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 Posted: Wed Jan 17, 2024 5:27 pm
Reina’s stomach was twisted in knots. She had thought she was prepared to face what awaited them once they returned to Sulburi, but actually crossing the border back into Oba and getting so close to the city brought a new wave of emotions. The young mage was pacing nervously outside of the inn that they had chosen for the day, her newly colored gaze studying the area around them. Would it be too late to turn back and disappear into Tale again now? A soft sigh left her lips, Reina tucking back a loose curl of hair behind her ear while she chastised herself. She wasn’t that weak nor was she as ignorant of things as before. Surely she could face this, especially since she had already spoken with Nicias and was even traveling with him now. “It’s just some Oban politics and potential drama.” She whispered, a small smile crossing her lips even as she still felt a few butterflies fluttering around in her stomach. Things had changed, her abilities and even physical appearance were different now, and she simply had to regain that confidence she once felt as a child. She still knew what was right and wanted to stand up for what she believed in, it was just a matter of learning how to navigate it better.
At least she wasn’t completely alone. The thought brought a different sort of nervous feeling to her stomach, Reina twisting to look back around to see if Nicias was nearby. She had stepped out for some fresh air, the day being halfway through but not completely over yet, and she had hoped that maybe he would feel up for a walk or anything that could help ease her nerves.
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Posted: Thu Feb 15, 2024 6:08 am
Their little group that they were traveling with had decided to stop in Kalv after crossing the Oban border to resupply. He had just procured a few extra things for himself and Reina and made some adjustments to their travel plans and realized that Reina had stepped out at some point. The small flutter in his stomach was a subconscious reaction and he had to remind himself that she said she was going back home with him, she wasn't going to run off again. Still, it made him finish up his business that much faster before he exited the building. Standing just outside the place of business, he looked around for her vibrant hair, it didn't take long to find her. Nicias walked the short distance to her with a soft smile that calmed his nerves. "Are you okay?" He checked in with her. He was worried about her as he figured it probably would be for the rest of his life with how he felt for her now. It was why he had decided to change their travel plans and not go back home immediately and instead to take Reina somewhere special.
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Posted: Sun Feb 25, 2024 10:54 am
“I’ll manage.” Reina hadn’t turned around when Nicias approached, the mage already recognizing his presence since it was so familiar to her. “I suppose returning to Oba gave my stomach a bit more twists and knots than expected, is all.” She admitted after another moment, finally turning her head so that she could look over at Nicias and offer a nervous smile. Just another couple of days and then they would be back in Sulburi once they finished up with this detour, the change surprising Reina even as she had faith in Nicias to have a good reason for the decision. Maybe she wasn’t the only one delaying the inevitable? Either way she had enjoyed the few weeks traveling together, their reunion still giving her butterflies even as she fell into familiar habits with him and felt more comfortable with time.
“So do I dare ask what the plan is now?” Reina tucked a stray strand of wavy hair behind her ear and shifted so that she could fully face Nicias, the mage trying to appear confident despite everything. Not that it was a good lie, especially considering her nervous expression from just a few moments before. But she was willing to do her best, this was the future that she was willing to chase despite all the obstacles along the way.
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Posted: Sun Feb 25, 2024 12:44 pm
Nicias frowned slightly, he wished he could make everything better for her yet he knew it would just be a process. A journey. At least it was one they could take together now. "You might not want to know the plan." He joked. "I thought that maybe once we got into Oba you might feel a little apprehensive about going home. And truth be told, I've been enjoying traveling with you. I thought we might detour away from Sulburi, before I left I set some stuff in motion and thought now might be a good time to check on it while we delay our return home. Does that sound okay?" Honestly he was a little nervous to see how it was progressing, hoping that it was progressing at all. Wouldn't it be embarrassing if they arrived and there was just an empty property? Nic scratched the back of his neck nervously, an old habit resurfacing.
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Posted: Sun Feb 25, 2024 3:58 pm
Reina studied Nicias for a moment, considering his words carefully. “You’re not wrong to assume that.” She admitted after a moment, giving up on any attempt to hide her apprehensions about returning to the city. At least her mother would be there to speak with, that in itself was a small comfort considering everything else. It would be nice to see her again. “I’m guessing it’s not going to be a year long detour overseas or anything like that, right?” She asked almost jokingly before shaking her head. They would have left towards Sauti instead of Oba if that were the case and she highly doubted the princess would want her son to get on one of those airships, even Reina didn’t think she could stomach such a thing. Though it definitely would be a learning experience based on what she heard from other travelers who passed through Tale over the last couple of years.
“Still, I trust you.” And Reina truly meant that. She had to else she would be running away at the very sight of those city gates once they did reach Sulburi finally. “I am curious to see what your highness has planned outside of the city. So why not?” She glanced around, looking about the area they were staying at before looking at Nicias again, offering a small smile to try to ease his own nerves since she recognized that habit. “Is it far from here?”
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Posted: Mon Feb 26, 2024 6:25 pm
He couldn't help but laugh. "I wish I could tell you yes that was the surprise but maybe we save that for a planned excursion? Hmm?" After doing what little traveling Nicias had done by himself, or at least with a small escort, he wanted to see more. He wanted to know more was more aptly the reason why. And then the time he spent traveling with Reina was even more enjoyable. "It is a little bit of a ways from here. We could have stopped in Serr just as easily but some of the men thought it would be easier to just resupply here before the detour. We're going to be going a little southwest towards Jatine but not quite all the way there. I'm actually nervous. I signed the work contract just before I left home so I'm not really sure how much has been done if any. It'll be so embarrassing if I take you there and there's nothing." He laughed again, a little more nervously this time.
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Posted: Mon Feb 26, 2024 7:02 pm
Reina pursed her lips together, an old habit from their childhood surfacing in the hint of a pout before she nodded. “I suppose that’s something to look towards.” If it could happen then truly it would be an adventure, that was for certain. She already knew that he had been gone from the capital for quite a bit and doubted most would want him to be away for much longer, this trip already being a rare excursion as it was. Reina’s gaze softened at the thought. As much as others prized the position he held, she understood there were many responsibilities tied to it. She wasn’t certain how Nicias considered it, but she could only imagine it being both a blessing and a burden at times.
“Sounds impressive.” Reina managed after listening to Nicias, her interest growing by the minute. What could he have done that would require a work contract? She knew that in between Jatine and Sulburi there were scattered oasis, some estates having been built there for other noble families over the years. Other than wilderness and trade routes though she didn't know what Nicias had in mind for the area, Jatine was closer but not exactly by the ocean though it had many surrounding lakes and springs which created a bustling city there that nearly rivaled Sulburi. “So in between the two major cities of Oba. Interesting. Do I get guesses? It’s not in Jatine so it’s not a luxury boat or anything, hmm.” She began, trying to be energetic and light-hearted as she leaned into the distraction that would give them a bit of time to enjoy themselves before going back into Sulburi. Hopefully it would make Nicias feel a bit less nervous as well, Reina trying to act a bit more playful as she gestured for him to lead the way. “Do we need mounts? We could take a pair of xaraan since that’ll be quicker unless the guards don’t want us taking the lead.”
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Posted: Mon Feb 26, 2024 8:11 pm
"Hmmm sure, I'll let you have 3 guesses! That'll be fun to see what you think I'd do with my money." Nicias smiled slyly. What kind of information would he learn from this? Her suggestion of mounts was a good idea, one that he hadn't thought about until she said something. It would get them there faster, that was for sure. She was also correct in assuming his guards wouldn't necessarily like the idea. Yet....if there was one thing this adventure away from home has taught him is that you only live once. He would never be able to come back to this point in time and redo anything so he should make the most of it. "You have a point...how much room do you have inside your pack?" If they could pack enough provisions for themselves but still travel lightly they could make really good time. "Let's make sure to provision ourselves for a couple of days and see about acquiring a pair of mounts and we'll cause some trouble like we used to when we were younger? Except...maybe no ghost hunting?" He laughed thinking of that time they explored one of the older unused wings of the palace. "The guards can follow with the other provisions. I'll make sure they're compensated later for 'losing their charge' or whatever dumb excuse some captain will want to put on them."
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Posted: Tue Feb 27, 2024 2:24 pm
Reina shook her head, a smile on her lips despite the action at Nic’s willingness to play along. At least it was something to try to ease them of their nerves. She appreciated that much even if she didn’t know what to guess exactly. “Hmm. A giant library in the middle of the desert?” She teased, recalling how often she had found him hiding in the palace’s library reading during their childhood years. “A park of exotic beasts? Or is it truly a boat, somehow stashed in a secret river going towards Jatine? I heard that there can be some in caverns which stretch far below the surface for miles.” Reina knew that her guesses were far-fetched, but it did nothing to lessen the smile on her face. She would find out the truth soon enough, after all. So why not have some fun with it?
But then they were seriously discussing leaving ahead of the guards and the smile lessened. “Would it truly be alright? I don’t want to cause any trouble.” She admitted after a moment, moving and showing the space in her pack. It would be plenty to carry some dried fruits and jerky, even a few slices of flat-bread to sustain them as they traveled along. Water wasn’t an issue, she could pull moisture from the air with her magic for them to drink and had learned how to survive on the water from several desert plants as well if the air was too dry for such. “I can pack enough for a couple of days and can handle water.” She offered to him, the idea growing on her as he continued speaking and seemed confident that everything would be alright. “No ghost hunting and you must leave a note for them so that they don’t panic. After that…well where do we get xaraan?” That was the fastest mount that they could take, janarim were nice and all but more for battle and less for speed.
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Posted: Wed Feb 28, 2024 4:02 pm
Nicias pretended to think about them for a few moments as they walked. "Well....none of those are right however...one of them could be considered similar. Want to offer something else in exchange for extra guesses?" He teased boldly. Nicias loved that she was concerned for him and his well being though he hoped he would eventually prove that she didn't need to be. He would, if all things worked out like he wanted them to, take care of the both of them regardless what happened between them. "I wouldn't worry too much about it. These guys have got it pretty easy when it comes to me. At least I think so. I could be some nightmare fancy pants that needs to be fanned and fed fruit all the time right?" Nicias was generally pretty laid back, he wasn't even as high maintenance as his sister was! "I'm pretty sure the two of us can handle traveling by ourselves for a short period of time, even if we run into some bandits or something I'm pretty sure your magic will be pretty bad a** and save the day." He nudged her shoulder with his playfully. "Let's go buy some provisions for ourselves and I believe there is a tamer on the south western edge of the city we can go see him. Don't worry, I'll make sure they know we're leaving and what our prospected path is to be. I'll still be somewhat responsible even when I'm rebelling a little."
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Posted: Wed Feb 28, 2024 8:13 pm
Reina raised a brow with interest. Something similar, hmm? She couldn't help tilting her head slightly at the offer. "What do I need to offer in exchange?" She questioned, mostly curious about what Nicias would request for additional guesses. There was a moment, her cheeks warming at a random thought of what she could offer, but Reina quickly pushed it away. She would just wait for him to make a suggestion and not let her mind wander towards other notions, embarrassment making her look away as if studying the sky suddenly despite their playful banter.
"Pretty easy or not, you'll still send them in a panic if something happens." She replied, even though she did understand that he was reliable and treated most better than others did. She had witnessed the attitudes of some nobles and it was a blessing that the prince was far from that type of person. If he had been like those spoiled nobles then she wouldn't be here now, that was for certain. "Alright. That sounds like a plan to me." It would be fun to explore a bit on their own again, it had been a while since she had managed to just wander without guards following behind them like constant shadows. "Let's get some honey glazed nuts as well. That's an important provision for my sweet tooth especially if I'm going to be using magic to protect us." Reina joked in return, thinking about the cinnamon spiced and honey glazed snacks she enjoyed so much. Surely a small bag of those wouldn't be a big burden on their provisions, right?
"We should get started soon, right?" She nudged Nicias back lightly. "Unless you really want me to offer something for more guesses? Though we'll lose daylight if I keep missing the mark, plus I like the idea of a surprise."
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Posted: Thu Feb 29, 2024 5:37 pm
"Ask and you shall receive, Ma'am." Nicias said with a laugh. He nudged her gently to change directions. "I don't necessarily need you to offer anything in exchange. It was simply an offer to trade information if you wanted to have more chances at guessing. I suppose you can always guess while we're on the road if you want." He was perfectly fine with it being a surprise as well. "We'll hit a general store over this way. We'll leave an order with the clerk and let them put it together while we go inform my men on what's going on. Then we'll pick up our supplies and head towards the outskirts. I believe there is a vendor that way that sells those honey glazed nuts that we'll grab before getting mounts and heading on our way." He looked towards her. "Sound like an okay plan?"
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Posted: Wed Mar 13, 2024 7:52 am
Reina's lips curved upwards into a small smile, the Oban amused by her partner's response. "You can't say you don't want anything while offering an exchange." She protested as they continued forward down the street, Reina following the nudge for directions. She didn't mind having something to look towards and so it would be nice to have a pleasant surprise for once. Before leaving Oba it seemed like most of her surprises other than the gifts from Nicias had been rather well...not the best. Reina's gaze darted towards the ground as she thought about the past before she clenched her fists again to force herself to focus on the present. They were here now and she would be ready to fight back this time when they returned to Sulburi, no more running. And so she forced a smile, focusing on the excitement of the moment as she nodded towards Nicias. "Sounds like a plan to me." She agreed as a building came into view with several displays. "Is that the store there?" She asked with interest, her expression eager as she wanted to place the order quickly so that they could begin traveling towards this surprise destination.
"I have my satchel with supplies and a water flask so probably just some dried food will suffice for me. Are there still medical supplies at the inn for us or should we get more bandages and potions, just in case?" Not that she wanted anything bad to happen along the way, but it was always best to be prepared especially when traveling with Nicias. It was one thing for Reina to be reckless and another thing entirely to risk his well-being, not that she would say such a thing out loud for fear of him chastising her for such thoughts.
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Posted: Wed Mar 27, 2024 4:06 pm
Nicias smiled though his smile looked a little sad, "Unfortunately, you can often discover what it is a person actually desires by offering them an open ended offer." The young prince had not been required to make many of those offers. Most often it was him observing business with either one of his parents. His head lifted as he looked over the heads of a few people in a very unprincely manner. "I believe it's over this way. Let's grab some extra supplies for ourselves just in case. I'd hate to take from the stores and leave others without. Medical supplies can always be used by someone." It wasn't something he minded spending money on. Gently he navigated them through a small crowd as he followed his nose and the memories of the past he had of the location. "Ah...here we are." Nic said as they navigated to a line that was longer than he would have liked. "Do you mind waiting?" If she didn't want to wait there could be numerous things he could do if that's what she wanted.
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Posted: Wed May 08, 2024 8:12 am
Reina's lips pressed together thoughtfully, her expression somber for a moment as she considered what Nicias had said. "Is that so? I just worry that it's dangerous to let people ask for whatever they want, especially depending on how much influence the person has." How many would try to take advantage of his power as the prince of a nation? She knew that he couldn't grant any and every wish, but surely there would be those who would find some way to take advantage of the power that he did have in Oba. Her own desires were fairly simple in comparison to others, a peek towards Nicias confirmed that as her cheeks flushed slightly before Reina continued forward towards the store.
"True. We'll stock up then." Reina nodded her agreement, following Nicias and only stopping once they had found the entrance. "I don't mind waiting. We might want to spend time just looking around, just in case." Once they returned the others would be wary of letting them simply slip away again, at least out of concern for Nicias. Just taking this journey without his soldiers would be risky enough and would take a lot of convincing...so why not enjoy this moment longer before seeing what type of struggle they'd have to face to get more time alone like this? Once they returned to Sulburi...well she doubted they'd have many chances for moments like these.
"Let's see what they have, okay?" Reina offered Nicias a small smile, her gaze bright as she held out a hand to go inside together. There would be rows of general goods, but some local specialties and the like that they could browse together as they waited for the rest of the order to be prepared.
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