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Oh! So he actually splashed her back? Nadiya's gaze widened in surprise as she simply stared at the Yaeli for a long moment, her hair dripping wet from both her own actions and the recent splash that had sent shivers down her spine. Perhaps the water was a bit chilly after all. Still that didn't stop her from wanting to play around a bit longer. It was honestly the only thing that kept her mind at ease, the more she moved the less she had to think about the incident in the garden. However, after a few more rounds of splashing when she was moving around in the water to splash Jolanta again Matori slipped and found herself falling towards the Yaeli.

Her hands instinctively reached out to brace herself and as she clung to his damp clothing Nadiya realized just how close their bodies were and how close her lips were to his own. A light flush decorated her cheeks and in that moment it was almost as if she were tempted to lean forward to try and see what it would be like to kiss those lips, but the crashing of the waves around her broke the spell and the Matori quickly pulled back. Glancing quickly to the side she wrapped her arms around her chest, her skin glistening with drops of water in the moonlight but acting as a shield for the damp tunic that clung to her body, "Ah. I'm sorry, I slipped." She found herself finally saying before twisting so that she could flash him a small smile, "I suppose that's a good sign, right? We can go rest in that cavern now, there should be some drift wood for a small fire, and once we dry we can just sleep. Then tomorrow we'll just go in and get this whole thing over with so that we both can get on our way." On their way, him with his money and her with her....well whatever it was that awaited her next. Probably Belrea so she could continue with her music. Nadiya swallowed, the motion seemingly difficult as she wiped at her damp eyes, "Thank you for entertaining my silly request and for playing around with me." She managed before wiping at her face, surely it was just the ocean water that had gotten her eyes wet and not her burning gaze.

Without another word the Matori waded through the waters so that she could get to the beach. From there she could lead the way along the familiar path to the cliffs where during her younger years she had often escaped from her home to enjoy her music and the ocean. Thankfully the materials from a few years ago would still be there and she could quickly make a small fire that they could warm themselves next to for the night. The few blankets she had would make a makeshift bed, well two small ones, for the two of them though Nadiya wondered if she could even find it in herself to sleep considering the worries that haunted her mind and her heart.

"Whoops." Nadiya joked lightly as she tried to calm her racing heart, "I guess we interrupted them." A small smile flickered across her face before she curled up against the cavern wall and pulled the blanket around her shoulders, "If you're certain." What had she been expecting? It was obviously the best decision for him to take a defensive position...it wasn't like she could ask him to share the corner with her. Instead she just settled into a comfortable enough position with her knees tucked up against her chest.

As she sat there silently lost in her thoughts Nadiya found herself startled by the sudden words from Jolanta, "You...did?" She replied, her gaze shifting from the floor and towards the Yaeli, "I'm glad to hear that." She smiled as she rested her head on her knees, "Honestly if you weren't here I doubt I would have been able to handle any of this so thank you again." Her cheeks darkened just a bit, "Despite everything bad, I think all the nice moments were well worth it." It was a sheepish statement that had her gaze drifting back towards the floor, "But I suppose we should try to get some rest for tomorrow, Jol."

After a brief moment she shifted to lay down, "Good night." Tomorrow was another day after all and for now she would just try to calm her mind, ease her nerves and just focus on resting so that she could brave her family tomorrow. Though a part of her was almost fearful, almost as if worried that should she go to sleep now everything that happened would only be a dream. Closing her eyes Nadiya let out a soft sigh. Tomorrow is a new day. And she would be ready to face it.

Nadiya's lips curled up into a smile of contentment as she listened to Jolanta, "I'm really glad." She repeated once more as she drifted towards sleep. At least she knew that she had left him with a good memory. Even when tomorrow's meal was over and they went their separate ways the Matori was thankful that she had at least managed to bring a smile to those 'Steel Eyes'. Despite everything she couldn't resist falling asleep either, her tired body succumbing the allure of dreams and rest.

In the morning sunlight would slowly turn the deep blues of the ocean waves to a glowing amber tinted with rose and golden flecks of light. Nadiya was slow to stir but when she did she quickly tried to tame her wild waves of hair into a simple enough braid, something that surprisingly touched her lower back. Now that she thought about it being in this familiar cavern was oddly reminiscent and she had to wonder about who she was now compared to who she used to be. The thought caused a frown to flicker across her delicate features before she quickly shook her head against the thoughts. She wasn't exactly back to the child she had been yet she was no longer the rebel that she had become in her teenage years.

I suppose today will mark a new chapter. Nadiya found herself letting out the faintest of sighs before she quickly patted down her now dry tunic and tried her best to wipe the dirt and sand from her clothing. Shaking her arms free of as much sand as possible she twisted on her heels and peered towards the entrance of the cave, "Jol.....are you awake?" Her voice drifted over softly, a gentle tone in her question as she slowly moved forward so that she could check on the Yaeli. They had a long morning ahead of them after all and it was best if they could get back to the manor soon.

A hint of a warm flush decorated her cheeks as she nodded, "I slept alright. How about you? I'm sorry it wasn't a nice bed." Her gaze darted downwards guiltily, a part of her ashamed that she hadn't considered his comfort in her decision to spend the night outside away from a nice bed, "At least it adds to the illusion that I'm willing to spend extra time with you?" She shook her head, her braid bouncing with the motion, "But yes we should head back." As she spoke the Matori made certain that she had everything, not that she had carried much with her save for her own self and the clothes on her back but it was still habit to check. Though as she did go through the motions Nadiya found her hands pausing over the small sea chest that she had pulled the blankets from last night. Inside there was a small cedar box that she had once hid treasures in - small trinkets mainly that her younger siblings would have loved to have gotten a hold of.

Her lips pursing ever so slightly in concentration Nadiya clicked open the brass latch and browsed through the old trinkets until finally her fingers curled around a small ring, a silver band with a turquoise stone in the center, "I think I have a good idea to make this more resolute." She smirked as she held up the ring so that Jolanta could see it, "Would you mind using a prop for this?" Her amber gaze glinted mischievously, a cover up for how it strangely made her heart skip a beat to propose such an idea, "We'll go and have the meal, I'll apologize for last night but we had a squabble with some from the party so we felt it best to leave for the night and then I'll show them why I can't stay home." She nodded her head, "Since we'll be serious about this and we're wanting to travel one last time before settling together....as a couple."

The words caused her to take a deep breath, an attempt to calm her nerves as she glanced over at Jolanta. It was a risk, more for the way that she was still finding herself confused about things that involved the Yaeli, but it would be a final move. She doubted her mother and father would contest once they saw how serious she was. The Matori studied Jolanta, her stomach full of butterflies as she held out her ringed hand, "Are you ready? We'll walk back now, get through this meal, pack my bags and I'll pay you once we leave Matori and head our separate ways." The words sounded final and for some reason they were very hard to get past her lips. Separate ways... That was how they planned it and that was how they both wanted things...right?

Nadiya nodded, "My family is quite stubborn but they respect commitment. If I show them this then it'll be a sign that I'm truly serious about...." Her voice trailed off before she forced herself to finish the sentence, "Everything." There was no way that she could utter the words 'loving him' again, not to his face like last time! There was just something about it that made her feel strange. Surely it was just that she felt awkward dragging him through such a charade but for the sake of freedom it was definitely worth it. And he would be happy with the pay...that was why he was here after all.

As he agreed to her plans Nadiya found herself nodding, oddly a bit lack luster compared to her typical enthusiastic responses. Still she led the way, down the cliffs and across the beach to where the manor was. In the daylight the garden still had some remnants of a party and a couple of hired hands were working on cleaning up as Nadiya waved towards them and made her way to the great hall of her home, "Hello?" She called out, her heart tight in her chest as she waited for word to arrive to her family that she was here.

And of course it was Ahren who arrived, "Diya!" He crossed the hall so that he could grab her lightly by the shoulders, his amber gaze inspecting every inch of her, "Where did you go? Are you alright?"

"I'm fine." Nadiya reached up so that she could gently remove his hands, "Jol and I encountered a bit of a problem last night so after we dealt with it we had to leave. I'm really sorry if I worried you. Is everyone in the dining hall? Or has breakfast stopped being a thing?"

Ahren's brow furrowed, his expression thoughtful as he studied his sister a moment longer, "If you're certain...." He glanced past her towards Jolanta and gave a nod of his head before glancing over at his sister again, "Then they are in the dining hall...are you wishing to meet them now?"

"I am. Do you think two more plates can be set for us?" She smiled at him before reaching out a hand towards Jolanta so that she could capture his arm with her own, "We don't have much time so I wanted to show Jol to our parents before I had to leave again."

"So soon?" Ahren shook his head, "We could let you take the time to...clean up a bit and then come talk with us for an evening meal?"

"Nah, I procrastinated enough last night and I'd rather just talk to them now." The Matori girl smiled firmly, "Please?"

"Fine, if you insist." Ahren shook his head before glancing around and lowering his voice, "I hope you know what you are doing, sister."

"Don't worry~ I've got this."

And with that stated Ahren opened the doors leading to the dining hall, the area now swept of the party decor and instead only housing a long dining table that was full of fruits and freshly cooked food. It was a good breakfast and one that Nadiya had been counting on since her parents often tried to take the time to share at least one big meal or two with their son while he was home. It was a shame though to see that her other siblings weren't at the table but it was nothing that deterred Nadiya as she tugged Jolanta along after her into the hall, "Mother, Father." She called out her voice ringing through the room.

At the sound the two older Matori glanced up with surprise. Her mother, a woman who still shined with beauty despite her age, found herself pushing up against the table so that she could stand, "Nadiya." She whispered her daughter's name as her skirts swished around her ankles and she headed forward so that she could wrap her daughter in her arms, "Ahren told me that you were here, but since you disappeared last night I was so worried!"

Nadiya nodded before squeezing her mother's waist, "I'm fine, mother. I'm glad to see you as well." She smiled as she took a step back and nodded towards her father who was still sitting at the table, a worn look decorating his silver tinted features, "I truly had every intention to talk to you all last night but things occurred and I had to leave." As she spoke she took another step backwards and stood next to Jolanta, "As it is I wanted to introduce you to someone that I've met during my travels." She beamed towards her parents and glanced to Jolanta, "Jol meet my parents."

"At long last." Nadiya's mother quirked a brow, her lips turning downwards ever so slightly into a thoughtful frown as she glanced towards her daughter, "I know you've been gone from home for a while but I didn't hear about any companion, dear." She shook her head, her delicate curls bouncing in their bob, before motioning towards the table, "Either way there is plenty of food since we had left overs from the party. I also hope your sister is well?" Her amber gaze, the same one that Nadiya and Ahren both sported, was sharp as she studied her daughter again.

"She's fine." Nadiya nodded as she reached out with a hand to gently nudge Jolanta forwards to the table to sit next to her, "She's well taken care of and has been enjoying Belrea whole heartedly." The Matori smiled towards her mother, "I brought gifts from the two of us that Ahren should have with him since I uh....well you know getting separated from the caravan and all." She shrugged her shoulders as her parents exchanged a worried look, "Thankfully though Jol was with me and he kept me safe the whole way back." As she spoke she speared one of the delicate fruit pastries with the silver engraved fork and without much care broke a piece off so that she could drop it on Jolanta's plate before eating the rest herself. It was best to act casual and not let her parents realize that every glance they shared worried her.

"Is that so?" Her father suddenly spoke as he glanced between the pair, his voice surprisingly gentle compared to the stern expression that often rested on his face, "Then I must thank you for keeping our precious daughter safe. We would do anything to protect her, you know." His gold gaze glinted in the sunlight that seeped into the hall through the open windows and that calculating expression was one that Nadiya knew well. Despite his gentle voice the man could indeed be a bit tough and stubborn about things. Though thankfully Nadiya knew he had a soft spot for her, something that would both work in her favor and against her here. Typical father protectiveness and all.

Mostly she worried about her mother who was silently poking around at some fruits, "He was definitely a life savor." Nadiya smiled as she spoke up again quickly, "He's helped me out so much since we met, more than just the caravan incident." As she poured two glasses of water, passing one to Jolanta, Nadiya continued to speak, "Actually there's a couple of stories and such if you're interested." She glanced towards Jolanta with a smile as if urging him to nod here and there as she continued to just spin stories - some fake, a bit twisted from their actual experiences, and others true if not placed in a later time line to make their relationship stretch over months rather than days. Then when she wasn't talking about Jolanta she was sharing with her parents the wonders of Belrea and discussing with Ahren how if he were to be very adventurous that opening a trade route there would definitely guarantee never before seen goods. It was just mostly casual conversation that Nadiya used to calm her nerves as she slowly picked at food and shared portions with Jolanta while making certain to play as if they were super close.

Not that it was hard to imagine being close to Jolanta considering everything they had been through, but Nadiya was certain he was probably itching to get far away from her. The thought caused her hand to shake in midair and she almost dropped a piece of bread, something that she was thankful no one truly caught since her parents were talking about Belrea with Ahren. Now that Nadiya had brought it up it would be interesting to see about contacting Belrean traders and perhaps doing exchanges in Sauti for their goods in the market.

And then when things seemed to be peaceful the doors opened again and two Matori boys came in, identical in looks, and slightly younger than Nadiya by a few years, "Oh look! Diya actually lives!" Both grinned as they moved to settle in at the table and stuff their faces with food. Nadiya could only roll her eyes as she shook her head at Jolanta, "Don't mind them they're just like that."

It was easy enough to sit in silence as the family continued to discuss things only shooting a random question towards Nadiya and Jolanta here and there. But distractions could only last for so long as her mother finally spoke up, "Nadiya dear. You do know that conversation we had before you left...are you still settled on that? A few suitors were at the event last night and we were curious if anyone had gained your attention."

"Mama!" Nadiya found herself gasping, partly from the fear and anger that surged at the memory of that disgusting jerk and also from how boldly her mother had broached the subject, "As you can obviously tell my decision is still where it is." Her gaze softened as she glanced towards Jolanta, "I'm so sorry, I'll take blame since I didn't write to them about you just yet. Everything happened so quickly..."

"Jol is not just your friend then? I know you mentioned that you weren't interested in suitors but you never mentioned who was to blame for that." Replied her mother quietly as she studied the Yaeli, "Forgive me, Jol." She crossed her legs, the silks moving like water with the fluidity of the movement, "But my daughter is a very playful sort and we never finished a previous discussion. I do not mean to be rude, but I simply cannot believe that she would have someone without telling us for so long. It seems too convenient, almost as if she's trying to slip away again before responsibility lights her path."

"Mother..." Ahren murmured but their father shook his head at his son.

"So you're insinuating that Jol is just here as a cover up for me wanting to just flee again?" Nadiya found her voice raising ever so slightly as her cheeks flushed. Even if it was true it was still hurtful that her mother still believed her to be a wasteful child! While she couldn't freely share her musical endeavors with the woman it didn't mean that she was wasting her life away! And then to speak like this in front of Jol?! It made her cheeks flush, "I can promise you that I'm serious with Jol and he with me. I don't want anything to do with any of your chosen suitors, one even tried to be improper towards me last night!" The truth slipped from her lips as she stared down at her mother, "That was why I chose to spend the night with the man I felt safe with rather than venturing back into the pool of snaptrotters you had set for me!"

"Nadiya...." Her mother seemed to slip before she straightened her shoulders and regained her resolve, "I can accept that you've been gone a while and that you needed extra time to find your place, but I've waited long enough. Both your father and I worry about you daughter and honestly I don't know this man with you. You tell stories, but you've always told stories...what am I to believe?"

"I..." Nadiya's gaze was burning as she glanced down the table towards the woman. So many years of worrying about her mother's health, of hiding so many truths about her life, of trying her best to please the woman before slipping away again. It seemed that their lives were just at odds with each other and while she loved her family and knew they meant her no harm it still stung that her mother simply couldn't seem to understand her. They were always so hard working, she had been that way as well up to a certain degree. It had just shifted towards music instead of trade. Who was to blame her for her mother's twin dying in such a tragic manner? Why was that supposed to stop her from practicing music like her aunt had as well?

It simply wasn't fair.

"Mother I'm sure that's not the case." Ahren's voice broke through her defeated thoughts and Nadiya found herself blinking in surprise towards her brother, "Why would you be so harmful? Jol was with me when I picked up Nadiya and he was very courteous on our trip. He defended the caravan when bandits attacked as well."

"Exactly!" Nadiya found herself nodding as she smiled towards Jolanta before peering back towards her mother, "Mama I know it may be hard for you to understand but I truly do love Jol. I can't see myself with anyone else." She held up her hand, "That's why I had to meet you all today. We have to get back on our trip so that he can finish up business and I can get back to my sister in Belrea. Then afterwards we wanted to see about getting your blessing..."

"Nadiya..." Her father spoke up, "Is this true, Jol?" The older Matori studied the pair, his gaze thoughtful as he watched his daughter's reactions before glancing to his wife.

"Did....she hire you?" Teased one of her younger brothers as he leaned against the table with his elbows to study the pair, "Why else would anyone deal with our sister?" He chuckled as his twin nudged him with a wide grin.


"Enough you guys!" Nadiya raised her shoulders as she pushed away from the table and stood, "I won't have you insulting Jol any longer. We're together, please try to accept that I have feelings for him and I've made a commitment." She moved so that she could place an arm around Jolanta, "And you know what? I don't care what you think as long as you know that I'm not marrying anyone else!" Her mother opened her mouth as if to protest more but Nadiya was frustrated, tired of hearing arguments and in the heat of the moment she made contact with Jolanta's gaze a desperate plea in her amber eyes before moving so that she could capture his lips with her own.

And that indeed stopped all the comments from everybody in the room.

Nadiya felt her cheeks flush as Jolanta said that there was nobody else that he would want to drag him around like she did. Perhaps it was those sweet words and the way that he seemed to fit the role, the way that he went along with it so well that had spurred her to kiss him. Maybe it was even a selfish desire since she had been secretly eyeing those lips for a bit now, not that she would openly admit to such a thing and the desire was still in that mix of confusion that she had yet to figure out. But one thing was for certain as he took her hand after the kiss instead of rejecting her the Matori's heart skipped a beat.

Even if it was an act she couldn't lie about how happy she was in that moment.

"Darling, I think we should leave things be." Nadiya blinked as words finally registered with her. Her father was standing, his hand firmly on his wife's shoulder as she simply stared at the pair of lovers. Was he supporting them? Her own gaze burned as she stared up at her father's gentle expression.

"Papa." The word slipped from her mouth as she clutched at Jolanta's hand and smiled towards her parents, "Do you really mean that it's okay?"

Her father nodded, "If he's capable of surviving your quirks and tells me honestly that he doesn't mind being dragged about by you then who am I to complain?" The older Matori shot Jolanta a look, "Though I expect a much better conversation with you next time. We'll have to meet up again whenever you two have time to stop by home."

"Of course!" Nadiya beamed, "I'm so sorry that we have to leave so soon but I really need to get back to Neryssa and Jol has business that simply can't wait." She let go of Jol's hand so that she could wrap her arms around her father who had come to stand before them, "Thank you again, Papa."

"You should go soon though." Whispered her father as her mother had already slipped from the room, "I'll talk to your mother and surely next time you come home she'll give a better greeting." He glanced over at Jolanta and gave a firm nod, "Take care of her, please." u

"Oh he will!" Nadiya gave her father one more squeeze before moving backwards, "I love you all...I just..."

Her father shook his head as Ahren came over to give his sister a hug as well, "Don't worry we know. I hope your music is going well." His voice was low as he glanced about the emptying room, "You should spend more time at home in the future certainly."

"I will, Papa." Nadiya nodded, "But for now I really just want to spend time with Jol and work on my own studies." It was a bit bittersweet having her father's blessing and her mother's confusion, hopefully not disdain, but at least Nadiya felt a weight leave her shoulders. No more fiances, no more awkward meetings, none of that! She could go to Belrea and then be free again! Though her gaze darted towards Jolanta at the thought and for a moment it felt as if things weren't so happy. Would she ever see him again once they parted? Blinking her gaze against the sudden burning sensation the girl simply reached for her father one last time, gave him a kiss on the cheek, and then pulled back so that she could latch her arm through Jolanta's again, "I suppose we'll head out then. I'll try to come home by Summer if not earlier, promise."

And that was that.

The silence was awfully heavy as Nadiya glanced towards Jolanta, "Me too." She found herself saying, the words for some reason lackluster as she studied the Yaeli, "I mean um...yeah. I guess I'm still in shock that it went without too much trouble though I'm sure my mother will be in a mood for a few weeks." She shook her head, her braid bouncing with the movement, "As it is I'll go grab my belongings and your coin. So you can meet me outside!" The words were sour in her mouth and without much warning the Matori was darting from the room.

Strange how slowly she packed and how each movement seemed so dull. Nadiya pursed her lips, her gaze heavy with mixed emotions, but she didn't stop moving. She continued packing, packing all of her belongings and along with them the feelings and memories of what had only been fantasy. Once he had his coin he would go his own way and she would be heading back to Sauti to get back to Belrea. And from there they would leave their separate lives. It wasn't a surprise, it was what they had planned but for some reason it just didn't settle well with her. But I'm just being greedy. She closed her eyes against the temptations of her desires before shutting her trunk firmly, the sound echoing in the emptiness of her room.

Back to music, back to performing and living life the way I always have before. She thought to herself as she clutched her fingers around the pouch of coins that were for Jolanta. On the way towards the front yard where he waited for her Nadiya would have plenty of time to try and numb her confusion and to ease back into the role of playful minstrel. There was after all no need to worry about something that never would be, not when they both had their own paths set before them. Exactly so get over it. She closed her eyes tightly, one last fight to gain control of herself, before she pushed open the doors and prepared to meet Jolanta for their final moments together.