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 Posted: Wed Apr 17, 2024 7:07 pm
Corny by Discord
Though there was a joy that filled the air around the couple, its fluffy warmth was tempered by the distinct weight of cold fear. It was difficult to let the happiness of one situation reign when it was affecting and being affected by a more sinister shadow. There had been much discussion over the past couple days, but Constynce felt like they weren't any better off than they had been when the trip back had started. On the one hand, they were being blessed with a pregnancy! Babies were on the way! On the other hand, yet another evil threatened their homes, their families... the very lives that were growing within her. There was just too much to think about.
A small wagon had been rented for the trip back to Tale to allow Consytnce to rest as much as she needed. With the stress of the world straining her nerves already, the first trimester exhaustion was hitting hard. The need to watch her back every waking moment had overridden any symptoms up to now. She tried to walk as much as she could, but it would come in waves that would knock her off her feet. She was just waking up from the latest spell, her gaze rising to the sky immediately. There was a familiar kind of tree shading the wagon, and she couldn't help a faint smile. They were back in Tale... or at least right on the border.
With a yawn, she sat up and rubbed at her eyes before she looked around for Tryston.
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Posted: Wed Apr 17, 2024 7:39 pm
Tryston was constantly on edge. Not only had the kidnapping made him aware of the lingering dangers, but learning that Constynce was pregnant had only increased his protective tendancies. He had to make certain that their return to Tale went smoothly and that Constynce was tucked away safely at home while he waited on word back from Zena concerning the current situation with the brotherhood. Tryston had even asked for Lyrie to send a brother or two down this way to protect the Tale village where Constynce would be staying. He doubted that anyone would come after her, especially since no one else knew about the situation with the pair, but Tryston just wanted to make certain. And until his own departure he would spend every moment making certain that his beloved was comfortable and protected. So he went out early in the morning, ahead of their wagon, to scout the area before returning back with something fresh that he had gathered like fruits or berries. Hunting would have been more ideal to provide them with more, but he didn't want to risk a fire and spend time preparing a meal when they had rations to sustain them. The berries and fruits though were a bright addition to the typical dried fish and bread that they had in storage for the trip, leaving them with only a few additional items for meals when they did stop in the evenings finally after a long day of riding.
Now that they had reached Tale, Tryston ended up looking ahead and returned to find Constynce resting in the shade. A small smile crossed his lips despite his nerves, the ice warrior's cold exterior melting at the sight of Constynce. Walking up to her, the warrior offered today's fresh fruits plucked directly from a tree for her to snack on. The round fleshy fruits were sweet with a nectar almost akin to honey that was popular for drinks and good for the throat. "We're close." He commented as he studied her, his gaze full of concern as he checked to make certain she looked well. As much as he wanted a healer to constantly check over Constynce, new father worries and the like, it was simply impossible to do so while on the road in this situation. So he just did his best to keep an eye on her and helped as much as possible while they traveled during the day. Now though he knew that she was close to home and that her grandparents would be wanting to take her in, something that made his stomach twist. He just hoped the matriach would not be completely against him still, especially now that there was a baby involved. "Do you need anything else?" They had a water pouch, freshly filled when Tryston first woke up this morning, and then the bag of dried meats and bread for a quick meal. Thankfully though they could have a real meal soon, that much Tryston hoped since he was worried more about Constynce's health than his own. It wouldn't be the first time he had gone days on bare minimum, that was for certain, but he didn't know how well that would be for someone carrying a child. It also didn't help that there was a change in the air, the gathering clouds making him worry that they could be facing a storm soon enough.
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Posted: Wed Apr 17, 2024 7:40 pm
There was a flicker of concern when she didn't immediately see Tryston, but she readily relaxed again when he returned with something in hand. Constynce looked back up at the tree and nodded as she accepted the fresh meal. "It's good to see the trees again," she replied with a little smile. Oba and Jauhar had their own interesting trees, but the lovely pillars that grew from Tale's grounds would always hold a special place in her heart. It was home. A flicker of excitement rose at the thought. She was eager to share the good news with her grandparents! They would certainly be happy with the new arrival due! Then again, how would they react to finding out a threat continued to linger overhead?
She sighed and focused on eating. She had been bouncing between being a bottomless pit and unable to keep anything down, but she knew she still had some recovering to do. It was so important now... Thankfully, it seemed her stomach would cooperate today as her first bite made her moan happily. So tasty! The question earned a little smirk and she reached out to take Tryston's hand to give it a squeeze. "I just need you." There was a flinch of concern in her words though. Once they got to her grandparents, it was likely that Tryston would be leaving for Zena soon after. She didn't want him to go... "What about you? Have you eaten yet?"
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Posted: Wed Apr 17, 2024 7:41 pm
Tryston's expression softened, the smile on Constynce's face easing some of the tension he had been feeling. While he felt more at home in the icy mountains of Zena there was something comforting about seeing Constynce in her home territory. The trees themselves though simply made him think about all the potential hiding spots for a sneak attack, the warrior trying his best to not let such thoughts get to him despite everything. So all he could do was simply nod in quiet agreement that it was good to see the trees again even though it was mostly for his companion's benefit.
His usually cool skin warmed though at the comment of being needed and Tryston nodded once more as he lost his words for a moment, the gentle touch keeping that faint blush lingering on his cheeks. "Hmm?" He finally managed, shaking his head before bringing out another fruit to eat as proof that he was taking care of himself despite the restless nights and countless patrols along the way to Tale. He did look a bit unkept which gave him more pause, the iceling reaching his free hand up to touch the edge of his messy hair. Perhaps it was best if they took a moment to freshen up before entering the village? Was there a spring or even a tavern along the way for a moment of rest? Surely that would be fine especially with how the skies looked. Even if he wanted to rush to the village it wouldn't be safe if a storm suddenly overtook them when they could have taken shelter before the storm instead. He didn't want to keep rushing, fearful that he could somehow hurt Constynce or the baby by pushing their limits. He just had to hope that note to Serana arrived quickly and that she could alert the brotherhood to the impending danger. With the Oban noble out of the way, it would make more sense that the ice mage's target would move from Tryston and Constynce to the bigger game waiting up north.
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Posted: Wed Apr 17, 2024 8:05 pm
Pleased to see Tryston eat, she couldn't help a little giggle as he inspected his messy hair. They both probably looked rather rough at this point. A good, long bath would do the pair wonders! Following his cue as he inspect himself, Constynce pulled her long hair around to run her fingers through. If they showed up in such a state, her grandparents would worry.
"Do we.. have time to stop somewhere for a bath?" she asked, a little hesitance to her voice as she peeked up at him. She understood the hurry they were in. She didn't doubt that Tryston would already be halfway to Zena by now if he hadn't needed to slow down for her condition. Her eyes lowered back down. "We're.. we're in Tale now. ..I'm sure I can make it home if.. if you want to go ahead.." She figured she knew what the answer would be, but she still wanted to offer. It was a long road ahead, and time was a luxury...
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Posted: Wed Apr 17, 2024 8:14 pm
Tryston paused, the iceling noticing the slight hesitance in Constynce's question. Had he rushed them so much that she worried a break would be pushing their luck now? Guilt crossed his features as he realized that he probably was not the most relaxed person to be around, especially in the moment, and he hated stressing her out more than necessary. He had thought about finding a place to freshen up so it wasn't a crazy request, not that he would deny Constynce anything unless it truly put them in a dangerous situation again. He hated that she seemed afraid to ask for something as simple as this and Tryston found himself reaching down so that he could gently place a hand on her chin and direct her gaze back up towards him. There was no frustration, no anger in his gaze when she looked to him this time. There was only love and a gentle concern that he felt for her that he hoped his expression conveyed without the need for words.
"I won't leave you, not yet." Tryston reassured her quietly, his thumb lightly rubbing along her jaw in a comforting motion. "Is there a town with a bathhouse nearby?" He asked, not completely familiar with the area like Constynce surely was. If not then they could find a spring but he would be worthless if the water was too cold since he would have no way to warm it up, a bathhouse would be better if she wanted warm water to truly relax in. It wouldn't hurt them to spend at least another night together before returning to her home village, right?
"As it is I think shelter is necessary." He added after another moment, the first drop of rain hitting his shoulder as the storm started rolling in. Despite it though he kept himself calm, Tryston not wanting to worry Constynce that it may be more than a simple spring rain approaching them.
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Posted: Wed Apr 17, 2024 8:24 pm
She remained focused on untangling a knot from her hair while she waited for a reply. She fully trusted Tryston to not be upset with her directly, but she could only imagine his concern for his home and the brotherhood. It was under threat yet again, this time by a force more mysterious and possibly malevolent than the previous one. Surely he wanted to get there to aide their fight, and she couldn't help the guilt of adding to the complications. She swore that she was physically feeling the air pressure growing heavy around them; the warm, sunny day going cool. The effects of her emotions, surely.
Her cheeks warmed tenderly when her gaze was guided up to meet the face she loved so much. She let out a soft sigh and nodded as she leaned into the cool but gentle hand. The undercurrent of guilt remained, but it was subdued under the reassurance of those eyes. "If we're where I think we are, there should be a village a bit north of us. It's a common crossing point, so there will be a few options to-" She paused when something hit the top of her head, and, after another moment, heat again colored her cheeks. She hadn't just been imagining the air changing... Goodness, one would think she had never felt a storm from come in before! "I was thinking more of a warm bath in a tub than a rain shower," she mused with a nod. Whether it was a heavy rain or a full thunderstorm, she didn't want them to be trapped out here in it.
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Posted: Wed Apr 17, 2024 8:29 pm
Though the idea of a common crossing point did make him feel concern, Tryston did his best to keep that from showing. They would just have to be careful and maybe if he did see a familiar face the warrior could either confront the problem directly or if it was an ally send word that way while spending more time with Constynce before departing for Zena. A common crossing point then could be beneficial rather than harmful for them. After silently reasoning with it, Tryston nodded. "That works." He reassured her, his hand slowly moving from her face to reach for a hand so that he could give it a squeeze. At first it had been strange to openly touch Constynce like this and he had been even hesitant to do so but after reuniting and traveling together like this, the movement felt far more natural. It was as if he were proving to himself that this wasn't a dream and that they truly were together after all this time.
He glanced around, as if checking the area one more time for any dangers other than the impending storm, and then looked towards Constynce for guidance. "We'll go there then and get you that bath." There was a gleam of something almost akin to amusement before worry took its place, Tryston eager to get going again. Once the rains cleared up then in the morning they would finally be on the final stretch to Constynce's home village to face her family. Even if they didn't accept him then he prayed that they would accept their children, just as he hoped the brotherhood would accept them as well. And so as the rain started to fall steadily around them, Tryston grabbed the wagon so that he could get them safely through until they spotted the village just up ahead.
"Is that the inn?" He asked, noting the larger building towards the entrance gates that had some steam coming from it despite the haze of the increasing rain. Surely that meant there were springs inside where they could warm up and take shelter from the storm.
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Posted: Wed Apr 17, 2024 8:37 pm
Constynce squeezed his hand back and gave him an appreciative smile. She was very much looking forward to a real bath! She still needed to wash that ship off of her skin and clothes. The offer to stay for the night made her perk up even further with pleasure. She didn't want to look too eager for the break.. but the idea of a night in a secure room with Tryston, a meal, a hot bath, and a cozy bed just struck all the right chords. "Hopefully, we'll be able to find a room and not even worry about leaving it for anything."
She leaned herself back against the boards of the wagon and looked up at the increasingly cloudy sky. That was a heavy front coming in. While sudden storms weren't unheard of, this one was certainly moving quicker than she was used to. Without thinking about it, she pulled one of the thin blankets to wrap around her shoulders while her other arm hugged protectively around her still-small belly. 'We'll keep you safe. I promise.'
When the call came, she got up on her knees to peer through the rain. Thank goodness! "Yes. That one with the big chimney should be one of the inns."
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Posted: Wed Apr 17, 2024 8:48 pm
Tryston nodded, relief crossing his features as he helped Constynce into the inn and gave a younger leaf boy coin to put their wagon away in the connected stables. As he went inside, he walked straight to the counter not caring about the water dripping from his clothing as he waited for the innkeeper or someone to check them in. "Do you have a room?" He asked, the rumbling thunder in the distance confirming his fears about the storm.
"We might, just depends on if you can afford it." At first the older leaf earthling looked like she was considering charging more for their final room especially with a storm brewing, but the sight of Constynce made her expression soften. Looking between the pair the earthling finally nodded and held up three fingers. "Still, I suppose you'll be fine. It's late enough to give a discount, so you'll get some time at the springs without extra cost this time." Tryston nodded his appreciation before handing over the coins and receiving the tokens from the earthling who gestured for a younger girl to guide them. "Irelly will help you. Just let her know if ya need anythin'. I'd rush to the springs before it gets too bad out, ya wanna get warmed up and cleaned up quickly since it's gonna be a night."
"It'll be this way." Irelly came up quickly to them, the young leaf earthling looking fairly kind despite the initial hesitation about greeting the strangers. Her braided hair was over her shoulder and she had an armful of towels and a wooden bucket hanging from her elbow full of herbs for bathing. "The springs are just around the corner, there may be others there but that's alright...right?" Tryston simply glanced over at Constynce before giving a slight nod. It was best if they warmed up quickly like the innkeeper suggested, he didn't want to risk Constynce getting sick especially when there was a storm coming in swiftly now with the thunder growing louder each time.
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Posted: Thu Apr 18, 2024 7:20 pm
Though she wasn't exactly pleased about being caught in the rain, Constynce found herself pausing to tip her head back and let the cool drops slip along her face. It was refreshing after the time spent on the salty ocean and in dry, dry Oba. She was still plenty eager to be escorted into the inn. She gave the blanket a gentle shake at the door, slightly more conscientious than Tryston about dripping onto the floor.
She gave the woman at the desk her most appreciative and winning smile that she could muster up. It was the kindness of strangers that made all the difference in a pinch. She gave Irelly a smile as well and nodded. "I would be surprised if we were the only ones trying to warm up from this sudden rain before the storm fully rolls in. I don't mind sharing a little so that we can all be comfortable. It sure came in quickly!"
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Posted: Fri Apr 19, 2024 10:51 am
Tryston nodded, his gaze going towards Constynce with concern as rain started to pour down outside as the storm settled in over them. One could hear it pelting the roof, droplets splattering against the tinted glass windows of the inn as well. Thankfully they were inside now, it was a good decision to find a town for the night instead of staying out in the wilderness despite his earlier apprehension about the chances of more encounters. Still, he couldn't help but to shift closer towards Constynce as they followed Irelly down the hall. "Mm. How are you feeling?" He nodded his agreement about the storm before asking his question, glancing over at Constynce as they continued down the wooden hallway that twisted towards a more open area with steam coming in from the baths. There were a few earthlings scattered about, but most seemed to be wrapping up for the night which was another relief since it offered a chance for more privacy once they left.
As it was, Irelly was looking over the pair with a sheepish expression since she had overheard Tryston and had the feeling based on Constynce's earlier action where she had hugged her stomach. "The rain really is coming down. It's very fortunate that you arrived in time! Is...is it alright if I ask about your condition? I didn't want to make assumptions, but my sister just went through her own first pregnancy and I know several recipes that settle well on the stomach including some tea." Her cheeks flushed more as she shifted the supplies in her arms. "Th-that is if I'm correct. It's just my brother-in-law also had the same tendency to walk protectively next to my sister when she was carrying and she tended to hug her stomach often when nervous. You reminded me of them."
Blinking, Tryston gave a subtle nod with surprise showing on his features for a split second before fading away. Had he been that obvious? Well, now that he looked he was standing at an angle as if protecting Constynce from the stares of those wandering around the entrance to the baths. His own stance was slightly tense as if ready to spring into action at every moment and well...perhaps he was a bit on edge, all things considered. "Anything would be appreciated." He managed after a moment, not saying much else on the matter even as he looked towards Constynce the same time Irelly did as if waiting to see how she felt about the offer.
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Posted: Fri Apr 19, 2024 7:00 pm
Constynce's brow rose with surprise, and a self-consciously pleased heat gently colored her cheeks. "I would surely be upset any other day... but your insight is quite keen. I only just got confirmation a short time ago." She reached a hand out to link her fingers with Tryston's. Even without the pregnancy on top of everything, she doubted Tryston would have walked any differently. The warmth and delight remained edged by her fears of their situation, but she found herself quite eager to have someone with more experience to discuss things with. The storm wasn't ideal... but it had brought them to someone who would be able to give them some rather sound advice for their journey ahead. Oh, her grandparents and the village would have plenty as well, but she had learned that learning from different sources was paramount in flourishing. Her smile rose even brighter with contentment. "I would greatly appreciate whatever aide you are willing to offer. The ebb and flow of this queasiness has been particularly bothersome."
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Posted: Thu May 09, 2024 12:58 pm
Tryston took Constynce's hand, his fingers lightly squeezing her own as they walked towards the baths. It seemed like the worker was more than eager to share ideas with the pair, her smile not leaving her lips ever since Constynce confirmed her earlier observation. "Of course! I'll gladly share what I know, if you'd like." Irelly gushed, happy to help. "It looks like this storm will be trapping me here tonight as well so if anything I'll prepare some teas for you to take along with you that should help." As they approached the changing rooms and Irelly left them for the time being, Tryston couldn't help but to appreciate the slight detour the storm had forced upon them. Maybe for one night they could truly just relax before facing whatever came next. At least that was his hope as he settled in next to Constynce, ready to help her with whatever she needed in the moment.
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