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 Posted: Tue Feb 28, 2023 7:22 pm
A quiet warehouse in Orrod was where Yunan had decided to hold the first meeting with both Nyko and Aaricia. A shipment had arrived from Belrea, the perfect excuse for him to take a few days away from Sulburi to check on the medical supplies without any wandering eyes wondering about his movements, and Yunan planned to take full advantage of the time by ordering the staff at the store located within this city to leave him in charge of this particular delivery. There were rare herbs that he refused to allow others to touch without him first inspecting them, something which was not uncommon for the peculiar hybrid who ran things with a tight grip. Many complained about his warm-hearted aunt, the other business partner who Yunan had sent on vacation after taking care of things for nearly a year alone in Matori, being away while they had to deal with the boss that sent shivers down their spines and kept them on their toes. Checking crates was easy enough and only took the morning and part of the afternoon, Yunan quickly skimming over list after list and checking the quality of each herb before having them moved to the side and then finally dismissing the warehouse crew for the rest of the day so that he could finish up things since they were only slowing him down and it was already time for them to be leaving for the day so that they could start fresh again in the morning. Admittedly a few times he let out a sharp curse, tossing some herbs to the side and making a note to inform his supplier of damages, but for the most part he was satisfied with the shipment and more occupied with thinking about his guests who should be arriving soon now that the sun was sinking in the sky. The inn he stayed at with Nyko was nearby and he hoped that Aaricia had found the Matori easily enough so that the pair could slip into this place without being noticed. The place was fairly large, the ceilings lingering high above for any piles of crates that took up far too much space, while there was an office which he fully intended to use where they could sit around a table. This time Yunan was determined to stay settled, making certain that he had picked this location not only for privacy but also for its reliability. No earthquake or disaster would shake the solid building that was located towards the exterior of the city and created for the purpose of protecting goods and anyone inside. The room Yunan walked towards was along the far right, secured by stone walls with a large round table inside that had been secretly set up for their meeting with food and drinks. Candles flickered in glass orbs along the walls, a large trio set in the middle of it all to cast a dim light in the room when the afternoon sun began to sink below the horizon. Now all Yunan had to do was wait for the others to arrive.
As it was, Yunan had briefly explained the situation to Nyko before convincing him to at least meet with Aaricia so that they could fully discuss any additional details before putting the plan to destroy Aaricia’s father in action. Yunan had the feeling that Nyko would not be the happiest with the exact details of the plan, but he had given a brief warning that there would be roles to play and hoped that somehow he could appease the other man so that they could work together. He also very much wanted to keep Nyko by his side in other ways, which was more worrisome than the overall mission for Yunan. The very thought made Yunan drag his fingers across his chin, pondering the best course of action that would also keep Nyko from destroying anything in the office or from simply storming out. “There definitely is not enough alcohol for this tonight.” He murmured as he set down some hard liquor along with a bottle of wine, something he already poured into a glass as he waited for his companions to join him.
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Posted: Wed Mar 01, 2023 1:15 pm
Without all of his finery Nyko looked every bit the part of a non-descript worker. He wore a pair of loose pants that was tied low around his waist and a sort of sleeveless top whose hood helped to hide his hair from 'the sun'. His tattoo was easy enough to hide with a well placed fingerless glove and the smattering of road dirt helped to blend him in with everyone else in Orrod. Unlike Yunan, there was no discernable reason for Nyko to be in the area so he'd had to travel under the radar which was far easier than he would have liked. Old habits were coming back to the Matorian, and the longer he stayed here the more he started to hate those memories.
Still, his knowledge combined with Aaricia's own skills was beneficial. It meant they could move more freely and by the time they made it to the building Nyko was fairly sure no one had noticed them. As much as he would have liked to catch up with his dear friend outside of this, there was too much at stake with a limited time frame. Even with that in mind he still wished there was time...If only because he was delaying the inevitable. Taking a jab at some of the more influencial houses in Oba brought as much anxiety to him as it did excitement. This was going to work out, right? Or was he going to end up in prison; again?
When they'd officially slipped into the warehouse Nyko pulled the hood from his head and ran a hand through his hair. "We good?" He turned to Aaricia. As much as he liked to think they were safe he couldn't be sure. If they were caught at this stage then at the least they could play it off like they were here to steal from Yunan, and not co-conspirators.
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Posted: Wed Mar 01, 2023 7:49 pm
All of Aari's attention was on making sure they weren't being followed and ignoring how she really felt. While she had agreed to speak further about the plan, Aaricia had a pit in her belly about it all the same. She hated the idea with a passion, but it was the first real option she'd truly been given in bringing her father down outside of flat out killing him. That would have been too easy. He deserved to be humiliated and ruined, and to live a fallen life.
So, here she was, sneaking through the city to some factory to lay out the details of the worst plan ever. Not that sneaking was anything new for her, but that wasn't the point! She was walking toward a deal that would make things worse before they made things better for her.. and now Nyko was going to be dragged into this as well.
"Yeah, we're good." She took off her floppy hat and brushed her bangs from her eyes. Wrapped in a nondescript dress of light fabric herself, the pair had faded into the background as intended. She raised her eyes to meet Nyko's and gave him a wane smile. "You know, as long as Yunan didn't mess up his end."
Speaking of which, she headed deeper into the building until she spotted her new associate. While she wasn't exactly pleased to see the drinks... she wasn't upset either. "I hope you brought extra," she said sardonically. She reached for the hard liquor and gave it a sniff. She shook her head at the strength of the alcohol that filled her nose, but didn't hesitate to pour a shot for herself. The glass was drained in an instant. Yuck. A shudder rippled through her body with the heat of the drink, grounding her attention to the moment after the tense approach. "Alright. Down to business?"
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Posted: Wed Mar 08, 2023 4:41 pm
Yunan shifted, a glass in hand raised in greeting whenever he heard Aaricia and Nyko entered the building. "It should suffice." He replied cooly, not appearing bothered by the woman's quip. "I'm accustomed to entertaining those with a taste for even more whereas I would hope you should prefer to have some focus tonight." The very words brought a sneer to his lips as he thought of other nobles with their habits before he glanced over towards Nyko, the hybrid's expression softening slightly at the sight of the Matori. It looked like they had made it safely inside and so now Yunan took one final glance across the warehouse, making certain the outer doors were closed before locking the office door behind his companions so that they wouldn't be disturbed. The building was empty, large and more importantly the sturdy walls of this meeting room were known to block out most sound which would offer them the privacy that he wanted.
"Make yourselves comfortable, we'll be here until nightfall." Not only would it probably take that long to discuss details they also wanted to wait for the cover of darkness before leaving the warehouse in shifts, Yunan meeting up with Nyko for their room later just to make certain no wandering eyes noticed any of the trio sticking together. Yunan pulled out a chair and sat back, taking another sip of his drink before placing the glass back on the table so that he could study Aaricia and Nyko. "Should I go straight into the plan or are there questions? Our intention is to help Aaricia take down her father after acquiring his support for my business, some nasty nobles and wealthy merchants are tied to him and I need his good word in order to get rid of their interference with my new store in Sulburi." It was a clear statement, Yunan did not plan on hiding his intentions from Aaricia and would not hide them from Nyko, not when the three of them would be working together and risking so much to mess around with the darker side of Oba's society.
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Posted: Wed Mar 08, 2023 6:13 pm
This was off to a glorious start. Since Nyko had only the faintest idea of what might have transpired between the two he could only read the energy and it was thick. His gaze caught with Yunan's as he entered the room, lingering only long enough to catch the little shift before moving toward the alcohol himself. Instead of pouring a shot, however, Nyko gave himself half a glass full and nursed it in his hand as he moved to sit.
"It's a clear cut concept, but how do you intend to make it work? I assume you two have talked about that much?" He mused over the top of his glass while he sipped. Nyko's honeyed gaze moved from Yunan to Aaricia, then back to the hybrid. He pushed the chair just far enough away so that his longer legs had the freedom to cross at the knee, allowing Nyko to at least appear comfortable when he clearly wasn't.
"I have to say...never really saw any of this coming-" He motioned to the pair with his glass then gave a little smirk. "-but weirder s**t has happened."
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Posted: Thu Mar 09, 2023 11:25 am
"I don't know about the lightweights you 'entertain,' but I assure you that I am plenty focused." Before speaking again, Aari inhaled sharply and then let the breath back out as slowly as she could. She wasn't usually so gruff right out of the gate, but knowing the overlaying plan just had her on an edge that she wasn't used to. She couldn't help it though. Having an actual plan within reach? A legitimate possibility to bring an end to her father's reign? After all the years, it almost felt like it was too much to hope for. Not only was the disbelief troubling her though, but also the fear that she hadn't been expecting that cropped up in her belly. It was a risky plan.
Once she opened her eyes again, she looked over to Nyko and nodded, already clearly calmer than when she had stalked in. "Trust me, this was never something I would have expected either. We did discuss it. We were unexpectedly rushed during the meeting, but we got the basic idea relayed. I don't know how much he has told you of it." She pressed her lips slightly. While it wasn't ideal, at least Nyko should be in a safest position of the whole thing.
"I know my father. He values money and reputation above all else. The only way to truly bring him down is to ruin that reputation, that image of himself that he portrays. Of course, that is a task I have not been able to accomplish on my own." She looked over at Yunan with a brief pause. "It just happens that your desire to secure business here coincides with my need to bring him out of power. By going in together, I gain security while you gain footing with a man who would otherwise take you only half seriously as blinded as he can be by his prejudices. He will need the promise of something bigger to entertain a more elaborate partnership with a hybrid. So, it will be a trade of sorts." She gestured vaguely between Yunan and herself. "He will take me to Dazhiq with the proposal of business security through marriage."
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Posted: Thu Mar 09, 2023 12:15 pm
The brief moment of locking gazes with Nyko was enough to calm Yunan’s frustrations. The hybrid simply shifted in his own seat to make himself more comfortable as he prepared to discuss their plans. “We were indeed rushed when speaking, if not for that unfortunate earthquake then perhaps more details could have been prepared but here we are.” His gaze shifted warily as he was not fond of a lot of the finer details of the plan but it seemed to be the best option to get everything that they wanted without risking Aaricia’s safety. Tossing her blindly at her father would only lead to more torment and had no guarantee that Yunan would even receive the true reward, not when the man’s greed would be the only true way to secure everything and even then their futures would be at risk. One wrong step and they could easily be the ones wasting away in the desert sands while the Oban ran away with Yunan’s wealth instead of losing everything he had to Yunan and the others.
“It is a strange situation.” Yunan finally agreed, thankful for Nyko’s presence in the room as they finally brought up the finer details of the plan. For once he sat back quietly and allowed Aaricia to introduce the plan, a flicker of approval in his gaze as he glanced towards the other hybrid. Straight and to the point without sugar coating anything, he appreciated that. “This seems to be the best solution that will let us help Aaricia and to open the path for my business in Sulburi. Once I achieve that then we can shove the corrupted nobles and merchants to the side, have them pay for their crimes and give us the freedom to take over the city's market.”” Yunan swirled his wine in his glass before taking a drink, trying to remain calm even though there was a bitterness that went beyond the wine lingering in his mouth. “I know people like Dazhiq. While he would originally want to simply get revenge on Aaricia it would be more beneficial for him to use her to secure someone that he can leech off of.” Yunan’s lips twisted as he spat out the last few words. “If we propose marriage the man will jump at it like offering a bone to a starved janarim despite his prejudices. He’ll want to bring me into their family and take the business from me if something were to unfortunately happen to his son-in-lawonce the deal is done. It's far more tempting that simply giving me access to the market without him gaining anything more in return.”
The very words were spoken like he was presenting any business deal whenever showing others his building plans and his proposals for medical products. There was no warmth, no deep desire or love in his voice, just direct facts that hinted at his disdain for Dazhiq and those associated with him. “It’ll be a faux marriage, but presented as reality which will allow Aaricia and I to move freely within the family estate to gather evidence and even fabricate whatever else is necessary to throw the man behind bars. Marriage will be the only way that I can secure his approval to fight against those trying to block my business within the city since he would plan to try and steal it from me in the future, something only possible if I were somehow related to him with no apparent heirs.” They would be the bait….as disgusting as the thought was.
“While we are stuck on the inside we will need someone who is trustworthy and experienced with navigating the outside for more evidence and to even potentially plant more.” Yunan’s gaze had barely left Nyko the whole time the plan was presented, his attention on the Matori for fear of his reaction. “I was hoping that you would be willing to help us. Your help will be crucial to this whole plan since Aaricia and I will basically be prisoners once things are put into motion.”
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Posted: Thu Mar 09, 2023 1:18 pm
While Nyko wasn't nearly as business savvy as he should have been, given his years in Belrea, he wasn't a complete idiot. So it stood to reason that as Aaricia started to go over the intricacies of their plan little red flags started to set off for him. At first it was nothing major, just points that ticked little boxes for him, until the...very...last...bit.
Marriage?
Marriage.
Nyko tossed back the rest of his glass and raised up just enough to reach across the table for the rest of the bottle before settling back down. Nothing about this was settling well with him. From a logistics standpoint it sounded well thought out and logical; so why was he screaming inside? If his grip on the bottle were any tighter he may have cracked it before he'd even had a chance to refill his glass and set aside. "The only option...of course." When he did bother to look up the gaze he had for Yunan was full of contempt and the one he passed to Aarcia was far more complicated. There was a lot to think about, much more than he could process in a few moments, and try as he might Nyko was having a hard time separating past heartaches from current issues.
You're being left behind again~
"Then it should please you to know that the purchase of Geneva's estate is underway." He'd mentioned it in passing, the buying of the place where he'd survived his formative years, but doing so hadn't come easy. "I called in a favor with Gilly. Turns out they were in considerable debt that she paid out and gained the grounds with it. I'll owe her a favor in return, but she's signing it over to me and the paperwork will be ready to pick up tomorrow. As far as Oban high society knows an influential Belrean songstress now owns the estate and that will hold until daybreak." Nyko had yet to walk into the home, much less to meet with Geneva himself. His heart pulled at him to burn it to the ground, but they needed yet another safe space for meetings-
-and now apparently for dinners with his lover's God's damn in-law's-
Nyko outright snorted at the prisoner's comment.
He was right on the edge of saying something Nyko was sure to regret, but this wasn't the time for it -
"So," Nyko clucked his tongue and let out a breathless laugh, "who exactly thought of marriage? Were any other ideas tossed around or did you immediately dive into this?" Turning to Aaricia, his elbow on the arm of his chair and head in his hand, Nyko motioned to Yunan with his glass, "You know we're sleeping together, right? Dating, maybe? - Actually, what are we now? You tell me, you're the one with the possible fiancée." Sadly it wasn't even the alcohol making him flustered. Nyko sat the glass onto the table and stood up to give himself a little space. "I'm sorry, this just wasn't the plan I thought I was walking into today and I'm a little shocked, to be honest. "
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Posted: Thu Mar 09, 2023 5:24 pm
Aari sat completely still as Yunan elaborated on his end, her gaze lingering on Nyko to see his reactions. She cocked a brow at one point though and shook her head. "Fabricate evidence? I would rather not risk planting something that can be discovered as false and undermine the legitimacy of his actual deeds. The only fake part of this is the proposal and the idea that you want to befriend him." For her part, there would be no need to pretend hating the arrangement..
She was working on keeping a carefully neutral face, but the surprise that suddenly lit her expression was real. "The Geneva estate? Nyko.. you have bought it?" It was poetic, really. She could only imagine what it would feel like to by the home out from under old tormentors. She might be about to get a taste though.
Speaking of surprising! Aari stiffened up against the force of Nyko's bitter tone. Of the parts she had expected agitation about, the pretend marriage really wasn't it. "I promise you that I went over other options," she said earnestly to cover the bubbling irritation. To speak as though pretending marriage might have been her only thought...
Her gaze flicked from Nyko to Yunan and back to Nyko before it slid to settle somewhere between the pair. That certainly added another level to the intricacies of their situation. She pressed her lips to give Nyko a moment and shook her head. "I was not aware. If you're concerned that I am trying to take Yunan for myself, be at ease." After that.. well, it wasn't her place. Yunan could address whatever that was. She leaned back in her chair and crossed her arms. A new level indeed...
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Posted: Thu Mar 16, 2023 11:30 am
“Rather than fabricated from nothing, we may simply need to replace or locate evidence that they believed to be gone. The actual events and transactions do exist, we’re just helping the guards find it from where others may have buried such things in the desert sands.” Expressed Yunan as he acknowledged Aaricia’s concerns. He was not going to risk everything with lackluster evidence, certain situations may get forced but nothing would be a blatant lie. Yunan did not miss Nyko’s quick decision to finish off a whole glass of wine before grabbing the rest of the bottle. And there it is. He had honestly wanted to bring up the idea when it was first introduced, but then he worried that his partner wouldn’t even come to the warehouse despite his friendliness with Aaricia. It was best to just get everything out in the open now especially since the three of them would be working together for possibly months if not longer. So Yunan remained quiet even as Nyko pressed certain buttons with his reactions, the hybrid simply tightening his fingers around the cool stem of his wine glass before forcing his hand to relax again. The mention of the Geneva estate did grab his interest and Yunan nodded, his lips pursing thoughtfully as he pondered the new information while trying to navigate the rocky waters of the marriage aspect of this plan. “That’s very favorable news.'' Honestly if it had just simply been funds that prevented him from expanding his business then this plan would be nixed in favor of Yunan enjoying more time with Nyko while the foundation of the stores in Sulburi were built. However, the addition of corrupted nobles and merchants who continued to build walls around his progress had forced Yunan into this reckless plan.
Despite that, the very expression on Aaricia’s face about the Geneva estate did not go unnoticed and Yunan had his own flicker of jealousy. Nyko was worried about him wanting to sleep with Aaricia when Nyko was the one who shared a connection with the woman? What a fool. Yunan closed his eyes to try and gather himself, the hybrid’s gaze flashing as he glanced towards Nyko without fear. What was there to fear? He was confident in his feelings and that nothing would sway them. Yunan was not one to cheat on his feelings, no matter what he hid and dealt with in business the relationship with Nyko was the purest thing he had. “Would you like to place a label on things, Nyko?” Yunan asked blatantly, as before with the plan the three of them would need to be open about a lot of things in order to work together and so Yunan felt no shame at admitting his relationship with the Matori bard. “Lovers? Intimate partners? Spouses? I will gladly do anything that will make you more comfortable with this plot, but I must act as Aaricia’s fiancee for us to move forward unless you want to risk your friend’s safety. As it is, what about the pair of you? You say friendship but how do I not know that more has been shared in the past? I’m not blind, Aaricia is lovely and obviously you both share a connection that I have no idea about.” Yunan frowned as the question slipped out before he took another drink of his wine, finishing his own glass and firmly placing it on the table.”I am the one who came into the picture late, but I assure you I have no intention of letting you go. Only a fool would leave you behind.” Nyko was his songbird, the dramatic man always finding a way to get into Yunan’s heart despite how frustrating things could be. Why else would he let someone into his bed, especially when he once loathed being touched by others?
Even though his words were collected, Yunan’s voice never rising, there was a heat in his gaze as he glanced between Aaricia and Nyko. “No offense given or taken.” He gave a slight apologetic nod towards her since she was being dragged into such a discussion. “But I also share those sentiments. I do not plan to be taken nor do I plan to leave Nyko behind. He’s far too precious to me.” Hoping his words would reflect his sincere feelings and not simply show his frustrations, Yunan leaned back in his chair with a sigh. It would be a waste to try and touch Nyko, not when he was so heated unless the Matori wanted him to do so. Even if it was so very tempting to just caress him in the moment, the urge to claim him as his own so strong…Yunan took a breath to collect himself. “The reality is that none of us seem happy with that particular aspect of the plan but it is our only option if we want to resolve this without casualties. Ideally it will free my business and also free Aaricia from the shadow of a b*****d who would only hurt her if I don’t express interest. The man also would be far more inclined to believe that someone inferior...” Oh, how Yunan spat that word from his lips in disgust! The very idea of the Obans and their prejudice and pride made his blood boil, especially considering all that he and those in this room had been through because of it! “...is easily distracted with someone attractive to marry, my desire to be welcomed into society pulling me into a trap where he can take advantage of me and tie up his daughter at the same time. A normal partnership proposal not involving Aaricia would not be enough for Dazhiq, not when he could save himself so much time by taking care of two problems with one stone.” Yunan sneered at the very thought, he was a collected businessman but fools would always look down on him because of his mixed heritage. If he had been pure Zenan then perhaps such bias would be far less, but his Matori blood brought about so many issues even though he was happier with the Matori blood than his own father’s iceling blood running through his veins. What a cursed existence in both Zena and Oba because of it. Still, if anything it made him stronger and wiser since he had been born into a world that gladly taught him to be better than his ancestors and others who had judged solely based upon birth and not talent.
"My offer stands, Nyko." Yunan shifted in his seat, leaning towards the Matori as if inviting him to come over. "If I can offer you something to ease your mind that I'm yours then feel free to ask. If we can make this situation as open as possible between the three of us, I believe we can form a strong partnership with each other. The same is true for you, Aaricia, if there is anything we should discuss that would ease your mind then we shall do so." Even if he was wary to trust Aaricia it already spoke volumes that she had come with Nyko and caused no trouble. So perhaps it truly was an interesting twist of fate to have the three of them working together like this and if things played out well all three could continue benefiting from a partnership going forward, if so desired.
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Posted: Thu Mar 23, 2023 4:45 pm
"...Yeah, I did." His tone was more than a little subdued and while he was having a hard time looking at Yunan without some form of anger he turned his eyes to Aaricia. She'd been in the manor during the height of it's 'glory' so he didn't need to explain to anyone there why it was hard for him to go back in. Yet, as of tomorrow, it would be in his name and officially a working home for Nicosia; the Belrean Performer. Nyko the 'servant' may as well have been dead. "I'll have to make my 'debut' in Oban society because of it so if you need an excuse for a party there it is." It was surprising, really, that he couldn't fit any more bitterness into his tone because he was certainly trying!
Then Yunan's tone set him off and instead of sitting passively Nyko outright threw the glass at the wall behind Yunan's head. "You son of a b***h! Don't sit there! Do you really think it's going to make me feel 'better' if you just toss around ceremonies like it's another business transaction? Or worse, like you're pacifying a pet? Why don't you just go ahead and ask your new father-in-law for a collar? I'm sure he has some lying around that'll fit."
Now that he was on his feet and loud Nyko his his open palm with his fist before taking a lap in the office.
"I just...really would have appreciated a heads up on this. I know it happened fast and that this meeting needed to happen as soon as possible, but..." He raised his hands, as if he could somehow choke them both out and no one at the same time before taking a breather. "I am worried about being left behind, Aaricia, because it's happened before with the man I left Oba with...and he told me a lot of the same things I'm hearing tonight so excuse me for being skeptical. BUT that's going around in waves so I'll be transparent; we've kissed." He motioned between himself and Aari. "When we were teenagers, in the garden at the Geneva estate."
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Posted: Sat Mar 25, 2023 12:34 pm
Aari chewed on the inside of her cheek with a humorless smirk. "I'll keep that in mind." Her memory of her visit to the Geneva estate was mostly foggy; just another silly party for her father to schmooze and boast. Nyko had provided her a light to feel free for even a short while. The idea of going there for a party again, even on better terms, left a sour taste in her mouth.
All the more sour was the 'discussion' of their various relationships, invented or otherwise, the crack of the thrown glass causing her to wince. Instead of responding or speaking out right away, she closed her eyes to breathe. This was the closest she had ever felt to having a legitimate chance to bring down her father outside of simply having him killed. He had too much to atone for to be let off so easily. She wasn’t going to let him be turned into a martyr, either.
She tightened her jaw and sat up straight in her chair, attention shifting between the men while she raised her voice sharply. Not shouting, but certainly commanding after her years of being underground. “Do we need to have a sharing circle now? Air out all the laundry?” Though her question was heavy with irritation, she couldn’t keep out an earnest tone of willingness as well. If they needed to sit and just talk.. she would do it. "This plan is delicate. If anything is to go wrong while it is in play, Yunan and I would be trapped and Nyko would be alone. We can’t have bitterness between ourselves risking a misstep."
She turned her eyes to Yunan hard. “Yunan, I do not know a thing about you except that Nyko trusted you enough to come back to Oba with, which means my tolerance for you is limited. I am sure the same could be said of your position toward me. We have limited time to build any trust between ourselves and I need to see that you won’t be throwing me to the wolves should the opportunity present itself for your benefit. I can assure you, as far as you are willing to believe me, that I will always be putting the safety of you and Nyko before my own. As he said, we have kissed before and it never went beyond that.”
Then she turned to Nyko, her expression naturally softening just a little. “Nyko, I wish we’d had more time to talk before this. A lot of time has passed since I last saw you, but I still care about what you are going through. You’ve been through so much as it is.. I once thought my choices had been a death sentence for you, and it broke me. I am loath to involve you in this, but I do need your help to accomplish anything if you are willing.” Her posture remained tall, but the tension in her body eased the slightest bit more.
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Posted: Thu Mar 30, 2023 10:52 am
Yunan quietly listened despite the heat boiling beneath his own skin. He was the one having to endure a faux marriage to satisfy Nyko’s concern for this woman but somehow it had turned into a fit of jealousy? And that jealousy wasn’t only on Nyko’s side either, especially not when Yunan noticed how Nyko looked more towards Aaricia and seemingly stayed calm while any glance his own way was full of daggers. The shattering of glass nearly broke his resolve, but Yunan simply stayed still and allowed Nyko to spew his words. It was best to allow the tantrum to finish and then try to allow sense to come back into play when the emotions calmed down else he would lose his own composure and that would end with more than a broken glass. However, there was a limit to his patience especially when it came to Nyko and certain situations…such as this very moment.
“What about a cage instead? A collar is nothing.” Quipped back Yunan in frustration, his brow rising in defiance before Aaricia stepped in and seemingly calmed down the rising temperature in the room. Air out the laundry? The hybrid’s golden gaze shifted and a soft sigh left his lips. “Once again only a fool would have left you behind, Nyko. Do I look like a fool to you? You left Belrea to come to this painful place with me, I will never forget that. I despise whoever brought you such pain before, but I am not that person.” This time Yunan stood up from his chair, the hybrid picking up one of the glass shards and twisting it in his fingers thoughtfully. Oh how he would love to stick the sharp piece into the jugular of the man who had caused such trauma for Nyko. Perhaps this plan would have been better accepted if not for that? Though if the situation was reversed even Yunan would not be quite as happy to see Nyko married off to another and he had never allowed anyone into his heart like this until now. How much more miserable was this situation for someone who had been abandoned before? Even Yunan could not deny how his heart twisted in pain for his beloved companion. “It’s easy enough to feel jealousy or worry, but can we try to trust one another? Yes, I don’t like how you both have a past which I had no involvement with but I am going to try to not let that consume me whenever future meetings occur especially those where I may not be present.” His words spilled from his lips, slowly and carefully as he tried to consider everything. It was hard to process pain for the hybrid who had been forced to lock away emotions ever since his childhood and this whole being honest and having open talks to others was a very strange concept indeed, but he was trying.
Yunan had to appreciate the input from Aaricia, the hybrid slowly nodding as he processed her words. It was a very delicate plan indeed and one that had occurred far quicker than believed. “I do wish I had more time to present the plan to you, but this is time sensitive. As we speak I know that there are others now actively seeking out Aaricia, those who are hoping to gain favor and boons from this particular group that we are to destroy. They will not care about her safety.” Even if he had enough time to present the plan to Nyko, could gently presenting it slowly have worked any better? Ripping it off like a bandage seemed to be the best route, at least in Yunan’s perspective though he miscalculated Nyko’s strong feelings in this matter. All he could do now was push through and try to resolve this mess before the three of them placed themselves into a dangerous situation. “Fair enough.” He replied quietly once she was finished speaking. “If we are to all make it out of this successfully then we must trust one another and be willing to risk our necks. I will not have any sacrifices in this situation else this whole plan would be for naught.” A plan to help Nyko’s friend, to give corrupted nobles and merchants what they deserved and to allow Yunan’s own business to flourish so that he could help others. As cold and calculating as the hybrid could appear there was a reason he studied medicine and chose that as his business path. Hidden charities and such made certain of that. Such thoughts only strengthened his resolve as he finally faced Nyko once more, his gaze sincere and not distant like it usually was with others. “As it is we…I cannot do this without you, Nyko. I’m asking for your aid because you’re the only one I truly trust in this whole damned country.” His gaze shifted towards Aaricia and the hybrid gave an apologetic nod. “It is as you say, tolerance is limited but we will also have to develop trust if we are to survive. I am willing as long as both of you are willing to do so as well.”
There was a semblance of a flush along the back of his neck as he considered something else. Striding towards the Matori, Yunan reached out for his hand and placed it against his chest. “If we’re airing out laundry, so to speak, then take out any frustrations on me at this moment. The abruptness of this situation I will take the blame for it all.” His other hand still held the glass that he offered to Nyko. “If you so desire then go for it, but notice how my heart is beating for you in this moment and not for anyone else.” Yunan’s voice was soft, each word certain as he stared directly at Nyko, “When we make it out of this then I want to take you to Matori where we can hold a traditional ceremony if you’ll have it.” Not a wedding exactly but something his mother’s family cherished more than that, a binding ceremony meant for lovers to connect their souls with the blessing of the ocean goddess.
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Posted: Fri Mar 31, 2023 4:11 pm
The moment a cage was mentioned Nyko very quickly flashed Yunan an unflattering finger. He would have laid back into him too if Aaricia hadn’t spoken up and made her position clear. It took him a moment of deep, purposeful breathing to calm enough to speak. “I trust you both enough to stay.” The words were spoken through gritted teeth, but Nyko was staying firm. Every instinct in him was screaming to leave, get back on an airship and reclaim the only sense of ‘safety’ he’d known in Belrea.
Nyko wanted to believe Yunan, but trust was something that was earned and in their relationship this was untested waters. He cared for him a great deal and while his prior wounds were still a ragged as the day he received them Nyko would have to carry on with them. When the Matorian looked into Yunan’s eyes there was fear with a healthy dose of skepticism, but…eventually, he sighed and relented. “Don’t make me regret this,” He murmured. Ceremonies, grand gestures, and trinkets…They were all beautiful, but Nyko needed commitment. If everything Aaricia and Yunan said was true, then it would be enough for him. If it wasn’t…Well, he’d cross that when it came.
Looking to Aaricia, he mulled over something, but finally admitted, “That night…There were so many things that went wrong, and none of it was your fault. You weren’t the one who held the whip. If anything, you were just as much a pet to them as I was and that’s why what we’re doing now is so important. It’s just…hard, getting through all the details.” There was a moment where he was thinking of a way to ease the tension now that he’d ignited the room, and was drug out of his mind when Yunan grabbed his hand.
“Don’t give me the opportunity.” Nyko let out a little breathless laugh and picked up the piece of glass. He twisted it between his fingers and eyed it before giving Yunan a side eye. “If we make it through this in one piece, all of us…then we’ll go to Matori.” At least it was a brighter light to chase at the end of their dark, broken glass floor tunnel.
“So, what’s next? How do you two convince Dazhiq that you’re lovers if you can’t even convince me you wouldn’t stab each other if given the chance?”
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Posted: Fri Mar 31, 2023 8:45 pm
Aari let herself fall silent with her eyes politely, if not bashfully, turned aside as Yunan and Nyko talked. How could a discussion sound both so romantic and yet uncomfortable at the same time? Of course, her own romance experience was limited to distant observations, brief flirts, and her selfish impulse in Zena. She couldn't imagine crossing the world for anyone purely for the sake of that kind of relationship. She certainly didn't need that kind of complication in her life right now.
She didn't look back again until Nyko gave his opinion on that night long ago. She knew now that she wasn't to blame, but back then.. It had been discussed a little after the previous reunion, but the wounds had still been fresh for the both of them and a serious discussion had not been on the table at the time. Hearing him say those words now with so much understanding did her heart good, and a small smile shifted back into place.
She didn't have long to ponder when Nyko spoke up again. Her eyes rose to stare for a moment with realization until she almost laughed out loud. Almost. "My apologies. I'm sure it would have been more palatable had I clarified this right from the start. I would have had I known about you two. Yunan will take me in for the bounty and demand me as part of the business deal." Her back tensed up again with distaste at the situation and the circumstances around it. "The bounty on me has long passed the point of necessity now that my father has the 'pure' child he's always wanted. It is purely spite at this point. He knows I would never willingly agree to going to him on any sort of attempt for reconciliation. He will be.. much more inclined to agree to uniting with Yunan if he believes it is a relationship as much for the sake of business as it is for any desire of me. I just have to make him believe that I am broken enough to be claimed." Her nose wrinkled with contempt with no need to hide it at the moment. "For the sake of bringing him down.. I can do this."
Somehow, a short chuckle made its way to the surface as well as she glanced at Yunan. "No need for you to be concerned yet. I don't actually want to stab you at this point."
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