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 Posted: Sun Aug 28, 2016 7:04 pm
"A mere cut is nothin' ta complain about." Rho continued to huff and squirm, glaring up at Kian. "As a matter ah fact, it does!" Yes.. another punch to that manipulate mug would cheer her right up.
For the moment, she was still sour and cranky. "How's it redemption if ya didn't cause the problem?" she asked with a snort. Still, her stubbornness was beginning to falter, her gaze shifting away. If he really could help her... If he really would...
Her jaw tensed, and she resumed that hard glare. "I'll promise ta not beat ya ta a pulp as much as ya promise ta stop bein' a jerk." That sounded fair! And completely implausible. There was surely no way either of them could follow such guidelines. Then Kian started up with the compliments again, and she couldn't help looking up at him with surprise, cheeks brightening as he leaned in to whisper. Smooth talker for a jerk... "Well, y-you stop bein' a brat, maybe I'll stop glarin' so much," she said as dismissively as she could, heartily denying the fluttering in her stomach.
As soon as she was free, she rolled the opposite way and jumped to her feet, now pulling her hood up to hide under it from that penetrating gaze. She turned her focus to pulling the map from her pack and unfolding it. "Someone recommended I try Tind first, since it's on the border. Guess it's a decent stopping point fer wanderin' merchants, like my family mighta been."
When had she accepted his help?! Turning, she pointed a finger at the hybrid. "This doesn't mean I like ya."
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Posted: Mon Aug 29, 2016 2:41 pm
"For someone as tough skinned as you perhaps." Protested Kian with a quiet moan, "For a delicate flower like me, however, the story is a tad different." Her question caused the male to frown thoughtfully as he did ponder over it. "I suppose...just helping you out allows me to start towards a better track record?" The hybrid shrugged his shoulders, "It's a start any ways."
"Sure, sure." Kian smirked, "Though I don't know the definite meaning of the term per your senses I'll try my hardest to be a gentleman to avoid any future bruising." He could already feel a bit of a pain where his leg had been nicked and where her fist had landed. He had to give it to the girl she definitely knew how to make a solid impact on him.
"Tind?" Kian raised a finger and tapped his chin thoughtfully, "Do you remember any sort of creature at all? Would a capramel ring a bell?" He paused, "Still, I suppose it's a start to get you accustomed to Sauti. We'll be in rough terrain for a while, but the northern borders may hold more life for you...." Though honestly he knew many nomads lived in this country and had to wonder if the girl even had a stable home to search for. Her sudden declaration made him laugh. Good to know she didn't like him! "Of course. That's alright, I enjoy a challenge." Kian winked playfully before moving forward, "Follow me there's another caravan path up ahead that connects to Tind."
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Posted: Mon Aug 29, 2016 3:35 pm
Rhonann couldn't help laughing. "A delicate flower, are ye? I'll keep that in mind." Her eyes unwittingly slid down to see the leg she'd cut and frowned. "If yer so delicate, put a bandage on already. Ya can't help if ya die from infection."
Capramel? "Those are common 'round here. Who hasn't heard'a them?" Blinking, she looked back over at Kian and smiled. "See? It's in there, somewhere." Just as quickly as the excitement lit her face, she sucked it back in and took her emotions back under protection. "Anyway, I'm assumin' that means there're lotsa capramel in Tind." Indeed, they had to start somewhere. Looking at Kian's back, she sighed deeply. Now she was traveling with Kian... Great...
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Posted: Mon Aug 29, 2016 4:03 pm
"Oh! A sign of change before you probably would love to have that happen. Even just saying that seems to give me some sense of caring...just a hint at least." Teased Kian lightly before he did stop to investigate his leg, "We'll have to find a stream so I can wash it. For now let me just..." Biting his bottom lip the male glanced around thoughtfully before remembering the satchel hanging from his side. "Would you look at that she even thought of bandages." Mused the boy quietly under his breath before reaching out for Talisia's gift to him and wrapping the leg up -rather crudely- so that he could move forward.
Her excitement and smile actually brought one to his own face. "We're getting somewhere then." He chuckled, "Now if you remember sailscales and morackers we'll be getting there. Though if you can even try to remember any landmarks next we'll really be set. Still, exploring and seeing what triggers your mind is our best bet for now." Had he truly just gotten excited to see her smile? Just as quickly as the realization hit the mage shoved it to the side. It was probably just because it was such a rare thing that it caught his eye!
"You assumed correctly, now follow me." His own smile had faded as the mage shoved his feelings aside to move forward through brush and woods. "If you see anything familiar Rho then let me know. We'll take this a step at a time." Though it appeared evening would be on the horizon soon enough so Kian was determined to move as quickly as possible towards Tind.
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Posted: Mon Aug 29, 2016 4:13 pm
Rhonann snorted. "Get infected after ya help if ya can. Just not before I find.. anything." Lips pursing, she let her gaze slip away. She really had no idea what she was looking for. Vague images... nothing more had been revealed.
"Morackers were in my memory," she said without thinking. "I was hunting them.. Sailscales though... I'm not sure. I feel like I do, but I can't think how." The fog in her brain seemed to dance tauntingly in her mind. If only she could fan it away like the morning mists.
The rest of the walk was in silence. Rho was trying to look at everything, see if anything was useful. If anything would give her a glimmer of a hint. The closer to Tind they got without one of those glimmers though, the more irritated she felt. Despite it all, she felt a little relief as the buildings rose into view. She looked at the map quickly, and then to Kian. "Is that Tind?"
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Posted: Mon Aug 29, 2016 5:27 pm
"That gives me an idea of where we can head after Tind then if necessary."
Perhaps he should try some more of those potions on her? Kian pursed his lips thoughtfully - considering the last times he had given those drinks to her he doubted the girl would be so willing to try. When we get settled for the night then I'll bring it up to her. And despite how enjoyable it was to feed the potion to her through trickery and his lips the male would be open about it this time and give her the actual choice.
As they walked along the hybrid was actually for once quiet as he was lost in his own thoughts. Hopefully this trip was what his mentor had been seeking from him and this would get him back where he belonged. I just hope Eresin can get caught up to me by then. The thought brought a wicked grin across his features. Then they could truly battle it out.
Along the way Kian also did venture off the path here and there to collect random herbs and other fauna that they passed by in the grassy terrain. When he came back from another random gathering Kian blinked at the question, "I would believe that is Tind indeed." He smirked as a herder passed with some capramel, "Definitely Tind." Waving his hand playfully the hybrid didn't lose fave even as the older male just scoffed at the sight of him - a hybrid. "Yep, same old fashioned people as always. Let's hope you're not from here since they tend to be slightly stuffy at times against handsome men like me."
"Does anything trigger you here?" He questioned glancing back towards his companion, "We can wander the streets for a bit - not that big of a walk like a city in Oba would be so it won't take too long. Or do we just walk and hope to bump into someone who recognizes you?" Kian shrugged, "As long as they're not like me we should be good to go." Expecting to be punched for the memory of how he first met Rho, the male took one hesitant step to the side as if in preparation. "Either way I know a place we can crash for the night here at least. That much I can do for us tonight."
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Posted: Mon Aug 29, 2016 6:24 pm
Her steps slowed slightly, looking around further. The was that sense of familiarity... but nothing was actually familiar. Nothing chased away the mental fog. Looking at the sour man, she smirked and walked forward to elbow Kian as she walked to the town. "Looks like he knows ya. Come on then. Let's see what's here. Wanderin' the streets is better' n gawkin' at them."
Brow knitting, she turned to give Kian a glare. "If I meet anyone like yer dumb face, I'll be sure ta beat them before headin' on." Chin lifting, she stared a moment before spinning to continue on. "I'm getting my own room."
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Posted: Mon Aug 29, 2016 6:48 pm
Kian gave a short fake laugh, "Oh look how funny you are." Still he continued on alongside the girl while giving glances around. Seemed the same as the last time he had been through here with the caravan - even though it had been over a year the male couldn't see much difference. For Rho's sake he hoped she wasn't from such a dull place. I might try to forget it as well if I were her. Saying such a statement out loud, however, could have resulted in another bruise so Kian kept his mouth shut.
"Of course you would." Kian quipped back, "Since beating is what you do best it seems." Brushing off some of the dirt of the area from his sleeve the hybrid reached out and plucked a wildflower that had been growing from the side street, "Seems pretty enough." He would have laughed at her spunk if he wasn't agitated by the rejection of his offer, "Oh really? Then where do you plan on staying, hmm? Do you even have money for that? Last time I checked sleeping out under some trees does not count as a 'room'."
The hybrid shot her a look, "Now once we're done looking about if you want to be reasonable about things I do have a place in mind that I can probably get a spare room from. I'm here to help and making sure you sleep in a comfortable and safe place is included in this travel package." Sheesh, this woman. Plucking another flower the male began to twirl the pieces together as they moved along until a few more gave him something resembling a bit of a bouquet.
"Hey - why not touch one of these guys?" Coming across a pen Kian reached out and wiggled his fingers in front of a capramel which just simply stared at him with wide eyes. "Maybe touch can help register something as well? Memories can be triggered in many ways - at least that's what I've read while doing some other studies."
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Posted: Mon Aug 29, 2016 7:13 pm
Despite Kian's sarcasm, Rho couldn't help smirking. It was about time he saw her skills. He did certainly seem to be more wary of her. Finally, a sign of a brain.
Glancing at the hybrid, she crossed her arms and huffed sharply. She didn't like that the man was right. "I.. might.. have enough," she said slowly, mentally trying to remember how much she had on her. Maybe she could trade something for the room? It wasn't like she carried much on her though. Lips pressing tight, she shook her head. "Fine. Seein' as it's parta yer redemption period 'n all." Wouldn't be so bad to sleep on a bed tonight.
Cocking her head, she approached the pen slowly while giving the little bouquet a curious glance. What was he planning to do with those? "Worth a shot, I s'pose," she murmured. Leaning forward, she held out her hand to let the capramel inspect her before touching its head. "I had one'a these," she murmured softly. "As much a pet as he was a ride. ..His fur was darker than this one's though." Her smile warmed a little bit, remembering such a fond memory.
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Posted: Mon Aug 29, 2016 7:37 pm
"Uh huh." Kian rose a brow as he waited for the true confession, "Now there we go. Was it so hard to accept my help?" He grinned, "Though one day it might be nice to hear you ask me nicely for something rather than me twisting your arm for it." Whistling happily the hybrid continued on while celebrating his victory against the stubborn woman. And here he had been contemplating how to just knock her out and throw her onto a bed...though that image may have gone a different route aside from sleeping....nah.
"You did?" Kian had been waving his bouquet teasingly around the capramels who had tried to steal his precious flowers as a snack, but the confession made him pause long enough for one to get a small bite of the green stems before he yanked the flowers back. "You must have been young then considering. These guys probably couldn't hold you as big as you are now." He quipped lightly before 'innocently' going back to tossing the lost flower who had gotten bit into the pen for the capramels to inspect.
"Think more on it if you can. I'll be back after getting a room for us tonight." Striding away the hybrid disappeared into a building further down the street. It would be a little bit, but the male would reappear lately without the bouquet in hand. Instead a rather curvy wind woman would be on his arm with the wildflowers in her free hand, "Rho!" Kian waved as he detached himself from the other girl, "I found Wystia and she has a free room for us at her aunt's tavern. Nice, right? Thouuuugh....if you would prefer sleeping alone I can always find another room to sleep in." He glanced back towards the other girl with a wink who flushed lightly at the comment.
"Kian!" She whispered lightly, "Last time you had to leave before dawn because of your teasing, please." Tucking a curly piece of golden hair behind an ear the girl smiled towards Rhonann, "Bless you for traveling with a trickster like him. I heard your story and I hope the best for you. I'm sure it's been a rough trip to arrive in Sauti from Jauhar so I made certain your room was quiet and away from the main part of our tavern as sometimes it can be pretty rowdy there.If there's anything you need just let me know, okay?"
Suddenly Kian was still and seemed quiet serious if not concerned, "Are they still causing trouble?" His voice was quiet and a hint of something dangerous shone in his gaze.
Wystia quickly shook her head, "N-no! It's not like that. Just sometimes travelers get a bit too eager to drink and relax. A few brawls here and there nothing like those you chased out for us before." She smiled as she reached out to touch his arm lightly, "Please, don't worry. I promise it's been alright since you helped us." She glanced back to Rho, "Kian cleared the area of a group who kept visiting and demanding things from my family. So we always will have a room for him - as long as he behaves that is." She giggled, "Even if he gets chased away by dawn again you can stay as long as you need."
Kian nodded as he relaxed, "That's good. And don't worry - I'm on a leash this time." He teased lightly glancing towards Rho, "Though she's pretty abusive to me."
Wystia's expression fell, "Oh. So you two are really together then..."
"Oh no. She just likes to make sure I behave. Nothing like that, I think. Right, Rhonann?" He shrugged, "But for the sake of your aunt and uncle not mauling me this time I figured having a 'wife' would help out. Much better than the idea of just sharing a room with another and definitely makes it easier for me to move around at night if needed~"
The other girl nodded, "I see. Well, good luck for being his 'wife'." A small grin lit her features, "I'm slightly jealous, but at least I know it's just a ruse so I still have a chance. I'll go prepare the room so take your time and stop in whenever you both are ready to retire for the night. If you need anything else just let me know~" She brushed past Kian, a trailing hand touching his waist as she left.
"So yeah..." Kian grinned as he glanced towards his companion, "We have our room. Now did you remember anything else while I was gone?"
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Posted: Mon Aug 29, 2016 8:14 pm
"I was. Very.. young." If only she could remember pertinent information. Places. Faces... Instead, she remembers a pet from long ago. Rhonann looked over her shoulder as Kian headed off. To think.. that Kian might really be trying to help... Nothing was ever simple.
She climbed into the pen and squatted down to pet more of the creatures, but nothing else came to her. Trying so hard to get through the fog was starting to give her a headache.
She looked up when her name was called, looking at the new woman curiously. Wystia. Well, he had said he'd been there before. "I would prefer ta be alone, but I don't need ya botherin' someone nice enough ta let ya stay there." Wystia's warmth and charity had Rhonann surprised. Watching the interaction between the two brought even more of that feeling. Kian had helped this woman? Not tormented to the point of beatings? In fact... they were flirting!
She tugged her hood to cast more shading to her face, hopefully masking the rush of heat she suddenly felt. "It's nothing like that," she stated firmly, though she turned away to face the penned animals. She must have been out in the sun too long and was hungry for food for her stomach to pinch as it did... Pretending to be Kian's wife... Well, she would really have to make sure their time in Tind was quick!
"No. Nothin' else came back," she replied softly. Clearing her throat, she returned to her more usual self, speaking shortly as she brushed passed Kian to head into town. "Come on. The thought'a pretendin' ta be yer wife made me queasy. I need a bite."
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Posted: Mon Aug 29, 2016 8:36 pm
Oh? Was the strain of memories too much on the girl? During their interaction Kian had been steadily watching her rather than simply flirting with Wystia. It was obvious that disappointment flickered across his face as he later waited for Rhonann's response, "I suppose we couldn't get too lucky." He shrugged as if to brush off the lack of memories, "Take a break - you'll make your head hurt by thinking too much for once."
He chuckled at her commentary, "If you're queasy why eat?" He reached out to pat her back, "Am I such a bad husband? You know I hear I'm not too bad to look at or as you just saw I'm not a completely awful b*****d." Kian chuckled, "If my wife is hungry then let us go eat a meal at the tavern and if your stomach is still queasy as a loving husband I must attend to it. I hear a full body massage is always a good way to help ease some pain~"
Smirking towards Rhonann the hybrid bobbed his head playfully her way, "Let's be nice to each other once we get inside. I wouldn't want to be found out as soon as we begin our charade. Come dear~" Taking her hand Kian led the way until they reached the establishment at which point the hybrid opened the door and gestured, "Ladies first."
Inside she would find a rather smaller establishment that still hosted a few groups of people as they sat in their corners drinking and chattering. The appearance of the hybrid did get a few stares before a clap by the owner made the conversations continue. Kian then proceeded to make his way to a table, "We'll just take some of everything if that's alright." Called out Kian to a server as he sat and waited for Rhonann to join him.
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Posted: Mon Aug 29, 2016 9:05 pm
Rho was rubbing at her neck as she walked. "Too late. Headache," she murmured, tilting her head to pop her neck a couple times. "Not like I've eaten lately. Need food ta settle it." Kian's suggestion brought forth a snort of rejection. "You'll do nothin' of the sort." Yet, a little smirk rose with a playful glance back. "Maybe if yer nice, I'll letchya rub my feet."
Staring at their joined hands, Rho huffed and straightened up, trying to look a little more relaxed. "Fine. Try kissin' me though, yeh'll regret it later," she said with a 'happy' smile. Just a day out with the husband... Ugh.
Avoiding the looks, she focused on the inn itself. No spark of the familiar.. no sudden memory.. no nothing. "Some'a ev'rythin'? Plannin' ta stow it away fer later?" she asked with amusement..
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Posted: Mon Aug 29, 2016 9:14 pm
"I swear." Kian shook his head. If he hadn't come along how much longer would this girl have been able to continue? Stubborn thing she is...
Pinching the bridge of his nose to get rid of his own threatening headache from the potential of even worrying over Rhonann, Kian only paused briefly before moving on.
Though he did have to chuckle, "Oh trust me once I get started you'll not want me to stop there." There was just so much fun in teasing her! "And I've not regret a kiss yet~" He whispered lightly before heading on inside and settling into the tavern. At least here things seemed abuzz. Not a bad feeling considering his solitude and then late sole company who had been on the road with him. Here he could at least listen in to a conversation here and there while giving Wytia a playful wink on occasion - especially when she brought food.
"Nah, just making sure to fulfill your appetite." He teased as Wystia did bring over plates of food, "Thank you darling." He reached for the wind girl's hand as he pressed a smaller bag of coin into it, "I would ask you to eat with us, but then there'd be no one to serve the floor and I'm sure that wouldn't go well with your aunt or uncle."
"I suppose not." Laughing lightly the girl clutched her gift to her chest before bouncing along towards the other tables.
Glancing over at the bowls of stew, the salad, and the fresh meat Kian smiled. "Don't make yourself sick, but try to enjoy Rho. We'll eat what we can and then 'stow it away fer later.' Since that was a good idea, you know." That stated he simply began to tear into some food and only paused after a few bites to watch his companion for a brief second.
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Posted: Mon Aug 29, 2016 9:35 pm
Rho smirked lightly. "Really? Ye're followin' me 'round ta make up fer one. Ya sure ya don't regret tha'?" Back then.. when he'd taken advantage of her memory loss... It was enough to make her scowl again. "If not yet, then ya will before I'm done with ya."
As the food filled the table, she found that nothing actually looked appetizing. Her stomach continued to squirm in place, so she chose a few simple items to try. A couple forks of salad, a few spoons of broth from the stew... She knew the food was good, but she couldn't seem to enjoy it. "Maybe I'll just get on ta bed," she murmured, standing quickly. She hurried over to where Wystia was serving a table. "Sorry ta interrupt. I need ta see where my room is when ye're able. Any chance it's ready?"
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