Sarai breathed deeply as she sat in the water. This is not training, sparring, or actual combat. She ought to be relaxing, but some of the adrenaline from training today is still present in her body. However, the water is like a catalyst that is assisting with her relaxation. Her once tense muscles are starting to see signs of loosening. Then the cleaning began when Emma poured some water over Sarai's head to wet her hair and applied shampoo afterward. The barmaid started talking as she washed the dirty guard's hair. Her words rang true. Sarai is currently among the strongest at the barracks, perhaps the strongest of them all. She has a reputation of putting the men through hell and back, and that is not something that bothers her. After all, her methods have proven to be effective. There is a problem that has to be addressed. Is Sarai paying attention to things that do not matter and failing to realize that she is neglecting other things that are actually important? She can certainly agree that she has been neglecting Emma and her personal well-being, but it was all for the sake of keeping herself strong enough to handle anything that dares threaten the lives of those she cares most for. At least, that has been Sarai's way of viewing this situation. However, she should take into consideration how Emma feels, and the guard has to admit that it does not make her look good. She brushed her nose gently with her thumb, splashed a bit of water toward Emma's direction to mess with her a little bit, then said,
"It was never my intention to be neglectful of you and other people and things in my life I cannot live without. I push myself to be prepared for anything that will try to hurt my friends and loved ones...if something were to happen to you and I couldn't do anything about because I wasn't strong enough...I never forgive myself...but perhaps I been focusing too much on the 'what ifs' rather than what is really there. For that...I am truly sorry...I should take it easy once in a while...or perhaps come here for a daily bath if this is the treatment I receive after my training sessions."
﴾.I am a strong woman. My strength is not my muscles Nor is it my skills But the heart of a warrior within. 2ND|LIEUTANENT﴿
Gently rinsing the soap from Sarai’s hair, Emma listened to what she had to say. She smiled a little at the fact that Sarai had said that Emma was someone that she couldn’t live without. It was nice hearing that from someone that she cared about…She nodded when Sarai pointed out that fact that she was worrying too much about things that might happen or might not happen. Sarai couldn’t live her life wondering about ‘what-if’s, it wasn’t healthy.
When Sarai spoke of coming to the Tavern for daily baths, Emma arched a brow and smirked a little. “You know…if we lived together, I could wash your hair every day and sleep in your arms every night.” When was the last time Sarai had stayed the night and held her close while they slept? Too long…Living together was a big step, a HUGE step…but maybe it was a chance they needed to take. It would certainly allow them to spend more time together. “Don’t give me an answer now…think about it. Really think about it, Sarai…and then come and tell me your answer, ok?”
Emma finished washing Sarai and seeing that her cuts and scrapes were well cleansed of any dirt or dried blood. Once Sarai was dried and dressed again, Emma led her back down to the Tavern dining room to have some lunch. They chatted a bit, but Emma deliberately kept things casual. Sarai had a lot to think about now and some decisions to make and Emma didn’t want to Sarai to feel like she was pressuring her. Hopefully, the two of them could work things out…Emma really liked Sarai, and she hoped they could make their relationship work, but sometimes, things just weren’t meant to be…
Sarai spent quite some time thinking about what she talked about with Emma the last time they were face to face. Living together with the barmaid is a huge step for the two of them. Could it get in the way of her responsibilities at the barracks? She definitely does not want to get into trouble with the captain again and everybody at the barracks have to stick with the training schedule, including herself. It is not just her responsibilities at the barracks. The time she spent thinking made her realize that is just an awful excuse. What really has her concerned is her relationship with Emma. Whenever they see each other, it always felt special. If the guard starts living with her, will she feel the same? Will the spark between them still be there? What if Emma starts seeing all the flaws that Sarai has in full force and decide that this will no longer work? That is what she fears the most, but she has made her decision and is going to tell Emma about it. Dressed in her armor, she made her way over to the tavern. This time she made sure to wipe enough blood and sweat so that the barmaid will not be alarmed when she sees her. Once inside the tavern, she scanned the room for Emma and she did not immediately see her. Maybe if she sits someplace where she will be noticed, then whenever Emma is walking about, she will see Sarai and go to her. Sarai found an empty table close to the middle of the room and waited for Emma's arrival.
""
﴾.I am a strong woman. My strength is not my muscles Nor is it my skills But the heart of a warrior within. 2ND|LIEUTANENT﴿
Emma had spent the morning strolling through the marketplace buying little things for herself. It had been several days since she had spoken to Sarai about moving in together and with each passing day, Emma began to realize that Sarai was going to decline the offer. In her mind, this meant the end of their relationship and thus, she felt just a little sorry for herself. ‘I should have known better…’ She thought with a sigh as she walked back toward the Jolly Tavern and Inn. Emma had been in plenty of relationships, but it always came to a point when she wanted to take things a step farther and each time she realized that her lovers didn’t want the same. It disappointed her that Sarai was the same as the others, but that was life…
Opening the main tavern doors, Emma stepped into the warmth of the tavern. With her hood pulled up, she didn’t have a full view of the dining room and she wasn’t actively looking around anyway, thus she didnt see Sarai. Stamping the mud from her boots, she headed for the stairs, her basket in one hand, the other hand gripping the rail as she ascended the stairway and headed for her room. ‘I’ll have a hot bath and then go back to bed…its such a cold, dismal day…’ The weather truly matched her mood…
Sarai waited patiently at the table, only asking for water when one of the barmaids came to her. She also asked her if Emma is here, and the guard was told that she has not arrived yet. Sarai can wait for as long she needs to. About several sips of water later, Emma walked through the tavern doors. After another sip of water, Sarai turned around and noticed Emma has finally arrived. She did not look well. Is she sick? No. Sadness is written all over her face. It has been a few days since they seen each other. Has Sarai finally reached Emma's limits? Is it too late? This cannot be. Sarai cannot let this happen. Not without a fight. If Emma still says in the end that is over despite Sarai's best efforts to make it work...the guard refuses to think that ending is possible. She stood up from her table made her way over to Emma, standing in her way so she does not walk any further. Different scenarios played in her head as to how she will speak to Emma. Getting straight to the point might be the best option, especially for a nervous Sarai.
"Emma...I made my decision. Losing you is not an option for me. If you will still have me, then consider me your permanent bedmate. I am sorry that it has taken me so long to come to this decision. It should have been obvious to me since we had that conversation, but I wanted to make sure that I am serious about this...um...you will still have me...right?"
﴾.I am a strong woman. My strength is not my muscles Nor is it my skills But the heart of a warrior within. 2ND|LIEUTANENT﴿
Before Emma could head up the stairs, someone stepped in her way. Looking up, she gasped in surprise to see Sarai blocking her path. Confused, she furrowed her brow and shook her head only to listen in bewilderment as the Second Lieutenant spoke. She felt so many emotions; relief, happiness, excitement, but also a bit of sadness and irritation as well. Why had it taken Sarai so long to come to this decision? Was it really that hard to figure out if you wanted to stay with someone that you supposedly loved? Wait…had Sarai ever said she loved her? That realization brought on a whole new set of insecure thoughts.
Not wanting to have this conversation in front of everyone in the tavern, Emma took Sarai’s hand. “Come with me…” Leading the way up the stairs, she walked them all the way down the hall to her room in silence. It was only once they were inside, and after Emma had removed her dirty shoes and her wet cloak that she spoke.
“Why did it take you so long to come to the realization that you want to be with me, Sarai?” She asked directly, needing an answer. “Each day that passed, all those hours…it hurt, because I didn’t know what you wanted. This morning…I realized that you don’t want me, because if you did you wouldn’t have waited so long…so please, tell me why. Convince me that Im wrong…” She whispered the last part, desperate for some sort of hope that this wasn’t something temporary.
Sarai had hoped for a better reaction from Emma than what she gave. Not that she should have expected one. In fact, this is what this guard should have expected and rightfully deserves. All this time...has she not proven her love for Emma? It is clear that she has not, otherwise, they would not be having this conversation. What is she going to do? Words alone are not going to mean anything at this point. The guard paused for thought. Twenty seconds passed before her right hand reached into the pouch on her right side. From this pouch, she pulled out a piece of folded parchment. She unfolded it, then turned it around so that Emma can see what is it on. To her, it would resemble some of the ink tattooed on Sarai's body. The guard had this embarrassed look on her face, something that normally never happens. After a few deep breaths, she brought up the courage to explain the art on the parchment.
"There was a tradition among my former tribe. A chosen bride bears a mark designed by her groom. Once the bride bears the mark, she and the groom are united for eternity. I...I have been finding it difficult to decide what mark would suit you best. I wanted to wait a little while longer until I finished the design, but this is close to what I want for you...I-I guess what I am saying here is...when the time comes...will you bear this mark and become my eternal bride?"
﴾.I am a strong woman. My strength is not my muscles Nor is it my skills But the heart of a warrior within. 2ND|LIEUTANENT﴿
❖Having done quite a good lot in organizing and going deep into the efforts of planning many activities for the students now present in her life, the lady figured it was perhaps time to relax some and take a time off, considering her classes would only be taken by those fresh faces a day from now, leaving her at ease for a few hours, at least. With this free time, the woman decided to head to the inn she had heard so much about, the recommendations all in good favor. Relesta, disciplined as always, came in through the front doors and rapidly found herself a seat, away from any attention. Her wishes only to eat and drink something before actually heading back to work on more things, some not that related to her position as a teacher. While there, waiting patiently, the magma elementor hummed to herself while gazing down to the table in front. Her elbows on the wooden surface and a leg crossed over the other beneath. To any who came to serve her, the order would be of some warm drink, and thinking about it, decided to just go with the drink. Once it arrived, her lips touched the bottle and hands raised it, allowing the substance to enter her body and give a most pleasurable taste to her tongue. It wouldn't take long for her to have just a couple of more drinks before getting up and making her way out, leaving behind enough currency to pay for the service offered and a little more.❖ {{Exit for RP day}}
Emma could see that Sarai was nervous about this conversation and she didn’t blame her – it wasn’t a very comfortable subject, but they needed to talk about it. When Sarai pulled out a piece of parchment, Emma was a little confused. Looking at the designs, she was reminded of the tattoos that Sarai bore and wondered if it was a design that her lover was thinking about getting done. But the embarrassed look on her face said otherwise.
Looking up at Sarai as she spoke, Emma blushed at the word ‘bride’, wondering where Sarai was going with this. Was Sarai engaged to some guy from her tribe? Was she going home? Maybe she was a widower? Swallowing hard, Emma had a small panic attack at the idea that Sarai was married to someone whom she was ‘bonded to for an eternity’.
But as soon as Sarai said that she’d been having a hard time trying to decide on a mark for her, Emma, she felt her cheeks deepen in a blush. Sarai had been designing a tattoo meant specifically for her as a marriage proposal. Swallowing hard, Emma found that she was a little overwhelmed. Scratch that, she was very overwhelmed. Not ten minutes ago she had resigned herself to the fact that she and Sarai were most likely breaking up and now Sarai was asking to marry her?! When all was said and done, Emma opened her mouth to reply, and promptly fainted…
[ - End Interaction for RP Day - ]
~*~
[ - Begin New Interaction for RP Day – ]
Emma awoke the next morning in her bed, a strong arm wrapped around her and warmth at her back. The steady breathing told her the whoever held her was asleep, which was good because the previous days events were a little fuzzy given her grogginess and Emma needed a few moments to wake up and remember what had happened. Doing her best to concentrate, she thought back through her day.
The moment she got to the part where Sarai had stopped her downstairs, it all came rushing back. Sarai’s confession, the tattoo, the proposal…the fact that she had fainted. Blushing deeply, Emma knew that Sarai was the one that held her close. There was no doubt in her mind that Sarai had cared for her and stayed with through the night…More than likely, Sarai was worried about her and waiting for an answer to her very important question.
Rolling over, Emma laid on her side, now facing Sarai. Reaching out, she gently caressed Sarai’s face, silently willing her to awaken and open her eyes. When Sarai did wake up, Emma gave her a soft smile. “Good morning…”
This is perhaps not the best time for Sarai to do what she did. She is almost one hundred percent sure that she made a mistake. It is not that she does not want Emma to bear this mark that Sarai drew for her. She would want that more than anything. Although she has been away from her tribe for a long time, there are still traditions from them that she cherishes. The idea of drawing a tattoo to symbolize her bond with who she chooses to be her spouse is one of them. Of course, she is technically supposed to wait for a man to do this for her. However, she does not want a man from her tribe. Emma is who she loves. What does she think about this? Sarai does not know, and probably will not know for a while because Emma fainted shortly after Sarai explained what ink on the parchment meant. She reacted quick enough to catch Emma before she would hit the floor. Some people were alarmed, especially the barmaids, but Sarai assured everyone that Emma is okay. The muscly guard carried her to her room and laid her down gently on her bed. She hoped that she would wake up soon, but it did not happen. She could have left her there, but it did not feel right to do so. Instead, she stayed there for the night, only leaving the room once to eat. However, once it was time to go to bed, she moved Emma underneath the covers, undressed until there was nothing but the bandages that acted like bindings around her chest and underwear, then slipped under the covers to sleep beside Emma.
Morning has come, yet Sarai did not wake up immediately. One of arms was always wrapped around Emma as if she was shielding her from the cold. For someone as tough and gruff as Sarai is, her sleeping sounds quiet and peaceful. When she did start waking up, it was due to her feeling movement on the other side of the bed. Her eyes opened, and the first thing she saw is Emma's face. Then she felt her soft hand caressing her strong face, although it is clear that she was doing this before Sarai's eyes opened. She greeted her with a soft smile, saying "Good morning." The first thing Sarai wants to know is what Emma was thinking last night when Sarai presented her with the tattoo she drew for her to have on her body to symbolize their eternal bond. However, she did not want to pressure an answer out of her first thing in the morning. She will tell her in due time. For now, it will be best to play it cool. A soft smile, something uncharacteristic of Sarai, appeared on her face as she said,
"Good morrow. Did you sleep well?"
﴾.I am a strong woman. My strength is not my muscles Nor is it my skills But the heart of a warrior within. 2ND|LIEUTANENT﴿
Nodding a bit, she cuddled a bit closer, moving so that her head was settled under Sarai’s chin and her arm wrapped around Sarai’s waist. Sighing, she nuzzled Sarai’s bound chest and closed her eyes again, still a little tired. “I..fainted, didn’t I?” She asked knowing that that was the reason why did didn’t remember anything after seeing the tattoo. Sighing a little, she frowned. “I haven’t fainted since I was a young girl…”
Holding Sarai a bit closer, she knew that her lover wanted an answer to her very important question – Sarai was just holding back from asking because she was being thoughtful, which was sweet. Deciding to end the wait, Emma smiled to herself a bit as she spoke. “When I get my tattoo…will you be inking it into my skin?” She whispered, tilting her head back a bit to look up at Sarai as she held her, wanting to see her reaction.
When Emma asked Sarai if she fainted, she said a soft "Mhm" to confirm that the lovely brunette did faint yesterday after Sarai revealed a special tattoo that she wanted Emma to bear to symbolize their eternal bond. At least she did not forget that part of their conversation. However, it does not answer the lingering question in Sarai's mind. What did she truly feel about what Sarai told her? The guard had to do something to show just how serious she was about the two of them, but she was not sure if yesterday was the right time to spring that surprise at her. It was a risk, and she hopes that it pays off. Then Emma spoke again. She said, "When I get my tattoo...will you be inking it into my skin?" Is that a yes or is she just curious about Sarai's traditions? Her face is a mix of hopefulness and puzzlement. However, she will indulge her and answer her question.
"W-Well...under normal circumstances, the tribe's shaman would take the female away to a cave or hut away from the village to prepare her for this bond. The man would go on a hunt to bring back a large animal for the feast. Once the shaman has prepared the bride, the tribe's ink artist would spend as much time as needed to ink her skin. How long it takes depends on how big and complex the ink's design is. Once the inking is done, the bride and groom are united, and the tribe gathers together for a celebration...of course, I do not have my tribe here and I understand that there are traditions here that I am not familiar with that you are aware of...I...I-I've never done something like this before...but I wanted to prove my commitment to you. And I am quite capable of inking this tattoo on "
Sarai did her best to give Emma a summary of what normally happens in her tribe when it comes to bonding two people together. Their situation will definitely be different, considering that neither of them is male, the tribe is not present, especially the tribe's shaman and artist. It does not matter. Her tribe's tradition is not something that has to be followed exactly. Should Emma have her, then she will find a way to make this bonding process truly special. As she waited for a response from Emma, a commotion began to brew beyond this room. What could it be? Sarai got out of bed after letting Emma go and put on her armor.
"Something is going on...something big. And I don't like the sound of it..."
﴾.I am a strong woman. My strength is not my muscles Nor is it my skills But the heart of a warrior within. 2ND|LIEUTANENT﴿
The traditions of Sarai’s tribe were definitely different, but Emma respected that it was Sarai’s culture and heritage. Perhaps they could come to some sort of compromise for their ceremony? Emma would like to have the tattoo done of course, that was a given, but she would also like to exchange rings and vows if Sarai would agree to it as well…
“Hmmm, that does seem like a fun ceremony…a little different than what I am used to, but fun nonetheless.” She said with a small smile, releasing a sigh and cuddling against her lover. “I would like tha-“ She began to say only to hear a series of rather loud explosions, one of which was very close, shaking the tavern itself. Gasping in alarm, Emma clung to Sarai for a moment out of shock and fear.
But Sarai, ever the soldier and guard slipped from her grasp and immediately began to don her armor. Sitting up in bed, Emma looked toward her window. Smoke could be seen, and screams could be heard from the people just outside. “An attack?” She whispered, fear in her voice as she slipped from the warmth of her bed and headed for the window to get a better look.
“Sarai! There are people outside blowing up shops!” Heart racing, she felt a surge of adrenaline fill her. Looking back to Sarai, she knew that her lover – now fiancé – would run straight into the fray…
“I’m going with you!” Although she felt true fear, there was no way she wasn’t going to do something about all of this! She needed to defend the ones that she loved and her home. If those soldiers targeted the Tavern…
Sarai turned around and walked over to the window in Emma's room to see what is happening outside. It is far worse than she imagined. It is almost as if they were at war, but the civilians were thrown into the thick of it. They do not deserve what is happening to them, but those responsible for this attack do not care. Mass murder is perhaps the better description than a war. Sarai has to go and save as many lives as possible. It will not be long before the tavern is made a target, and if she cannot save this place...there is no time to think of the consequences of failure. It simply cannot be an option. Just as she was about to leave, Emma insisted that she comes with Sarai. Everything within Sarai is telling her that if Emma came along with her, there is no guarantee that she can keep her safe. However, there is also no guarantee if she ran off on her own that she will be safe. A quick decision must be made. She walked over to Emma, placed her hands on her shoulders and looked her square in the eyes as she said,
"Promise me this. You will not do anything reckless. If you do, I don't know if I can keep you safe. Help those you can, but if that means throwing yourself in front of a sword, keep away. I will do everything I can to make sure this place and everyone around me safe."
Sarai cannot waste any more time. She has to get out there and fight. She released Emma from her grip, turned around, and ran out of the room. Then she quickly made her way back to the dining area of the tavern and went out the front door to the streets of the market district.
""
﴾.I am a strong woman. My strength is not my muscles Nor is it my skills But the heart of a warrior within. 2ND|LIEUTANENT﴿
Emma wasn’t a fighter by any means, but she could help. If people needed to get out of the streets, they could come to the Tavern to hide. Or she could use her raiment to deter enemies from coming close…It wasn’t a lot, but it was the least she could do to try to help…
As Sarai placed her hands on her shoulders and looked her in the eye, Emma held her gaze. Nodding, she swallowed hard. “I promise…I won’t put myself in danger…I just want to help.” She said, confident that Sarai would be able to defend them and anyone else that might need help.
Seeming satisfied with her answer, Sarai turned and ran from the room, charging down the hall and down the stairs. Emma could hardly keep up with her lover, but Sarai was a trained warrior. As she looked out into the street, Emma felt her stomach roll with nausea. There was blood everywhere, bodies strewn all around. Feeling true fear, she tamped it down and focused. She needed to help the survivors get away!
