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 Posted: Wed Mar 09, 2022 8:53 am
“Shh, Aasim.” Idania’s hands trailed over the sermal’s back comfortingly, her fingers twisting the strands of familiar fur before moving on to tap lightly along the crystals jutting from her familiar’s back. The giant cat let out a purring noise from deep within his throat before settling at her side again, the sound of his tail thawking against the grass reminding Idania that he was continuing his guard despite settling down. The leaf earthling had traveled a bit more in the recent months, her skill at navigating the open environment despite her disability growing better by the day. Because of her progress her uncle Toivo had thought it would be nice to set her up on a date, something that apparently everyone else her age did. Idania knew that he wanted her to experience life like everyone else but she wasn’t certain how helpful it would be to branch out and meet some boy today. Wouldn’t that just be a distraction from her studies? Idania shook her head at the thought, wisps of her wavy bangs lightly tickling her nose and reminding her to tuck them back behind her ears again.
Apparently she was in a little gazebo that was set up behind a local eatery. It was usually used for private events and everyone thought it could make a romantic setting for a first date. Idania hopefully wouldn’t be too overwhelmed since there was just forest and clearing around the area, the bustling noises of the busy tavern tucked away inside the building while there was only nature and hopefully her date to focus on outside. Toivo was apparently a friend or acquaintance of the boy’s father and their casual conversation had somehow resulted in this situation. A soft laugh escaped her lips at the silliness of this. How could they expect someone would want to be involved with her? Maye if she wasn’t….well lacking in certain aspects the girl would feel more confident but she didn’t even know what she looked like! Apparently this guy was supposedly kind and handsome, but how would she know that as well? Would he even show up? If he did show up how awkward would things be? To ease her nerves Idania moved her hands to play around the edges of the table, the cool metal of silverware and the like keeping her occupied as she waited.
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Posted: Wed Mar 09, 2022 9:58 am
When Eurig had written to his father stating that he was coming to visit he hadn't been expecting this. Odhran explained that he was worried for his son's well being and would like to see him at least try dating a nice girl - or boy! While it hadn't been explicitly stated the implications were there; Odhran wanted him to settle so he wouldn't end up a roving, hedonistic spirit like his mother. He'd already taken up the family love of travel, which was worrisome in it's own way, but over the months Eurig wrote to them less and less which was even more of a concern.
He didn't necessarily see how that was a bad thing, but Odhran had set up a date for him never the less.
Eurig cleaned up as best he could before setting out with little more than a destination in mind. It didn't take him long to get there, and admittedly the area was terribly stereotypically romantic. He'd admit to it being very lovely, actually, if not for the circumstances. Soon enough he saw his date seated in gazebo with...a sermal? That...would have been a nice heads up. She was lovely with all of her finery and all at once he felt somewhat awkward in the plain garb he had.
"I take it you're Idania?"
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Posted: Thu Mar 10, 2022 9:01 am
The soft crunch of grass beneath the pair of boots and the faint rumble from Aasim's throat made Idania's fingers pause. It seemed that her date or at least someone was quickly approaching. It wasn't Toivo since she didn't catch any woodsy scent and Aasim wasn't walking up to greet the man like usual either. The question confirmed her suspicions and the young woman shifted in her seat, her shoulders pulling back in trained confidence as her gaze moved towards where she assumed her date was standing based on his voice. Before she may have awkwardly kept facing her silverware but performance training taught her how to see without actually seeing.
"Yes. Eurig?" She smiled and reached down to pat Aasim's neck, calming the sermal down. "I'm sorry about Aasim, he's usually a surprise when others meet me but I promise he's harmless." Unless of course someone meant her harm, but the sermal was fairly well behaved as long as Idania was there to calm him down and not in danger. A light flush decorated the back of her neck as she tried to imagine what her date must see or look like. This morning her mentor had helped her to pick out an outfit, the soft silks apparently almost golden with teal and blue accents to help bring out her eyes but other than that she had no idea what Eurig was actually seeing and could only hope she looked nice. Her skirts rustled about as she shifted once more in her seat and gestured towards where she knew the table was. "It seems they outdid themselves with the meal...it smells lovely."
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Posted: Wed Mar 16, 2022 6:44 pm
Eurig wasn't too proud to admit he came up short as soon as the sermal started to growl. He knew his place, and it wasn't any closer than that thing wanted him to be. "I'll take your word on it." His voice may have been smooth, a little light even, with the smile on his face, but there was enough of a tremor to betray him. The last leg of his approach was slower, though not nearly enough to give the animal more cause to be suspicious and soon enough Eurig was lowering himself to sit.
"It does. I could smell it from around the building and I'd be lying if I wasn't hoping it wasn't coming from here. Roast aldabuk bites with elderberries and sweet grass roots? I haven't had those in years...there's so much...Do I owe you anything for the meal? I hope this didn't set you back."
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Posted: Sat Mar 19, 2022 1:21 pm
Well, his voice sounded pleasant enough. Idania's cheeks felt warm as she realized that she was surely flushing as she listened to her date speaking. The slight tremor to his voice may have escaped someone else's notice, but Idania relied upon such subtle things to help her navigate this world and she felt her stomach knot as she recognized that tremble. "Aasim." She whispered the name, almost like a firm command before patting the beast once more as if to dismiss him. The sermal seemed hesitant but after another light tap on his nose, the great beast took a few steps back before plodding away to sit under a nearby tree. Its golden gaze was fixated on Eurig though as it slowly lowered its head to rest upon its crossed front paws, the thwacking nose of the tail almost rhythmic in its protest.
She opened her mouth and then closed it again before nodding at the topic of food. How could she bring herself to admit why the sermal stayed so close? Oh hi, I'm sure you're a lovely date but I cannot see and I have a familiar who helps me to navigate this world. I promise he's only here because I always have him with me, not to intimidate you instead! The very thought nearly made her sigh before she shook her head. "Ah...the meal?" Idania blinked as she caught up with Eurig's questions. "It was provided by my uncle who orchestrated this event." She offered with a small smile. "He would refuse either of us if we even dared to try to pay him back. I haven't ever really done this whole dating thing before but he was insistent that I give it a try this once....since your family painted you in such a great light to him. No-not that I'm saying you're not but they all did seem very motivated for this." Not that Idania knew the whole conversation but Toivo had been fairly persistent that she should at least meet Eurig and had even paid for such a meal and venue! Still, she was already stumbling around everything like a fool...oh spirits.
"But yes, the food does seem heavenly. I think you're correct about everything..." She took a moment to breath in the fragrant air, the aroma of the meal helping to guide her hand as she reached forward for the edge of the plate. Her fingers slowly moved until they connected with a roll, honey wheat by the rough feeling of it and Idania raised it towards her companion. "Feel free to help yourself. It would be a waste of good food if we didn't eat at least, right?"
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Posted: Wed Jun 22, 2022 2:01 pm
Eurig never failed to keep at least one eye on the sermal. He was relieved to see it pad away, but even then he knew not to trust the distance. Just stay over there, Aasim, and we'll be fine.
"It's alright, really." There was a bit of a laugh to his tone and though she wouldn't be able to see it, a bright smile claimed Eurig's features. "My father and step-mother were eager to arrange this. He spoke very well of you and as soon as I came into the area he pounced on the idea like...well, a sermal." He passed a look to Aasim before turning back to Idania. "If it helps don't think of this like a date and more like meeting with a stranger at a vegetable stall." Anything mundane would help with jitters or so he kept telling himself. It was impossible to ignore the niceties around him and his general lack of couth.
Seeing her reach for the roll was...a fair bit more hesitant than normal. Did she not normally eat them? Maybe she was like some of the girls he'd seen and was avoiding anything that could add to their waistlines?
Shaking his head, Eurig reached for some of the meats. "What do you like to do?"
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Posted: Mon Oct 24, 2022 10:00 am
"Honestly I'm surprised." Idania flushed as the admission left her lips. "I mean everyone treats me like a delicate flower so perhaps they thought someone strong could be a good choice." She smiled faintly as she tried to keep her expression bright despite the twisting of her heart. It was not as if she were invested in the man before her since she did not know him yet, but who would want to spend their life protecting someone like her? Even now her aunt's attitude about putting up with Idania would haunt her and no matter how many good performances she had or how much others promised that she was not a burden the young woman still worried about it.
"A stranger at a vegetable stall? Do you normally take them out to eat after shopping?" She found herself teasing at the suggestion, a genuine smile on her lips as she pondered his idea. Partly it was a joke and another part was simply because she did not know what it would be like to meet with a stranger in the market. She simply had never been out to do things like that since she never left the tavern growing up and only now had traveled outside of the smaller village, her role as a songstress taking up much of her time while she never had the chance to truly wander around just yet. This was as much freedom as she had experience and no wonder she felt so awkward at this date! How did one even mention that they had never experienced something as common as going to the market? Idania shifted as she clutched the roll, her fingers getting accustomed to the shape as she used the fresh smell to guide the thing to her mouth to take a bite. Thankfully while she did not know the exact layout of the table save for the brief moment she had taken time to brush her hands over it, an attempt to try and pose a confident front whenever her date arrived instead of struggling to locate everything during their conversation, the girl was well acquainted with her own body and how to appear normal while eating and the like. Every so often her gaze wouldn't be exactly on her date's face, but it would be guided back by the sound of his voice or the soft crunch of food as he enjoyed the meal. She was still hesitant to reach for food, mostly enjoying the roll as slowly as she could before finally reaching for a fork. Her fingers tapped lightly against the utensil, checking to make certain it was not the spoon before curling her fingers around the handle.
"Music." She offered after a moment, her gaze darting back up towards him now that he had spoken again. "I sing and play instruments so I'm actually here to study with a mentor. I also perform at the local tavern while we're staying in the area. What about you? What do you like to do?" She wanted to wait until he was speaking again to try and use the fork to stab at something on the plate, it smelled like there was a piece of meat near her and so Idania waited to try for it then.
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Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2022 8:53 am
"Is that how you like to be treated? Like a delicate flower?" Eurig asked the question off handedly, but he did watch for changes in her demeanor. He reached for a bit of meat, cut off a piece and took his sweet time doing so. If a protector was all she was personally seeking in a partner then Eurig seemingly fit the bill. He was tall, well built, and a capable fighter with a level head in battle. Of course she would only know what he told her and what she'd been privy too from others, but even then...Well, if that's all she was looking for in a partner then he wished her the best of luck for it surely wouldn't be him.
Another could fill that spot; Eurig would need a little more.
"Sometimes." He popped the bit of food into his mouth cheekily and grinned. She didn't seem to have an appetite or at the very least, was too nervous to say she did. Eurig couldn't help noticing the way she favored one roll specifically and it made him wonder. Was he supposed to fill her plate for her? Or was she supposed to ask? Or was she not supposed to? Furrowing his brow at the sight of her moving toward a bit of meat, Eurig decided to keep his mouth shut for a bit just to make sure she actually ate something more than bread.
"A songstress. You're quite talented then. I can't imagine the kind of training you've had to endure, but if your voice now is anything to go on then I'm sure your songs are lovely." He'd been told she was involved with music before hand, but seeing as his father had been more keen on him simply going he hadn't spent much telling Eurig details.
"I...uhm...I'm actually unemployed." Eurig admitted with an awkward sort of chuckle. "Well, I guess that's not entirely true. I do freelance work. Sometimes I travel across Tale and Jauhar with merchants as a guard for their wares. During the cooler months I serve drinks and buss tables at whatever tavern will have me. One of my mothers used to have a tavern of her own in Jauhar when I was a kid so it's easy enough to pick up when I need the extra coin."
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Posted: Tue Feb 14, 2023 8:39 pm
How did she like to be treated? Idania frowned slightly, taken aback by the question. It wasn’t how she wanted to be treated at all, but it was rare that anyone asked how she felt, especially considering her condition. Her fingers curled tightly around the fork that felt slightly heavier, the woman hopeful that she had successfully stabbed some meat. It was often much easier to eat foods that she could just scoop up with her hands but for the date she was trying her best to act the part of a lady. It was just like another performance except instead of an instrument she was simply sharing a meal with Eurig. “If I wanted to be treated like a delicate flower then I would have never left my aunt’s home. Being here hopefully proves that I want more than that.” She finally answered as she brought the meat to her mouth for a bite, the musician chewing quietly to hide her distress. If he found out then wouldn’t he be the same? Wasn’t that the whole point of acting as if everything was okay? But was it even the right thing to lie like this?
Idania nearly choked on the bite of food at Eurig’s cheeky response, amazement making her expression shift into a smile of her own as she figured was teasing. “I see. I suppose I should go to the market more often then!” She teased in return, some of the tension easing from her shoulders as she let out a soft laugh. Was this flirting? Had she just flirted? A light flush decorated Idania’s cheeks at the realization before it deepened even more at Eurig’s compliment. “I can always perform if you’d like. I have been singing at the tavern while training and I love playing the harp.” She played other instruments, but the stability of a harp was always wonderful since she knew the instrument like it was an extension of herself.
“You’re just a free spirit then. I’m jealous.” Admitted Idania quietly as she lowered her fork and carefully wiped her fingers on a napkin that was next to the plate, her hands carefully navigating the table to avoid knocking into anything. “So you also were raised in a tavern? My aunt runs one as well and I performed there for many years until I took on a mentor and left to come here. I love performing in taverns, but I wonder what it would be like to be on a big stage.” A place where she could sing to a crowd that came simply for her own music instead of to a tavern for drinks and food. Idania closed her eyes at the thought, a soft sigh escaping her lips before she forced a smile towards Eurig. “I suppose in a way I’m also a freelancer, just one with a big dream that seems pretty far out of reach.” It had been hard enough to leave home so how could she dare wish for more? Even if she had talent….could she navigate the world without help? As frustrating as that was, even Idania wasn’t certain how far she could get even with Aasim at her side now.
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Posted: Thu Feb 16, 2023 7:47 am
"I wouldn't ask that of you. Right now it's your 'off' time; you should enjoy it and give your voice a rest." Even if she enjoyed the craft enough to sing when she wasn't being paid that didn't mean it was good for her. Like any other tool, there needed to be time to rest and besides, one couldn't do the same thing everyday without going mad.
There was something obviously wrong with her sight. The way her hands moved across the table made him think that she had a hard time seeing the outline of things, but he didn't know if it was because of full blindness or another ailment. "I wouldn't say my work is as glamorous as yours, but I have experience, yes. Sometimes I miss it then I remember how much happier she is traveling so I can't hold it against her." His younger brother certainly could, but Eurig also thought it was just because of his age. When Ujiri got older he may calm, or maybe he wouldn't; Ujana certainly hadn't.
"I wouldn't say it's out of reach. My grandmother says dreams are only impossible when you stop trying or if you're dead." Which felt...strange to say, considering he was actually the same age as his step-grandmother, but... He quietly nudged a few bites of meat closer to the edge of the tray, a little closer to her should she go 'looking' for them again before taking a bite of his own.
"Don't sell yourself short, Idania."
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Posted: Thu Feb 16, 2023 8:28 am
A soft chuckle escaped Idania’s lips. “Does that mean you’ll come see me during my ‘on’ time?” She asked with a small smile. “It would be nice to have a familiar voice in the audience.” The leaf earthling bowed her head quietly at the statement, her teeth biting slightly at her lower lip as she debated telling Eurig. Though surely he would pick up on it soon enough, right? Would he just back away then? It was just one little forced date so it’s not like it mattered. Idania nodded her head at the reasoning before straightening her shoulders and glancing in his general direction. “I can understand that. I enjoyed the comforts of my home and knowing where everything was, but now that I’ve traveled a bit…well exploring even in my condition seems to be much more.” A flush decorated her cheeks at the slight confession as she folded her hands together on her lap, no longer wanting to try to eat now that she had already picked at enough food. “It is a bit hard to put into words, but I agree that traveling has something truly appealing about it.”
She smiled at the encouragement. “I see.” Idania’s heart fluttered a little with those words. Did Eurig truly mean it? Surely he was just being nice. “I’ll keep that in mind. Truly I appreciate it, Eurig.” She took a breath to relax before glancing in his general direction. “But enough about me. Do you have dreams? I know you’re a freelancer now, but is there anything that you’ve always wanted to do or aspire towards?” Maybe he simply enjoyed the freedom to roam as well. Idania simply wanted to make her own decisions, prove that she could do things and explore the world the best that she could while getting to sing on a stage one day. She had heard about Belrean stages being beautiful with large audiences from all over….that would be delightful.
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Posted: Thu Feb 16, 2023 9:19 am
"If you'd like me to." Eurig didn't have much experience with musical performances, but he wasn't about to turn her down because of it. Maybe he would come out of it with a greater appreciation for the arts? At the very least he could be supportive, especially when it looked like she wasn't so sure of it herself. "I'll make sure to cheer the loudest that way you'll hear me."
Knowing where everything was. So that was it then; she was truly blind. It wasn't his place to call her out on it, especially when it very well may have been a piece of information he had missed about their date. "Getting out on your own is terrifying no matter who you are, but I can imagine it's trickier when there are special circumstances." Looking past her, his eyes landed on the sermal and he gave a little smile. "All the better to have your 'guard'. I don't think I've even seen a sermal that wasn't ready to tear out a man's throat before." He chuckled before reaching for his drink.
"Honestly? I'm not entirely sure. I think it would please my father if I followed him into research, but I have too much of my grandfather's blood to be happy in one place."
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Posted: Thu Feb 16, 2023 9:53 am
“I would be delighted.” Idania giggled at the description. “I’ll hold you to that.” She told Eurig, curious to see if he actually would cheer like that when she performed. Understanding that she was caught with her situation Idania relaxed a bit more before smiling as Eurig commented on Aasim. So far things seemed to be going alright with this date so she was going to enjoy their chat while she could. It was a lot easier to simply focus on being herself instead of trying to pose as someone completely different, especially as someone who could actually see. “It’s true. My uncle brought Aasim to me when he was just a kit. Sometimes he can be ruly around others, but he’s never done me any harm.” She smiled at the thought before pausing as she heard movement and then realized that Eurig must have reached for another bite or even his drink. Idania simply tilted her head as she listened for a moment longer before continuing. “He’s been a great help in allowing me a bit more freedom than I had before.”
Too bad he couldn’t take her across the world though. He was a good guard, but Aasim couldn’t guide her to places that he didn’t know. The sermal simply stayed by her side and pushed her away from anything dangerous like ledges or whatever he didn’t like that she couldn’t see. Idania still had to rely upon someone else to guide her to buildings that she was not familiar with….though if she wanted to travel wouldn’t she need someone like a guard? Someone who was strong and seemed kind with a thirst for travel….the very thought had a gasp escape from her lips. “Eurig?” Idania’s cheeks darkened as she even dared to ask the question. “If you enjoy travel and are accustomed to guarding people would you consider being my guard if I did want to start performing across the world towards Belrea one day?” Maybe the others had thought that they could settle Eurig and Idania together somehow, but if anything Idania thought that perhaps this was a connection that they both could use. She could sing if someone helped her to navigate the world and her coin could be split with them since they would be working as her guard and surely the taverns would pay for at least one room if not two if she performed well enough. And maybe then when she found her way to Belrea there could be an actual theater that wanted to keep her? Or even in Sulburi? Still, Idania found herself tightening her fingers together nervously. “It’s only an idea but I wouldn’t be adverse to exploring the option if you thought we could make something work. I would split whatever I earned from my performances with you if you did decide to work together.”
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Posted: Thu Feb 16, 2023 10:21 am
"Yes?" He questioned around a mouthful of veggies. The leafling quickly swallowed it, reaching up to rub at his throat for a moment while she talked. "Maybe? I don't think it would be a problem; I have family in Belrea anyway so it would give me a chance to visit with them." While he'd visited his grandfather a few times since his involvement with his new Belrean wife Eurig hadn't been away from his immediate family in some time. Still, maybe it would be good? He'd missed seeing his grandfather and if he could help out Idania at the same time then what would be the harm?
"I would need to tie up a few loose ends my way first, but if this was something you were seriously wanting to explore then we could talk it out." While he couldn't exactly say 'yes' at the moment he was certainly interested enough to entertain it. A guarding job over seas? He could think of worse things to come out of a 'date'.
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