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 Posted: Sun Dec 13, 2015 9:06 pm
Nimueh was no stranger to travel, but he quickly found himself exhausted by the demands of a nomadic lifestyle. However, though he had trouble acclimating to his new schedule, Nimueh didn't dislike it at all - rather, he fell into a comfortable routine as they traveled that was incredibly satisfying. After days of setting their camp beside tiny puddles, carefully plucking roots and berries in away that he found somewhat similar to Jauhar life, they finally arrived at a lake.
After the embarrassment that was his attempt at flirting, Nimueh had withdrawn slightly into himself and allowed his companion to dictate their direction, opting to focus more on the journey itself, and the potential prize, than the strange feelings that had popped up for the older mixed breed. A crush, maybe - or perhaps he was romanticizing their unlikely reunion in his teenage mind, making it more momentous an occasion than it really was. It definitely made it a bit more tense, seeing as they were spending much more time with one another as they traveled, and Nim had never been the best conversationalist. Mostly, he commented on the sights, which was just as interesting as it sounded - it was hard to get to know someone when your conversations were limited to 'how about that mountain? Or that puddle, that's a nice puddle.'
Shaking off the thoughts, Nimueh peered at the surface of the lake, smiling crookedly at the tiny ripples that betrayed fish under the surface. "Now that's what I like to see!" He said softly, not wanting to scare them away with a shout. He didn't have a proper spear, but the fish seemed small enough to catch with his hand - if he could manage it. Unblinking, he shifted closer to the water surface, while Callum did who knows what behind him. "It's weird, being able to fish without cutting through ice. I could get used to this."
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Posted: Mon Dec 14, 2015 11:25 am
Readjusting to a nomadic lifestyle had been challenging for Callum. As much as he had tried to prevent it, the comforts of Jauhar had settled with him. It was difficult finding suitable food in Sauti, especially when one was so used to simply plucking fruit from the trees themselves. After spending some time on his own Callum had begun to perfect his skills once more, and now that he had Nim with him everything seemed to fall into place.
After feasting on various lily pads, tubers, and free floating berries near smaller bodies of water, Callum couldn't say he wasn't excited at the prospect of real protein. His ever present supply of edible roots hadn't been enough to fill him this time around. More than a few nights he had gone to sleep hungry, though he neglected to mention anything to his traveling partner. He was expending more energy than he ever had now that he was training with the sword. Ming'we had accused him of dieting already in Sauti, and Callum had noticed what little fat he'd put on in Jauhar was gone now. It wasn't unwelcome, though; he preferred a less varied diet and the thought of buying a larger pair of pants worried him more than it should have.
To pass the time he had attempted to speak with Nimueh, though he seemed decidedly less social after his flirtatious bit. Maybe he had finally seen what Callum had always known? Perhaps he remembered seeing Callum, grown to the age he was now, through the eyes of a child. It was unnerving, but not as unnerving as the almost soothing way that Callum watched Nimueh. He would give as much information as he could about the local stone formations, even going so far as to share some tribal legends and tips on Bergchi. That part wasn't difficult; acknowledging that he had been watching Nimueh's fingers ungulate around the cords and stones that hung around his neck was the hardest. When he spoke that like Callum could hear the passion in his voice, and wondered what that must be like. To be so sure in oneself that you could focus on something like that must be nice.
Setting his pack to the side, Callum removed his sheathed sword and carefully sat it within arms reach. One he had that he twisted his elongated fingers up to tightened his braid. running his fingers through the thickened strands before swapping the brighter feathers near it's tip out for a colorful bobble. "They're fenk, but most around here call them rainbow fish. I'm sure you can see why." He chuckled, looking on tot he brightly hued creatures gliding through the water. Callum stepped closer to Nimueh, making it very much obvious that he had changed clothing as well. The young swordsman wore only a simple pair of burnt orange pants whose lowered waistline was only as scandalous as the way they clung to him. "You'll have to show me someday. A girl I knew in Jauhar was from Zena, but she never spoke about frozen fish." With one hand he reached up to clap Nimueh's back while holding the tip of his braid up with the other. "Ready to start?"
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Posted: Tue Dec 15, 2015 7:57 pm
Such a lifestyle definitely drained one's strength. No doubt he would have been in a similar predicament, except he had grown used to the cold winters of Zena. With so much snow and freezing cold temperatures, and the need to hunt or work constantly, a high protein lifestyle was strictly necessary to keep you healthy and strong. Cold temperatures burned through an extraordinary amount of energy... yet, he'd only been in Sauti for a few weeks, to completely sell the goods he'd come to trade, but his metabolism was already slowing.
As such, perhaps he was better prepared for this sort of limiting diet, in the short term - but that didn't mean Nimueh was immune to the affects. His mouth already watered at the thought of fish, and he felt an intense longing for home-cooked meals. Meat had never been a large source of diet in Jauhar either, being surrounded as it was with large insects - you were lucky to get fish from the eastern rivers, or perhaps a radaku, although the meat was tough with muscle.
Traveling so often had its affects on him as well. Certainly, the two could make camp here for a few days for much needed rest, and two people fishing couldn't harm the ecology irreperably, right? He would have to trust Callum knew the limits of how much fishing they could do, but entire tribes and groups of nomads often camped together, relying on this for food, so Nimueh wasn't concerned. It would give him a chance to sit and work with the various materials he had collected as they traveled. While Zena was a home to caves galore, he rarely ventured into the mountains - it was simply too dangerous to go by himself, and no one else had reason to head there. Here - the earth was rocky and mountainous, and the small, shallow pools of water scattered about the countryside contained treasure troves of well-polished rock, if you only looked.
But just as wonderful were the stories, the lore that Callum shared with him, the history. In turn, Nimueh had allowed himself the rare opportunity to gush about his passion, how beautiful the earth could be if you truly looked at it. Crystals and rocks were a part of life, for earthlings, and very few took in their natural beauty. In a small way, Nimueh always thought back to the crystals on the back of Callum's hands when he spoke this way, because even as a boy, when their first meeting was still so vague, he remembered those hands and the beautiful, blue crystals that had intrigued him, even then.
And Callum listened, which was the most surprising part of it. Perhaps he was being polite, or simply was too friendly to tell Nimueh to stop, but it still warmed him more than it should have, to let his fancies fly without remorse.
Even now, with the promise of food so close, Nimueh was innately aware of Callum - unwilling to look at him for fear of betraying his interest, but also listening to him step around the camp, letting himself get comfortable. He nodded at the information, murmuring the word 'fenk' under his breath, then looked up finally when Callum came close. .... Oh, goddess Aisha, why should he be tempted so? The bright color of Callum's choice of clothing made it hard not to look, but he valiantly resisted, swallowing thickly at the almost tantalizing view of skin, and the comfortable warmth of his hand against his shoulder.
Somehow, even better than flashes of skin, was the suggestion that he could take Callum to Zena - show him the sights there, someday. The knowledge that Callum even wanted to continue to accompany him, after whatever this weird trip through Sauti was. "...Yes. Though I think you'd be absolutely miserable in Zena, and fishing would be the farthest thing from your mind." He noted with a playful smile that crinkled his eyes, gently nudging his arm against Callum beside him.
Then, once the joke had passed, he sobered and gestured invitingly towards the water in an 'after you' gesture.
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Posted: Sun Dec 20, 2015 8:08 pm
"How can I be miserable with you there?" Callum quipped with an easy smile, and a soft chuckle. He shook his head, gave Nim a playful shove to his nudge, and started his descent into the water. Dexterous fingers flexed around the decorated braid tip while his feet shifted to keep a slow, even pace on the slick lake bottom. What area was decorated in smooth stones contained a sort of muck that attempted to suck up his toes. Every so often his toes would snag on a piece of aquatic flora, and Callum would have to shift his weight to remain upright. For the most part he stayed true to course; if there was one thing he possessed in spades it was balance.
Once the water had reached his ribs Callum released his braid, and lowered himself into the water so that the surface lapped at his chin. He turned just ever so slightly to accomplish two things; to get a good view of Nim and to move the bobble through the water. As he settled so did the water around him, though the self-made current kept his braid tip mobile.
Not as much time passed as Callum had expected, and when he felt the first tug on his braid he nearly lost his composure. The second tug clenched it; as quickly as he could Callum dropped underneath the surface and snatched the fenk. It struggled, and since there was no hook attached to the bobble the fish tried to swim away. Callum hooked two fingers into it's mouth, used his thumb to hold the fish still and broke through the surface of the water with a triumphant gasp.
"I got...I got the fish!" He tried to hold it up, but since he didn't have a good footing Callum promptly fell back into the water.
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Posted: Sun Dec 20, 2015 8:32 pm
There was more of that flattery - and try as he might not to take it seriously, Nimueh still found himself playfully scoffing and rolling his eyes - even as his cheeks heated up with pleasure. He enjoyed these comments more than he wanted to admit - more because he really hoped they were true. Once shoved, Nimueh stuck his tongue out at Callum's retreating figure, bending to tug up the legs of his trousers while the older hybrid waded deeper into the water.
Nimueh followed Callum for a few paces, until the water reached his knees, moving slowly so as not to undo the careful work Callum was doing; once the other had settled in the water, Nim stood with his hands on his hips, watching intently. He'd never stopped to consider WHY the older hybrid kept a braid - was it solely for fishing? Or was this simply a technique he'd stumbled upon after too many fish attached to the tail of his braid? The thought brought a bright grin to his normally stoic features.
Just as he began to dwell on it, Callum sank beneath the water, and it took everything in him not to lunge for the blonde and tug him from the water. Of course, it would've been ridiculous to do so - Callum was in barely four feet of water, and yanking him out would've been counterproductive. Still, he watched closely - only relaxing once Callum reappeared from the water, triumphantly raising a fenk from the water, even as he gasped for breath. Only to fall back in.
Nimueh took a few hasty steps closer before he could stop himself, letting out a huff of laughter when he realized Callum wasn't in any real danger. "Not sure I've ever seen anyone fish like that!" He gently teased as he slowly waded closer, trying not to further disturb any fenk still lurking about after that struggle. Once close to Callum, he reached out and smoothed Callum's dripping hair back from his face. "Want to give it another try?"
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Posted: Sun Dec 20, 2015 8:48 pm
Callum brushed his nose with the back of his hand and willed the mild burning in his nostrils to go away. Under normal circumstances he could have acclimated himself to the water, but flailing around like an idiot was not normal. At least he hoped it wasn't; Gods only knew what others truly thought of him.
It was in that moment that he realized he no longer had the fish, and a very unflattering curse slipped out.
At Nimueh's touch, Callum lifted his head and instantly brightened. It was a little pathetic, how easily he was brought to a smile by positive touch. "I would say that my pride couldn't handle another flop like that, but my stomach's telling me to go for it." In truth he had only seen that technique work for one soul before, and it was a little harder to replicate than Callum had anticipated.
"Do you want to try? I know we're not waist deep in ice water, but surely you've got an idea or two." He teased.
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Posted: Sun Dec 20, 2015 9:11 pm
Somehow, the curse made this even better - Nimueh let out a shocked laugh and gave Callum's shoulder a gentle cuff in reprimand. Once the silver-blonde hair was pushed back, Callum smiled so brilliantly that Nim's chest gave a pathetic flutter in response, leaving him breathless. He cleared his throat, then turned his gaze away, moving slowly a few paces away. "Always trust your gut, I'd say." Nimueh responded easily. "I dunno if I quite have the hair for it... but I'll give this fishing thing a try." He responded, smirking as he settled into a squat in the water, peering down into the water. In Zena, the water was much more clear - that and you had a spear or a rod, depending on what you were catching.
After a good minute or so of peering around, looking for a fish, he huffed quietly and stole a look at his fishing partner, a pout settling on his lips. "I could kill for a net right now - I've never seen so many fish in one place!" The problem was sneaking up on them and trying to catch them - he took a few slow steps closer, and somehow managed not to scare them yet.
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Posted: Sun Dec 20, 2015 9:34 pm
That will never get old. Even if Callum was trying - and failing- to keep a sort of distance between then he still found a sort of satisfaction in Nim's reactions to the slightest looks or phrases. Perhaps he was just too desensitized by it all to realize what an impact his natural behavior was causing. Perhaps he just didn't care and wanted to do it anyway; Callum couldn't say.
With his new height advantage, Callum could more easily see the larger crystal on Nimueh's upper back. It wasn't as if this was the first time he had seen it, but Callum couldn't help thinking that it was slightly odd how there weren't any markings on his back like the front..."Oh, hrm?" Callum cleared his throat, turning his gaze away for once. Not before catching a peep at that pout and wanting nothing more than to make it go away. "If you want we can try to make one. Or build a few traps; it just means we may not have fish tonight, though."
Never one to pass up an opportunity, Callum reached out to give Nim a shove, hoping to surprise him enough that he would topple over. "Would you look at that? That must be the biggest fenk I've ever seen! And it even has dreadlocks~"
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Posted: Sun Dec 20, 2015 9:53 pm
Unaware of Callum ogling his back, Nimueh continued gazing down at the fish, grunting stubbornly at the suggestion. It was a good idea to prepare one later, for the next time they fished - but not until they'd gotten something to eat. Poor Callum looked famished, and Nimueh had no intention of giving up until they at least had something. Thankfully - he spotted one. A large fenk, at least the size of his forearm, circling slowly in the water. He held his breath, hand moving closer - then was shoved. His eyes shot wide, and he let out a startled yelp that promptly turned into a flurry of bubbles as he was submerged.
There was a brief struggle in the water as fenk were sent in all directions, a flurry of activity - until a lone hand rose from the depths, fingers hooked in the gills of the monster fenk. Slowly, following the arm, Nimueh's head reappeared - his dreads tussled and sticking up ridiculously, eyes narrowed accusingly. He may have appeared upset or mad - if not for the wicked smirk that stole across his face. He didn't say a word, but instead, standing up to his full height in the water (which reached his hips, where it reached Callum's ribs ), he strode over in two easy steps and quickly caught him up in one arm, tossing him over his shoulder with uncanny ease, his hand settling at Callum's hip for stability. "What a good catch I've had today!" He boasted, giving Callum a little jostle, threatening to drop him.
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Posted: Mon Dec 21, 2015 6:25 am
If he wasn't so sure that Nimueh would be fine Callum might not have laughed quite so loud. As it was there was no possible way he could have contained it without bursting. When it seemed that he could finally breathe normally his companion decided to make his triumphant appearance...causing Callum to first snort and then laugh even louder than before.
"Do..don't-" He held one hand out infront of himself, but the other was pressed on his ribs as he was barely able to speak without chuckling. Callum took a half step back, though it wasn't enough to save him. Giving into a very unflattering squawk, Callum felt his entire world view shift. "Nim! Put me down; you're going to put your back out!" Like a water serpent, Callum's saturated braid flopped over his shoulder and hung freely into the open air behind the younger hybrid. If the hand on his hip wasn't enough to give his blood a jolt then the jostle confirmed it. "I'm serious, I'm way too heavy for you to carry, you're going to hurt yourself-" Callum was cut off by his own gasp as his hands scrambled to hold onto something to keep from falling. He ended up just pressing the palms of his hands on Nim's upper back, occasionally sliding downward due to his own unease and the wet skin.
The apparent ease with which Nimueh carried him scared Callum somewhat. He was used to being the one to carry others, even if visually a strong wind could have blown him across Tendaji. This was...not unwelcome, but...The entire region from his collarbones northward was as red as the fenk that had slipped from his grasp.
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Posted: Tue Dec 22, 2015 8:25 pm
Oh, but the sight of that smile and laugh was euphoric. Somehow, he hadn't seen Callum quite this happy on their journey; not that he'd been morose, per se, but there was always a somewhat veiled cloud around the older hybrid, one that Nimueh couldn't quite perceive or understand. Maybe it was the solemnity of growing up, or the pinched look of someone whose life was difficult. But the transformation instantly reaffirmed that Nimueh wanted to see nothing else, if he could help it.
"I'm stronger than I look, you know." He responded airily, tone cocky in away it seldom was...although it would be a lie to say he was holding Callum effortlessly. He felt the burn in his shoulder and arm, but angling his body to the side as he walked reduced some of the tension, and he knew he could continue for a short while yet. The earlier, unrestrained grin had calmed into a cocky smile, as he carefully waded back to shore, taking slow measured steps so as not to slip in the thick mud at the bottom of the lake. The fenk continued to struggle in his hand, but once he'd heaved himself back onto the land (with only the straining muscles of his arm and neck, and a soft grunt of exertion to confirm that this was taking some effort), Nimueh knocked the fish deftly against one of the surrounding rocks, then tossed it into the dirt by their fire, satisfied that it would be knocked out long enough to get to it properly.
Thus freed, Nimueh shrugged his shoulder and dropped Callum forward, angling his arms so that the blonde rolled from where he'd been flung over one shoulder, and instead settled in his arms, carried bridal style.
... Only, in this new position, as Nimueh turned to look at Callum's red, flushed face properly, a bright smirk of triumph on his face, he realized just how close their faces really were to one another. The grin froze in place, faltering somewhat as he took in Callum's features, skin flushed handsomely, hair messy and soaked around his face - his silver hair and pale skin almost seemed to glow in sunlight, his grey eyes shining brilliantly. Without quite noticing, Nimueh leaned closer, drawn to those features like a moth to a flame ... Although, now that he was closer, really, he noticed that the look of amusement and merriment Callum had worn before had shifted into one of bewilderment. Maybe he was truly concerned for Nimueh's safety, or embarassed (insulted even?) at being hefted around so disrespectfully.
Just as suddenly as it appeared, Nimueh's confidence fled, his face relaxing from pleased to sheepish. He ducked his head just a bit, not realizing that that brought his face even closer to Callum's. "It really is fine. I'm careful and... I would never drop you, Callum."
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Posted: Wed Dec 23, 2015 10:16 am
"You don't have to tell me that." Callum murmured favorably. Watching the water buckle and part around Nimueh's calves was something of a novel experience. It was likely the only time he would carried thusly, so now that he was starting to settle Callum began to notice the little things. Such as the angled way his braid was falling, as if the keep in step with the twists Nim took to better carry his 'catch'. He much preferred this side of the younger hybrid; it was confident, sure of himself and more than a little playful. Callum couldn't help thinking of how much he had grown, and not just physically. Oh, he still had his moments, they both did, but this-
Hoary eyes widened as his body seemed to roll backwards, slipping easily into Nimueh's hold. This new position brought on it's own set of complications. Whatever semblance of calm Callum had adopted before was ripped away now. In the place of protective concern for his friend was a sort of speechless wonder. This time there were no thoughts of how the younger man could carry him, and instead...all there was was Nim.
That frozen grin accented by dark, dripping dreads, as if he himself had been born of the water. Pointed ears tipped in the same coloring that marked the skin below eyes so bright they ensnared Callum with every look. When had his cheekbones become so prominent? At what point in time had the boy's jowls turned into a jawline that- Without realizing just how close Nimueh's face had become, Callum had leaned forward himself, warm breath mingling in the chilled Sauti air.
And just like that, the moment was broken.
Callum closed his eyes and brought his forehead to rest against Nimueh's. He moved his outer most hand up to rest it against Nim's shoulder. I can't do this. It was too much. Giving into a morose smile, Callum murmured, "I'm sure you wouldn't." The words were patronizing and laced with disbelief. They held more bitterness than he was used to sharing with others, and that in itself made him irritated. With himself, mostly, for allowing him to be set up like this again.
He pushed off against Nimueh's shoulder and slipped his legs from the younger hybrid's hold. It took him a moment to gain his bearing once his feet hts the ground, but when he looked back up he was smiling once more, this time with more feeling. "Why don't you get started on that fenk and I'll go check the perimeter with Faulina. Can't be too careful, right?"
Turning away in rush, the young swordsman found himself nearly shaking when he reached for his weapon. Faulina seemed to pick up on the shift in her master; the young bird chirruped, and flew up from her nest into his waiting arm. With one hand supporting the avian and the other clenched on the hilt of his sword, Callum disappeared into the mountains.
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Posted: Fri Dec 25, 2015 8:10 pm
As soon as the words left his lips, Nimueh knew them to be a promise - not just that he wouldn't physically drop Callum, but that he also wouldn't let him down - the tone of the words, and way he now looked at Callum were as close to a proclamation of interest as he could give without simply saying the words. While it was true that Nimueh knew next to nothing about his friend (not really... for as hard as he was now falling for him, he also realized that they were still strangers to one another), he also felt a strong pull to him that he couldn't quite explain. Callum was confident and flirtatious, helpful and kind, and Nimueh had little reason, in their interactions between each other in the present, to believe that he was anything but content. But one lone memory from his childhood stood out - of this same person feeling so utterly and completely forlorn that what meager comfort a child could offer had nearly brought tears to his eyes. The memory of Callum hugging him, so tightly simply because his eyes had been called 'pretty' made the Nimueh of today feel a rush of protectiveness, his arms curling just the slightest bit tighter around the part-shifter.
For one long, breathless moment Nimueh gazed wonderingly at Callum, overcome with his want to simply stop tiptoeing around it, and just kiss him. But just as the thought flew through his mind... just as he realized what he had thought in the first place, Callum closed his eyes, breaking the intense look between them. Skin tingled where their foreheads leaned together, but the moment had shattered into dust, and just as quickly as Nimueh had scooped him up into his arms, Callum had pulled away, words coming off dull and almost dismissive, even if he hadn't meant it as such. A sharp rush of hurt shot Nim through the stomach, as surely as a hook in his gut wrenched backwards, as the reality of what he'd just insinuated occurred to him - making him feel ridiculously foolish. Callum's reaction was as strong a rejection as he could ever have given. The blonde wasn't being cruel, not by a long shot, but had made it clear that Nim's advances weren't to be returned.
Even if Callum smiled at him, trying to play at being normal, Nim still felt like something had lodged between them where, just before, they'd gotten somewhat close - and he couldn't speak around the lump in his throat, so instead he nodded and watched as the silver-haired swordsman gathered his familiar and all but fled the camp. He moved to retrieve the fenk, and went on to preparing it almost mechanically, scaling and deboning it with ease borne of frequency.
He'd been foolish to let him get swept away in the moment - why would Callum have any interest in a gangly, ridiculous little boy such as himself? He was simply being nice and offering to take Nim around Sauti, not offering his hand or company, and it had been oh so typical of Nim to read it the wrong way and long for that acceptance and--
And what the hell was he doing? Feeling sorry for himself?? Pausing in his motions, Nim closed his eyes, took a deep breath through his nose, and exhaled, long and steadily, willing himself to relax from his overly tense state. Callum's rejection wasn't anything personal. He couldn't let himself get drawn up into a circle of self imposed misery, he was better than that. That was what a younger Nimueh would do. Callum was his friend, a dear enough friend that he would help Nim achieve his dream of exploring and researching the earth. It was something he didn't have to do, yet he had done it, and for that he deserved Nim's thanks, not his longing. If Nim developed some sort of attachment, Callum owed him nothing, and he would simply have to assure his friend when he came back, in what ways he could, that he was more mature than that, and that he wouldn't let this affect their newly budding friendship.
The hybrid still felt crestfallen, but it wouldn't do to pity himself, so he continued with his work, forcing energy into his motions so he could have, hopefully, a welcome meal ready by the time his traveling companion returned.
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Posted: Fri Dec 25, 2015 9:03 pm
The entire expanse of Sauti's mountains wasn't nearly enough space to keep Callum from feeling trapped. Faulina flew into the misty skies above him, making sure to keep just within eyesight but purposefully far enough away so that the unnerved hybrid could center himself. At first Callum had been satisfied enough with a sort of speed walk, but within a matter of minutes it had turned into a brisk run. His bare feet collided with the rough, craggy ground with a driven purpose. Even if he couldn't actually outrun his inner demons, he could at least try.
There was a fine, golden sheen to the misty air he breathed. It entered his bloodstream, giving life to his heart in much the same way as those golden eyes.
Stop!
Nimueh knew next to nothing about Callum save for the fanciful facade he kept up. There was just no possibility that his actions were sincere, that those looks were anything other than some sort of ploy...If he knew what kind of man Callum really was he would abandon him, just like the rest.
"I would never drop you, Callum."
When Callum's lungs could no longer endure the pace, he slowed to a jog and buried the heels of his palms just under his eyes. His elongated fingers laced between strands of drying silver hair, and pulled until he felt his scalp sting. At this point he wasn't aware if his erratic breathing was due to the running, or born of shear panic.
"I can't go back, I can't go back," He murmured over and over underneath his breath like a mantra.
Why couldn't he just shrug this off like the rest? It was easy to trust his friends and keep up a wall; almost second nature. And his 'friends'...those acquaintances he made in various towns and villages, the ones that treated him nice in exchange for certain favors...at least them he could read.
This is different, and you know it. This is another trap, but you want it because-
"SHUT UP!" Callum howled.
The rush was worth the price he would pay, and Callum damn well knew it. What was the point in fighting it if he was too weak to resist? He would be swept up into this world of glorious wonder only to be dropped off when Nimueh found something more convenient. Someone more appropriate-
You knew him as a child. You're too old for him anyway.
Callum drug his finger nails down across the soft flesh of his face, cutting grooves as he went. Angry red marks remained in their wake, some even bubbling with beads of blood. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath through his nose and exhaled slowly, repeating the action until he had enough control not to scream again. Too much of that would draw unwanted attention; mainly from the person he was trying to escape from.
He doesn't know you, and you don't know him. You're being irrational because he's being kind. You're his guide, so he has to be nice, and when it's over he'll leave, then-
Then what? Would it all go away? ...Callum highly doubted it.
Unbeknownst to Callum, Faulina had already made her way back to camp. The young avian couldn't fly for long on her own, and with all of his raging...she'd been to unnerved to stay near her master for long. When the sun was dipping down across the sky, she flew in close to the campsite, and made herself at home back in her nest.
And when the sky was good and dark Callum slunk his way back to camp. There were more scratches across his skin, mostly on his upper arms where he'd held himself a little too tight. For the most part he had tried to scrub them away, but there was only so much he could do.
His veneer of calm was barely maintained, and would have been shattered had he actually been able to look Nim in the eye. "Sorry for being gone so long. I got a little distracted."
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Posted: Fri Dec 25, 2015 9:50 pm
Part way through cooking the fenk, Faulina returned from patrol, settling back at her perch. Nim watched, then turned his gaze worriedly towards the direction Callum had disappeared in. He wondered if he should follow, but trusted that Callum's familiar was intelligent enough to come to him for help, if her master had been in trouble. So he continued cooking, even if he kept on alert and sent many a worried glance down the path. By the time Faulina returned, the fish had been cooked, but instead of waiting Nim decided to take advantage of the last hour of light before dark, retrieving a sharp stick and using it as a makeshift spear. They had gone long enough without real sustenance, and he would rather keep busy than sit on his hands and wait, inviting his mind to spiral back down into self-imposed misery.
He'd only caught up two fish by the time it was too dark to continue, and as they cooked he changed into dry clothes, wondering how Callum was doing, out in the chilly dark by himself in soaked clothing. Finally, though, after what felt like too long, he saw him - the pale silhouette in the dark returning to camp tiredly. Without a proper light to view him by, the scratches were missed - and instead Nim scrambled to his feet, shooting Callum a nervous smile of greeting. If he was honest, he had partly feared that Callum would leave him here - but surely Faulina wouldn't have returned, if that was the case?
The blonde avoided his eyes, but Nim forced whatever disappointment he felt down, and instead pulled the skewer of roasted fish from the fire and held it out for him. "Mmh- I understand." He responded, willing more energy into his tone than he thought he'd be able to muster. He smiled again, a small cautious smile, then sat back down again, cross-legged, taking a bite from his own skewer and hunching his shoulders, unconsciously trying to make himself appear smaller. After he'd taken a few bites, he tilted his head towards Callum, peeking at him as he gestured towards the third fish. "If you're still hungry, you can have that one. I've already had plenty."
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