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 Posted: Fri Jun 01, 2012 2:20 pm
It was pretty concrete, hunting Alpacas was harder than it appeared.
Rubbing her hands, Lifen had decided to take a break from all the camaraderie, taking a seat in a little sitting area that had been produced off and by itself near the new home, somewhere for those who enjoyed the quieter things in life to just sit and relax. Giving a sigh, she rubbed in to her knuckles, feeling the effects of her . . . rather sizely punches that she had knocked in to the fuzzy creature currently being checked over back in the stalls, red bruises already starting to show on her fair skin.
She was not quite made for beating things up in a hand-to-hand battle, but she was pretty proud of herself. Sore, too - Lifen was not used to being run over by a fuzzy four-legged tank in flight mode.
Giving a sigh, she wasn't sure if she was satisified, proud or sour about the whole situation in whole.
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Posted: Fri Jun 01, 2012 2:36 pm
Mengyao Miao was feeling quite satisfied with himself, for the most part. He'd managed to put in for retaining his own property - a grant that he hoped would go through relatively quickly, considering he had little to no desire to spend anymore time in a communal place like the tents he had been forced to make his residence for the past several weeks.
And he was trying very hard to studiously ignore the whole incident with the alpaca.
Walking along the outer rim of the horsemen enclosure, hands, as always, tucked into the long sleeves that draped over his arms, Mengyao made his way silently around the compound, his thoughts a million miles away, already planning on what he would do first when he was all set to move into his new home.
A familiar head of dark hair, however, caught his attention, and Mengyao slowed his steps, a small smile causing the corners of his lips to quirk upwards. On silent feet he made his way towards her, until he was right behind her.
"What are you doing, my dear?" he asked Lifen lightly, leaning over her shoulder and peering down at his best friend.
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Posted: Fri Jun 01, 2012 3:00 pm
It was a rather quiet night - and either Mengyao did indeed have soft feet, or Lifen was more distracted than usual, but when he finally was a breaths away from her, questioning her actions, she couldn't help but startle. At the spook, the smallest of squeaking sounds emitted from in her throat, eyes wide for a moment as it dawned on her whom the voice belonged to.
With a soft huff, she allowed her pulse to return to normal - it was odd that for a moment she thought it was an alpaca wanting revenge, wasn't it - she started picking at her knuckles again, face blushing with embarrassment.
"Just taking some time to unwind." she murmured, before turning her head towards him, eyes still on her hands. Lifting one, she wiggled her fingers a little, emphasizing it before grinning a little, even if they ached at the movement. "After-effects are a bit of a pain, and I figured just relaxing outside would help with the stinging, yourself?"
She wasn't exactly sure how to say "I punched an alpaca, you?" so this would do for now.
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Posted: Fri Jun 01, 2012 7:54 pm
He had startled her, which hadn't really been his intention - but Mengyao enjoyed the soft, surprised squeak that escaped Lifen's lips anyway, a smile curving his own upwards.
"My apologies," he said easily, and straightened, his hair - which was, for once, unbound - falling free about his shoulders. Under normal circumstances he would hardly have been seen in such a state, but there was no one else around and he had not felt the need to tie his hair back when he had been planning on sleeping relatively soon.
But now he had found something - or rather, someone - to keep him entertained, at least for a short amount of time.
His eyes caught Lifen's fingers - the bruises that raked over her knuckles, so blatantly obvious with such pale skin - and the smile dissipated almost immediately, a dark expression crossing over Mengyao's face. What on earth had happened?
"A moment," he said, and turned, abruptly disappearing into the darkness. Several moments passed before he returned, carrying a small bundle of what looked like clothing, but upon further examination turned out to be cloth bandages and a bowl of water. Silently, Mengyao made his way around the bench and took the seat beside her, setting the bowl of water into his lap. He reached out and took one of her hands in his, dipping a cloth into the water and pressing it to the red, swelled fingers.
"Getting into a bit of trouble, are we?" he murmured lightly, but there was a clear note of irritation in his voice.
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Posted: Fri Jun 01, 2012 8:53 pm
"No harm done." She murmured to him, before his disposition
It's not like she would have been able to hide it for long - her pale skin, (which had become paler as she was infected with insanity . . .) had always shown everything - with the exception of her legs, which beyond her bone structure hid cuts and bruises well enough. But, of course her best friend was different, he had a sixth sense about her little adventures. He always knew first when she'd get in trouble, or have a fight with a sister or something.
It was a little unfair.
As he stormed off, her eyes lidded a little, dark eyelashes hiding dual-toned eyes as she waited, expecting a lecturing or something. It was like waiting for her mother to arrive and just let loose about how strange and wild her little girl had gotten.
What she didn't expect was the water or the wrapping, and when he sat himself down in front of her and grabbed her hands, she was a little stunned, and willingfully offered her hands up to him. As he worked, she debated as to what to do, should she tell him? They did have to work towards picking up alpacas, right? And, she did complete that goal, with Neil's help, of course. What a sweet boy he was.
"I punched an alpaca." She came out with, in a bit of a defiant streak. It was kind of like a child being found out by her parents, but this was a little different, for it was Mengyao in front of her, and not her overbearing mother. A small little hiss escaped her mouth when the cloth went on her hands, the coolness almost heavenly and hellish on her knuckles. "I think I did well enough."
Okay, so telling him was easier than it sounded.
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Posted: Fri Jun 01, 2012 10:32 pm
He was not mad at Lifen, per say, but rather mad at whoever it was that had obviously done this to her. There were precious few things that Mengyao had in his life that he held in high regard anymore; so little things that he had managed to hold onto, and Lifen was one of those things. Seeing her injured, regardless of how it had happened, made him irrationally irritated.
It's because you're not capable of protecting her anymore.
Shut up, he told the voices in his head.
Which was part of the reason why he had stormed off, as it had been. Mengyao had not really wanted Lifen to see just how her injuries had angered him, so he had left quickly to gather medical supplies, calming himself in the process. It took him a few moments, but once he had managed to find (read: nicked from someone else) a few bandages and a dish of water, he made his way back to wear Lifen was.
Her fingers were too small in his. Mengyao remained silent as he pressed the damp cloth against her knuckles, focusing on the work.
"...an alpaca."
His hand slipped, accidentally pressing too hard against Lifen's injuries, a look of surprise mingled with horror crossing Mengyao's face. "You," he said, and then stopped, drawing his hand away from hers to relieve some of the pressure he had just intentionally put on it. "You...did what?"
He did not even really want to hear the word alpaca right about now. Mengyao resumed his ministrations of cleaning her hands, moving to the next one.
"...how well?" he asked, and though the tone was light, there were very clear implications beneath it.
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Posted: Fri Jun 01, 2012 11:16 pm
It was almost second nature for her to pout a little. She knew she wasn't in trouble at all, but she couldn't help it. Watching him fret over her hands was kind of amusing, ultimately. He worried over the littlest of things, and made sure that she was looked after - it was a little sweet.
HIs reaction to her news was a little peculiar and made her eyebrows raise, and an involuntary squeak, as soft as the wind escaped her lips when he slipped, but she tried to save face. He didn't hurt her, persay, he was just a little clumsy.
Cocking her head to one side lightly, she lifted her more free hand to pat the top of his, in attempt to soothe him. "I punched it. Right in the head." She admitted again, blushing a little at the sincerity. "A nice boil helped me corral it, and we sort of took turns. I think it's safe to say I - um . . ." She strayed, trying to find the right word, diverting her glance in a pause to think. "Walloped it?" Sounded about right. "Obviously I am not made for hand-to-hand combat."
But she was really proud of her battle with the alpaca. She would have to thank the boil again for his assistance. She let herself break a genuine smile, showing Mengyao that nothing serious had been damaged, just . . . some sore hands. She would be fine.
Her skin was only the colour of porcelain.
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Posted: Fri Jun 01, 2012 11:33 pm
He disliked showing weakness - and by that, he meant anything that wasn't his normal calm, collected facade, so carefully constructed. Anger, frustration, hurt, worry - it was all so weak. Mengyao did not even wish to show Lifen that side of him; he was a proud member of Conquest - he was not a child.
He could protect what he cared about.
"You...punched it?" asked Mengyao incredulously, pausing in his ministrations to give Lifen a surprised look. "A moment, let me rephrase that - you punched it?"
The change of emphasis was very clear, and he gave her a curious sort of glance that mingled with what appeared to have been exasperation mixed with frustration. Mengyao did not also miss the nice boil comment, tilting his head and eyeing Lifen.
"...a student of Amityville?" he asked her lightly. "My, my...so they're more helpful than they appear to be. I must find this nice boil and give him my thanks for assisting my dear friend in her time of need."
It was difficult to say whether or not he was being serious, and he was definitely not about to admit that his experience with wrangling the alpaca had gone slightly less than pleasing. Mengyao drew the damp cloth away from Lifen's hands and picked up a dry one, smoothing it over her knuckles, carefully drying each finger.
"...I do not like to see you hurt," he said quietly, pressing his lips together in irritation, but Lifen was smiling, and Mengyao side.
"You are a stubborn one," he said, almost pouting at her, as he reached for a bandage.
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Posted: Sat Jun 02, 2012 10:05 pm
His guarded emotions were a little baffling to the Artisan, she subconsciously started to tilt her head, eyebrows raised as she stared at her closest friend, trying to figure him out. "Mengyao . . ." She started, before he started to debate on the reality of her punching the alpaca. Puffing her cheeks a bit, she shuffled a bit to stand up straighter, attempting to look taller (to little avail.)
"I did indeed!" She admitted, looking at him through lidded eyes. "Worse that happened was I got bumped a little, but no worries okay?" she offered, before allowing the moment he was using to switch between washing her wounds to grabbing bandages to tap his head lightly. She also allowed herself a moment to run a hand through his let-down hair. He looked charming with his hair down, but no matter how often people told him, he'd always have it up.
Sighing softly, she gave him another smile, hoping to dispell whatever was ailing him. "I am sure you would have come to my rescue if anything were to go awry. I almost expect it." She admitted, giving a soft chuckle.
"It is not even like I got the boil's name." Her allyship with the dog-boil was innocent, she felt. Letting her hands fall again, she allowed him to continue in his administering, he seemed to be keeping himself busy with it.
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Posted: Sat Jun 02, 2012 10:32 pm
He was pouting, like a child. Mengyao hastily rearranged the expression on his face, trying to make it seem less ridiculous and more like the Mengyao she knew, calm, collected, and strong.
"I will always worry," he replied easily, but Lifen's hand on his head made him pause in his movements, her fingers gently sifting through the dark locks. He normally did not let anyone see him this way, but it was Lifen, and she had before. He felt slightly self-conscious all the same, and when she pulled away he pressed his lips together a little uncertainly.
Mengyao smoothed a bandage over her knuckles. "Yes," he said agreeably, his tone almost teasing as he added, "I am your knight in shining armor, am I not? I must protect the fair maiden from sheer disaster."
Pulling another cloth free, he reached for her second hand, winding it gently around her fingers. "Well, if you see him again," he said lightly, as though the matter was of little consequence to him. "Let him know that I am in his debt."
There was a few moments of silence while he worked steadily, the only sounds that of the crickets from the dark forest, the rustling of the breeze as it rifled the leaves of the trees. The night was peaceful, calm, quiet.
"...I ran into one of those blasted things as well," said Mengyao finally, half mumbling it in irritation.
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Posted: Sat Jun 02, 2012 10:56 pm
Lifen didn't miss the pouting, but when he started to pick himself up, she couldn't help but leave the amused smile on her face, watching him as he daintily worked on her hands, as if they were glass, almost.
"I assure you, I will not be replacing you in that respect." She offered up to him, "But I will see what I can do about thanking the boil." All she knew was he was tall - not like Mengyao, but still much taller than she was. Beyond that, she only knew he was a student, so she had that, right?
Hearing him start to mumble, she leaned in a little bit, holding his hand on her own as her face just about glowed in interest.
"Oh~? And how did that go, my dear Mengyao?" She questioned him, trying to come off as sweet, to break through his usual thick skin.
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Posted: Sat Jun 02, 2012 11:09 pm
He grumbled a little, but relented when he heard her say he wasn't about to be replaced. There weren't many things he still had consistent in his life - and Lifen was one of those few. She was a constant, when everything else was chaotic - and to even imagine being replaced was a horrible thing.
Mengyao suddenly found the bandages very, very interesting.
"It went, ah...fine," he mumbled, fumbling with the cloths. Lifen was holding his hand still, which was making it difficult to pretend as though he were actually being productive, and providing a very bad distraction.
"...sort of fine."
A pause.
"...not fine at all."
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Posted: Sat Jun 02, 2012 11:16 pm
Aw, he was pouting a little, wasn't he.
Scrinching a little downwards with her midsection, she looked up at him, trying to catch his emotions on his face as he admitted the chaos that was Alpaca capturing. Tilting her head slightly, she pursed her lips a little before testing the waters with an easy question.
"Well, did you catch the Alpaca in the end?" She murmured softly, "were there others assisting you? It almost sounds like you were up against some kind of super-alpaca or something." He just seemed so down about it.
"Tell me about it, it may make you feel better, hm?" She offered. Misery was always easier to have company.
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Posted: Sat Jun 02, 2012 11:20 pm
He was not pouting.
He was definitely not pouting.
Mengyao let his hair fall around his face without bothering to push it away, scowling a little as he finished tying the bandages into place. He shifted, studiously avoiding Lifen's gaze, and tried to figure out where he'd tucked his fan.
"...yes," he said, in an almost grumbling tone of voice. Almost. "Though there was this war clansman that attempted to take it away after we had both taken it down. A war clansman and one of the Halloween students, a girl."
His scowl grew more pronounced. "And it was some sort of super-alpaca. The damn thing wouldn't go down without putting up an enormous fight, which was a hassle."
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Posted: Sat Jun 02, 2012 11:33 pm
Testing out the feeling of her hands all bandaged up, she took the bowl of now slightly deluded water to the ground so that she could scoot closer to the taller horseman - for he was mumbling just a bit more, and she wasn't going to let anything get past her.
"So, it was not just I, fraternizing with the locals, hm?" She murmured, teasing her childhood friend. "I was not accompanied by anyone from the clans," she offered. Listening carefully, she started to nod a bit with his statements, a small smirk broke her concentration as he continued.
"It sounds like you have a very difficult dance with yours, Mengyao." She offered when he was done, not sure if she should be honest about how easy se felt roping the fluffy creature she was up against was. . . he was frustrated enough with how different their battles had gone.
"You did get it in the end, though, right? That was the most important part, she felt.
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