that his abs felt like rocks and his lean arms were surprisingly taunt with muscles that glistened with sweat even now as he released yet another arrow into the bullseye of a target. Some of the rangers potentially saw him as a bit queer for having such a loner attitude in a group of companions but Jhin preferred doing things alone. He had been raised with a large family but at the same time was the only child within his own personal family so doing things alone had become a habit for him. He was always willing to help but never did he share his own burdens with others could he help it. If possible one could say that arrogance and vanity was truly his middle name...if it wasn’t already. If so, Jhin would accept it if it were. No point in being bashful about his determination and strength and feats. Others could call it pride but he would just say it was sheer determination and prowess that kept him on top of things, including their rankings within the group.
It was one such morning that Jhin was thinking upon things while he moved quietly through the trees, searching for any potential dangers or loose traps. Unlike the open fields of Sauti, the ancient forest of Tale held great trees that rose far above the ground with their huge gnarled branches seemingly blotting out all sources of light save for the few rays that filtered through the crystal foliage above. The oldest parts of the forest had even thicker and taller trees, creating almost a realistic sense of eternal dusk with how few beams of sunlight entered the area. However, over the years Jhin had grown accustomed to hunting in such a dim world and his other senses made up for the lack of sight. It was now that as Jhin moved through the bottom layer of foliage, with barely a violet colored haze of sunlight lighting the way, the ranger found himself relying on his memory to navigate through the true path. Like other areas of the forest he could only navigate through what he remembered and the few painted stones that seemingly blended in with the trees for those who were not aware of them. Over the years he had joined with others in replacing the stones and even scratching trees in particular patterns to help navigate the deeper areas of the forest.
Today Jhin was particularly dedicated to his hunt, something revealed by how steady his footsteps were. When he was with other ranges, Jhin was especially determined to protect them all and today’s hunting mission was one that he did not intend to fail. Apparently a wild witu had gotten into the forest and was causing more trouble than necessary. One even worried that it was almost rabid, mad with some disease that made it attack everything on sight. Needless to say its presence was a danger to those around and Jhin was the first to volunteer to eradicate it. They had to act swiftly so that it couldn’t harm other creatures or any of the rangers out on duty within the forest. It was strange enough that the beast had opted to come into the forest rather than running across its typical savannahs within Tale’s borders. Just the very thought made Jhin wary. What if someone had released it on purpose? Surely not!
At least he knew that other rangers, including Yahol, were nearby scouting. It was their footsteps that he occasionally heard while walking through the forest. As long as they were nearby then Jhin knew that no witu could overtake them by surprise. It would be easy enough to whistle for help, a whistle that they had all been forced to learn when joining the rangers. It sounded like one of the common birds of the area, just slightly to a higher key with an extra whistle at the end. Even though he knew others were nearby, the silence of the area made Jhin especially wary. What could be making the forest so quiet other than a dangerous beast like a witu? None of the smaller creatures would dare to emerge from hiding with such a beast lingering around. The aura in the area was heavy, the silence wrapping around them like coils tightening to suffocate them and stop them from moving forward.
Jhin winced when he heard Yahol’s heavy steps nearby. Such noises could easily alert the witu to their position and he wanted to snap out at the other ranger if it wasn’t so dangerous to do so. The noise, however, did startle a pair of smaller creatures that darted out from the undergrowth. Jhin let out a sigh as he recognized the familiar creatures with their long tails as they jumped across the clearing, up a tree and then back out of sight. Jhin bit the inside of his cheek in frustration after the pair of creatures had disappeared from sight again.“Yahol.” The name escaped like a hiss from his lips as he shot an unamused glance towards the leaf earthling who emerged from the bushes to his right side, “I don’t think chasing a pair of morackers was included as a goal for this mission.”
Yalohl, his cheeks darkened in embarrassment, just flashed Jhin his signature ‘oops’ grin. “Consider it a bonus?” He shrugged her shoulders to try and ease the pressure of his mistake while a young shifter woman joined them, “Right, Giya?” His emerald gaze darted towards the other ranger who shook her head towards him in disdain.
“I’m assuming that you’ll say that this new route is confusing your footing, Yalohl. We have to take this path so as to not alert the witu too early.” She tucked a stray dark crimson curl behind a pierced ear before slipping forward so that she could walk closer to Jhin. Her pale almost peach colored gaze was inquisitive as she studied the other archer, her body heat obvious as she got within a few steps of him. “We’re still on track, correct?” Despite being from Oba she had adapted to the forest over the years and had actually joined the rangers about the same time as him. She was a wanderer before that with no real family to tie her down and they had welcomed her into their ranks once she had proven herself and admitted that she felt more at home here than in Oba. She loved the forest as much as Jhin did, if not more so.
“Yes.” Jhin found himself flushing slightly as the curvy archer got closer once more. He never understood why Giya got so close but at the same time it made sense to him if she were trying to be as far away from Yaloh as possible. After all, the leaf earthling could get rather annoying with his idle chatter and constant mistakes. Jhin frowned as they rounded a corner and began to slowly creep along the forest path, the vines and foliage becoming even heavier than before. Such conversations were why he preferred to track things alone or with a familiar. Most of their mounts were quiet and Aelle knew his movements well. Sometimes he had to wonder why he was forced to accept tasks with teammates. While Jhin enjoyed their company and support during other times he much preferred tracking things solo.
“Just be more careful.” Giya mused as she noticed the tracks were getting fresher the further along they went, the long claw marks marking the moist earth at their feet, “We are getting closer.” Her attention was immediately on the area around them and no longer on Jhin thankfully. He became way too flustered whenever she stared at him for too long, almost as if expecting something from him or trying to read his very soul. It was honestly confusing trying to understand the mind of a woman, especially one like Giya.
It was part of the reason why Jhin focused on his duties as a ranger above all else. There was less room for division, less worry about romance and hierarchy, and more just the necessity of survival as you fought to survive in the forest and guard it from intruders. He had his bow and familiars and was fine with that. Anything else just complicated things, something he had expressed multiple times to Yaloh whenever he tried to bring up dating and the like. There truly was no time for such things. His cousins had taken care of making certain their family line continued and Jhin found no pressure to try and continue making heirs. The very thought sent a shudder down his spine. It was definitely easier to track a wild witu than to think about such things!
“Jhin?” Yaloh whispered and the archer found his gaze quickly turning to the other man, “Are you alright, friend?”
“Yeah.” Jhin gave a firm nod as he continued along the path. Why was he getting distracted now? Dancing around in his head while they were out on such a dangerous mission? Seriously? What was wrong with him lately? Now that was embarrassing. A flush warmed the back of his neck as he kept his gaze forward to try and hide his shame at the mistake. This was why he refused to partake in such things. It was too distracting even now!
Shoot things, don’t worry about other things.
Speaking of shooting...Jhin’s gaze snapped towards the left side as he heard movement and a command quickly left his lips. “Now!” They had to hunt now! The witu was right before them, its yellow-green eyes glaring at them with a fiery hatred and it was only a split second later that it darted forward towards the trio.
Giya immediately went into action while Jhin and Yahol darted to the sides. Smirking, Giya raised her lance and darted forward, the cool metal of her blade flashing in the few specks of sunlight as she darted around the witu and pushed it back. Yaloh had already prepped an arrow and was shooting towards the flank while Jhin prepared a dart that was infused with herbs to knock out the creature. If they could rehome it then they would but if it was truly gone then they would have no choice but to send it to the beyond. The trio continued fighting, the beast showing no signs of wearing down until finally Jhin got a dart into its leg. At that point they were along the edges of a cliff, giant roots from the older trees dangling freely below, and the stream was rushing loudly beneath them as it cascaded into the lower forest.
They had this!
Then in the last moments when the trio had thought they were winning the witu made one final, sloppy movement towards Giya who had lowered her guard. It’s claws swept towards her and the lancer let out a scream as both the beast and the woman tumbled down the cliffside. Yaloh was too far away to do anything but Jhin was close enough that adrenaline simply kicked in and he found himself running forward. Another may have simply watched their comrade tumble into the waters below but Jhin was moving with blind determination. No one was going to die on his watch!
Leaping forward, Jhin caught Giya and tugged her against his body while bracing for their impact into the stream below. Thankfully the stream was deep and rather than any bones breaking, Jhin just felt pressure around his body as they splashed into the crystal clear depths. His biggest concern was the scarlet color of the water that started to stir around Giya’s leg where she had been severely injured by the witu’s claws. Yet Jhin didn’t have much time to worry about that as he had to swim them towards the shore, his arms still secured tightly around Giya’s limp body. It was hard to see straight because of the rush of impact but the wind earthling did his best to carry them to safety before passing out along the banks.
Later he would wake up in the encampment on a cot next to Giya who was also bandaged up. Apparently Jhin had a slight concussion while Giya had broken a leg during their fall. They also had medicine in case the witu’s disease was contagious and Yaloh had to admit that the beast was taken down by him when he found its body along the shoreline. It had not been as fortunate as the pair of rangers who had thankfully hit the water and not the sharp rocks along the bottom. Jhin was mostly to thank for that since he had pushed them forward with his leap, taking their tumble away from the area where the witu had fallen and towards the water instead.
Now was just the awkwardness of recovering together. Jhin still found himself flustered by Giya especially when she was extremely thankful for him saving her life. “I may have lost my lance to the waters but it could have been much worse than that and a broken leg.” She mused quietly as she studied Jhin one night. “Truly I’m thankful.”
“I’m sure anyone would have done the same.”
“Perhaps.” She replied with a small smile, “But it was you who saved me this time. If anything, consider me in your debt.”
“Please don’t think that…”
“It’s okay, really.” Giya pressed a finger against his lips. “I know you feel awkward around me but if you ever do feel lonely, know that I’m game for hanging out more outside of duties together.” She raised an almost playful brow as she felt no shame in what she was offering or suggesting. “I know others think you’re a bit of a stickler and most definitely a loner but I like you, Jhin. I wanted to let you know that in case the next accident is my last.”
“Don’t speak like that, Giya.” Jhin narrowed his gaze in concern before the rest of her words registered with him and he felt his cheeks darken. “Thank you though.” He managed quietly as he peeked towards her almost sheepishly. It was nice knowing that someone enjoyed his company even if the other implications still had his stomach twisting uncomfortably. Not that he didn’t think Giya was beautiful, but more so that he wasn’t exactly aware of how to respond to the shifter’s feelings. Truly he had never even considered seeing anyone romantically before and he couldn’t help that his gaze lingered across her form, taking in the small, golden crystals that dotted her eyes like diamonds and marked her shoulders before trailing down to hide beneath her deep purple cotton dress before showing again around her hips to just above her knees. Her hair was tightly braided instead of bouncing with the usual curls around her shoulders and her pale amber gaze was intense as she caught him staring - a realization that had his cheeks darkening even more than they were before.
“I never knew you could get so pink.” Giya teased with a laugh as she sat back down on her cot, the movement making her wince as she glanced at her cast with a sigh. “Don’t worry about it so much. I just hated holding that inside, especially around someone as dense as you.” The Shifter glanced back towards him with a small shrug. “Either way at least you know now and the rest is on you. Don’t worry about me because I’ve survived worse things than a simple crush not being returned, Jhin.”
Even though she said that, why did he get the feeling that there was more than just a simple crush in this situation? Either way Jhin could only give her a small smile. “Duly noted. Let’s just focus on recovering for now, okay? That foot is going to take some time.”
“Yes, sir.” Giya smirked teasingly towards him before laying back down. “If you want you can also be a hero and bring me some tea with more of those pain herbs. I’m feeling awful again.”
“Ah! Certainly.” Jhin nodded as he hopped away from his own cot and went off in search of their healer at the encampment. The older Sautian would know what to do! At least about the herbs that was because even Jhin didn’t know who could give him advice for such a complex matter.
[3021]
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Posted: Wed Jun 16, 2021 10:54 am
A Night Under the Stars
It was one of those festive days where everyone was off dancing and having a grand time together.
Jhin had retreated to his corner of the bar where he had hoped to escape from the party all together once everyone was wasted enough but a familiar form found her way to his table. “Room for one more?” Teased Giya as she slipped into place next to him with a playful smile. Now that she was fully recovered from her injuries the Oban was radiating energy and looked even more beautiful now that she had dressed up for tonight’s festivities like the others. They were celebrating the summer harvest and enjoying the last quiet week before the caravans continued back through their forest and duties resumed. Everyone was dressed up, there was a crackling bonfire outside in the clearing and music was being played all around them while others drank and ate the night way. Giya’s own crimson hair was twisted into tight braids that were wrapped around a ponytail, the only free curls not braided hanging all the way down to her mid back and gleaming in the flickering lights. Golden ornaments and crystals she had gotten from merchants as ‘tips’ for her hard work decorated her hair and a loose golden chain with an amber and black sermal striped stone dangled around her neck. It was apparently her lucky stone and she refused to ever take it off and even when they were recovering Jhin recalled seeing it dipping below her tunic to where it nestled against her chest. The same chest that was in his face as she stood before him, her playful expression showing just how aware she was of the revealing dress that hugged her frame.
He immediately missed the tunic and leggings she wore for their hunts. Jhin let out an awkward cough before scooting over so that she could slide in next to him. “You know Yaloh and the rest are over there dancing, right? Even Mykart is telling his stories with everyone else.” Jhin managed finally as he watched her place wine down in front of him.
“I know but that’s nothing new.” Giya grinned towards him. “I’d rather bother you some more. Stop looking so dour and have fun, maybe?”
“We’ll see about that.” Jhin pursed his lips as he glanced towards the others. “I’m not much of one for dancing. I prefer just sitting under the stars and enjoying the quiet but Yaloh….wherever he is... dragged me here.”
“Ah.” Giya chuckled. “I’ll have to thank him for that later since it allowed me to find you.”
Jhin flushed since he didn’t know quite how to feel about that statement yet. He still had been pondering what Giya was wanting from him but honestly the wind earthling didn’t know. He really was too innocent when it came to relationships. His Aunt had a share of rotating lovers while well….he just seemed to drift away from commitments. His father’s heartbreak at the loss of his mother had kept him from others for so long that he didn’t know quite how to react to being flirted with by Giya. Friendships were a mystery enough as they were so how did he even go beyond that level? Still, maybe it was the life or death situation with the witu or the honest way Giya seemed to truly care about him that got Jhin thinking.
Maybe just maybe he could see where this one went?
It was almost as if Giya could read his thoughts and a small smile crossed her lips. “I know what I brought up may be bothering you lately but truly it’s your decision with what you would like to do. I’m not asking for a lifelong commitment. Just a chance to see how things go?” She asked as she poured a glass of wine and passed it along towards him. “How about we get out of here and enjoy the stars your way before I show you how I would like to enjoy my night?”
Jhin knew what she was wanting and his gaze dipped towards her lips thoughtfully before he slowly nodded. If his Aunt Tyka could enjoy things then why couldn’t he take a moment to relax? “I’m new to all of these things.” He admitted quietly, a flush decorating his cheeks. “But if you would like to enjoy the night somewhere quieter and together then….then I don’t think I would be adverse to it since it is you, Giya.” She had been by his side for years now and they had been through so much. She was truly dear to him though he was an ignorant fool when it came to things like this. Still though he was willing to at least try and open up more. Saving Giya from that fall had reminded him of how important she was and he was not about to let her affections go to waste, not when he could have the chance of returning them too. And Giya was more than happy to let him explore his feelings, something that she proved when she started kissing him when they ventured away from the others to a more discreet location and enjoyed the rest of their night together.
[879]
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Posted: Wed Jun 16, 2021 6:21 pm
Growth Quest - First Blood
Jhin had never had to kill before.
Admittedly he had situations where things had appeared dire, but he made certain that some sort of trap or another ranger took care of the vicious intruder. He always held a motto that he could capture or maim even but never take another spirit. This time though things did not seem to be going their way and Jhin was not certain if they could simply capture their enemies. While Jhin had tried to set traps for others and avoided taking the killing blow in the hopes that they could resolve things another way, the others had already gotten locked into combat. Giya had already been pinned down by a few bandits while others were off fighting to the side. One of the biggest earthlings that Jhin had ever seen was rampaging across the way to get to the main wagon of the caravan. “Get back here!” He hissed as he raised his battleaxe and sliced through the door. Stupid, stupid Yaloh though had barged ahead to try and block the man from getting to the people hiding inside. They had been escorting a family, something that had been seemingly innocent, but it turned out that they had some tense connections and debts due to some rather unsavory people. Said unsavory people were ready to rip out their throats for the cargo that they were hiding alongside the people. Now that Jhin’s party had witnessed everything and seen the goods plus the faces of the rogues and their own passengers there was no bargaining. It was kill or be killed apparently.
Unfortunately for Yaloh and Jhin that realization didn’t occur until it was far too late. Everything seemed to slow down as Yaloh jumped in the way of the axe, his confidence in his blade far too strong while the sturdier metal and force of the man broke through. The blade shattered like a flimsy stick and the next thing Jhin knew Yaloh was getting cleaved. Jhin had seen the attack, felt the very pressure in the air changing and had shoved another bandit aside to try and get there in time but….it was simply too late. A gasp left Yaloh’s lips as he fell backwards against the wagon, blood gushing from the wound as all color seemed to be bleached from his normally darker skin. “Jhin...don’t let him kill the others.” Breathed Yaloh as he reached for his friend’s hand, the archer clutching at his fingers before the last raspy breath left his lungs and his hand fell limply from Jhin’s shaking fingers.
Anger boiled in Jhin’s blood. Where had the b*****d gone? He was on a rampage still looking for the cargo and the two Obans hiding near it. Then the worst case scenario occurred...Giya was the next one in his line of sight. The axe that was still coated in Yaloh’s blood was being raised and coming down towards his other friend as she struggled against the brute, her lance barely keeping him from crushing her with his weight alone. Despair knotted his gut. He had already watched Yaloh die because of his stupid rule and now was he going to watch Giya die? His heart was in pain, almost as if it were being squeezed, and the air left his lungs as he finally sent the arrow flying. Jhin had never been a bad shot nor was he unable to send arrows flying with a taste of magic to sharpen the blow. He simply had opted to never do something so drastic before because of his desire to spare lives. This time, however, something broke within his chest as the pressure snapped alongside his bowstring. Before the axe could make it’s way to Giya the bandit’s momentum slowed as he started slipping towards the side, the fresh arrow jutting out of his neck causing him to lose all focus and eventually his life.
The death of the leader caused the others to scatter and the arrival of other rangers allowed the mess to be cleaned up. Jhin didn’t care though because he was too busy sitting in the clearing, his gaze frozen on the dead. He had finally taken a life. He had broken through his own promises and had destroyed the ideal that he had clung to. Anyone should have a chance at redemption, but that bandit never would get a second chance. Yaloh would say that it was the correct decision and that Giya was more important than some murderer who surely wouldn't change even if given the chance but the fact that Jhin had sealed someone’s fact made him sick. Nausea made him bend over and he found himself retching in the bushes as the reality of the situation caught up to him. His friend was dead and another had died by his hands. If he had only killed the b*****d earlier! The very thought both frustrated and surprised Jhin. Was this how he was going to live from now on? Was death going to be the only answer for him? A hand touched his shoulder and he found himself looking up towards his Aunt Tyka, “You can’t help it.” She managed quietly, her gaze studying him with intent. “Fate works in mysterious ways and this was one of those situations that played out as it had to. Just remember them both. Your friend and your very first lesson in what it means to make the ultimate decision.”
Jhin was certain that he wouldn’t forget. How could he? Others would call it a maturing point of his story but for him the very memory would make him sick for days and ruin any chance of sleep. Giya and Tyka kept an eye on him and eventually they believed he would pull through his inner turmoil. Jhin could only hope so because after all it was not as if he could turn back now. He had made his decision to take a life and it was not a light decision regardless of how much others believed it was the correct one for that situation.
[1021]
Jhin finally had to take a life. This is a major development in his story as he has to face the reality of the world that things will not always have his ideal resolution. He has always condoned killing but now that he has killed he has to accept that sometimes one must do what is necessary to protect those that they care for without hesitation because that previous moment of doubt had allowed a friend to die, something he will always regret. However, moving forward this will make him more somber and change his approach to things because he has already taken one life and learned that sometimes it is the only choice you have, especially when dealing with ruthless vandals..
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Posted: Sun Sep 05, 2021 10:42 am
Mourning
Jhin was still mourning Yaloh. The battleaxe that took his life before Jhin still flashed with blood in his nightmares and the empty place at the breakfast table left an ache that simply would not go away. Days stretched into weeks but Jhin still could not shake the guilt, the twisted feeling in his gut that would not go away no matter how much he tried to avoid it. Things simply were not the same without his witty friend that had at one point drove him crazy with his talking, but now Jhin dearly missed it. Ever since the demise of his friend the ranger had focused more and more on his training, honing his aim and hardening his heart so that no mistakes could ever occur again. His coldness grew more as well and he was once again distant from people, including Tyka and Giya, who had been by his side during the funeral and the days after. Nothing made him happy and he couldn’t even fathom holding anyone in his arms since guilt was slowly eating at the edges of his soul, destroying his appetite for certain pleasures that only the living could enjoy. He became more gaunt, his cheekbones sharper as his body lost any of its remaining childhood weight as Jhin developed more muscle from hours spent at training and on patrols. If no one wanted to volunteer then he would pick up extra shifts in the forest instead of staying back in the hidden village that was nestled within the ancient forest that grew along the borders of Tale and Sauti. Jhin was solely about his duties as a ranger and not in the mood for any games, romance or the like. Nothing else mattered and that mindset is what frayed his blooming relationship with Giya, something that the Oban woman reminded him of when she confronted him finally after weeks of enduring this suffering.
“Are you determined to stay miserable? Do you think that’s what Yaloh would want?!” Argued Giya as she hounded after Jhin who was still focusing on sending arrow after arrow into the target located outside of the encampment, the privacy of the forest giving Giya plenty of room to confront him. Her golden gaze was livid as she stared him down, her arms crossed in determination as she waited for him to respond to her. She had been trying for days to get some sort of response but the usually polite man was acting more like a piece of ice than anything else. “You’ve ignored me for weeks now and I don’t know how much more I can take.” Her voice softened as she approached and touched his elbow, her expression pleading. “Jhin?”
“I can’t, Giya.” Jhin finally replied with a heavy sigh as he lowered his bow, his gaze still focused on the target rather than the woman next to him. “I’m sorry but I just can’t.” His fingers rubbed against the feathered ends of his next arrow, his nerves refusing to allow him to stand still much longer. They had played this dance for days now and he simply couldn’t bring himself to dive into things like before just yet. He had tried at first but he had felt so hollow that even Giya couldn’t reciprocate his weak attempts at rekindling their relationship. He was shattered and she was hurting so at first they could comfort each other while mourning together but Giya was not one to linger, she had too much spark to be contained in sorrow. While she was ready to move on and live again, Jhin needed more time and her patience was not infinite.
Such patience shattered when Giya moved to place a kiss against Jhin’s lips. Jhin froze before slowly backing away from her, her advances once more hitting a solid wall as the man didn’t even try to return the gesture. Once before he would have, but even those kisses had felt empty and more out of pity since he didn’t want her to suffer by rejecting her advances while they were both in pain. Now though he truly couldn’t find it in himself to even try to play along with these games. Enough had been enough and it showed in his expression as Giya watched him backing away.
“My family contacted me.” Giya quietly replied as her hand slowly left Jhin’s arm, her arms crossing back around her stomach as if protecting herself from the approaching answer. After weeks of failed advances she already knew that he would not stop her from what was coming next. Why would he when she felt more like a nuisance lately? “At first I ignored the letters because I was not content with that life but after recent events….after losing Yaloh I started contemplating things again. Maybe it is best if I go back to them for a bit and clear my head.” She paused again as she glanced back towards Jhin and then around the clearing. “I would stay if you asked, but if this is how you want things to be then I shall leave.”
Jhin’s stomach knotted at the words but at the same time his chest felt strangely empty. Perhaps he had become a monster when he finally took a life? He just did not have it in him to express love or to even laugh lately. It just felt...wrong. Giya was not someone who should be held back by someone like him. She was vibrant and full of life while he just felt so lackluster lately. At the thought the archer let go of the arrow and quietly sighed as he finally chose his next words. “You deserve to be happy, Giya. I don’t know if I can offer that to you now so please be free to live the life meant for you. I will not hold you back.”
“Why because you couldn’t save everyone? Because you had to take a life, Jhin?” Giya’s expression softened as she reached back out for him but the man took a step back so that her hand fell limply to her side. “If I knew you were going to change so much then perhaps it would have been best if I had died that day.” She murmured, her gaze darting towards the ground as she spoke. This rejection stung more than either of them had anticipated. Years of flirting, months of finally being together and now it felt as if none of it had ever mattered. How quickly feelings could change within the span of a couple of months.
“I don’t regret saving you, Giya.” Replied Jhin sharply as his temper flared with her words. “Do not take your life for granted like that.” He had taken a life to save her. That decision was never in doubt for him. He would never change that even if offered the chance because Giya was important to him despite everything.
“Then why do I feel like you’re punishing me, Jhin?”
“I’m not!” Jhin’s aqua gaze was burning as he finally looked at Giya. “I just can’t…..I don’t regret saving you, Giya. I regret not acting sooner so that I could save Yaloh too. I’m still haunted by him and then when I see you I can’t help thinking of him but also of the man that I killed...I’m still processing everything. It’s hard to act like some teen with a crush when my heart is still so heavy.”
“Just a crush that you can’t find the feelings for because of mourning? If you need to process things then I suppose our feelings aren’t quite on the same page.” Replied Giya finally with a soft sigh. “I’m leaving tomorrow morning, Jhin.” The Oban’s voice trembled on the final words but still she raised her head high as she turned and walked away from him.
“Goodbye, Giya.” Jhin whispered as he watched her leave and stood there staring at the forest path long after she had actually disappeared from sight. Something had changed within the last few months and despite the pain the ranger knew it was for the best. They were never meant to be a permanent match, just a few fleeting moments spent together while they grew and learned more about themselves. Though he wondered now if Giya had hoped for more even though she had introduced their relationship as something more casual. Jhin’s expression faltered at the thought as he realized that he had hoped for something more at one point before recent events tore them apart. It was surely for the best so that he could focus more on his actual duties instead of fawning after someone, something his aunt had shown herself while leading the rest of the rangers. It was best to have your fun, your release without hurting anyone and then leaving all emotional connections at the door because they could be used against you. Jhin wasn’t quite ready to experience that pain again and so he watched Giya walk away, towards a future back in Oba where surely she would be more protected. It was for the best, it had to be because he refused to think otherwise. No regrets. Jhin found himself picking up his bow and arrow again before focusing back on the target, the action of shooting it over and over somehow helping him with the strange numbness that filled his chest.
[1570]
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Posted: Fri Nov 26, 2021 7:33 pm
Realizations and Farewell
They had chased Kyril away.
Jhin let out a sigh as he sent another arrow flying into the target dummy. The ranger had spent so many of his recent days out here training while his Aunt took care of his twin daughters. If anything at least Jhin trusted her to take care of the girls since she absolutely adored them. The only issue she had was with the mother apparently. The very thought made Jhin’s lips press into a tight line as he raised his bow once again and notched another arrow before sending it flying through the trees where it collided with a further out training dummy. Each and every shot seemed to convey his emotions, the building frustrations and the sorrow that wanted to explode from him more and more with every day that passed without Kyril. His Aunt had been gone for over a year while Jhin stayed with Kryil and now suddenly everything was destroyed because an old flame had returned and Kyril had misunderstood the situation. Even if she did trust him, the hybrid who had stolen his heart opted to return to Matori to think over things instead of staying with him and their daughters. Should he be angry at Kyril for giving up so easily? Jhin desperately wanted to be angry at her but he missed her so damn much! It hadn’t been an easy decision for her either, that much he realized as he watched her leaving the forest that day with tears in her own eyes. They were both in pain but he couldn't leave the forest, not when it was his entire life. This was his home that he had fought for so many years to protect so how could he? It would be like spitting on the sacrifices of those who had passed for this very place. And how could he fit into some noble life in Oba or Matori? Jhin frowned at the thought even though he found himself thinking more and more that he would be willing to make certain sacrifices. If he could be with Kyril and raise their daughters together as a family if she would have him….then should he? Go back to being a merchant like his father and feel satisfied with that life? Kyril had told him that she didn’t want that type of life for him either. Even she had ventured away from pursuing noble connections to instead focus on crafting and becoming the free spirited artisan he had fallen in love with.
Ana and Zota were adored in the village as well. Jhin wasn’t certain what type of life they would have within Oba where Kyril mostly worked nor could he imagine going overseas to Belrea where Kyril had also resided for a couple of years to study her craft. He was too attached to the forest and had so many responsibilities here as a ranger. He had just hoped Kyril would have wanted to come back and stay with him so that they could prove to his aunt they were good together, that Kyril could adapt to life within the ancient forest. Zota and Ana missed their mother dearly and even though it had only been two months the toddlers were constantly looking for their mother even when playing with Auntie Tyka. “I should go to Matori.” Mused Jhin as he looked over the dummies, the multitude of arrows sticking out of them almost too much for the worn things that threatened to fall apart. If he went to Matori then he could go and check on Kyril...maybe discuss things and try to figure out a plan for the future. Even if he had to give up some of his duties the man would be willing to live in Matori or even Oba for a portion of the year if it made Kyril happy. So why was he being so stubborn about chasing after her? She had said that she trusted him so why leave? Why not figure things out together instead of spending months apart like this? She was missing so much! He was missing her so much! A frustrated sigh left Jhin’s lips as he placed his bow on the ground and began the process of collecting each and every arrow that he had shot during the last hour. Even if it seemed ridiculous the man figured it was for the best since it spared those that he truly wanted to lash out at - his aunt and Giya.
Even though they thought that they were successful in breaking Jhin and Kyril apart, their actions seemed to have the opposite effect for Jhin. Rather than growing distant from Kyril the ranger had instead realized just how important she was to him. Every moment that they had shared, the very fact that he had grown so accustomed to her presence in his everyday life haunted him while they were apart and he found himself realizing that this woman truly was the love of his life. No matter how much Giya tried to approach him, no matter how much she tried to prove that she was the stronger woman and the better choice as a ranger the man simply could not see her like he saw Kyril. He treasured Kyril for every moment they shared, for every connection that they felt from their very first meeting while fighting those bandits that day. She was the love of his life like that bard’s song from the other day. Was it sappy to realize that her disappearance from his life had broken his heart when all he wanted was for Kyril to see how important she was to him and how much he wanted her to come back? Giya had been a young fling, not his soulmate and most definitely not the mother of his children. She would never be the mother for his girls, that much Jhin refused to allow.
Giya had grown frustrated with him and snapped one night when he refused to acknowledge that Kyril was not coming back. “Jhin just let her go already! It’s been three months and honestly it’s for the best. Do you want another life on your hands?” She always did that to try and make his guilt control him, something which still startled Jhin. Would his aunt not let Yolah go even though rangers knew the risks and several had died over the years from fighting with bandits and wild beasts? His aunt tried to protect Giya and take her side because she was the one that was more perfect for Jhin, a companion that understood how the rangers’ operated and could be the partner that he needed if he wanted to lead one day.
“Does love not matter?” Jhin finally asked his aunt as he returned from his training session, the recent events and conversations with both his aunt and Giya fresh on his mind. “I want to be able to love my partner, Tyka. I had a chance with Giya but we were both young and the affection isn’t mutual. I simply do not love her like I do Kyril. Honestly I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to love someone like I love Kyril.” The man’s words were clipped and firm as he stood in the doorway of his aunt’s home where both of his daughters were nestled in the living area and sleeping on a pile of furs where it was coolest in the center of the treehouse. Kyril had left towards the conclusion of winter but now summer had taken over the land, bringing a constant warmth to the air that brought a humidity with it before the next summer storm that made training even more strenuous. Because all of that Jhin was in a bare tunic, sweat dotting his brow from his recent exertions and it was that adrenaline which moved him now to confront his aunt.
“Jhin.” Tyka let out a sigh as she placed her mug on the table and leaned back, her teal gaze narrowed as she studied her dear nephew. “You know I wouldn’t push for something unless I truly believed it to be the best for you, right?”
“I do.” Jhin replied evenly. “But I am no longer a child and I can make decisions on my own, Tyka.”
“Is that so?” Tyka raised a brow as she watched her nephew. “Then pray tell me how some soft noble girl is going to survive in this forest. I do not want a repeat of watching a relative fall apart once their partner dies.”
“Kyril is a lot stronger than you give her credit for.”
“Then why did she leave?”
“Because even she needed to clear her head.” Jhin scoffed at his aunt for even thinking Kyril had run away because she was weak. “She refused to be influenced by me or anything else and needed some clarity, just as I needed some clarity. I was confused at first because of all of the opinions being frustrated upon me and we became parents so quickly that it was easy to doubt ourselves, but now? Not being around Kyril has made me realize just how much I cherished her and don’t want to lose her. The girls need their mother and I need my other half.”
“Fine.”
“Fine?” Jhin raised a brow in turn as he studied his aunt. What type of ploy was she going for here? Was it a trap? Some sort of reverse trick to make him falter once more? If so then his aunt would be sorely disappointed because he refused to back down from this matter, not when it meant so much to him!
“Yes, but you’ll have to prove to me that you can be a leader so that I won’t have to worry about you. If Giya isn’t going to make you happy then I will accept that, especially since it’s been weeks now and still no results from either of you.”
“You want me to become the next leader?”
“Why not? I’ve seen your potential and you’re very dedicated to the point that you decided to stay instead of running away when given the chance. Wouldn’t others be more tempted by a life of luxury? I’m not a fool since that girl was obviously more than a merchant’s daughter. Why hide it?”
“Tyka, I didn’t care about those details.”
“I know.”
“Then why fight against it so much? Are you truly that afraid that she’s so delicate that she’ll simply perish within a few years of this life?”
“I was.”
Jhin blinked at the honesty before letting out a sigh of his own. “She won’t.” He promised, his fists clenching in determination. He would do his best to protect Kyril and the rangers even if he had to push his aunt aside and take her place sooner than expected. This forest was his home and he would never let something bad happen to it nor would he risk his family. He was strong enough to protect them all and he would prove it. No one would take this from him...as long as it was what Kyril wanted. “I’m going to go find her and bring her home, Tyka.”
“I suppose it was only a matter of time, right? Are you willing to risk losing this for one woman?”
“Yes.” Jhin replied evenly. “If you want to prevent me from returning then I will respect that decision, but I feel as if the rest should be involved. While you were not around the last couple of years to learn about Kyril the rest of the village was. Everyone grew close to her and she made an impact here whether you like it or not. I would not be surprised to see how many would be willing to protect her and to have her back within our community.” His expression was fierce, his voice unwavering as he expressed himself instead of simply sitting in silence for once. He would stand up to his aunt for Kyril and would never again allow some misunderstanding to arise because of underhanded tactics. “If anything Giya seems disconnected from the rangers and her failed attempts to rekindle with me are just making her unhappy.”
“Is that so?” His aunt let out a chuckle. “Then you won’t have to worry since I sent her packing this morning or rather we reached a mutual decision that she would return to Oba by a caravan that’s leaving this afternoon. She had enough of your denials and her family is pushing for her to marry someone else. That was your final chance to be with Giya since she’ll be someone else’s wife soon. Are you certain that’s what you want?”
Jhin felt his stomach drop. Not because he regretted his decisions but more so because he didn’t want things with an old friend to end so abruptly. “Then if she is truly leaving I will say my goodbyes.” He fixed his gaze on his aunt. “Take care of the girls because I will also be going to Oba to find Kyril.” He would have to leave now before winter came back and made traveling through the forest harder. Even though they weren’t near Zena the forest still dealt with the seasons and winter months could bring a lot of snow and ice that would prevent caravans from easily passing through.
“Alright.” Tyka let out a sigh. “But I expect great things from you Jhin and if Kyril does not want to return then please consider this over.”
“We’ll see.” Jhin smiled despite the worry that gnawed at his spirit. “If she feels the same way but does not want to return to the forest then we will find a way.” As he spoke the man was already moving about the house and gathering a few belongings into a satchel. When he finished tucking away the necessities the ranger paused and stared at his girls with a small, sad smile. Hopefully he would not be gone for too long so that they didn’t miss him so much. Jhin crouched and placed a gentle kiss on top of both of the girls’ foreheads as they slept before waving to his aunt and leaving.
Giya was in their clearing as expected. A soft sigh left Jhin’s lips as he watched the Oban woman drag her fingers across a tree, the first tree that their childhood trio had marked for their territory wars while training as rangers. It was a huge and gnarled thing with traces of paint still splattered across its dark bark, the notches from their daggers still showing where they had marked themselves over the years. Jhin had been a teen when he joined the group as had Giya but they still had a lot of learning to do together which started under this tree, in this very clearing. “Giya.”
“So you heard?” She didn’t turn towards him but simply kept her arms crossed as she studied the tree, a heaviness in her voice. “Yolah never did manage to nick the tree as high as we did.” She managed after a moment before slowly turning to look towards Jhin. “I almost forgot about all of this.”
“Even though it’s already been two years it still feels like yesterday.” Responded Jhin. “He always wanted to make bets on ridiculous things like who would kiss him at the next gathering or who could shoot the best from some strange angle.” A sigh left his lips as he stood next to Giya. “He also would not want you to be unhappy, but he also would not want us to force anything. I’m truly sorry, Giya.”
“For what? I should have known you were gone the moment I came back and saw how you were looking at her, Jhin.” Admitted Giya softly. “I thought that when she left I could fill some sort of void, be the companion that fit you better than some stranger ever could but that’s not how love works apparently. We had our fun but I suppose it simply wasn’t meant to be.”
“You’re a strong and beautiful woman, Giya.” Jhin managed with a small smile. “But I suppose we just had too many differences in the end, you were fire and I was water. It would be a shame to put out your spark when you should be brightening up someone’s life with your flames.”
“How poetic.” A chuckle escaped Giya’s lips as she reached over and touched Jhin’s hand. “I’m sorry for seeming so…..desperate? I just….I was mourning in my own way and I wanted things to be like the past again even though we’ve both changed so much.” Her gaze lowered. “And no matter what we can never bring Yolah back so what was the point in trying to pretend like I could go back to our younger years?”
“I understand. Some days I wished I could go back to those days when we were just training together and finding out more about ourselves.” Jhin squeezed Giya’s fingers. “But the past is the past and all we can do is push towards the future. Can you find happiness in Oba?”
“I suppose I’ll have to find it somehow.” Replied Giya quietly. “I don’t think I can find it here anymore at least. Even if I try to be a big girl and move along I’m still lingering on those feelings for you and I don’t think I can be mature enough to continue this life.”
“A clean break?”
“A clean break with hopes for a better tomorrow. My fiance isn’t too horrible a person, but he just wasn’t...you.” Giya shrugged slightly. “But I can learn or better yet ask for more time to try to find myself again in Oba. There’s no point in pursuing a one sided affair after all.”
“I hope that you find the best, Giya.”
“Thank you, Jhin.” The woman chuckled. “It’ll be hard to match someone that I’ve already admired for years though but I suppose there must be someone, right?” She smiled towards him and flicked at his nose. “Don't make that face because I will be okay. I just can’t find myself in a forest so full of memories and pain. I ran away from Oba to come here and now I’m returning back to Oba so that I can face my family which is the first step to overcoming the past.”
“You’re strong and I know you can do this.” Replied Jhin quietly as he looked over the Oban girl he had known for the last ten years of his life, who would always have some part of his heart even if it wasn’t the whole thing that she wanted. “So please take care, Giya.”
“You too, Jhin.” Giya gave his fingers a squeeze before moving forward to place a kiss on his cheek. “Take care of her and your daughters, okay? I would hate to lose you to someone for it to simply fall apart. So you best have the happiest ending, alright? I’ll find mine one day as well so that I can come back and brag all about it.”
“Sounds like a deal.” Chuckled Jhin as he said his goodbyes and watched Giya leave his life once more. This time though the parting was not as full of pain and more so full of hope that they could both find the path that would make them happiest.
[3250]
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Posted: Sat Nov 27, 2021 9:21 am
Changes
Jhin knew that the day would eventually come but he had not expected it to happen like this….
The ranger had just gone through another round with the bandits, but this time he had gone beyond a simple protection mission with a caravan. This time Jhin had been determined to burn out a whole encampment that his rangers had found because the archer was entirely fed up with the pests that lived way too close for his comfort. Any closer and they could have discovered where the rangers lived and he refused to allow any dangers to get closer to his family and friends. It had been a fierce battle but unlike his younger self the man refused to allow anyone or anything to slow him as he fought against the invaders, his arrows finding target after target instead of hesitating to show any mercy. The last time he had been so soft hearted was the last time he had seen his friend, the memory of Yolah’s death forever a reminder of why Jhin had to work harder and to use the same deadly accuracy their opponents did. He was not a monster, just someone who understood when sides had been chosen and that certain people were beyond redemption as they chose their fates long ago. They had never shown mercy to the weak so why should he stop when justice needed to be served?
Jhin came in with a band of fifteen rangers and they struck in the dusk of evening. He despised using similar tactics but this area was heavily fortified and he found himself risking his team even with the cover of shadow. Still, with the forest’s blessing the group had managed to come in and get the job done. It was not a simple affair with many risks and several coming out injured and even one not coming out at all, but the deed was eventually done as the encampment was burned and the materials that could be gathered taken back with the rangers. “They can’t retaliate now.” He commented as he limped back into his home, the past night still echoing on his mind as he noticed Tyka returning as well.
“Where did you go?”
“To take care of some intruders.” Jhin replied quietly. “Though it appears they were fairly well settled within our territory.”
“My home now.” Tyka led the way and the door closed loudly behind them. “You took out a whole encampment of bandits while I was gone?” She hissed as she grabbed a mug of ale and sat down in a chair. “Do you know what happens?”
“I refused to allow anyone that could retaliate to leave and those alive were taken to local authorities.” Replied Jhin without missing a beat. “Is that what you were worried about? I’ll increase our guard and raise the defenses though I doubt anyone can even find this place without an inside guide.”
“We had a deal with them, Jhin.” Tyka moaned and shot him a glare. “Do you think merchants would always want to pay for our services without the threat of bandits? You left to get all dewy eyed with Kyril but I had to make some hard decisions. Our numbers were down and the bandits were getting strong so we made a system which you ultimately destroyed.”
“Good.” Jhin replied as he processed the information. “I’m not about to play games with them, Tyka. They keep killing people and should not be allowed to get away with all of this theft and the like.” He didn’t even seem surprised at the information because he had learned about it before Tyka revealed it. It had taken weeks of planning with his closest rangers but they had pieced together everything before destroying it. “No more games. We’re not living like that anymore and so I’m changing things. We’re here to protect the forest, not play games with those who want to pass through it.”
“You know there will be others…”
“Then we will deal with them but I will not welcome anyone like that with open arms into our home.” Jhin replied evenly. “I think it’s time that you retired, Aunt.” He had spent days agonizing over the decision but things were not quite so crystal clear after all and he was ready to change things, especially now that he had a family of his own.
“Jhin.” Tyka’s expression widened before she raised the glass to her lips and just drank and drank until it was all finished. “I’m proud of you. Desperately frustrated with this situation but proud of you. I suppose I have no choice, do I?”
“None.” Replied Jhin with a small, almost sad smile. “You can keep living here of course but everyone will be wary of you.”
“I understand.” Tyka stood and placed a hand on Jhin’s shoulders. “I’m assuming it’s your time to shine now. I’ll figure out what to do next. Maybe I’ll finally travel and check out this Belrea place, you know? Either way, I’m relying on you to keep everyone safe now.”
Jhin nodded before saying his goodbyes and leaving the home. Two rangers would be nearby to keep an eye on his aunt, just in case, but he had the feeling everything was resolved. She was just doing what she thought was best for them when Jhin knew there had to be other ways to survive. Even if they weren’t always at war with bandits they could still live in this forest and find a way to keep the community strong. They hadn’t always been fighters, but hunters and gatherers at first who could learn to craft and trade again if necessary.
[948]
Jhin has taken over the rangers and destroyed a system that his aunt created years ago. It’s a risky move but one that proves he has grown and is ready to become a leader for those he cares about.
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