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 Posted: Wed Apr 08, 2020 9:13 am
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Posted: Mon Feb 19, 2024 12:45 pm
Roadside Assistance With her eyes closed, Nasuri enjoyed the sun on her face as she travelled by cart to the next city over, her cloak billowing lightly in the warm breeze. Her long, light hair was tied back in a loose braid, and her eyes sparkled with curiosity as she took in the sights and sounds of the bustling road. It wasn’t as busy as usual, but enough that they usually crossed paths with someone else every couple of minutes. As the cart meandered through the cart lanes, Nasuri couldn't help but marvel at the diversity of the people she encountered. Merchants hauling large carts full of goods, while children darted between crowds, their laughter ringing out like bells in the afternoon air. It was a scene of vibrant energy and life.
Lost in the hustle and bustle of the road, Nasuri barely noticed a young woman who stumbled into her path. The woman was clearly in distress, her face contorted in pain as she clutched her swollen belly. The cart driver immediately pulled the cart to a stop to avoid hitting the poor woman. Nasuri's heart went out to her immediately, and without hesitation, she got off the cart and reached out a hand to offer support.
"Are you alright?" Nasuri asked, her voice soft with concern.
The woman shook her head, her breath coming in ragged gasps. "No...the baby…it's coming."
Nasuri's eyes widened in alarm. She had heard tales of childbirth on the road, but she had never encountered a woman in labor before despite her mother having five children of her own. Yet, despite her lack of experience, she knew that she couldn't simply stand by and do nothing.
"Come with me," Nasuri said firmly, taking the woman's arm and guiding her towards a nearby covered area. "We need to find a safe place for you to give birth."
The woman nodded weakly, her grip tightening on Nasuri's hand as they hurried through some of the passing people and carts, her own cart driving moved off the road to standby on the side shielding them from view. Taking the thick blanket used to cover the seats, Nasuri laid it out so for the woman. The cart driver, a kindly old man with a weathered face, rushed to their side, his eyes widening in concern as he took in the sight of the woman in labor.
"What can I do to help?" he asked, his voice gruff with worry.
Nasuri took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. "Maybe see if there’s a doctor or midwife on the road of some kind," she said, her voice steady despite the turmoil raging inside her. "And we'll need clean blankets, water, and anything else you can spare."
The cart driver nodded, his expression grave. "Right away," he said, bustling off to make preparations.
Alone with the woman, Nasuri did her best to offer comfort and reassurance, despite the fear gnawing at her own heart. She held the woman's hand as the contractions grew stronger, whispering soothing words of encouragement in her ear.
"You're doing great," Nasuri said as she tried to keep her voice calm and steady. "Just focus on your breathing, and everything will be alright."
The cart driver returned with very few supplies; it was not supposed to be a long journey so he didn’t have much with him. The did have ample water though, you didn’t want to get caught out in the Oban sun without water. The few blankets he did have Nasuri used to make the woman as comfortable as possible as she pushed then sent the driver away again to see if maybe a doctor or midwife could be found. She had never delivered a baby before, so she tried to draw from what she would want to happen during labor. At least they were out of the heat of the sun in the shade of the cart.
As Nasuri tried to comfort the woman, she felt a surge of determination to do more. Drawing upon her magical abilities, Nasuri closed her eyes and focused her energy on easing the woman's pain. She let the magic flow through her, channeling it into a gentle aura of warmth and comfort that enveloped the laboring woman like a soft embrace. The woman's tense muscles began to relax, and the lines of pain on her face softened ever so slightly. With each contraction, Nasuri concentrated harder, willing the magic to soothe and alleviate the woman's suffering. It was a delicate balance, but Nasuri was determined to do everything in her power to help.
As the minutes stretched into hours, Nasuri's energy began to wane, but still, she persisted, refusing to give up hope. And then, finally, with one final push, the woman gave birth to a beautiful baby Oban girl. Nasuri's heart swelled with awe as she helped the woman cradle the tiny bundle in her arms, tears of joy streaming down her cheeks. The baby's cries filled the air, a sweet symphony of new life and possibility. A few travellers stopped by to see what was happening but Nasuri quickly shooed them away.
"She's perfect," Nasuri whispered, her voice choked with emotion.
The woman smiled weakly, her eyes shining with gratitude. "Thank you," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I couldn't have done it without you."
Nasuri shook her head, her own eyes brimming with tears. "It was my honor to help," she said, her voice filled with sincerity. "Bringing new life into the world is a miracle, and I'm grateful to have been a part of it."
As the newborn's cries filled the air, Nasuri helped the woman cradle the tiny bundle in her arms, their hearts intertwined in a moment of profound connection. With gentle hands, Nasuri guided the woman into the cart, ensuring that she and her newborn were settled comfortably among the blankets.
"We'll take you to the next city over," Nasuri assured the woman, her voice warm with reassurance. "There, you can rest and recover properly."
The cart driver returned to take his spot when Nasuri waved him over. He smiled kindly at the sight of the newborn, his weathered face softening with empathy.
"Is everything alright?" he asked, concern etched in his features.
Nasuri nodded, a sense of pride swelling within her. "Yes," she replied, offering the man a smile. "We're going to take them to the next city over, where they can get the care they need." Everything seemed fine, but it couldn’t hurt to have a professional look hem over of course.
The cart driver nodded in understanding, his gaze lingering on the woman and her newborn. Nasuri would pay for his troubles even if he allowed them to travel with them for free. He probably could no longer use the blankets and would need to replenish the items they’d used up. Without a word, he helped Nasuri secure the blankets around them, ensuring that they would be safe and comfortable for the journey ahead.
With a gentle click of the reins, the cart lurched forward onto the road once again, its wheels turning slowly as it made its way down the road towards the next city. Nasuri sat beside the woman, her hand resting reassuringly on her shoulder as they travelled. The baby soon settled down quietly.
As they journeyed on, Nasuri couldn't help but reflect on the events of the day. She had never expected to find herself assisting in a childbirth on the road, let alone using her magic to ease the woman's pain. It simply had never occurred to her that she could do such a thing. Yet, despite the challenges and uncertainties they had faced, she knew that she had made a difference—that she had helped bring new life into the world in the most unexpected of circumstances. She hadn’t thought about using her magic in such a way before, shed wanted to be a mystic but had never really thought of what that meant for her.
And as the city came into view on the horizon, Nasuri felt a sense of hope and possibility stirring within her. Soon they were arriving at the gates of the city, the guards didn’t hold them back and were quick to push them through the gates to seek out the help they needed. The cart driver knew where he might find the midwives and took them straight to the medical district of the city. There they easily found someone to help the woman and her newborn. Nasuri helped the woman and her newborn out of the cart, ensuring that they were safely in the care of the city's midwives. With a final smile of farewell, she watched as they disappeared into the building.
And as Nasuri turned to leave, her heart light with the knowledge that she had made a difference, she knew that she would carry the memory of this day with her always—a reminder of the beauty and wonder that could be found in the most unexpected of places.Word Count: 1508
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Posted: Mon Feb 19, 2024 1:23 pm
Mystic Midwife Nasuri sat cross-legged on the dry grass, her fingertips tingling with the remnants of magic she had just released into the air. The sun was setting, casting an ethereal glow over the little desert area where she often retreated to practice her craft. Yet, despite the beauty surrounding her, a restlessness gnawed at her heart. She sighed, running her hand through her long, pale hair as she pondered her uncertain future. Nasuri was a talented young mystic, with powers newly discovered. Despite that, she did not know what she truly wanted to accomplish once she moved up in rank.
Lost in thought, Nasuri absentmindedly conjured a small orb of light, watching it dance between her fingers. The magic felt comforting, familiar, like an old friend offering solace in troubled times.
"What am I meant to do with this power?" she whispered to the fading light.
The surrondings remained silent, save for the gentle rustle of leaves in the evening breeze. Nasuri closed her eyes, reaching out with her senses to connect with the magic that thrummed through the world around her. She recalled that day on the road, scenes of the expectant young mother, her face contorted in pain as she labored to bring new life into the world on the side of the road. Nasuri's heart swelled with compassion, a newfound sense of purpose stirring within her. Could her magic be used to ease the suffering of other women, to ensure the safe delivery of their precious children?
The idea took root in Nasuri's mind, blossoming into a vision of herself as a mystic to pregnant women, a guardian of new beginnings. With her magic, she could offer comfort and support to those in need, guiding them through not only the miracle of childbirth but also provide any care prior to the arrival of the little one with skill and grace. Excitement bubbled up inside her as Nasuri imagined the possibilities. She could specialize in midwifery, combining her mystical talents with the knowledge of the physical body to provide holistic care to mothers and their babies. With each successful delivery, she would witness the joy and wonder of new life, knowing that she had played a vital role in bringing it into the world.
With a sense of purpose burning bright in her heart, Nasuri stood up, the orb of light hovering beside her like a guiding star. She knew what she had to do. It was time to seek out the wisdom and guidance of those who had dedicated their lives to the art of midwifery. Gathering her belongings, Nasuri set off towards the center of town, her steps light with anticipation. She had heard of a group of midwives who resided there, women renowned for their skill and compassion. If anyone could teach her the ways of childbirth and healing, it would be them.
Nasuri felt a flutter of nerves in her stomach. What if they rejected her? What if they saw her as nothing more than a naive young mystic with lofty ambitions? But she quickly pushed aside these doubts, reminding herself of the courage and determination that had brought her this far. With a deep breath, Nasuri approached the building where the midwives were said to reside. Knocking gently on the door, she waited anxiously for a response.
To her relief, the door swung open to reveal a kindly-faced woman, her eyes bright with curiosity. "Can I help you, dear?" she asked, her voice warm and welcoming.
Nasuri straightened her posture, meeting the woman's gaze with determination. "I've come to learn the ways of midwifery, to use my magic to help women during childbirth."
The woman's eyes widened in surprise, but then a smile spread across her face. "Well, you've certainly come to the right place," she said, stepping aside to allow Nasuri in.
And as Nasuri stepped over the threshold, her heart filled with hope and excitement for the journey that lay ahead. Word Count: 659
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Posted: Wed Sep 25, 2024 9:21 am
Off You Go The sun hung low in the sky, casting golden rays over the sprawling gardens of her family’s estate. Nasuri stood by the window of her room, her gaze drifting over the manicured hedges and vibrant flowers that adorned the landscape. Despite the beauty surrounding her, a sense of restlessness stirred within. Today, her mother had sent her on an errand to gather supplies from the market in the nearby town. This wasn’t just a routine chore; it was an escape from the confines of nobility. As she readied herself, she carefully selected a deep green dress that flowed gracefully with her movements. It was a color that blended with nature, one she felt reflected her yearning for freedom. As she donned the dress, she caught her reflection in the ornate mirror. The familiar face stared back at her, framed by pale hair that fell in loose waves, her red almond-shaped eyes shining with curiosity and determination.
“Are you prepared to leave, my lady?” her maid, Bara, asked, peeking through the door with a mix of concern and excitement.
“I am,” Nasuri replied, a smile breaking across her face. “Let’s go before Mother changes her mind.”
With Bara in tow, Nasuri stepped outside, inhaling the crisp air tinged with the scent of blooming jasmine. Upon reaching the bustling market, Nasuri was engulfed in a sea of colors, sounds, and smells. Merchants shouted, advertising their goods while the aroma of baked bread and spices wafted through the air. The marketplace was a stark contrast to the structured life she led back home, and it invigorated her senses. She loved this chaos, the freedom of mingling with the townsfolk, and the thrill of being just another face in the crowd.
“Lady Nasuri, is it?” a familiar voice called out.
She turned to find Calian, a Shifter military officer of sorts from Jauhar with whom she had exchanged pleasantries at various social gatherings. Clad in a simple tunic, he looked effortlessly at ease amidst the market’s hustle and bustle.
“I didn't expect to see you here,” Nasuri said, a hint of surprise in her voice. Calian approached with a warm smile.
“I often come to the market for supplies when I’m in town. It’s a welcome break from the rigors of military life.”
As they walked through the stalls together, Calian’s presence brought a sense of comfort. They shared stories, and Calian spoke about his training, his ambitions, and the challenges he faced in the military. Nasuri found herself fascinated, drawn into the world of discipline and bravery that Calian described.
“Have you ever thought about joining the military?” Calian asked, raising an eyebrow playfully.
Nasuri laughed lightly, shaking her head. “Me? Join the military? I don’t think I possess the courage for that.”
“Courage isn’t the absence of fear,” Calian replied, his tone growing serious. “It’s about facing what scares you head-on. Perhaps you have more bravery in you than you realize.”
Nasuri contemplated Calian’s words as they meandered through the stalls. “I admire what you do,” she said finally, her voice tinged with sincerity. “But the thought of standing in front of a battlefield… it terrifies me.”
“That fear is what makes you, well you,” Calian assured her. “It’s okay to be afraid. Just don’t let it define you.”
As they finished their errands and made their way back to the estate, Nasuri felt invigorated by their conversation. The confidence emanating from Calian inspired her, igniting a spark within. Perhaps it was time for her to explore her own strengths, to challenge herself in ways she hadn’t considered.
Over the following weeks, that spark became a steady flame. Nasuri began seeking opportunities to step beyond her sheltered existence. She spent more time at the training grounds, watching soldiers practice their combat techniques and absorbing the discipline that surrounded her. She started engaging in conversations with her father’s officers, asking questions about their experiences and the realities of military life. She spent more time with Calian.
One afternoon, as she watched a group of soldiers spar, she felt a sudden urge to try it herself. “Could I join in?” she asked the sergeant, her heart racing at the thought.
The sergeant raised an eyebrow but chuckled. “You’re serious, Lady Nasuri?”
“I am,” she replied, her determination solidifying her voice.
“Very well, but you’ll need to start with basic training,” he said, motioning for her to step forward.
For the next several weeks, Nasuri trained alongside the soldiers, immersing herself in the discipline and physicality of combat. She faced her fears head-on, learning the intricacies of swordplay and strategy. Each day brought new challenges, and while she stumbled at times, she also celebrated small victories. She’d never make a real soldier that was for sure, but it gave her life a little more purpose than simply attending parties all the time.
One evening, after an exhausting training session, she collapsed onto a bench, panting. Calian joined her, leaning against the railing. “You look like you’ve been through a war,” he teased, but his eyes sparkled with pride.
“It feels like it,” Nasuri replied, wiping sweat from her brow. “But it’s exhilarating! I never knew I could push myself like this.”
Calian nodded, his expression turning serious. “You’ve made incredible progress. The more you challenge yourself, the stronger you become. It’s a testament to your character.”
“I feel different,” Nasuri admitted, a mix of pride and vulnerability washing over her. “I’m starting to understand what it means to be courageous, even in the face of fear.”
As their bond deepened, Nasuri began to confide in Calian about her struggles and aspirations. She learned to navigate the complexities of her noble life, seeking balance between duty and desire. The training sessions became a sanctuary where she could shed the weight of expectations and embrace her true self.
One afternoon, while training with a wooden sword, she noticed a group of soldiers watching her. A wave of self-consciousness swept over her, threatening to stifle her newfound confidence. Her heart raced, and she faltered in her movements.
“Focus, Nasuri!” Calian’s voice cut through the noise, steady and reassuring.
Taking a deep breath, Nasuri steeled herself, blocking out the external pressures. She reminded herself of the courage she had discovered and pushed through the momentary doubt. As she regained her rhythm, she felt empowered, the sword feeling like an extension of herself. Later, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Calian and Nasuri sat together on a sandy knoll overlooking the training grounds.
“You did well today,” Calian praised, his tone warm. “I’m proud of how far you’ve come.”
“Thank you,” Nasuri said, a smile gracing her lips. “I couldn’t have done it without your encouragement.”
Calian’s gaze turned serious. “Remember, true courage isn’t about never feeling fear; it’s about facing it and moving forward anyway. You’ve shown me that you possess that strength.”
As they sat in comfortable silence, Nasuri reflected on her journey thus far. She had faced challenges that once seemed insurmountable, pushed beyond her limits, and forged a bond with Calian that felt like a lifeline.
But beneath the newfound confidence lay an underlying anxiety. Her mother had expressed concerns about her unconventional pursuits, and Nasuri was aware that her family’s expectations still loomed. The weight of her noble title pressed against her, a constant reminder of the life she was meant to lead. Nasuri knew her parents had her best interests at heart, but the weight of their expectations felt suffocating.
Sitting on her bed, she closed her eyes, letting her emotions wash over her. Doubts crept in, whispering that perhaps she should abandon her aspirations. But as she remembered the thrill of the training grounds, the feeling of the sword in her hands, and Calian’s unwavering support, she pushed back against the darkness.
The following day, she sought out Calian, needing her friend’s counsel. They met in the garden, surrounded by blooming flowers and the sweet scent of jasmine.
“Calian, I’m struggling,” Nasuri confessed, her voice trembling. “My parents don’t understand why I want to pursue something other than family obligation. They think I’m jeopardizing our family’s reputation.”
Calian listened intently, his expression understanding. “It’s natural to feel torn between your desires and your responsibilities. But you must remember that your worth isn’t solely defined by your title or your family’s expectations.”
Nasuri nodded, taking a deep breath. “But how do I convince them? I don’t want to disappoint them, yet I can’t ignore this fire within me.”
“Come with me,” Calian suggested, his eyes lighting up with inspiration. “Come back to Juahar for a bit, see the world. Maybe you just need to get out of Oba for a bit.”
She was truly torn, not just because she truly enjoyed Calian’s presence in her life and all the help he had extended to her. But also because she knew what it really meant if she went with him. She couldn’t deny the flirting or how close they’d become over time.
“Alright,” Nasuri finally decided. “Help me pack?”
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