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 Posted: Fri Aug 21, 2015 7:43 am
He had returned from war and been thrust into responsibly. Nearly everyone wanted to talk about what exactly happened during the fight, why many soldiers ended up hurt despite their numbers, and where they would go from there. Nuri met with his master, persuading the man that he needed to go on his own journey and fulfill a greater good to the army.
It would be years until Nuri was able to ride a great war beast again, but that didn't mean he wouldn't do all he could to make a difference.
After many days of stating his case, working through the logistics, and finally determining the best path to go, Nuri was cleared to travel the lands and get as much research on the war-beasts of the other tribes. Even in peace, the Obans were wise enough to prepare for a war.
His family knew, but there was still someone Nuri needed to see and let know of his extended leave. Walking down the street in the twilight, Nuri rolled his still healing shoulder as he approached the Red Amaryllis. The lights and the sounds were quite blaring, and the scents filled the air with the laughter of dancers and men alike. Taking a deep breath, Nuri was surprised at the confidence he felt in entering the establishment, much different than what he had done before.
Now, he was more apprehensive of saying goodbye to the woman he had just reconnected with. They had spoken little during their last encounter, before heading off to war. He thought he saw flashes of her in the healer's tents, but even then he couldn't track her down.
Now, he would find some time to sit and talk, and let her know this would be the last time in a long while.
They had so much to say, and so much unfulfilled, and it seemed as if ever meeting was one more disappointment...but it had to be done.
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Posted: Sun Aug 23, 2015 6:29 am
Afsana kept Aseara busy, whether it was because she wanted to make her forget about the war or Afsana was just lazy. In any case, she was extremely busy and barely had time to even think about anything outside of the Red Amaryllis much less venture out to do anything. Nuri had crossed her mind a few times, but it was only a fleeting thought that escaped her before she could properly get a hold of it. The war was forgotten altogether, Aseara only stirred those memories when she had time to work on her side project. She would get it done, it would just take time.
That night with everyone, or almost everyone, back in Oba the Red Amaryllis was busy. Girls ran about changing between clients and then rushed off to a dance. Aseara herself had seen a few clients earlier but with the establishment so busy she had turned more towards managing and helping than dancing. It was a nice welcomed changed considering she would be making a lot more money doing these tasks than simply dancing. Still, she checked up on old clients to make sure they were still pleased with their services and new dancers.
Picking up a scroll, Aseara wrote down in her delicate hand writing the coins collected from a client by one of the girls. She`d just finished counting and she wanted to get it down before the next hour came. There was a soft knock on the door however, Aseara looked up.
“Sorry to bother you.”
“Don’t worry, come in. What do you need?”
“There’s someone here to see you, soldier I think?”
“He didn’t give you his name?”
“I didn’t ask, I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay. Please let him know I’ll be down in a few moments.”
There weren’t exactly that many soldiers that came to visit Aseara, she had a pretty good guess on who it was. She did wonder however, as she put down the quill and placed the coins back into their pouch for safe keeping, what he was doing here. He rarely came in, if ever at all, Aseara’s stomach began to flip. Had something happened in Sauti? What if it wasn’t Nuri and simply one of his comrades coming to tell her he had passed? She would never forgive herself if that was the case, but she couldn’t think like that or she was going to make herself sick.
Closing the door behind her, Aseara slipped into the hall and made her way to the lobby. She smiled as she passed clients and girl in the halls, only stopping briefly to fix minor issues before she finally arrived in the lobby. A girl came up to her with a scroll and a pouch, whispered in her ear and she nodded before sending her off. Afsana too was in the lobby, eyeing Nuri with a sharpness Aseara didn’t like. Clearing her throat, she approached Nuri all too glad to see he was in one complete piece.
“It’s good to see you.” So badly she wanted to drag him into a tight hug but held back, in the lobby with so many people around them it would not have been appropriate. “Do you want to come speak in my office?”
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Posted: Mon Aug 24, 2015 6:36 am
Everything seemed much more active since the last time he had ventured into the establishment. Keeping far against the wall, his face was set in an emotionless mask as he watched everyone move from one side to the other. Since the girl had greeted him, he had seen quite a few new customers come in, and be taken to the back. He knew his wait was a bit long, but considering the pace of the building and the fact he knew Aseara was a popular dancer, he wasn't too worried.
However, he tried his hardest to keep all attention away from his form.
It seemed that he couldn't get away from all eyes, as more than once he crossed gazes with the owner of the establishment, the same woman who had greeted him the first time he came in. Both kept their distance from one another, although she seemed very keen to keep an eye on his movements.
He almost crossed eyes with her a fourth time when the same girl that greeted him came back, and let him know Aseara was on her way. Nodding his thanks, he turned to the door to the back room and put his focus there, ignoring the sharp gaze of Afsana with practiced ease. It wasn't too difficult appearing like a solider, considering he mastered the art well before he even started his training.
When Aseara finally came out, he resisted going toward her as he watched a girl approach, and kept silent and relaxed until she found her way to his side.
"You as well," He responded simply, catching on to her detached nature. Although he was unsure exactly why she acted this way, considering they were in a constant state of uncertainty, he would follow her lead and do as she directed.
"That will be fine, I came to speak with you anyway." He would still pay if her time required it, but he didn't need to worry about the formalities of a dance. He was certain this meeting wouldn't take too long. However, he was curious that she had an office, and suddenly the other actions of those around her (the coins, her seeming assistant) seemed quite curious indeed.
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Posted: Mon Aug 24, 2015 7:21 am
“Alright,” she said with a head motion, “follow me.” She wasn’t too sure how she was going to pass this by Afsana, but there was no way she wouldn’t hear about this later on. Even as they passed Afsana on their way into the other corridors, she was given this look that sad it all. She tried to ignore it, but she was going to have to make something up before she met with Afsana again.
“You’re lucky, not many get to see the back offices.”Afsana usually met with clients in one of the private rooms, it was much more lavish that way. Though, it was already quite rare that she had to meet with clients, most sent couriers if they needed something. Aseara didn’t know really, she wasn’t allowed to deal with the clients face to face. She figured it had to do with her not being Oban and the clients being Oban nobles.
They took the main corridor for a bit so Aseara could deal with any issues that arose. A few times she did have to pause, apologizing to Nuri, and deal with one of the girls. It never took very long and they were soon off. As they passed through the corridors it became apparent that they had left the ones where the clients could see. All the sparkle and beauty was gone replaced by function and efficiency. It wasn’t needed back here, clients weren’t ever allowed back there. Aseara took Nuri up some stairs to the top floors where the highest paid individuals were and the managers.
On the top floor, the first set of doors was a lounge, unused most of the time as far as Aseara could tell. Through the next doors was her office and behind her own was Afsana’s office as well as living quarters. She continued to lead Nuri through the doors until they reached her office, once there Aseara set down the various items she’d collected and placed them in one of the drawers for safe keeping. She’d be able to look them over in a bit and catch up if they were going to be here for a while. Then with a smile she turned to Nuri, fists clenched in both excitement and relief.
“It is so good to see you!” Almost bouncing over, she went and hugged him tightly before releasing him. “It’s really good to see you.” She said on a softer note. “Do you want anything to drink? Eat? I can have something brought up for us. Here, sit sit.” Aseara went and dragged the two chairs in front of her desk together so they didn’t have the desk between them. She took a seat in one of them, bringing her legs up and crossing them on the seat. “I have so much to tell you! But I want to hear from you first.”
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Posted: Mon Aug 24, 2015 7:38 am
Nuri did get the sense that he was walking into the belly of the building, his eyes snapping to all of the furnishing with slight interest. He had been silent throughout their entire journey, letting Aseara do as she needed and noting how much things had changed since they had last met. She was clearly in a new position of power, one that required quite a bit of time and responsibility. It seemed she was excelling, doing well and earning the respect of all the performers in the area.
When they finally entered her office, Nuri hesitated by the door, watching Aseara once more as she scurried around her desk. He was glancing around the room once more when she cried out and moved to embrace him, his arms coming up automatically to wrap around her back before releasing her as well.
"I'm alright..." He was able to get in before being dragged over to the two chairs and all but forced to take a seat. It seemed when he sat down, his tension went away and he offered a small smile, his shoulders relaxing and his posture lax. It always was easiest to relax around the excitable girl before him, and he knew he would always have a soft spot for his friend.
"I..." Should he just spit out his plans or wait and ease her into it? Both options were important, but he couldn't help but recall their last disagreement, and he wanted to be selfish for just a bit and enjoy their reunion.
"I returned a few days ago, but had to follow up with some procedures with the Army. Most continued down south, so thankfully it didn't take too long. I'm not sure if I want to tell you all of the details of the fighting, Aseara, it isn't the most romantic thing..."
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Posted: Mon Aug 24, 2015 7:49 am
It was hard to judge Nuri sometimes, the solider within him hid a great many secrets including how he thought most of the time. Aseara had almost thought him hard or maybe still angry with how thing had happened between them the last time they’d met. Excluding when they saw each other before the war began of course, they’d avoided the subject altogether then considering how tense things already where. Personally, Aseara had put it behind her. Afsana had told her to ptu the past behind her and she’d done exactly that the moment she’d stepped back into the Red Amaryllis.
Granted, she could never really be truly mad at Nuri.
She was relieved to hear that he had not been sent down south with the others, she would have been worried then. Aseara still found that he had come back quite late; she’d been back before him. In her case however, she had tried her best to get back as quickly as possible so Afsana did not worry about her. She hadn’t sent the woman any news once she’d gone and didn’t want to worry her further. Still, Aseara was extremely happy to know that he had come to see her once his Army things had been done.
“You don’t have to spare me Nuri,” she said with a slightly more serious tone. “I was there in the healer tents helping those who came in with injuries. It also isn’t the first war I see.” She’d been a youngling back then, back during the Oban war. Still, she had lived through horrible times then and remembered them quite well. Aseara pushed those memories back to the back of her mind. She had to focus on the future, stop living in the past. It was such a hard thing to do.
“I still want to know and the news I have will cheer both of us up!” By the gods she was feeling excited and happy and so good. Nuri was back and looked well, Aseara was moving on up. Nothing could go wrong from this point on, it was only forward!
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Posted: Mon Aug 24, 2015 8:21 am
His brow furrowed as she revealed that she was there during the war. However, he quickly caught himself, remembering another girl who had been there and was no fighter. In fact, Kalliope was a dancer much like Aseara, and did well to prove herself as a strong and capable fighter. Although she was a bit too overzealous, coming in the heat of the fight to aid Saraf. All of the warriors agreed the girl was only getting into trouble being outside of the tents.
There was no use worrying about those who risked their lives to heal, either. The tents were well protected, and the only ones injured were those who wished to fight. So, he simply nodded and reached to grab her hand for a moment, showing seriousness once more.
"I am glad to hear you are alright, and proud that you were able to help fight for our land." With a gentle squeeze, he leaned back and rubbed his face, debating what he needed to say.
"There wasn't much outside of the fight. I was able to surround myself with my allies, and we all did well to protect one another. With Naraka by my side, I was able to last quite long, despite my injury. Every one of us made it out alive, and the Alkidikes were banished south. It was a success with minimal casualties."
Then, looking toward her, he showed a side of himself he hadn't revealed in quite a long time. His shoulders relaxed and he had a genuine smile cross his lips.
"I was able to tame my first beast, a creature from Jauhar. The Radaku is a bit of a troublemaker, but I am confident I will be able to tame him enough to become my companion during my future travels. Naraka even has taken a shine to him."
He didn't miss her excitement, so he quickly moved on to focus on her, "But that's enough about this war...you said you had exciting news?"
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Posted: Mon Aug 24, 2015 9:19 am
Aseara couldn’t help but smile when he said he was proud of her, those words meant a lot to her and she blushed slightly.
“That’s good news!” The Alkidikes being banished she had heard of, everyone had of course. Everyone had also heard of the Yael. Aseara had seen one and she had been afraid. They didn’t resemble any Earthling she’d ever seen, their glowing eyes scared her and she had wanted nothing to do with any of them. Ever. She was sure the news would reach Afsana however and I wouldn’t take long before there was one within their ranks. Just that thought sent a shiver down her back, it couldn’t be normal that they looked that way.
“Oh congradulations! I’ll have to meet both your new Radaku and Naraka one day.” Nuri sometimes spoke of his mount, but she had never actually met him before.
“Oh yes so much!” So, so much. “To begin with, Afsana lost her assistant so I’m replacing her until she can find an Oban to take up the mantle.” Here she was a little sad, but still it meant Afsana had great trust in her. “So it’s a small step up I guess! Everyone was super happy to hear it was me; I’m well liked so it has been going well.” No trouble so far. “And Afsana has also allowed me to create a large dance, kind of like a once a year event, to represent the war. So I’ve been doing choreography and putting together music and equipment. I’ve been busy.”
Aseara let go of her breath which relaxed her and she leaned back into the chair relaxed and content like she hadn’t been in a while.
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Posted: Mon Aug 24, 2015 9:38 am
He was silent as he watched her speak, her emotions and expressions catching him a bit off guard. They always seemed to, considering he was someone who was trained to keep his face clear and his mind sharp. However, it was refreshing to meet someone so willing to show everything, even if sometimes the emotions shown were not so positive.
When Aseara spoke of her new position and her happiness about everything she was able to accomplish, he made sure to keep attentive and share her smile. When she finally relaxed, he let the silence wash over them for a long moment, debating if now was a time to actually explain why he was really there.
"I hope I can get a chance to see that dance...I still haven't had the chance to train you on simple weapon control..." and he most likely wouldn't have the chance for awhile yet. Shifting, which was quite unlike him unless he had something on his mind, he ran a hand through his shaggy, dark russet hair.
"Aseara...I know we haven't seen each other in quite a while...but unfortunately I am not here to simply catch up with you. I do come with some news." He paused, his eyes watching for a reaction and his stomach clenching as he realized there was a strong chance they may separate once more with hurt feelings and frustration between them.
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Posted: Mon Aug 24, 2015 9:50 am
To Aseara, it was a happy silence. She’d reuninted with a friend, he was alive, she’d been promoted, and both were back home safe. Truly, for once she was quite happy t simply stay in this silence until Nuri broke it or she did. When he did finally speak, she turned her eyes to him but stayed in her position, much too comfortable now that she was fully relaxing.
“It’s still a work in progress, still a lot to do. In a couple of months I will be sure to send you an invitation though,” she paused to think for a few seconds. “You and your family of course, Afsana wants the dance to be given in a theatre. Says it will help with our reputation.” She didn’t mind that they hadn’t trained yet, the warriors dance would come, now that he was back they had all the time in the world after all. She was going to be busy for the next couple of months anyways, after that she’d devote proper time to learning the warriors dance.
“Good news I hope?” Aseara tilted her head a bit, wondering what kind of news he couple possibly have. It sounded almost… Bad. She didn’t want to jump to conclusions, so she stayed quiet and let him speak.
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Posted: Mon Aug 24, 2015 10:01 am
His hesitation would be the first hint that this was a difficult subject, especially since she seemed so happy to see him. But maybe, maybe they could find some way to get past the hard part, and figure out where to go from there. With that thought in mind, he straightened his back and just spoke systematically, getting it all off of his chest.
"Oba has always been a very closed off nation, focused on what we have and not so much the world around us. The invasion was the first act of us stepping up and exploring the world, but even now we have very little clue about the other lands."
It was true, they really had no idea about the landscape, how to survive, and what was out there.
"Taming the Radaku was the first step in this decision. We know how to tame any creature on Oban lands, but those outside are mysteries, and they are also creatures that our enemies use to fight us. It is something that needs to be fixed, we need to learn more about the animals around us so we can both use them to our advantage and make sure that we know the weaknesses of those fighting against us."
Another pause, Nuri looked to Aseara to see if she was following, or if she had determined what exactly was going to happen next.
"Since it was my idea, I approached my masters with the suggestion of going on a mission. The mission would involve traveling across Tendaji and taming as many creatures as possible from each land. Then, and only then, would we return and teach others to tame, and fight, those animals. My masters, seeing my reasoning, agreed with the venture."
Running a hand through his hair again, he looked at Aseara with remorse behind his eyes.
"I was selected to lead the venture. We will be leaving in five days to travel north toward Zena."
He sounded weak with the admittance, and let it trail off as he waited for Aseara's reactions and any words she may have to say.
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Posted: Mon Aug 24, 2015 10:39 am
Aseara’s eyes narrowed ever so slightly because of the long pause Nuri had taken before he spoke of his news. She was getting a bad feeling about the whole thing and as Nuri began to speak it was getting much more obvious that the news he was bringing was not good. She agreed with him that Oba was a closed off nation but didn’t utter the words, she didn’t want to fight right now. She was happy that the Oban’s had come to that conclusion; perhaps they would be much more open to the outsiders now. One could only hope.
She also understood the need for knowledge, she wasn’t incompetent she knew knowledge was power after all. She nodded when he paused for her; she was still following easily with him. Aseara’s stomach was tightening with every word because she knew this wasn’t the news he wanted to tell her, this was just him explaining to her. To make her understand. Aseara felt like this was always how it was with them, each trying to explain their side of things as if they were completely far apart and yet so close. Perhaps they were, Oban’s were so stuck in their traditions.
“What?” The words were soft, expression dropping immediately. What had he just said? He was… Leaving? She wanted to ask why but he had just explained why and so she stayed speechless, staring at him while her heart constricted painfully in her chest.
“But…” her words were shaky now, tears collecting at the corners of her eyes. Everything had been going so well, so so well. Now it was all ruined, Aseara felt like she might start crying at any moment.
“You’re my only friend…” The only good friend she had. She sure got along with the other girls at the Red Amaryllis, but she treated them as any would a work colleague. They weren’t true friends that she shared secrets with. Angrily, Aseara wiped away a tear that had spilled down her cheek. Old emotions began to bubble up; Nuri was leaving her just like her parents had. Feelings of abandonment chocked her; she covered her face with her hands, preying to all the gods that she did not cry.
Aseara shook her head, turned her face to the side and dropped her hands, she couldn’t even look at him. There was a knock on the door and Aseara gave it a side glance.
“Go away!” she yelled out. There were no more knocks.
Why did she feel like this? Her heart being gripped tightly, as if someone had hit her right there. A simple thought entered her mind. I like Nuri. As soon as she thought it, she pushed it away. She didn’t want to think about it, she couldn’t because if she did it would just break her. She would truly begin crying and she didn’t want that. Aseara crossed her arms still in anger.
“I don’t know what to say.” She sniffed.
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Posted: Mon Aug 24, 2015 10:50 am
He didn't know what to do as he watched her eyes water up and grow red. He didn't know what to do when he saw a tear fall, and her throw her face into her hands. He didn't know what to do when he heard her raise her voice for what felt like the first time.
It was like the night in the marketplace all over again. He was lost, and he knew it was his fault.
What really hurt was when she admitted how important their friendship was, and he realized just how terrible the situation was about to become. Despite their distance, their lack of meeting these past few months, she still held him as her friend, her only friend. He all but ground his teeth together as his heart began to beat harder, and he drug his eyes away from her form.
If he had to admit, she was the only friend he had who he truly trusted to show his true side. Sure, he had Saraf, Karo, and Sanele, but they were warrior-in-arms. They saw his strength, his determination, and his stoic nature. Only Aseara saw his smiles, his weaknesses, and his inner feelings. Only she held his emotions and provided the same in turn.
He knew, they were much more than just friends.
He knew, he was breaking her heart with his decision and with his silence.
Scooting his chair so their knees touched, he lowered his arms down on his legs and hunched over, abandoning all signs of strength to just look at her once more. He didn't dare touch her otherwise, but he made sure that if she wanted to, she could look into his eyes.
"This isn't goodbye, Aseara. After all we've been through, I would never abandon you." He stressed in a low voice, swallowing, "Please don't cry, I'm not worth your tears."
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Posted: Mon Aug 24, 2015 11:01 am
“You know nothing Nuri.” Aseara said softly, still not looking at him, not yet. She couldn’t, she needed to gather herself up and think. Think and breath and simply relax. He wasn’t leaving, he would come back. He would come back. He had too. Finally, she took a large breath and turned to face him, they were so close now and she couldn’t hide her red eyes brimming with tears. A tear rolled down her cheek and she let it because there was no point in hiding it. She was hurt; truly deeply hurt and she didn’t know how to deal with it.
“You’re worth every single tear.” She knew she could not keep him here; she was not that kind of person. She understood he needed to do this, not only for himself but for his people and they were technically her people now too. It was simply easier to resign to the fact that fight it, Aseara didn’t know if she could fight it anyways. She uncrossed her arm and sued her free hand to cup his jaw, her thumb running across his cheek bone once, twice before she dropped her hand. She sighed softly again, what could she say?
“Do you promise you’ll come back?” Her heart raced, her parents had promised her too. Empty promises. Aseara realized she was going to have to tell him, everything if he was to understand. She had never told anyone about her parents, but he needed to understand why he needed to come back. If he didn’t she would die, she knew it. There would be nothing left within her; all emotions would be dead and gone.
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Posted: Mon Aug 24, 2015 11:08 am
Her words startled them, both with their meaning and the intensity behind them. He wished she would look back at him and see how he felt, see that he was suffering along with her. The one time he had his mask down, she refused to even look at him. However, when she did look at him, he couldn't help but take a deep breath of his own.
The emotion across her face was overwhelming, and even he felt the harsh hit to his chest at seeing her tears and her sorrow. He knew nothing...what exactly had she been hiding from him about her past. Sure, she never spoke much of it, but clearly there was something deep down that was hurting her more than anything he had ever done.
But he wasn't worth her tears or her sorrow. He only hurt her, how could she think he was worth the pain? He couldn't understand why she would ever put herself through this if he only disappointed her. He couldn't understand much of anything. When she reached to touch him, he let her soft fingers brush his face, keeping his eyes locked on hers during the action. He said nothing as she moved, afraid he would frighten her and cause this entire conversation to come to an abrupt stop.
"I came back once, didn't I? I told you I would come back, and that I would find you. I will always find you, Aseara, and I will always come back. I don't need to promise you that, when I know that it will always be a fact."
He slowly reached out to touch her hands again, gently squeezing them and not letting go, "Help me understand..."
He stressed, going back to the fact that she said he knew nothing, "If I don't know, then tell me. Help me make this right so I don't walk away with you tears ever again."
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