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 Posted: Fri Oct 07, 2011 5:17 pm
Bao thought about waiting around for a bunch of fish to bite. It would be fun for her if there was constant action. However, the concept of waiting around for fish to be attracted to bait sounded horrible. She just didn't have enough patience for that. Maybe if he ever did take her fishing, she'd bring something to do. Her eyes lit up as a thought came to her. "If we do go fishing. I think it would be fun if I brought one of my kites to fly. That way if the fish decide to take their time biting, we'll have something to do." That would mean she'd have to bring an extra kite in case Kiran also wanted to fly one. It'd be a good excuse to flirt with him more.
Bao nodded in return. She'd have to meet him somewhere commonly known so that he wouldn't get lost trying to find it. "Sure, but we should plan for it. My father doesn't like guests to come unannounced." She bit at her bottom lip and looked off in the distance. "He'd also wonder how we became friends. Should I just tell him I met you at the Academy? He would like the sound of that." Her father would take that pretty well. He does, after all, want her to make friends among the nobles and those that support them. But she still didn't know which side Kiran was on. The thought of waiting to ask also didn't sound appealing.
The thought of sneaking around her father's rules made her laugh softly. She did do a bit of sneaking when she would pay those employed by her family more than their set wage. "I can be sneaky." There was a slight note of flirtation in the way she said it, as if she were thinking of a rendezvous.
After only a slight pause, Bao went straight into the question that she wanted to ask and yet didn't want to ask. "Kiran, what side do you fight for?" She had to know before she invited him to her home. What if he was a well known supporter of the legion, her father would ground her for a very long time if he was. If there was one thing her father didn't like about the Academy, it was that they taught supporters of both sides. Even if it was neutral grounds, it still worried him. Bao didn't always listen to her father, but she also didn't want him to be overly worried about her.
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Posted: Mon Oct 10, 2011 9:41 pm
Kiran nodded in thought. He guessed fishing could get a little boring for people. He hadn't really done much in the way of kite flying in recent times, or a whole lot in the past. His sister had helped with designing a kite for the race that took place some time ago. He had left the kite with the falcon painted on it back at his parents' home. "You could bring a kite," he agreed, though he thought that would be a bit distracting to fishing. When he went fishing, he usually used that time alone to think.
"Well," Kiran said as he tapped his chin. Aditi lifted a wing and started preening her feathers, clearly bored with the Lunarians talking. "We could avoid that awkward meeting if we met up somewhere else," he suggested. "Or is the running something that's only done at your estate?" He wasn't sure how that whole "meeting of parents" thing usually went with friends. The only parents of a friend he met was Yue's mother at the wedding. "I guess you could always say that." He chuckled. He had graduated from the Academy not too long ago.
A wicked grin struck his face at the comment about being sneaky. Stealth and lurking around had always been a part of his life. But the question gave him pause. Kiran stared at her warily, trying to guess on which side Bao was. What if she ended up being on the Legion side? He wasn't exactly looking for a fight at the moment. He mulled it over for a while then answered in a voice that was somewhat stiff, "The Nobles." He waited with his teeth clenched tightly for her answers.
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Posted: Tue Oct 11, 2011 9:55 pm
Bao merely nodded to acknowledge that she had heard his comment on bringing a kite. Fishing would be fun. But that wasn't what was on her mind. At the moment, all she could think about was what his answer to her question would be. Of course, it also happened to be the most important question you could possibly ask a lunarian at this point in time. Everyone was filled with tension and unspoken words over the war that had taken over their lives. This made Bao almost nervous and she was rarely ever nervous. Of course, if he was part of the Legion, she'd have to admit that he was a cute one. She was jumping to conclusions though.
In answer to his question about her running, Bao answered in a slightly controlled manner. "Yeah, I'll just say we met at the Academy." A smile once again found its way to her face. It was one of confidence but no flirting. "It's just easier at my estate. No one to get in the way." She shrugged, if he really didn't want to meet her father that was fine with her. Her father could be an intimidating man at times. But Bao was sure she could sweet talk him into thinking it was reasonable.
As soon as Kiran answered, Bao visibly relaxed and she breathed a sigh of relief. In an instant, that flirtatious little smile was on her face again. "Me too." That was all she could say at the moment. She didn't realize that her whole body had been tense till after he had answered with the answer that would make her happy. It was like all her nerves had turned to liquid and she felt a slight high of excitement over meeting another supporter. "My father put our family's support in the Nobles cause. So of course I follow in his footsteps." This would make it so much easier on her. Her father would like it very much that she found an ally.
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Posted: Fri Oct 21, 2011 8:23 pm
An eyebrow lifted when Bao next spoke. There was something that sounded odd to him in the way she spoke. It held a hint of stiffness that made him wonder. "Ah, I hadn't thought about that," he admitted. "I guess running would be easier in a place where you didn't have to worry about people getting in your way." It hadn't occurred to him that people in the area might get in the way. He was used to weaving through crowds in the busy streets or scaling walls to race over rooftops.
Aditi must have sensed the tension in her master for she nipped gently at a fin ear in her way of trying to comfort, or maybe just distract, him. Kiran couldn't help the way his muscles tensed up as he waited for her reaction to his announcement of which side he fought for. What would she say? Did Bao fight for the Legionaires? Were they to be allies or enemies? He reached up and absently stroked a hand down Aditi's backside.
His muscles released their tension at her answer. He was glad that things wouldn't have to turn violent between them because of being on opposing sides of the war. A smile slipped onto his face as she continued talking. "My father is a supporter of the Nobles too. I suppose that most of all had the biggest influence over my decision to support the Nobles as well." It wasn't his only reason, of course, but his father certainly kicked off his decision to join the Noble cause.
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Posted: Sat Nov 05, 2011 3:26 pm
Bao smiled as she leaned against the tree, her body feeling very relaxed. It was such a huge relief to know that Kiran was on the nobles side. She felt comfortable with him, which was a good thing. Father would definitely like him. He would probably be proud that she made a friend. The only thing she'd have to worry about is her father trying to put him on their payroll. He was always trying to recruit new men to fight for him. Of course, they were all well taken care of but surely some of them would rather not be pushed into working for someone.
She nodded at his comment. "It is." Bao was about to reveal the reason why she didn't do her running outside of the estate. She took a deep breath before saying, "My running is like my training. Father doesn't want me to fight but I'm sure every capable Lunarian will be drawn in eventually. So I want to be prepared. That and I find it really fun with all the adrenaline coursing through my body." The last one was said with excitement as if she were thinking about it. She could just imagine the feeling of freedom and power that filled her up whenever she did her running. She did it mostly when father was in meetings or attending to something so he couldn't watch her.
Bao tilted her head back and laughed a little, one full of amusement. "It seems our father had great influence over our allegiance." She didn't mind. It was only logical for her to choose to side with the nobles. Their cause was worth fighting for compared to those that followed the emperor. "I think what we fight for is the right side. Change should and will happen. Fighting against us is like suppressing the voice of the people." Though she didn't tell her father, she thought about this quite a lot. It had such a big influence on all of their lives.
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Posted: Sat Nov 12, 2011 3:35 pm
Aditi nipped gently at his ear fin before launching into the air. She spiraled around, soaring about the area in the sky far above them. But she remained within his sight, so Kiran didn't worry about having to chase after her. It was good for her to have the chance to spread her wings for a while. He knew if he didn't allow her to fly around for some time before returning her to the mew, she would be even less friendly to him the next time that he visited her.
"Oh?" Kiran said as his brow lifted with surprise. He could understand a parent not wanting their child to fight, since his mother was quite vocal about her opinion on that particular subject. His father, though, never seemed to be against it, and in fact, he seemed to think it to be inevitable that Kiran would end up fighting in the war. Like father, like son; Kiran guessed. "I guess there's a lot more to it that just simple running," he said with an interested grin. He had his own training that helped to increase his speed and endurance. Being light and nimble, he lacked the same muscles and power that some fighters had to deliver deadly blows, so he relied on being faster to dodge such blows.
"Your father probably just doesn't want to see you getting hurt. That's the kind of thing my mother always says," Kiran said, remembering various arguments over the years. "But it's good to be prepared. You never know when you'll have to defend yourself."
Kiran thought about it. "Most people are probably influenced by their parents' allegiance," he said after a moment of pondering. "Which makes a lot of sense. We've been influenced by our parents since birth, after all." His arms folded across his chest as the gears in his head started turning some more. "Maybe," he said then rolled one shoulder. "But the Legionnaires will probably say that they believe their side is right too." He didn't think he could agree with the opinions of the Legionnaires, but he respected the fact that they fought for what they believed in just as he and the Nobles did.
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Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2011 9:38 pm
Bao watched as Aditi launched into the air. She followed the movements of the falcon as it explored the skies. Aditi looked so free and beautiful. It almost made Bao wish that she could fly. "She's beautiful. Imagine what that would feel like, the feeling of freedom that must come with flight." Aditi must be very attached to Kiran to keep coming back. After all, if one could fly away, that had to be the only reason to return.
She smiled at Kiran's reaction to her words. "It is definitely more than running. Like I said, you have to see it." She stretched her arms above her and then stretched her legs. It brought happiness to her to think about it. Bao truly enjoyed her free running. She liked to call it that since it made her feel free. All she needed now was training in some form of martial arts. That would be remedied soon. Bao had plans that would come as a surprise to her father.
She nodded at what he said. "I know. He's protective of me. I'm his little girl and the closest to him. My siblings are..." She didn't know how to put it. They just lived life and let the excitement and joy of it pass them by. They were nothing like father or her. Sometimes, it was hard to believe that they were even related. "They ignore the war as if it doesn't exist." She grinned again. "I understand his feelings but I also think I need to be able to defend myself. One day he'll understand that training myself will keep me safe." She hoped that he didn't have to realize that from her getting hurt with no way to defend herself. That was why she was careful to only go out when it was clearly day and was back home well before the sun went down.
Bao tilted her head to think about it. She agreed to that to some extent. Her mother had no influence over her at all. She didn't say that though, merely nodded in agreement. Whether the Legionnaires thought they were right or not didn't matter to her. She knew which side she was on and that was all that mattered. "I guess that means we have to win to show that we are right." She smiled at him and gave him a mischievous wink.
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Posted: Thu Nov 24, 2011 8:17 pm
Kiran lifted his gaze, watching as Aditi swooped and soared, gliding freely through the air without anything to tie her down to the earth. "She is indeed," he agreed, his eyes following every move of the falcon. He had loved the falcon ever since his father presented her to him as a birthday gift. He had spent many long hours over the years training her. "It must be wonderful," he whispered as his thoughts turned to that line of thinking. The closest he could imagine the feeling of freedom a bird must feel while soaring in the open air was the feeling of racing through the streets and over rooftops or sailing on the open waters.
Kiran nodded as he lowered his gaze back to Bao. "I look forward to seeing it." He smiled. "Brothers don't like seeing anything bad happen to their sisters," he said, speaking from his own experience. He hated to see people picking on his younger sister, who often got teased because she was being a mute. A hand clenched into a tight fist at his side. Even the simple memory of those times when he caught some boys harassing his sister was enough for anger to rise up in him. Xiuying was far too kind hearted to think of training to defend herself, but Kiran wouldn't want his sister getting into fights anyway.
"My mother and sister wish the war didn't exist," he said, his fist loosening its hold. The joints of fingers ached from the tight clench. "They'd prefer it if I didn't fight, but," he shrugged, "I'm just not the type to sit back when there's something I believe is worth fighting for."
Kiran stared at Bao as he chewed it over in his mind. "I guess we'll just have to train hard so that we're ready to fight them," he said after some thought.
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Posted: Wed Apr 11, 2012 6:15 pm
Bao watched Aditi. Her movements were so graceful, almost as if she were doing some kind of acrobatic dance in the sky. A Lunarian could only dream of that kind of freedom and beauty. Though she believed that everyone was beautiful in their own way. It just takes looking to find the beauty that is unique to each individual. She glanced at Kiran. It was certainly fate that drew them together on this day but there was still a lot to learn about him. She most certainly looked forward to discovering what made him beautiful. Her smile in that moment was one of slight satisfaction like the cat that got the bird.
She tilted her head, allowing her hair to slide off to one side of her head. "I bet your sister must be a very lucky girl to have a brother like you." It was a guess but the way he said it made her think that he had a sister. Unfortunately, she was sure that her brother didn't feel that way about her. He was so much younger. She didn't feel overly protective of her siblings either. Bao wouldn't want them to get hurt but...she couldn't quite put it in words, the feelings she had towards them.
Bao nodded at what Kiran said next. "There are a lot who wish there was no war. I mean, I feel the same way but I'm like you. There is a reason for why I choose to fight." She smiled at him. "I better start training then." She had a feeling he could definitely handle himself in a battle. Though she was great at running away, it was necessary to learn how to defend herself and how to put another on the defensive.
It was starting to get late. Bao needed to get home soon but enjoyed the company she was in. "I'm glad I met you today. I have to get back home soon." She gave him a playful little wink before saying, "You are more than welcome to come to my home, if you can find it. Aditi can come too." Her eyes strayed once more to the falcon.
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Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2012 2:05 pm
Kiran scratched at his cheek with a finger. "I guess," he said, doubting his sister saw it that way all the time. She hated seeing him fight and even worse seeing him injured. At those times, he doubted she felt very lucky to have him for a brother. "Sometimes I think she would be happier with a brother who wasn't getting into fights quite so often." But he couldn't simply put aside his feeling toward the war and fighting for what he thought was right.
"It would be nice if the war could come to an end," he said, watching as Aditi spiraled downward. He lifted an arm, and his falcon came to land upon his forearm. She adjusted her wings, folding them against her body, then gave a squawk at him. It was her way of saying that she had had her fun and was ready to return to the mew now. Or at least, that was how Kiran had always interrupted it. "But as long as Nobles and Legionnaires have such conflicting opinions, I don't think the war will end anytime soon." One day, maybe, the war would cease, but Kiran didn't think that would happen in his lifetime.
Kiran nodded. "I should get Aditi back now. It's about feeding time," he said as Aditi preened, nosing her beak into her feathers. He reached up and brushed a finger over the top of her head. "It was great to meet you." He laughed at her following comment. "Sounds like a challenge. Good thing I like challenges." He grinned widely. Of course, it would be difficult sneaking into the Noble estates, but it would be fun to try.
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Posted: Tue Apr 17, 2012 2:19 pm
Bao had to laugh at his comment on his sister. She was sure her father was worried about the future for her. He knew that she wanted to fight. She understood his concern but the fighting was for the future. "She must love you very much to worry about your safety." She turned to give him a sweet smile. "Just means you better stay alive and well for her." She would do the same for her father too.
Bao nodded in agreement. If only they could solve their problems with words and not blood. This war would take a big toll on both sides no matter the outcome. It's not like they were of a different species but they were one and the same. "Yeah, it almost makes me sad to think about it." She looked down at the book she had brought with her. It was filled with love and not war. Too bad their world couldn't be the same way.
"It was great to meet you too. Must have been fate that brought Aditi to land on me." Bao cooed at said falcon and ran a finger lightly over the top of her head. "The real challenge will be my father when he sees a stranger at our doorstep. Unless you come over the wall into our garden. Take care now and good luck finding me again. I promise to not make it easy." She gave Kiran a playful smile before quickly leaning in to kiss him on the cheek. Before he could respond, she took off down the hill. She was serious in not making it easy. She was sure he could easily trail her so she ran as fast as she could, jumping easily over obstacles and out of view of the tree.
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Posted: Mon Apr 23, 2012 1:23 pm
He puzzled over her laughter at his statement. It wasn't meant to sound humorous. But he nodded at her comment. He knew the members of his family were simply worried about his safety and didn't want to see anything happen to him. He grinned at Bao. "No worries then," he said with a sort of cocky air. "I may not look it, but I am quite strong." He patted the lean muscle of one arm. Aditi didn't approve of the jerking motions and squawked indignantly at him.
He sighed as he glanced out over the city. It would be nice not to have to think about the war. But as a fighter, that was an impossibility. There weren't many moments throughout the day when the war didn't weigh on his thoughts. The war was always there, nagging at the back of his mind even when he tried to keep his focus on other things.
"I'm sure Aditi would enjoy another meeting," Kiran said, knowing his falcon would enjoy any excuse to leave the mew for some time. "The harder the challenge, the better." An amused smile tugged at his mouth. Tailing her back to her home would have been an easy feat,and that wouldn't be any fun if it was meant to be a challenge finding her house. Though getting into the Noble estates without being detected would prove enough of a challenge on its own. But what stopped him from tracking her at that very moment was the kiss on the cheek that she gave him. His mind didn't know what to do with that action, having never been kissed, even a simply kiss on the cheek, by anyone outside of his family.
Aditi nipped at his fin ear, like she wanted to remind him of her presence. "Right. I should probably get you back now," he mumbled then set off down the hill to return to his family's mew.
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