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 Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2008 9:44 am
Spinning, Spinning, Spinning.
Embellished Quest pt. 1 Khalindra’s hand smoothed over the pages in her new diary that she’d gotten for her first birthday quietly, tracing the paper with a single finger and following the lines on the sheet. There was nothing incredibly special about the diary that she was given. No magic powers, no rainbow of sparkles each time she opened the book but it seemed to possess its own kind of alluring magic that kept her coming back to those then blank pages and wanting to write.
More than half of those were filled now with a neat little scrawl (despite the fact that there were, admittedly, quite a few misspellings that she'd never forgive herself for later) that indicated this was no ordinary book. While most of her writing in other pages was large and messy, Khali had been meticulous in keeping this neat, often times spending hours on a single page. Not a single one would be wasted, she’d vowed, and not an inch would be an ugly blemish within the star and moon laden covers.
Previous events had been written about in this diary, ones that she couldn’t bring herself to speak of. Friends had gotten hurt, there had been so much blood. Shouting. Khalindra wasn’t as affected as the rest of the Tales there – as much as she’d wanted to help, the instinct of flight had been too strong and she’d hidden herself away, only able to watch. Granted, she was sure Donny would be glad she’d stayed out of it as would Armel had he been there. And her Father was so relieved when she’d gotten home in one piece…But she couldn’t help but feel as though she could have done something to help.
Today, though, the entry she was to make was not about this event – she’d moved past that, thanks to this little book – but today it was about a story she’d been dreaming of for over a year. It was always the same dream, the swirling lights, dancing, skirts flying through the air. A group of people laughing, singing with those horses standing proud and the safe feeling of home. This book would no longer hold terrors past, but become a diary for dreams. Only good things would fill its pages now.
Pen poised to write, Khalindra was about to begin recording when the sound of spinning wheels against earth filled her head, starting low, at only a hum, and growing in volume until the distinct sound of a voice telling her to hurry could be heard.
”Hurry! Hurry! The wagons are leaving, you’ll be left behind!”
The voice wasn’t recognized, but the blond Tale turned her head around in search for the owner of the voice anyway. Seeing none, as she expected, the young Tale shook her head. The sounds faded and her pen was dipped down against the pages, careful scrawl being scratched in.
Soon, the Tale was lost in her recording and the voices and sounds in her head were pushed away to worry about later.
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Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2008 9:45 am
A Disjointed Voice Left Behind
Embellished Quest pt. 2 It continued. Day in, day out, the disjointed voices of long ago plaguing her and making her turn around. Each time, Khalindra expected some phantom to be there, haunting her, but she was left with nothing. Logic was telling her that she was just imagining things, but her gut was telling her something very different - and it certainly wasn't telling her that she was hungry. The problem was the warring conflict that she usually did not need to think of. Logic always took precedence over anything else...but this was different. This was not something that logic, of any realm, could overcome.
Of course, she wasn't going to tell her father this. Oh, no. The blond had enough going on in his life without a mentally unstable daughter hearing voices. Besides, what person really wanted their own father to think them insane? No.
It had been quiet today, however, and Khalindra was operating under the false hope that they'd finally stopped and she could get on with her life. Her sane, normal life where logic ruled and everything else paled in comparison. Alas, it was not to be, for just as Khalindra turned the corner of her street on her way back to her home from the park (which her father finally allowed her to go to without too much fuss), a large wooden wagon rushed past her. Wheels rumbling as though there was gravel beneath them, and the sound of voices hit her full on as she was seemingly transported to a place that was all too familiar.
You weren't fast enough.
The compulsion to run after the wagon (if it really was, and not an illusion) welled up in the young Tale and she dropped here bag and parasol, knowing they'd only slow her down, to start in a sprint toward the passing caravan.
You'll never catch up.
Her legs pumped faster, sandals slapping against the pavement loudly as she tried in vain to catch up, breathing heavy, chest tight, tears forming in her eyes.
You failed.
Still, Khalindra tried to continue, long past the time when the wagon disappeared, and she didn't stop until she lost her footing and went flying, skidding across the unforgiving gray cement below her. Pain blossomed over her knees and hands, red and raw now. Angry.
But that was nothing compared to the feeling of being left behind. She barely noticed that her surroundings had shifted back to the street where she had been previously (and had truly never left). Tears streamed down her face, though whether it was from the illusion disappearing or the now bleeding wounds was indeterminable.
"I failed."
It was time to go to her father.
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Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2008 9:45 am
He's Searching...
Embellished Quest pt. 3 Aiden hadn't been too phased by his daughter's 'episodes'. In fact, the man had brushed them off and told her not to worry, that it was likely that thing called imagination that all children were supposedly born with. Imaginary friends. Well, Khalindra knew it was nothing like that but considering all the stress her father was under she had let it drop. After telling her father, the visions had seemed to stop for a few days. Maybe he had been right? Now the Tale was doubting herself.
But, as usual, when she believed that the visions were finally gone, more came. This time, it was in the middle of talking to her father about starting school. Of all times for a vision to come! Considering she'd been trying to convince her father that she was perfectly fine and wanting to go to school (and no she did not have a fever for what child really wanted to go to school?!) for the last few months and he'd finally gave in and promised to consider it.
Her vision, her body's sight that was, went completely blank and clouded as something else came into focus. Large wings, impossibly beautiful and dark feathers, connected to an equally regal horse with an obsidian spiraled horn were spread out in flight across the night sky. Starlight was captured in his mane and tail, making it almost impossible to discern from the rest of the milky black spans behind him.
Khalindra?
Startled, the Tale's body jolted, sending the already panicking doctor into further panic - though Khali seemed to be unaware and Aiden's frantic words and attempts to 'snap her out of it' went unheard.
"You know my name?"
I know your heart.
The response should have rose panic in the tale, but instead a feeling of comfort settled over her and her body, both spiritual and physical, relaxed. "I know you."
You have. All your life, you've known me. But you've forgotten me.
"I haven't forgotten you," Khalindra murmured, brows furrowing, "Perhaps just misplaced you."
It's the same thing. Don't try and put a nice spin on it. I was forgotten - but that's all right. I was supposed to be.
"But I didn't want to forget you."
You won't be forgetting me again. I'll be with you always, soon.
"What do you mean?" Confusion - she seemed to be that a lot. But the voice was gone, and the comforting presence along with it. There was no answer and it wasn't long before the sight unclouded and once more she was at her kitchen table, staring at a very unhappy looking Author.
"Khalindra?! Khalindra, talk to me. Oh, god, baby, I'm sorry. Please just tal---"
"Daddy. Calm down."
"...k to me. Khali!" Arms swooped down and picked the girl up, squeezing her tightly to him. "Don'tscaremelikethatagainokayIthoughtyouweredead."
"I was breathing. Which would be nice to do now, please." Khalindra wheezed, giving an experimental wiggle in her father's firm embrace.
Those arms loosened, though the girl wasn't set down quite yet, "Sorry," he murmured, kissing the top of her head, "Are you okay?"
Was she? The blond wasn't sure, but rather than panic the man who was finally calming down, she gave a small nod of her head. "Yes."
That one word was said as forcefully as she could, with as much certainty as she could muster - and then the quieter voice in the back of her head: At least, I think I am.
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Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2008 9:47 am
A Visit To A Doctor
Embellished Quest pt. 4
Roleplay; In progress The sounds of the caravan and the disjointed voices telling her to hurry or she'd be left behind had not gone away - but they had gotten infinitely worse. Now instead of just the sounds randomly through the day, she'd find herself seeing the vision of her running toward the caravan which was traveling away from her. She could feel the desolation of being left behind more than anything else.
And when these would happen, the young Tale would go into almost a trance-like state. Aiden, no doubt, had started to worry. He was, by no means, a magical being and his medical mindset could only mean there was something physically wrong with his daughter.
Considering Khalindra and the rest of his children were the most important things in his life now that they were in their own house (thank god!), there was no way he could afford to allow Khalindra's 'issues' to continue on. Unfortunately, it was nearing the last few weeks of his schooling and he was so near graduating and getting that shiny MD attached to the end of his name.
He was booked solid.
Fortunately for him, he'd managed to get an appointment at a nearby clinic that was, thankfully, near enough to his school and the house so he could easily dash off and leave Khalindra to find her way back home. After all, it was very close and the six year old always seemed intent on doing things herself. The least he could do was give the girl a bit of leeway though it didn't stop him from worrying.
"Daddy," Khali spoke as she tugged on his lab coat, "We are going to be late if you don't hurry up."
The med student turned his head to look at the blond child and lifted her up into his arms, holding her easily on his hip as he made his way toward the door - book bag slung across one shoulder and his scarf being wound around his neck all while trying to balance and open the door. Somehow, the years of multitasking had paid off and he was out the door and toward the old beat up junker of a car he'd managed to get from saving the paltry sum left over from his 'scholarship' if one could even call it that.
"You know, I don't have to go to the doctor. I feel fine." The Tale piped up again once she was strapped in, fingers moving to arrange the tiers of her skirt around her so they didn't get trapped in the door closing beside her.
"I'd feel better if a doctor checked you out," he responded, sliding into the driver's seat beside the girl.
"How come YOU can't?"
"I'm not a doctor yet."
Silence, then, as Khalindra had no other excuses. It remained so for the entire ten minute drive to the clinic. Once Aiden was out of the car, he moved around the side to open the door for his daughter, only to have it open and narrowly miss hitting him, the small child slipping out and closing it behind her.
"I'm not a baby," she muttered, stomping ahead of him as her parasol was shot open and she held it over her shoulder. It was odd that she did it, with only a short walk to the clinic itself - but she felt safer without the sun beating down on her. Already she was in a bad mood, she didn't need to be in a worse one.
Sighing, Aiden followed behind her, adjusting the brown and yellow scarf around his neck and brushing a hand through his mussed blond hair. This was going to be an interesting day.
"I have an appointment with Dr. De Amour at two o' clock. Khalindra Perry."The clinic itself wasn't to hard to find, just a hop a skip and a jump outside of the gates of Barton town and located in the outer hills, but it was the clinic itself that often deterred customers despite its reputation for it hardly looked anything like a hospital. In facto the any traveler that drove up its simple cobblestone road would find the practice to resemble more of a Victorian/colonial Mansion but without the class or iron gates to keep out guests.
Ranch style in the way the land sculpted around the building it would be pleasing and gentle to the eye, wild horses making the rolling hills and acres of land surrounding the building home, barns to dotted here and there to house cattle and other animals, as well as a few horses for pleasure riding. A river running through the meadow flowed right beside the clinic, turning a large waterwheel located upon it's side. The front however, woudl be the most eye catching for flower beds and large expansive gardens would be fully visible from the circle road that formed the 'driveway', apparently as one could see the clinic was fully self sufficient, providing it;s own food, freshwater, electricity and heat from the solar panels that were laid out across it's roof. One could only think this place to be peaceful, and the view of the patient rooms amazing.
Once inside the place began to feel like a hospital, though not overly so as it resembled more of a high class hotel in the way the halls, entrance, and rooms were decorated with paintings and plants. Elegant detailed carpet lining the halls instead of tile and the walls brilliantly painted with a Victorian feel. As rock fountains lined the walls just inside the front doors a large hand carved mahogany wood desk would be not far ahead of them, boy visibly no older then perhaps 18 sitting behind it and trying desperatly to juggle both the ringing phones and the pile of patient files that lay upon the desk as he tried to file them.
"Three o' clock appointment for you then Mrs. Smith? Sure, the doctor woudl be most pleased to see you, that will be this Tuesday then! Have a nice day.." Voice sweet and gentle he would have a true smile upon his face as the phone was set back down upon the hook, much different from most clerks who usually faked their smiles. Though as Aiden spoke the black furred cat eats upon the boys head would perk and swivel to hone in on the information, a pair of human like amber colored eyes turning to match. "Perry...One moment sir and let me find your information" he asked, peering over the data on his computer as a few keystrokes later he would laugh and pluck a patient file from the center of the stack, squeaking as they nearly fell in waves over him. But he managed to keep the leaning tower upright and scooted them closer together to make the stack more stable.
"It's a pleasure to meet you Mr. Perry, I am Narcos, if you wouldn't mind filling out the form on the first page of your daughters file and signing her name along the tab it woudl be most helpful" Handing the manila folder over the boy woudl let his gaze travel to the young girl and with full formality he woudl offer his hand. "You can take a seat where you wish young Miss and the doctor will be with you both shortly. He will also collect the file from you when he comes to take you in for your examination." Giving a formal bow to the both of them the boy woudl then turn, exotic sight of a black fox tail swaying in full length behind his hips as he returned to his place behind the desk. "If you need anything do ask!""I will do it," Khalindra said, almost haughtily, as she plucked the file from her father's grasp and moved to make her way toward the seating area. Or, would have had Narcos not offered his hand and bow to her. A beaming smile was sent his way and she returned the bow with a curtsey, giggling as she skipped off to sit.
"I apologize for Khalindra," he murmured toward the man, "She's been feeling rather off lately and there's nothing that seems to make her any better." He shrugged his shoulders and hurried after his daughter, "Khalindra, let me fill it ou--"
"If I have to be here, then I can fill it out!" Khali insisted stubbornly, looking at the paper and trying to decipher several large words. No, she had no idea what it said, and instead started checking random boxes as though she did. No doubt marking herself with several illnesses that she did not have.
Not in the mood for arguing and knowing that he had no real way of getting that paper from her without a struggle, Aiden went back to the desk and reached behind it, plucking paper from the same stack that the other had been on. After verifying that it was the same, he stood at the counter, snatched a pen, and began filling it out correctly.
Let Khalindra have her way on this. Pick your battles. Sigh. Being a parent wasn't the easiest thing in the world. At least Pales had been kind enough to watch the younger ones for the time being.Half an hour would pass rather easily for those within the clinic, Narcos' time spent filing the numerous patient folders upon the desk into their proper place upon the wall on alphabetical order, though it would at least be far from silent. Birds drifting through the trees outside and the wild herds of horses cutting across the mass fields to disappear into the forests along it, a nest visible to Kali fully from the window as a mother bird sat upon her eggs offered natural entertainment for those in waiting. Though the best was surely yet to come.
"Of course Miss. Gandola, the walls are supposed to be purple! Have you no idea that this hospital flies and sails through the air on a cloud? Yes yes, that is why you see flying pigs from your window. Rest well!" Came a deep voice, male no doubt and cheery in tone from one of the off way examination rooms, a doctor taking his chance to slip through the open door just in time to close it behind him, or at least what looked like a doctor...kind off. "Narcos! Who keeps giving that one morphine, we can't have her high as a kite every time she comes in here for surgery!" the man stated rather clearly as he came down the hall.
Odd one he was standing at about 5'8, long white hair falling clear down his back and stop between the shoulders though at least it was well groomed and kept. Small round framed glasses taking up the bridge of his nose as the base of his eyes, but in no way distracting from the red/amber eyes that sat behind them as he took in the sight of both Father and daughter from the corner of his eye. Face was chiseled into fine features, nothing feminine about the man however as two scars, almost in claw marks took up the side of his cheek, curving back to his jawline. Though the white fox ears tipped in black that replaced human ones were by far his most unusual natural trait.
Turning from the desk to his patients the man's eyes woudl close into a smile, hand tipped with almost fox like claws upon each finger came to rest upon the middle of his bare chest as doctors lab coat was the only thing that adorned his upper half, leaving full length scars across both upper chest and stomach to show, also similar to claws but in size they were apparently made by a dragon and deeply set in the skin, though not disgustingly so. The rest of his atire was no more impressive as a pair of loose dark blue pajama pants adorned his lower half, to long in the legs caused the ends to pool around bar feet and claw tipped toes. Well at least he had a belt.
"I am Canth La'cross De Amour, are you Khalindra Perry?" he asked, slow stride bringing him closer to the two as hand was held out to receive the patient file from the young girl and should he get it, read it over. "PREGNACY?! at THAT age?!" He flared in pitch, looking to the 'father' for an explanation or at least another more accurate copy of the patient information. "The things I see day to day, well then come along, I shall be your doctor today considering I am the only one here but don't worry I have the best reviews in Barton!" The M.D at the end of his name tag woudl be enough to show that despite appearance the man knew what he was doing as he would then lead them both down the hall. Foot left to kick open the exam room door before it was caught and held open for the two of them to enter.Whatever it was that Aiden was expecting...It was not Canth. Not in the least bit. What kind of respectable doctor went to work in nothing but a lab coat and pajama bottoms? It wasn't sanitary, for one, and not in the least bit professional either. His own professors would have kicked the man out of their classrooms should he dare step in wearing that.
"Uh...Yeah, that's Khalindra," Aiden confirmed as the man took the paperwork from here, not knowing what to expect from that considering Khali could barely read, let alone fill out a proper medical form.
"You should know as well as I that it's impossible for pregnancy. Or at least, highly improbable. She's only six years old." He strode toward Canth and handed him the correctly filled out sheet of paper, "She wanted to do it herself."
Indignant that her father had gone behind her back with another paperwork, Khalindra narrowed her silver eyes and glared at him, crossing her arms over her chest. "Hey! I said I'd do it!"
"You also said you were pregnant."
"...Oh."
Aiden shook his head and reached down to pick his daughter up, putting her on his hip - ah, she was definitely getting a bit too big for this. Despite his insecurities by looking at the man, he followed him anyway. Honestly, he had no time to go get another appointment and his class was in an hour. At this rate, though, he would be late for it and Professor Ackridge would be highly displeased and likely take a good amount of points off of his grade. He was the stuffiest old coot he'd ever met. Good doctor, but stuffy.
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Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2008 9:48 am
Dream or Memory?
Embellished Quest pt. 5 The bright fire light of the caravan was familiar. Achingly so, in fact. Tents had been erected for their short stay at this place, colorful banners in shades of blues, silvers and golds decorated trees and music filled the air as cheerful and joyous as the people playing and dancing to it. It was not the safest place, here, though it hardly seemed to matter at the moment to the gaggle of gypsies lost in their celebrating. It didn't matter that they were no longer in the skies - for in the skies they were untouchable, but upon the unpredictable earth they were not in their element, they were not in control. The stars were not nearby to do their bidding and the earth would not listen to their 'petty' magics. The mortals never understood how important their magic was. This was not important, now, however. What was important was a special girl was coming into her gifts today. Odd, that one of their kind came into their magic outside of their starry realm but it seemed as though the blond currently surrounded by chattering children and cheerful adults followed no rules but her own. It wasn't necessarily something to be proud of but it seemed as though the young gypsy did so anyway.
"Khalindra."
The blond head bobbed upward to look at the man who had spoken, the entire party hushing as their elder spoke. There was no trace of a smile on his wizened face, no indication of how proud he was of the child. He was not allowed to show favoritism, it was not in their ways, but this child had always been special to him. Perhaps it would show in his gift to the girl - surely, it had never been done before. Not in any records of their people which dated back to the beginning of time.
"You have come into your gifts, young one, at a very odd time. When the earthly gravity binds us and the stars are millions of miles above. It seems as though you quite enjoy being contrary."
Cheekily, the blond sent him a smile, "We need to pave our own paths, Elder. Why should I follow the path already beaten below my feet?"
"Very wise, Khalindra." He knew there was a reason he liked her.
"I know." Not a modest one, in the least, either.
"But you still have much to learn." The Elder's hand raised, "Too much, perhaps, for you to comprehend. In this, I have chosen a very special coming of age gift for you." The cloth covering the back of the caravan was lifted to allow a small colt to enter, dark as night with stars woven into his mane and tail. Eyes were the color of deep silver and inside his horn resided a mini galaxy - swirling and never at rest. Still more, the silvery hooves were etched with the signs of the twelve great ones - the symbols of the astrological mothers and fathers. "My mare has given birth to a fine young colt who will guide you to greatness. He is yours to befriend, yours to name."
Excuse me, the young colt objected in the young one's direction, But I do have a name. If you so much as think of naming me fluffy like my poor sister's mistress named her, I will bite your hand. The name is Altair and you'd do best to know it!
"....He says his name is Altair." The young girl was still in awe over the gift, however, and she spoke with a tinge of the emotion in her voice. This gift was not one given to ordinary people. This was not a gift given to those who come of age for no reason. This was...
You can hear me?! "You can hear him?" Both elder and colt spoke at the same time, breaking Khalindra's thought process, both seeming genuinely surprised at this revelation and poor Khalindra was left confused. Silver eyes shifted to look around to the others in their caravan. The children didn't seem to know what was going on, either, but the adults were staring.
"Should I not be able to?" Khalindra asked warily, turning her attention onto the colt who had refused to come any closer to her.
"It's not that, young one," the Elder reassured her, catching his composure rather quickly, "Do not worry yourself."
"Don't worry myself?" Khali cried, almost indignant, "I'm hearing voices I apparently shouldn't hear by the looks of it, and you ask me not to worry?"
A warm smile was given, though there was something behind those eyes that reeked of...something Khalindra couldn't quite put her finger on, but nothing entirely good. "That's exactly what I'm asking of you. The reason for our surprise will come to you in time, just as the knowledge I spoke of before will. I said you had much to learn, perhaps I didn't comprehend just how much..." the last was said nearly under his breath, a touch of wonder to his tone though it was hard to pick up. "Nonetheless, perhaps it is time for the celebrations to continue without any more of my babble."
"But elder, the Ceremon--"
"Let the celebrations continue. I have much to contemplate." The old one rose himself to his feet and turned his back, leaving a very upset and confused Celestial and a very cautious colt behind him.
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Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2008 9:49 am
The Perfect Gift
Embellished Quest pt. 6
"I don't understand," The tale murmured later that evening, as the sounds faded low and the only celebrations left were several adults sitting by the larger central fire and a bottle of what could only be assumed to be spirits.
You will.
"How can you be so sure? Even you looked afraid to come to me!"
But I'm not now. You're laying on me.
What the colt pointed out was quite true, actually. The blond head was rested firmly on the side of the little colt, curls spilling out like a straw blanket across his velvety coat, one of his small wings wrapped around her shoulders and his body curled protectively around his new charge. All in all, they were both very comfortable in their little tent.
"Am I not supposed to hear you?" Khalindra asked again - The Elder hadn't come out of his tent for the rest of the night and the unanswered question had been lingering in her mind for quite some time.
What am I, the giant book of answers? I don't know. If you don't know, you can't be expecting a new one like me to know. Ask my mother if you really need to know your answers, or the Elder himself. But for now, can't we just lay here? Please? Your questions are getting on my nerves. I'm tryin' to relax!
Affronted, the blond gave a small huff and closed her eyes, snuggling in further but giving him a small thump, "Be nice. I'm just worried."
Well, keep me out of it, girlie.
Sigh. "Very well," she muttered, "Spoil sport." There was a resigned tone to her voice, though, and all questions for the evening would stop. Despite the uneasiness that this new 'power', if one could call it that, brought...There was a sense of peace as well. Completeness. Wholeness. Comfort.
I'm not a spoil sport, I'm just tired. Big night, you know. You should be tired too. Why aren't you tired? Wait, don't answer that. Now sleep.
"Good night, Altair," the gypsy murmured under her breath, trying not to snort or make any kind of comment that would set off the tempermental horse again. It wasn't hard since sleep already taking hold of her as if the horse had commanded it from the sand man himself.
One thing's for certain, Khalindra thought as she slipped into a sleep deeper than she'd slept in all of her life, I'm glad you came into my life anyway, no matter what happens.
She didn't hear the colt's whinny and his return answer - she was far too gone. And maybe, just maybe, that was a good thing.
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Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2008 9:50 am
Awakening
Embellished Quest pt. 7
Despite assurances that she wasn't going crazy, Khalindra couldn't help but think that she was, indeed, losing her marbles. For one, she distinctly remembered being nice and warm, wrapped up in her covers, before she fell asleep. There was no way a draft this bad could be seeping into her room. If hearing and seeing wasn't enough, now she was feeling! However, there was a warmth beside her as well that couldn't be explained.
Nothing she owned gave off it's own body heat. Unless she'd unwittingly crawled into her father's bed - but the body beside her was too small to be Aiden's unless she'd somehow grown into a giant in the middle of the night. All things aside, she was fairly sure that was impossible.
But she did feel somewhat different. Hell, maybe she did grow into a giant in the middle of the night. However, she couldn't bring herself to open her eyes and check. Cold aside, she was quite comfortable curled around this body-heat emitting thing (obviously not dead as it was warm) and though she didn't feel a bed beneath her, there was softness. So it was just fine.
Get up you lazy girl!
Huh?! What?! Khalindra bolted upright, silver eyes flying open and looking around her frantically. One would think she'd be accustomed to random voices by now, but apparently not.
I said get up. The body beside her moved slightly and a brush of what felt like hair touched her flesh. Obviously disgruntled.
Wait. She knew that voice. "Altair...? Am I hallucinating again?" It didn't feel like one. It felt too real. The others felt mildly disjointed, but this...
No, you're not dreaming. But I'm much smaller than you are, which I'm highly displeased about mind you, and you're definitely highly uncomfortable leaning on me. Why I was sent to you in COLT form, I'll never know.
Blink. Blink. If he was in colt form wouldn't he be bigger than her? Most were bigger than a six year old body.
Well, if you haven't noticed, you've gotten bigger yourself.
"I didn't say anything! How do you know what I'm thinking? Wa--wait. Bigger? What do you mean bigger?"
Must you always ask questions you can get answers to yourself? Look down, dunderhead.
"I'm not a--Oh forget it." Khalindra shook her head and looked down, fully expecting to see the body she went to sleep with. Instead, she looked much different. Longer hair, curled, and rather messy...Longer limbs, more developed body. Breasts. Wait. Breasts? Hands went to her chest to cup the tiny buds - which weren't much really, but were still there. She definitely didn't have THOSE before she went to bed.
Can you wait on groping yourself until you're, you know, alone?
"I wasn't --" Okay, so he was right, she was. But not like he meant! Hands instantly away from her body and pushed against the grass to propel her to her feet. Naked. She was naked. And outside. Where the hell was she?
About a mile from your home. What remains of your clothing is off to your side, but it won't fit. You grew. I'd offer to carry you home, but obviously, that offer wouldn't do much good.
Odd, she didn't remember the horse being so infuriating in her visions! Sighing, Khali bent down and picked up the remains of her nightgown which she tied around her waist to at least maintain some modesty. It wouldn't do walking down the street and getting arrested for indecent exposure. Sure, she was only about twelve or thirteen in form but definitely old enough to go to those places she'd read about. Juvenile hall. Ugh, no, she wouldn't go there.
"Come on," she snapped to the new companion who could apparently read her mind, "Help me find my way home."
Rolling his eyes, the colt moved to his feet and wobbled toward her, leading her in the direction where the house they'd recently moved into stood. What an odd pair they were - a colt still getting used to his legs and a half naked Tale.
Thank god for the cover of night.
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Posted: Sat Mar 22, 2008 1:49 pm
Journal Entry:
Dear Journal,
Khalindra came home tonight, around three in the morning, with a horse. Nono, I don't mean a stuffed horse and I reallly don't mean an imaginary friend. An actual horse. A winged horse. With a horn. I mean, he's a baby, but I don't have a place for a horse! What am I going to do!? I don't have money to take care of a horse!
Okay. Mild freakout finished. Actually, the horse i the least of my problems. Khalindra came home naked. Well, that wasn't actually a huge problem, a little disconcerning, yes, but not a huge problem. She came back. But she was bigger.
She'd grown. I mean, she's...not a six year old anymore. She looks definitely more like twelve. My daughter, my little girl, has doubled in age appearance in less than twenty four hours. Was this supposed to happen? I have no idea. I'm human. Things like this aren't supposed to happen...Then again, girls coming out of books, babies coming out of pendants and stones aren't supposed to happen either, so I suppose I should be used to things like this.
Oh, Journal, she's gorgeous. My little girl. My not so little girl. Does this mean I have to let her go out more? Does this mean that she's going to start dating and...No. No definitely not. I'm still her father, right? I'm going to say no dating until she's twenty! But knowing my luck in a month or two she will be! I wasn't ready for this yet! I wasn't ready to have a preteen! I thought I'd have six years at least! SIX! Not...
Two.
I've only had her for two years. And she's...
Well. At least she can help me with the little ones now. I don't have much more time to write, though. I have to go pawn my watch for horse food. And a very large shovel. And maybe, just maybe, a nice bottle of scotch.
~Aiden
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Posted: Sun Apr 06, 2008 2:10 am
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Posted: Sun Apr 06, 2008 2:12 am
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Posted: Sun Apr 06, 2008 2:13 am
//Armel & Khali
Things are back to normal. Well, normalish, whatever that means. Armel walked along the streets with his hands in his pant pocket looking from house to house trying to jog his own memory as to where the house was. Certainly he was sad that Khali had moved out as he had become used to being able to see her whenever he wished and then some. Alas, life brings changes whether he wants them or not.
He shuffled his boots against the pavement looking from building to building until he caught sight of the one he desired, or so he hoped, and wandered up the walk and to the door. He raised a hand and knocked upon the door not bothering to hesitate or second guess himself.
Lucky for Armel, the girl hadn't gone out of her house just yet, though it seemed as though she was preparing to. The door had opened up just as the other Tale's hand had brushed to knock and there stood a much older looking Khalindra, hair pinned back with a kerchief to keep the wild locks from falling in her face.
The gypsy garb hadn't changed, though her skirts had gotten more elaborate in cut and design - but the colors were the same. Today she was a in a multi tiered, loose silk skirt of monochrome blue with a white peasant top, several bangles on her wrists and ankles, the ever-present green star pendant around her neck.
And a special addition of two large hoops in her ears.
"Daddy, I'll be back in a bi--" The Tale cut off, silver eyes going wide, "Melly!"
Armel's arm dropped to his side as he stared at Khali for a moment or two with wide golden eyes. His mouth fell open and suddenly he turned his back to Khalindra making a soft sniffling sound as a hand went up to his nose as if checking for something. Over his shoulder the ram-horned boy peeked at the girl at the door and he offered a somewhat odd smile.
"Er, ey! I-I was just comin by to check on ye..."
And even that seemed week to the boy as he turned away again to check his nose for bleeding.
The odd behavior didn't go unnoticed by the gypsy and she arched a brow, "Armel, are you okay?" What was it with people acting so odd around her lately? Christ on a pogo stick, she didn't understand it.
The turning away, the sniffling..."I didn't...I mean I..." She wasn't so ugly, was she? Her hand went self conciously to her head to brush at the golden curls and she frowned, "I'm not that hideous, am I?"
For a moment or two he just kept checking for blood. He certainly felt as if there was liquid trying to escape from his nose but there wasnt. After some time passes between his checking and her question making for a mildly awkward silence he turns back to face Khali more confidently now that he had time check himself over.
He was blushing, and tugged at his shirt collar, N-no yer not ugly at all. Armel reached his hand back and rubbed his neck unsure of how to continue on.
"Then why did you turn away from me like that?" Her brows furrowed, stepping out of the doorway and closing it behind her, key going into the lock and clicking it shut before putting it around her neck. Eccentric jewelry of household keys. Classy, Khali.
"I've missed you, Melly," she confided, reaching out to squeeze him in a tight hug, "You stopped coming to see me."
It shifted his shoulders in a shrug, I don have an excuse for that, lass. He muttered gruffly under his breath as he watched her.
As he saw her coming toward him for a hug his arms hung open to receive her since had no reason not to allow her to hug him, "I missed ya, too. I just been a lil busy is all...Not mad at me are ye?"
"If I was mad at you, I wouldn't be hugging you," she said, as if it were the most logical thing in the universe, "I just missed you, and was sad when I didn't see you as much after the move. You were the first person I wanted to see when I grew..."
Who's this, girl? Came a voice in the back of her head, the small black colt known as Altair stepping out from the backyard and joining her side. Silver eyes stared at the boy critically, as if sizing him up.
"This is Armel. Armel, this is my unfortunate companion, Altair."
Unfortunate? You know you love me, girlie.
"Oh, yes," the Tale quipped, looking sour for a moment, "As much as I love daddy's cooking."
He shifted his weight a bit after the hug nodding as if acquiescing to her logic. "Aye, well I cannae be first all th time." He chuckled a little, "Sides I am sure there are other more worthy than I?" Armel shrugged but seemed pleased at the idea of being the first to see her after growth.
His attention soon turned toward the next member of the conversation that recently joined he tilted his head at the equine for a moment not sure what to make of him. If he held out his hand would it be found insulting? It took him a moment to figure out a correct gesture before he finally settled upon a nod and a gruffly uttered, "Ello, pleased tmeet ye."
The ram-horned boy watched the interaction with mild curiosity and a faint smile seeming amused.
"You're my best friend, Armel. Nobody better. Then again, when I first grew, I found myself a little out of decency," she snorted, the look on Altair's face completely scandalized that she'd mention it. "Oh, don't look at me that way." She loved Altair, for some odd reason, but that didn't mean that they didn't bicker. They were like siblings in that fashion.
It's not a pleasure to meet you, thank you very much, but you can't hear me so I can call you a doody head and you'd still be pleased and think I was being polite so long as I nosed at your hand.
"Altair, you will be pleasant to my friend," Khali commanded, giving a sharp look at him before pulling away from the boy and smoothing out her skirt.
"Come with me? I was going to go watch some dancers in the park."
He stared at Altair for a long second almost giving the impression that he DID hear the snippy retort. Obviously he didnt.
"Dont look like a friendly critter." Armel uttered after seemingly taking the colts measure. The young Tale shrugs turning his attention back to Khali as she reprimands the equine, which causes him to simply shrug, He as a right tthink whatever it is.
He nods when she invites him along to the park, "Aye, thatd be fun." Armel smiled happily at his friend.
"He has an attitude problem," Khalindra said with a sigh, reaching out and grabbing the elf-thing's hand and dragging him down the steps, "I'm glad dad's letting me out more by myself. It's so stifling in there with so many kids." she made a face. No, Khali had never been fond of others taking attention away from her. Especially when it came to her father.
"He's graduating soon. His last final exam is tomorrow, so he's been studying like mad and trying to find a place to start his residency. Whatever that is, he hasn't explained it to me."
Apparently, growing didn't open some vast well of knowledge, with severely disappointed the girl. She would have thought it'd be epic. "He said I can start school, too."
He let out a grunt as his hand is grabbed and he gets dragged after the girl. Armel stumbles for a moment or two before he finds his pace and trots slightly after his friend just listening to her as she speaks seeming content to do just that for the moment.
He could identify with the stuffy crowded home full of children and people. But he seemed less concerned about whose attention is where as far as he goes.
Armel nodded a little, "Thats great. Im happy for him and you, he smiled at her, yell learn a bunch of things Im sure." He himself seemed more comfortable with learning at home instead of dealing with a bunch of noisy people.
"You'll come see me more, right?" the girl said, stopping suddenly and turning to face him. The wind had picked up and it half blew the kerchief off her head, one of her hands flying up to pat it back down. "Freaking hair," she muttered, "Should just lop it all off, I should. Always getting in my way."
It had grown quite a bit since she was younger, and gotten more unruly. Nothing she could do would straighten the strands out, and it was driving her nuts.
"But you will, right?" It was almost a plead.
He almost walked right into her as she stops suddenly. Armel stares at his friend tilting his head. "Ocourse I will. I promise." And as if to seal the deal with her leans forward and plants a small kiss upon her cheek blushing faintly.
"There, thatll be the mark of the promise I made to ye." For him it seemed as good as signing a contract, and even better since he got to kiss her cheek.
A pink tinge came to her cheeks, hand lifting to touch where Armel's lips had in that cliche old movie fashion, and a smile bloomed across her face, "I'm holding you to that," she warned the boy, affection lacing her voice before she turned and started toward the park again, hand still clung to the other's.
Altair followed behind, ever on guard for anything that would seek harm to the Tale. He knew a lot more than she did, and he'd keep it that way.
Armel simply smiled at her. "All settled?" he asked as he tilted his head to the side sending some of his dark hair into his eyes. He ignored the hair as if it wasnt there in his gaze.
He seemed only vaguely aware of being tailed but didnt seemed bothered by it at all. Armel glanced around a bit and lightly tugged at her hand, "Ready for the park?"
"Mmhmm," she answered, twisting her hand in his so their fingers laced together. An innocent enough motion, but locked them together better than the other position had offered. "The dancers are amazing. I read all about them." Of course, she would have read about them. "It's only a free showing, because it's a promotional thing. Daddy doesn't have the money to take me to the real show. I wish I could go."
Boy, did she. She could definitely take some lessons, just by watching them!
He didnt seem to mind that their fingertips were now interlaced and simply walked with her as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "Aye? Id love to help ye out with that ifn I could." He said thoughtfully as she spoke. Truly if he can find a way he in all likelihood help her dreams come true.
After all isnt it a part of being a friend?
"If nothing else, we can sneak in." a devious look came over her face, definitely not something the younger Khalindra would have suggested. Ms. Goodie Goodie she had been, hadn't she? Though the girl was still a good girl, she wasn't above sneaking about to get what she wanted now. Not at all.
"Tell me what you've been up to, Armel?"
He blinked in reaction to her devious tone, but otherwise he just laughed a bit and nodded, "Aye? An if we get caught we wont abandon each other. At least Armel wouldnt abandon Khali to whatever fates awaited her if that scenario played out."
Armel tilted his head side to side at her question and simply shrugged seeming to just decide to tell her instead of trying to glossy it up to make his life seem interesting, "Been goin to see my mentor and learnin the trade of bein a smithy an such."
"Of course not," she affirmed, "We promised once never to leave each other. And I wouldn't leave you alone anywhere." She offered him a bright smile, seeing the park off in the distance. The same one where Armel had caught her on the monkey bars and carried her sleepy bum home. That had been an amusing day.
"Really?" that seemed to interest her, "Is that what you're going to do then, for sure?" How anyone could be so certain about what they wanted to be so young was a bit beyond her. She hadn't even narrowed it down.
Armel smiled and nodded once she responded. He looked at the park and he smiled more at the memories that washed over him. It was one of the better days that he could remember quite clearly other than the days spent with Adonis or his adopted cousin Vidya.
He is brought out of his reverie by her questions and simply shrugged, "Dunno bout fsure but at least as a time consumin hobby, sure. I like th sounds and such, it relaxes me." Even if it was a definite career for him he wouldnt be certain how to explain it to anyone else as to why or how it felt right.
"I'm sure you'll be great at it," she murmured toward him, "I don't know what I want to do. I have ideas, but I don't know for sure. There's so MUCH out there, Armel!" her eyes brightened significantly, as they usually did when discussing happy things such as what could be, what was. Knowledge. It was power to the girl.
Finally they made it to the park, where the smal crowd had gathered around a stage off to the right. Colorfully clothed dancers were sitting on chairs along the back. "Oh, Melly, look!"
He nodded as she spoke, "There is a lot out there, ts a little overwhelmin for me tthink in those terms." Armel admitted as they drew nearer.
His boots scuffed along the pathway of the park as he glanced over to where Khali pointed and gave another nod, "Indeed. It looks promisin." After all Khalindra was interested in it so there must be something rather interesting even for him.
The scuffling of the other's boots only made her think that he wasn't too interested in seeing the dancers, and decided that since he'd come with her to see them, she'd do a trade off. "Hey, Melly? After this, we can do something you want to do. Anything. Okay?" she offered him a bright smile, then, and sat herself down on a grassy hill, skirt flaring out around her. "Come sit by me. They start soon."
He shrugged and uttered a soft, Sure, in honesty he didnt care what they did so long as they could reacquaint themselves with each other. He settled next to her extending his legs out in front of him on the ground. Sitting this way Armel looked awkward and lanky as most growing young lads do.
"Dunno what well do after this." Armel gave a small chuckle.
Khalindra would have responded, had the music not started up - lively dance music that just touched your soul, made you want to move. The girl had a hard time sitting still once it filled her, though when the dancers filed onto the stage and began their twisting, dancing, their feet creating a rhythm against the wood of the stage.
Khali's entire face lit up, her fingers touching at the grass, feet tapping, "Oh, Mel," she breathed out, entranced.
In spite of himself Armel wiggled a booted foot in time to the song. Which doesnt mean hes a competent dancer, it just means that a small part of him was enjoying things thus far as he watched things progress. He glanced over at Khali and smiled at seeing how much she was enjoying herself.
"Ts good," he said in a middling cheerful tone. However, seeing her behave in such a manner only makes him more determined to see her fulfill her current dream.
The men held the women by the waist, twirling them and spinning them, their skirts flaring, their hair rising, the music pounding and taking over them. Khalindra couldn't help herself, by the first five minutes of the dance she was up on her feet and trying to emulate the moves, her own tier skirt flying, her hair coming lose of the scarf around her head, the material fluttering down, her bangles clinking, her feet pounding against the soft ground.
She was in heaven.
Well it isnt long after Khali gets up and dances when Armels eyes simply lock onto her instead of the people on stage watching her with a sort of thoughtful and awed expression for to him Khalindra was the best dancer out there at this time.
Then again he is a little biased.
She may have been the best to Armel, but the girl was far from the best in her own mind. In heaven, yes, but she was well aware that she was missing steps, though soon she closed her eyes and stopped watching the dancers, letting the music fit her instead. Something snapped inside the girl, listening to that music, dancing so free.
Something felt right.
The music ended, the dancers filing off the stage, but Khalindra danced for a full minute before the music stopped playing in her head and she fell on the grass, panting, face flushed, a small sheen to her flesh.
Not that he could tell much difference between the two, especially since he was watching only one dancer. Besides if he were to be asked and join in hed probably only muck things up more or doing some sort of silly half-hearted jig. So he was MUCH better off watching rather than joining.
"That was pretty good, lass." He complimented.
Oh. Crap. Armel had...Her face became a rather unflattering shade of red as she realized that her friend was still there, head falling to the side to look at the elf-thing, "Ahh...Thank you, I forgot anyone was around." she seemed embarrassed about it, almost. "I'm glad you liked it..."
The dancers were done now, though, which left the gypsy child in a bit of a loss of what to do. "Your turn to choose activities."
Armel stared at his friend for a long moment mulling over the question before suddenly standing up and holding his hand out to her. "Cmon itll be a surprise." Of course he had no clue if shed like this next activity or not, but hed certainly enjoy it. He knew his friend Lance would, but since that friend is not currently about hed take Khali.
Hopefully shell enjoy it otherwise hes sunk.
Her hand reached out, taking hold of the other's before hauling herself up, bending down to snatch up the fallen head scarf which was promptly put up in her hair again to keep the unruly curls under control.
"Surprise, hm? Well, I can deal with that!" she laughed and snatched his hand again, "Lead on, Armel!"
They moved away from the park and up the street a couple of blocks until they came upon what was usually an empty lot. Today the lot was filled with Renaissance Fair spectacles. He paused at the entrance and glanced at Khali to see if she wanted to go still. After all he wasnt about to force her to do something that might not be her forte.
Of course she'd followed without a second thought, still trying to catch her breath from the dancing she most definitely wasn't used to doing. When they arrived at the fair, though, she seemed to be quite happy with the sight and tilted her head when they stopped.
"Something wrong, Melly?"
After seeing that she is interested he just shook his head, "Didnt want tforce ya to come further if ye didnt wanna go or somethin." He says before he continues over the threshold of the entry of the fair and thus immersed them in the chaos of actors and various fair sounds that happen to come with it.
People in costume doing various things such as: playing music, juggling, and so on. Some distance into the fair there seems to be the sound of horse hooves and the sharp crack of wood.
"I've seen them on television, read about it in books. Well, not the fairs, but the actual time period," of course she would. Who was he talking to?! "Of course I'd like it!" Then again, Armel hadn't been around too much lately, and he didn't really know what habits the blond had developed. Last he'd been around, she was still learning to read. He'd promised to help her with that.
Forgiven, though. She could read fairly well now.
"I don't have any money, though," she confessed to the boy, squeezing his hand.
Armel nodded and gave a smile as he continued to go along with her. Of course if she would point out the promise he had made Armel would feel suitably guilty and become somewhat downtrodden, which is no fun for either of them.
He shrugged, "I got it dont worry about it." This could be considered an impromptu date, not that either of them could notice or point it out to the other. They were just having fun!
"Oh? How did you get money, Melly?" Khali teased, pressing a happy kiss to his cheek before hooking her arm through his instead of holding his hand, "Or, should I slip into part and start calling you m'lord?"
She turned her head toward Armel, silver eyes dancing in merriment, "I think I like that. You'll be my king today, and I'll be your gypsy queen. Just like we said before."
He flushed red. Not just a light red or a shade of pink. The scarlet tinge went down unto his neck and his lips wore an odd little grin and his eyes vaguely unfocused until he became aware she was talking still, he simply nodded, "A-Aye. Thatll be fine mlady.
"An as fer where I get th money...I do odd jobs around th house and Da pays me for em." He utters softly clearing is throat and attempting to relax enough to make the color fade from his neck and face.
Khali laughed as he turned such a funny tinge of red, though didn't make a comment of it, "Very well, m'lord!" she exclaimed, straightening herself out so she carried herself like a queen should, drinking in all the sights around her.
"Well, then. Care to buy your queen something to eat?" She really hadn't had anything all day, and the dancing had her ravenous. "Maybe some roasted corn? If they have that here?" she didn't know if they did or not, actually.
He was quite thankful she didnt mention his current state. Armel strolled about gradually leading the way to the food vendors, "Well see what they ave and decide from there." Most of it was mutton or turkey legs and after some hunting around they do find roasted corn but are now faced with larger choices, or at least Armel is. "Mladys choice," he announced as they stop amidst all of the vendors.
"Such a gentleman," she praised, looking around. She wasn't much for meat, really. It wasn't her least favorite thing in the world, but it wasn't her absolute favorite either. Well, she could do without the redmeat, the turkey did look enticing...
"I can't decide!" there was almost a cute pout upon her lips as her silver eyes trailed from one vendor to another, careful, as if analyzing which her body wanted most.
He blinked a little and nudged her gently with his elbow, "Pick however much ye want of whatever ye want. I ave enough with me," he smiled gallantly at Khali. He honestly didnt seem to mind spending money on her.
He seemed to be eyeing the red meat items for his own devouring pleasure. Armels stomach gave a small distant rumble.
But Khalindra was used to thrift shopping on her father's tight budget. None of the clothes she even had were new, all picked from used clothing shops and the like. Not that she complained, she'd found wonderful things.
"Thank you, Armel," she murmured toward him before choosing her roasted corn. She wouldn't ask for him to spend more than that on her, unless she really saw something shiny in the vendors that she liked. They liked jewelry in that time.
Armel parted his lips for a brief instant before just deciding to not bug her to get whatever else she wanted from the vendors. He plopped down the gold for the roasted corn and then bought a turkey leg for himself. Before leaving the stand he grabbed a bunch of napkins and stuffed them all under his arm to hold them there, just in case things got messy. Nothing about the situation seemed comical other than the way he went about it by peering about as he did it as if he was challenging anyone to say something to him about it.
After the food it was time to meander around the faire a bit and look at various bits of shinies and other handiwork.
Khali giggled at the napkins stuffed under her friend's arm, though chose not to make a comment. Altair's voice sounded in her brain, though she thoroughly ignored it as well, keeping herself close to Armel as they wove their way around the faire. The fire jugglers amused her to no end but the true shine of the fair was the crafts quarter.
"I bet you could make swords a million times better than those," Khalindra said confidently as she looked at one of the stands selling hand-smithed medieval style weaponry.
He ate as he walked with his friend peering at this or that. He watched the jugglers and various other performers as they went by sometimes uttering some form of approval to Khali.
Once they got to the craft corner he glanced at Khali when she made her comment and smiled faintly while he responded, "Maybe some day I will, mlady." Armel said thoughtfully as he looked at the swords and other things on display.
"Not maybe," she said confidently, "You will." Of this, the blond tale was definitely sure. After all, she had faith in him, and having her faith meant something. Mhmm! She took a few steps toward one of the booths, fingers touching over a nearby blade that had a handle carved into a dragon. A frown touched her face.
"That could not have been comfortable to hold."
Then she laughed and moved onto the booth to the side, one selling pretty jeweled necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings. This was where she looked enthralled again, the brightly colored jewels appealing to her.
Armel smiled a bit brighter at her words and nodded a bit, "If you say it is so then it will be," he said response to her faith-filled comment. It made him happy that someone believed in him so much.
The dark haired boy gave a small laugh at her comment of the handle of a sword and offered a shrug, "Perhaps it is purely ornamental, aye? At least Id hope so..." He didnt move to pick up the handle to see for himself instead just following with his friend to the jewelry. He seemed to become just as enthralled as she, but likely for differing reasons.
"I don't know," she said, distracting herself from the pieces long enough to comment to Armel about the ornamental value of the blade, "If it was ornamental, the blade wouldn't be sharp. Those edges looked pretty sharp to me."
Then again, why would anyone carry around something that wasn't useful in some kind of way? Even jewelry was useful, making noise when you walked if you had the right kind. She didn't stay at the table long, leaving reluctantly before she broke down and asked for something. She'd decided that she wouldn't, so she wouldn't.
"Do you want to see the jousting, Armel?"
He lingered letting Khali pull away from him as he looked at something. Armel placed his back to where that she couldnt see what he was doing or rather buying. It doesnt take long for the transaction to be complete and he comes trotting up to her again.
"Hmm? Oh, aye. Sounds like fun." He grinned a little at her as he held the two velvet lined jewelry bags by the string, allowing them to dangle a bit from his fingertips.
Silver eyes blinked a few times as the bags were held up in front of her, before they widened, "Armel?" she asked, reaching out to poke one of the pretty little bags hanging there, "You really didn't have to..."
Really, he hadn't! She hadn't even asked for anything! "Are you sure...?" For Khali was definitely one who wasn't used to getting gifts, at all, ever. Her set of sapphire star hair clips and the necklace around her neck was still the only thing her father had ever given her that wasn't a necessity.
His free hand moved and gently moved her prodding hand into a position to receive both jewelry bags. "I wouldnt ave done it if I wasnt sure." Armel assures her as he plops the bags into her hand. He waits for her to open the bag with a happy satisfied smile.
In one bag is a Claddagh ring done in silver but with no jewel in it. With the ring comes a complimentary card explaining its history and what it means when set on the right or left hand. The Claddagh ring is sized for the ring finger, but however he had guessed at her ring size it is uncertain. The second ring is sized for the index finger simply a band of silver with stars shaped into the band. Into the stars is a soft blue gemstone that matches with the colors of blue she usually wears in her everyday outfits.
Carefully the bags were opened, a look of awe coming over her face as she saw the claddagh ring. She'd read about that (of course), though only a little snippet, and so the little card really helped and she devoured the information, loving it, it seemed, just as much as the ring itself. It was eagerly placed on her right ring finger, though it was a wee bit too big. However, the star one was a bit too small and thus, in a stroke of genius, they were switched and fit perfectly.
Once they were firmly in place on her hand, and had no danger of coming off, Khali launched herself at Armel and let her lips find his cheek, one kiss on each, as she hugged him tightly, "Thank you."
He let out a soft umph as he stumbled a bit from the sudden flinging of Khali toward his person. His arms protectively wrapped around her in case they fell but luckily the sturdy wooden back of a nearby shop steadied them. Armel gave a small laugh squeezing lightly, "Yer welcome." is all he said.
After she was done bestowing her thanks upon him he moved to stand up straight again lest they get caught being in an awkward position, "Glad ye liked them."
"Oh, no! I don't like them, where did you get that idea?" Khali asked, laughing and looking down at the new jewelry on her fingers. It had to cost ...Well, she didn't really want to think about it, and her sense of money wasn't all that great anyway. Maybe they were cheap! Merlin knew she never had any more than a few gold to her name at one time.
"Jousting then!" she exclaimed, running ahead toward where the 'arena' had been set up.
Armel trotted after Khalindra. It felt good to make her so ecstatically happy by getting her something she enjoyed having even if he was off on the sizes. Still, she seemed to treasure them and that is what mattered.
Soon they were at the entry to the arena and had their choice of benches to sit upon to watch the jousting match just about to begin. "Where ye want tsit?" he asked looking from level to level of benches.
"Anywhere's fine with me," she answered, picking her way through the benches before she sat down, at the center. "Here's as good as any, I suppose. Not too high up, and not close enough to the front to be in danger if someone went off course." She'd really hate if that happened.
"It's really nice spending time with you again, you know."
The boy blinked as he moved to sit next to her when Khali found the spot she liked best. "Aye? Well, I like spending time with ye, too." He admitted with a small smile. "Sorry I avent been around as much an such. I try harder to get time wi ye."
His golden eyes turned to the action before them, but also kept an ear open to whatever his friend might say.
"I'd like that," she affirmed, eyes now becoming glued to the scene in front of them. The trumpets, the call of the crowds, the men riding toward each other with lances. It was a brutal sport, she knew, and didn't understand how men could like it, but it was interesting nonetheless.
Currently, one of them were on the ground, a group of people tending to him and making sure he was all right while the winner was prancing about arrogantly. Boos and hisses as well as cheers mixed together. Khali decided it was a wonderful day.
Well after she falls silent it doesnt take long for Armel to get drawn into the excitement. He cheers and curses (and often apologizes for what flies past his mouth, which are colorful as well as creative for a string of foul language).
It takes two or three matches before they announce that the fair is closing up for the day and they thank everyone for their patronage. Armel sat for a moment before offering her his hand as he said to Khali, "Allow me to escort mlady back to her home?" his cheeks are quite flushed from the excitement of the jousting tourneys he had just watched.
Khali seemed quite excited herself, though was tinged with disappointment that the faire was closing. Oddly enough, she was just now beginning to realize that it was getting darker, and heading into sunset. Her father would be upset that she'd been gone so long.
Not that she truly cared. She'd even managed to shake Altair off! Accomplishment, indeed.
Her hand went out to take Armel's, "Certainly, M'lord," she said, bright smile touching her lips.
He took a hold of her hand and helped her stand up and lead her off of the bench. Once on solid ground he offers his arm to her again, "Sorry ifn you get in trouble for bein out so late wi me." Armel said as he waited for her to take his arm. "I know how worried yer Da gets at times."
At least he was trying to be thoughtful toward others.
Her arm linked with his and she shook her head, "He won't be happy, but he can deal with it. He's not exactly been around much lately and if he wants to start playing Concerned Daddy again, he can do so when he has time to stick around and talk, and not state we'll talk about it later because he has other things to do."
There was a bitter tinge to her voice, eyes darkening slightly before her head shook and she took a deep breath. She understood, she did. Or at least she tried to as much as a child, even an older one, could. She was older now, she didn't need him as much. The babies did. School did.
Didn't hurt any less.
A small expression of concern passed over his features, but instead of dragging out something that is in all likelihood hurting her he simply nodded and carried on to another topic of conversation, "I had a lot of fun tday. Hope we do it again."
Armel lead the Gypsy Queen out of the fair, going a little slower than need be as if reluctant to give up her company after so long of being a part since she moved. It was usually hard for him to part with a good friend.
She seemed to lighten at that, leaning slightly against the boy who held her arm in his own, "I had a wonderful time. The best time that I've had in quite a while. I'd very much like to do it again sometime soon."
Her pace matched the other's, seeming to be along the same line of thought as he about leaving certain company. She'd missed it. "Though next time I'll be the one paying for things."
He chuckled in amusement though Armel did take her words seriously it just seemed amusing somehow. "Alright, ifn ye wish to do things that way," he assented to Khali.
The trudge back to Khalis was slow and leisurely but they still reach their destination with some sunlight left in the day, "Aye, well here we are." Armel said as they walked up toward her home.
"Yes, here we are," she agreed, stopping her trek as they reached the top step to her home. Her father would likely be waiting behind the door to chastise her for being out so late without calling (You're still a child, for christ sakes! he'd say. Pah.) but right now she couldn't focus on that.
"Thank you again, Melly," she said, sending a fond smile his way before almost reluctantly letting his arm go.
He placed a hand on her arm pulling her back toward him before he could even think to stop himself. Armel bent slightly and planted a kiss upon Khalis lips. It isnt exactly a hot and heavy kiss sort of kiss but rather it is chaste and sweet. After the kiss he pulls back and releases her arm.
"Uh, s-sorry," he mumbled awkwardly as he realized what he had just done, a small blush crept over his cheeks.
Her eyes widened, feeling the other's lips against hers, but when he pulled back her own cheeks were flushed pink, "You...uhm..." Well, she hadn't been expecting that, in the least! Not at all! Surprise was etched on every single feature of her face, but there was no shred of anger.
"You don't need to apologize," she managed, blushing even deeper, "I...it was kind of nice."
Armel nodded in agreement as he blushed a bit more fidgeting slightly as he glanced at the door. Sure the kiss was nice but the moment after was mildly awkward for the boy for now he wasnt sure what goes next.
He rubbed the back of his neck, "It was nice...Just it was uninvited and..." Armel began to mumble softly.
"It was a surprise. Which is a mite different than uninvited. Sounds more pleasant. Which it was. I mean. I..." Her blush darkened, and she knew if she got much darker she'd look like a tomato, "Though I.."
Well, how could she finish that sentence? I don't know why you did it? Wouldn't that just be fishing for some kind of compliment? It wasn't her intention, but the logical part of her brain was screaming fiercely against uttering those words.
"Just wasn't expecting it."
"Tbe honest nor was I." Tilted his head to the side with a small smile and shrugged, "It jus ... Felt right so..."
He didnt have to explain himself but he did anyhow because he didnt have to hide anything from Khali or so he felt. He trusted her with his feelings and thoughts.
Oh, she had to agree there. It did feel right. Oddly enough. The thought of doing that had never really appealed to her nor crossed her mind before and until now the only ones she'd been given, or given herself, had been straight on the cheek.
Well, now she had to reciprocate, didn't she? That's how it worked? The gypsy leaned in and brushed her lips against his, almost nervously, before pulling back again, "There, now we're even." she smirked. "I really have to go, Melly," she murmured, turning her eyes toward the door.
"See me again soon."
And without giving him a chance to respond, she slipped inside and shut the door. What. A. Day.
He blinked at the brush of her lips and smiled faintly and then watched her go inside not bothering to reach out and stall her again. Armel simply turned upon his heel and clomped off the stairs before starting off toward home at a brisk trotting run. Not that he was late for anything, but he was hungry...Yet again.
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Posted: Sun Apr 06, 2008 11:45 am
Journal Entry:
Khalindra's
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Posted: Wed Oct 08, 2008 2:24 pm
// Armel& Khali
Armel was on his way, and thats what mattered. He kept getting distracted or startled on occasion. A couple of times now a crazed feline would pop out of no where and run across his path or leap at his feet. The ram-horned boy was beginning to get a dislike of the fuzzy creatures of crazed disposition. Maybe it was just the day and he simply didnt get the memo.
Yes, thats it. It is Startle the crap out of Armel while he is carrying something fragile day.
A thundercloud was working on brewing over the boys head as he turned onto the street where Khalis house was.
Khalindra wasn't inside that day, though. She was sitting out on the porch of the house, one of the baby siblings crawling about on the grass in the front yard while her brother banged on pots and pans with a spoon. The poor young girl looked like she was going to burst from a headache, but she seemed to be dealing all right, since her nose was buried fully in a book as she tried to ignore the repetitive noises that could not be called music.
Apparently, her father wasn't there, and she was to play babysitter, which was actually a bit unfortunate considering her tolerance with the younger of her species.
"Going to kill them," she murmured to herself as she turned a page in her book, wincing at a particularly loud bang.
He was barely to the house when suddenly another cat gave a sudden surprised sound and skittered past the boys feet causing him to stumble while at the same time Armel clutched his fragile parcel to his chest with a surprisingly loud curse, "GOD DAMN YOU CRAZED FELINE DEMONS." He roared in frustration as he stumbled forward unto the lawn of Khalis abode.
Armel glanced about nervously to see if anyone heard him, especially the very disapproving Aiden. Seeing only Khali on the porch and siblings he let out a cautious breath, even though he was certain the man was hiding somewhere waiting to pounce on him.
"Having issues, Armel?" She asked, amusement across her face as she carefully marked her place in her book and set it on her lap, crossing her arms neatly over her chest. It had been a while since he'd come to see her again, so it was a sight for sore eyes, indeed. "I guarantee that you're not having them as bad as me, though. Babysitting duty."
She indicated to the twins sitting on the grass of the lawn and made a face. Cael and Uriah were with her father for some kind of doctor's appointment check up thing - maybe Uriah was getting his blades cleaned. Who knew. She generally didn't care.
Armel shrugged a shoulder carelessly as he moved up to the porch looking at least a little happier for all his troubles. "Jus' cats goin' crazy f'some reason." He said lightly as he kept the parcel clutched to his chest. He glanced at the twins and listened to Khali lament over her babysitting duties and he nodded with a small chuckle.
"Canna stay too long anyhow, just wanted to give you somethin' and maybe hang out for a couple o'minute before I go off to m'lessons." He smiled at his dear friend. "Hope yer Da doesn't disapprove."
"He's not here, and I don't think he'd really care. He's learned to like you, you know. After all we DID live together for some time." Khali laughed and got up from the rocking chair, placing the book on the stand to the side as she made her way down the steps and over to him to give him a hug. "You really need to stop spoiling me," she teased, poking his nose before holding out her hand for the package. Obviously, it wasn't something she was going to try and stop, though.
It just was something right to say.
His cheeks blushed to a lovely shade of crimson as he handed over the package with a small shrug, "Couldnna help mself. Went shoppin with msister Kaveri the other day and I saw this and wanted tget it for ye." He muttered lowly, suddenly struck bashful by Khalindras words and gestures.
The ram-horned boy held out the package with a small smile appearing on his lips. "Hope ydont have anythin like this yet..."
"Even if I do, it'd be special," she promised him as she took the package, carefully opening it. The way she didn't tear into it had to say something, considering how anxious the girl generally was to get what she wanted. "How is Kaveri, anyway?"
The paper was folded back, inch by inch, until the gift would be exposed.
Armel smiled a bit, put a little at ease by her words. "Shes fine. She grew the other day and uhh, apparently she can turn into a snake, from what Da and Tyr say," he laughed a bit, "gave everyone a bit of a scare cause we couldnt find er for a couple of hours cause she shot off as soon as she managed the transformation."
The gift exposed was that of a porcelain sort of cup with a top on it. It was decorated with a moon and a smattering of stars.
"Well, that had to be interesting." Personally, Khali didn't have a particular dislike for snakes, but she wouldn't really want them near her. Kaveri was okay, because she was...mostly human. But still. Once the paper was completely gone, and the tea cup was visable she smiled brightly, "Oh, Armel. God. It's lovely!" The celestial pattern on it just made it that much more awesome. Probably the actual reason she liked it. She didn't drink tea.
"You know me well," she laughed, "Though I suppose I'm easy to shop for. Thank you."
The boy grinned a bit and shrugged, "Yseem to like this celestial sorta stuff, so I guess it makes me think of ye a lot when I see stuff like that." He said sounding modest as a boot pushed against the ground bashfully. "Glad ye seem to like it," he added cheerfully.
He shifted his weight from one foot to the other. "So, wanna talk for a few minutes while ye watch yer siblings?"
"I do. I love it. I just hope the little brats don't break it!" She laughed again and carefully set it to the side on a higher table where it wouldn't be knocked over before she moved to sit down on the porch. She didn't care if her skirts got dirty, like she had before. Washing machines were useful, and Aiden was the slave. Well. She never said that outloud, but it was true. She wasn't allowed to touch it just yet.
"Of course. What have you been up to, other than chasing after snake siblings?"
The young boy sat next to his friend after she had sat down and looked around idly almost missing her question, "Hmm? Oh not much other than that. Just kinda takin stuff easy and practicin." He sighed lightly, "Ts kinda borin I suppose, almost like the entire world is jus holdin its breath for somethin."
He leaned back a bit looking upward toward the small bit of sky he could see from the porch, "Maybe ts me bein restless," Armel said with a small shrug before turning his golden gaze over to Khali. "What about you?"
"Reading."
A grin quirked on the girl's lips. It was the typical answer that one would expect from her, if they knew her well enough, "Visiting Adonis. We met at the planetarium. He had a dream about kissing me." There was a snicker at that, "He kind of ran out of the planetarium after that. I don't know why. It didn't bother me."
Khali's head turned toward her friend, "You know, if you're restless, you should fix that. Get out more?"
He raised an eyebrow at that and then shrugged, "I see," is all he said to it. Armel wasnt sure how to respond or if he was responding correctly. The ram-horned boy just decided to shrug it off. Adonis was his friend and if his friend wanted to dream about kissing another friend of his ... There was no issue was there? A metaphorical seed planted itself firmly in the boys core getting comfortable and waited for its chance to bloom.
"Mmm, I guess." He said thankful for the chance to not linger on the train of thought he had been following for a brief second. "Maybe I should go out and meet others an stuff. Go to th stationary store an all that," the boy said quietly.
"That may be a good idea," she agreed with a nod, "I need to do the same. But dad's been having me watch the younger kids lately. He graduated medical school, and he's in residency now, and so he's not home as much as he was when he was studying. I don't see why he doesn't just hire a babysitter, though." She really hated dealing with her younger siblings most of the time.
"Can always come see me and keep me from throttling one of th--" she was cut off by a VERY loud bang as Cyrus threw a pot at a nearby tree, "...Them. Cyrus! Do not throw the cookware!" she was, of course, ignored.
Armel nodded a bit, "Ill come by more often anyways. Cant promise tvisit ye everyday." He shrugged. "I think Teacher would get a lil upset at me if I snuffed im off or somethin," the boy said with a small chuckle.
A single eye squinted closed at the loud noise that ensued along with the yelling. His ears were sensitive to that sort of sound. "Full of pissnvinegar aint he?" he mumbled softly.
"Who said anything about everyday? Sorry, Mel, you're dear to me and I loved living with you, but even then I didn't see you every day." She laughed, then, and gave him a squeeze before she popped herself up and made her way toward the small child, picking him up and dragging him away from the pots. "Now, see what you made me do, Cyrus?" Off she went to the playpen she'd erected outside and put him inside with one of the smaller noise making toys. If he didn't have it, he'd go nuts. Thankfully, he didn't protest too much.
Once that was done she sat herself down again, harumphing, "He's the guardian of Music. Unfortunately his music skills aren't exactly developed yet."
He as squeezed and let out a soft non-committal, hmmph sound and just watched as she collected the sibling and put him in the playpen. "Indeed? All we have is a Naga, a four-armed thing, a living doll, and a few other oddities." He shrugged a little not seemingly bothered.
Armel looked down at his feet for a few moments, looking lost in thought and he unintentionally began spacing out.
"Am I boring you, Mel?" she asked a minute later, cocking her head to the side. He seemed to be quiet today, and a bit...Well, not all there, and Khalindra was wondering if she was saying or doing something wrong. "You're being awfully...Quiet. Well, moreso than usual. And not focused."
Of course he could have other things on his mind, but really, the girl was a bit confused.
He snapped his head up again blinking and then shrugged, Dunno, he laughed, bein silly I guess. No ye arent borin me. Jus feel a little outta sorts I guess. He was happiest at the forge but as of late that seemed to do very little to soothe his mind and soul.
"Jus feel like I oughta be somewhere, I guess." He admitted crossing his arms over his chest, "Or somewhere where I am covered by earth or somethin, but I dont mean flike an hour or two, maybe a bit longer than that."
"That's odd." Khalindra pondered, crossing her owm arms over his chest and leaning her head against his shoulders as she kept a watchful eye on the younger children. Cyrus had a tendency to get out of that playpen when he really wanted to. "Maybe try burying yourself in the sand at the beach? You know like they do in some of those movies? Up to the neck?"
It was worth a shot, she supposed. "That way you can still breathe, and be in earth."
Armel sighed lightly and went silent, showing that he was lending some careful thought to Khalis suggestion. After a brief pause he responds, "Suppose I could try that," Armel chuckled for a second, "Would look awful silly, to other folk." Not that he cared much what others thought of what he did or why he did it.
"Might go up to some mountains or somethin go explore them?" He said thoughtfully. That idea seemed to have some merit as well. Hed be surrounded by earth via rock formations and the like. The more he thought about it the more respectable an idea it seemed.
"Lots of things are silly to other people. But if it makes you happy, that's what matters." Khalindra closed her eyes to lend her attention to a yawn before they popped open again and she turned them toward Mel, "That sounds like a good idea too. Think your dad will go for it?" Well, Khali knew Pales was a bit..Okay, far more relaxed than her own father about things. "Or will you have to convince him to take the family?"
Armel lapsed into a thoughtful silence again before speaking, "Dunno he might or might not. He may make me bring someone with me that can guide me through the mountains." He admitted quietly, "So it could be a fifty-fifty toss up, aye?" he laughed lightly.
"Either way it might mean Ill be gone for a while." At this he seemed sad, it would mean he wouldnt be able to see his friends for the moment and he might have to put his training on hold for a while, unless he can suitably finish up his apprenticeship. He was, after all, learning trade rather quickly. Even his master, Morian, grudgingly admitted that Armel was an apt pupil.
"Well, is it that you need to be alone, or would you mind someone there with you? I'd say if it made you happy, you could put up with the guide. Or try to lose him and make him lose his mind thinking he lost you. But that's kind of mean." There was a devious smirk at the idea. Yeah. She wasn't that mean...Really. She wasn't.
..Maybe.
"Being gone for a while is a little disappointing. I'll miss you, of course, and I'm sure your other friends would too. But sometimes you have to do what is right for you, do you not?"
Armel shrugs, "Dunno if Id want someone wi me or not. It seems a little private thave someone oglin after me all the time." He said thoughtfully. After all this was something akin to a personal journey in order to find himself in the depths of a mountain or whatever he decided to do.
"Ill miss ye as well, an Donny, an Viddy, ah hell Ill miss everybody, really." He admitted with a bit of a chuckle. "Not much tbe done for it though..."
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Posted: Wed Dec 17, 2008 6:39 pm
// Armel& Khali
It had been quite a while since Khalindra had been to the stationary shop. Actually, it had been a while since she'd been anywhere. Aiden had finally started up his internship and while, now that she was older, she was given more freedoms it also came with the responsibility of babysitting. Babysitting was officially her least favorite part of being a pre-teen, if not her least favorite part of being a sister as well. Not that she enjoyed being a sister much as it was. Babies were annoying, and she couldn't stand them nine times out of ten.
Today was a surprise. Today, Khalindra wasn't in her usual dresses and tiered skirts with that gypsy flare. A simple pair of flared bell bottom jeans clothed her bottom, though the ever present peasant tops didn't seem to have a chance to go away. This one wasn't a simple white one, but a bright and sunny, if not pale, yellow embroidered with golden suns. As much as the Tale enjoyed her usual fashion, sometimes jeans were more feasible, and the heavy tiered skirts she wore could sometimes get fairly hot. Summer wasn't over yet, and at least the jeans and light material of the shirt were a small refuge.
Khali pulled the door open, the small bell ringing to announce her arrival, and peeked around. Nearly empty. Huh. Shaking her head, she grabbed a book randomly from a nearby shelf and threw herself down on the floor against the wall to simply sit there and read. Any place without crying toddlers was A-OK in her book.
Armel was in the midst of preparations for a trip off to some mountainous area but at the moment he was simply gathering funds and in the middle of his apprenticeship. His teacher, while usually a gruff and unforgiving taskmaster, was being rather light with the workload this week giving him time to ponder and unfortunately find the monster called ‘boredom’.
Boredom was a vile thing and it made Armel indecisive about what to do during the long lulls in which nothing needed to be done other than thinking and sometimes his mind wandered endlessly without mercy onto things he’d rather not ponder. Such as wondering where his sibling Serkan had wandered off to and when she would return to darken the doorsteps once more, things like that were better unthought-of.
So now the young lad found himself at the Stationary Shop, or rather at the door of it, and pondering an entry to see what was new. He wore a pair of jeans, work boots, and a simple black t-shirt with white lettering reading, ‘What the hell do you want?’ over the front. There was another new addition to the lad’s face and that is the light addition of facial hair. Modest for the moment.
After a few moments of thought he pushed the door open and wandered in.
“’Llo?”
Oh! She knew that voice. Mischief came over the Tale and she carefully slipped the book into the bookshelf, pushing herself onto her feet and carefully maneuvering around the bookshelves and various racks to sneak around Armel. Fairly certain she could make it without any big screw ups, Khali dropped down to her hands and knees, crawling along the floor when she didn't have cover and using careful foot falls to make her way behind him.
Once there, the Tale took three steps back, and launched herself at his back, wrapping her arms around his neck and giggling, "GUESS WHO!?"
It wasn't often that Khali was in such an exuberant mood, and rarer still that she even went out of her way to cause mischief. So today was special - maybe she should have been cooped up more often.
He was glancing straight ahead certainly not at the ground level as Armel wasn’t expecting anything to be at that point. Thus the ram-horned boy was positively and absolutely unaware of the young female Tale sneaking about intent on doing mischief upon him.
Thus she managed to, quite successfully, pounce upon his back and grasp on him. Armel’s reaction was that of a yelp and a moment struggling panic until he heard the voice upon which he slowly began to relax, "Kh..Khali," He said with a soft few quick pants of breath. "Ye scared me out of m’ wits, lass," he chided her but in a friendly fashion.
There was a giggle, and a quite enthusiastic kiss to his cheek before she slipped down off of him and took her place in front of him, "Mission accomplished, then." she said with a teasing laugh, crossing her arms over her chest. "You haven't come to see me at all, or even answered my letter. So I don't feel bad at all about making you want to piss yourself."
A playful chide in itself, though there was some level of disappointment. She hadn't really seen him since he'd decided to go off to the mountains for a while, and she'd honestly just assumed he'd left without telling her. Obviously, she was wrong, since he was standing here (unless he just hadn't gone yet, in which case, he HAD no excuse, silly dwarf-thing) so she had a right to be a bit upset. Not that she'd ever say it out loud. Too much pride to admit to missing someone in public. Hah.
Armel looked abashed once Khalindra faced him and then began to chide him about various things that he ought to have done and had yet to do. “Good thing I didn’t piss m'self,” he muttered as a faint color came up to his cheeks. He held his arms toward his back, clasping his hands there as he pondered a reply to the letter comment and why he hadn’t come over.
"I got yer letter, lass," he admitted, "I even ‘ad a reply for ye but I didn’ae get a chance to send it to ye yet." Armel chuckled lightly with a small shrug. "As fer th’ visits, well I been busy gettin’ ready an' stuff. Ye know I wouldn’ae go without sayin’ g’bye."
That seemed to make the Tale smile a bit, "Well, if you did, you'd never hear the end of it. Cy and Selah are at the stage where they parrot people's words. I'd stick babies on you. The worst fate possible, I assure you!" Khali shook her head and leaned against the check out counter, tilting her head to the side, "Did you get your father to approve the trip, then?"
Pales was pretty laid back, so she hadn't figured there would be much of an issue with Armel being allowed to go, but in the off chance that she'd have to turn on her little girl charm, she figured she'd just ask.
Armel fidgeted uneasily, “Anythin but that, lass. That’d be cruel,” he teased although a bit nervously. Babies and small sized children didn’t frighten him so long as they didn’t come in pairs. So far his only dealings with anything younger than five or six years old had been his sister, Kaveri. He wanted to keep it that way for at least a little while.
“Aye, Da allowed it with some resistance. Thinks something bad might happen if’n I go alone, but...I got him to approve.” He laughed lightly.
"That's good." Khalindra answered after a moment, "You'll be careful and come back in one piece, right? You're not going to go off and get lost in the mountains and get eaten by a bear? I think I'd have to beat you upside the head once they found you and wheeled you away to the hospital, injuries or no, you know." She flashed a grin at that. Her threats were so...creative, weren't they? Well, okay, not really - but she seemed to be genuinely happy that her friend got to do what she knew he needed to do.
He wrinkled his nose at her as he listened to her threats before he teased back at her, “Ah, lass, ye’d be too distraught to think o’ doin’ such a thing t’me as I lay there a-bleedin’.” Armel grinned lightly and shrugged.
“Either way I don’ plan on lettin’ no bear take a taste o’ me nor do I plan on lettin’ a mountain defeat me,” he said with a kinder tone to his voice as he watched his dearest friend, “I’ll come back t’ye safe and sound.” He offered over his hand as if to seal the deal with a handshake.
Khalindra reached out, taking his hand and giving it a squeeze, "Try me," she said levely, silver eyes twinkling slightly beneath her golden locks, "But I'm glad you don't plan on letting anything like that happen. I'd miss you, and I'd worry." Softer, still. "You're my best friend, Armel. I can't imagine you not here."
A serious moment, perhaps. But the truth was, as much as she trusted Armel, she knew that wild animal attacks DID happen, and Armel was very much a kid still. Against a three hundred odd pound animal, he wasn't going to make much a fight.
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Posted: Wed Dec 17, 2008 6:41 pm
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