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 Posted: Fri Jul 24, 2020 9:24 pm
Oduin listened quietly, parsed through Koray's words a bit, and then nodded. "I think I see what you're saying," he said finally with a grin. "You know, anyone would be lucky to have as selfless a friend as you." Perhaps, he thought, Koray was deeply grateful for having been saved from hiding in that alley the week before. Words were difficult, and it was hard to know how to really say thank you beyond those two words. These gifts, though, they certainly spoke volumes, and Oduin suspected he'd treasure them. "I'm glad it was me who ran into you in that alley," he added. "I think my life is all the richer for having you as a friend."
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Posted: Sat Jul 25, 2020 7:10 pm
For some reason, just hearing that word friend said over and over made Koray’s heart ache. And yet, he blushed all the more, squirming a little in place from those sweet words. “I feel the same way. You’re a friend unlike any other. You... It’s silly, I’m sure, but you will forever be special to me... A friend who I made on my own, who saved me. A friend who showed up after I made a wish to the gods to not be alone... I can’t express how important you are to me.” And it was true, every word of it. For once, he was grateful to be alone in the house rather than having his family around to hear everything. These feelings weren’t meant for anyone except for Oduin. “I truly wish I could stay here in Oba with you... Especially since it sounds like you won’t be adventuring or moving for a while... But I am still too young, and I have to go where my family goes... But I’m going to do my best to get stronger, and then find a path to follow with my magic, so that when I come through here again and find you, I can stay by your side and not be a burden with it! Even if I’m not a guard, I could make things, like you said, and sell them to make money to provide for us!”
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Posted: Sat Jul 25, 2020 8:42 pm
"Thanks, Koray," Oduin said, smiling at the boy's heartfelt words. "Sometimes you just end up in the right place at the right time. I guess that was one of those times." Koray was so expressive with his words. It was certainly admirable, and Oduin thought that perhaps he could aspire to be more like that, better at speaking about things that mattered to him. "Well don't you worry, Koray," he continued. "You'll have a good time traveling and growing up with your family. You've got years before you even need to think about that." He didn't mention that he'd likely be gone by the time Koray was old enough to travel on his own or come back to Oba. Oduin didn't plan on staying put for too long - a year, maybe two. There was too much world to see to think about settling himself down in Oba.
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Posted: Mon Jul 27, 2020 5:20 am
"I guess you're right, I shouldn't worry. But, I still worry. Even if I have these dreams of getting stronger, of dreaming of a future where I can adventure with you, I'm not so silly to think that they will really happen." The truth of it all, as a traveler himself, was that they never stayed in one place too long. They would go about the world at his mother's whim and while he loved it, it meant no friends last forever. He wasn't like Ilkay, after all. His big brother had reasons why people loved seeing him wherever he went. Being amazing at fighting and that bed-wrestling was a good way to keep friends, but Koray wasn't good at either, and didn't even know what the second one was. It was far too easy to put himself down, and when he finally sat back down on the table he let his head hit it with a small thud before tucking in his arms. "I don't have good luck, Sir Oduin. I'm sure that what little luck I had brought you to me that one time, and now the rest of my luck brought you here today. Once I'm gone, and then come back again, I'm sure I won't be able to find you... But at least I got to give you my gift. I can be happy with that."
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Posted: Mon Jul 27, 2020 9:56 pm
"Well, hey!" Oduin leaned toward, looking at Koray's dejected figure. Poor kid. He leaned over and clapped the boy on shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "In a few years, you'll be old enough to make your own luck. Don't you worry about that." He sat back and downed the rest of his water, remembering that he'd been thirsty just moments before. "None of us can predict where we'll be in the future, but I've run into enough people after years to believe that some reunions will happen whether you intend them to or not."
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Posted: Tue Jul 28, 2020 6:25 pm
“Is that really a thing, making your own luck?” Koray peeked out from his arms, sighing a little. Was being lucky like any other skill someone could develop? If so, well... That would be pretty cool. How would someone even do that though? Was it kinda like magic? Ooh, or maybe strength of will like his mama liked to talk about? “Hmm... So then you’re saying, I could make myself lucky, and with that, plus your belief in fated unions, then... Then I know I will see you again! Right? If both of us want that?” Another shy blush came to his face, but this time accompanied by a sudden look of determination. “And then I know you’ll want to be with me then too! Cuz fated stuff and all that! It means something! A wish can’t just run out! So then that means that you’ll keep coming back!”
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Posted: Wed Jul 29, 2020 7:59 am
"Well, it's more..." Oduin lifted his gaze skyward, in search of the right way to word his response, his hands opening and then closing again as he tried to grasp the best way to answer. "Pursuing the things you want and having the agency to do whatever it takes to make it happen. And less so, making yourself lucky." Koray would figure it out one day. Maybe. For now, anyway, the kid's optimism was laudable. "Yea, you never know how life will turn out," Oduin said with a nod. Neither could he promise that they'd run into each other ever again, but having a level of hope couldn't hurt. Right?
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Posted: Wed Jul 29, 2020 5:46 pm
“So then I should pursue you?” Koray sat up straight now, grinning. That was something he could do! Ilkay did something to keep his friends wanting to see him time and times gain, and so could he! Somehow. He’d have to talk to Ilkay about that sometime. “You’ve given me lots to think about, Sir Oduin. I’m not going to be leaving town just yet so... Maybe once you get settled in, we can get to know each other more, like we are now, and we can go explore the city! I’d feel a lot more safe if you’d stay by my side. But... Hm... I don’t want to take up all of your downtime, especially since you’ll be working hard, so just let me know, okay?”
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Posted: Thu Jul 30, 2020 3:58 am
"Oh," Oduin said, pausing for a second to think. That wasn't exactly what he had meant, but sure, why not? "If that's what you want to do. But I guess just, make sure hanging out with me again is... important enough for you to spend the effort." Who was he to tell Koray what to do with his time? It had seemingly cheered the boy up quite a bit, and Oduin suspected having some measure of hope was going to be good for him. As long as he didn't have to make any promises he knew he couldn't keep, Oduin was fine with that. "Well, I can't promise I'll have any time," he said thoughtfully. "I'm down to hang out if I do. It's good to have a few buddies in a new town. Maybe you can come tag along with me and some of the other recruits if we have an outing. Or check out some taverns with this Oban I hung out with the other day." He fussed with his beard a bit, as he seemed to enjoy doing when he was thinking. "Anyway, it'll be fun if it happens."
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Posted: Thu Jul 30, 2020 6:46 pm
“Of course it is! I don’t think you give yourself enough credit in regards to me. I don’t say anything lightly, I never have. You are worth the stars to me, Oduin, and I will give every ounce of effort I have in order to hang out with you again!” But may be not in their house. It was a little awkward being in here along with Oduin. Koray wasn’t a very good host after all, and all his hobbies included being alone, and not really sharing anything unless he made it to give them away. Outside, they had much more of a chance to do things! “That’s okay. I know being big and having a real job isn’t the same as what I do. If you don’t have time, it’s as simple as that. But atleast I can stop by and leave some snacks or something, even if you’re not around. Unless the people at the barracks are mean and eat everything. Maybe I should make something for everyone then... Hmm...” He was thinking and plotting now. Maybe his Pa could help him make up some meat pies, or travel rations that could be taken out on patrol. Not the gross measily stuff sold by vendors, but something much tastier and home made. That’d be very nice, for sure! “Ah! But I’m certain I’ve eaten up enough of your time today. I don’t know if Taverns is quite somewhere I belong, but If I’m with you, I’m sure I’ll be safe and have a good time!”
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Posted: Sat Aug 01, 2020 7:46 am
"I wouldn't hold my breath on food not getting eaten," Oduin said with a chuckle. "But it's not stealing, it's tactically acquiring." The good men and women of the guard never stole. He nodded, standing for a lazy stretch before pushing his chair in neatly. "You're right, I'd better get going on that move." He didn't have much stuff, just whatever had fit into his pack on the way out of Sauti, but he wanted to move into the barracks with plenty of time to spare before nightfall. "Thanks again for the belt. It's really lovely." He headed for the door. "See you if the time opens up!"
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Posted: Mon Aug 03, 2020 4:42 pm
Koray frowned a little at that, but it melted into a little laugh too. It made him think of not being able to keep his leftovers safe from his Pa when he brought something nice back. Some people didn’t know the meaning of don’t eat it if your name isn’t on it. But Pa was nice and quiet, and it was like, the only bad thing he could think of about him, so he’d let that slide. “I’ll figure something out. I’m sad you have to go, but I know it’s for the best.” He hopped up and followed him to the door, seeing him out as what was proper for a guest. But he paused, and took Oduin’s hand before he left. “... Could I ask for a hug before you go? Just incase I don’t get to see you again?”
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Posted: Wed Aug 05, 2020 2:49 am
Oduin paused on his way out, looking back at Koray. He almost said something about how he shouldn't think like that, or... whatever. But perhaps a platitude wasn't going to be useful. Koray would not doubt figure it out for himself one day, and Oduin couldn't simply tell him to do so. Instead, he nodded with a grin. "Sure!" he said and threw an arm around Koray's shoulder to pull him into a hug. A part of him want to knuckle the boy's head, like he used to do with his younger brother, but he resisted the urge. He gave Koray a good squeeze and then released him. "Take care of yourself. Things will fall into place. Don't worry."
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