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 Posted: Mon Jan 09, 2017 10:12 am
Their voyage had been simple enough. The beast tamer had taught the captain the best way to avoid certain shadows in the sea – something that his own voyages back and forth over the years had taught him well – and that allowed for a more peaceful journey. Kieran’s gaze had often been over those waves, but rather than looking towards Yael he would sometimes seem to stare more up at the stars leading back towards the mainland.
It was strange to think that he was truly going back to Yael.
But yet there they were. They had docked and the man had escorted Taijana a certain way before going his own. He had journals to discard and blank ones to pick up at home. “Excited?” Kieran smiled as a small hiss left his hood. Even his Keldari had missed home….his own feelings were mixed, but as he thought of the relief Taijana had shown by throwing herself onto the shores the man felt more at ease. If she was happy then he was glad to see her back to her home.
“My home as well I suppose.” Smiling Kieran had placed journals back on their shelves before picking up a new blank one to throw in a smaller bag. Now that he was home he didn’t have to carry the world with him. “I suppose you should rest here…” He glanced at the snaptrotter who had followed him all the way back to Yael. Who knew how the natives would take to such a strange creature? It was best to leave the girl here where she could rest.
Heading back up out of the cavern and into the daylight, Kieran blinked. It had been a few days now since returning so he supposed that he should head back out and look for Taijana…he wanted to make certain that she had settled back in well at home. “Now where was it that she lived again?” Kieran paused to look around before heading down a main path….
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Posted: Mon Jan 09, 2017 12:13 pm
Taijana's calloused fingers twisted among themselves atop her lap as her sister fluttered around her. Tri was talking about thousands of different things all at once, all the while trying to keep her sister from hyperventilating. It had already happened once today; best not to let happen again.
"You really can't pass out now; not after I spent so long on your makeup!"
Tai gazed across the room to the mirror Tri had hanging up in her room, and sucked in a breath. She looked...exactly like her sister. It wasn't as if she wasn't pretty; Trilanna was an identical copy of Taijana, after all, but Tri was normally the one to doll herself up. Taijana felt...odd with her hair pulled up and with gloss staining her lips.
Ever since she had returned and explained to her siblings that she had invited her friend to come Trilanna had been in a panic. She shifted between hating the very air Kieran breathed to hurriedly cleaning their little house in Pajore to an almost spotless shine. Her husband, Denet, just shook his head and would occasionally tease his wife, much to her chagrin.
It was a ramshackle home; an older, yet sturdy, building next to their shop in the city. The first floor consisted of a main gathering area, a kitchen and a modest wash room. Upstairs was split into two bedroom areas; one for Denet and Trilanna, with the second split by a curtain for Taijana and her brother, Tyrios.
She wished she were able to invite her father and aunt, but since that meant going home, where her mother also resided, that had been out of the question.
"I really should be downstairs to greet him-"
"Nonsense, that's what the men are for. If he makes it through Tyrios then he can see you."
"....what?!"
Trilanna grinned. "You didn't think we were just going to accept this guy into our house without an interrogation, did you?"
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Posted: Mon Jan 09, 2017 12:39 pm
Eventually Kieran found himself entering the city. It felt so strange knowing that everyone around him was Yaeli. Closing his eyes Kieran had to pinch the bridge of his nose against the pressure in his own skull. It was taking a bit to get readjusted to his own land's climate.
But what truly bothered him was the stares he got from his own race.
His eyes. Kieran had forgotten that the glow was faded. Such a factor had those who noticed in passing stopping in their tracks to stare. What was wrong with him? Was he possessed by spirits who had taken his glow?
Kieran only paused once to wave at a rather startled individual before making his way back down the street. This time, however, as he cut several corners the man made certain to keep his gaze down towards the ground.
And then he was there...or at least he hoped so. It seemed to be the address that Taijana had left him with. Frowning thoughtfully the man made certain to dust off his own clothing, something actually clean and presentable for once rather than worn pants and an open vest, before raising a hand to tentatively knock at the door...
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Posted: Mon Jan 09, 2017 1:08 pm
The entry way door swung wide, revealing two yaeli men. One had the cut of a builder; wide, solid shoulders and an impressive stance. For the moment his eyes were trained solely on Kieran, without a hint of emotion in them.
The second was smaller than the first, though no less large. He was a taller, beefier, manlier version of his sisters, though their looks were similar enough that it didn't take others long to know they were triplets. His expression hardened the moment he saw Kieran into something akin to barely contained aggression.
From atop the stairs the girls waited, Taijana wishing more than anything that she could go down to smooth things out and make Kieran feel more welcome. Trilanna, however, held her back with a finger pressed against her mouth.
Why did I ever tell them...?
"Kieran, I take it?" The first spoke. "My name's Denet; I'm Taijana's brother in law, and this-" He motioned to the second, "-is Tyrios, her brother. You don't mind answering a few questions before seeing her, do you? It won't take long."
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Posted: Mon Jan 09, 2017 2:05 pm
Alright, so perhaps he had opened the wrong door.
Kieran was almost ready to apologize and leave before the man's words held him in place. So this was the correct home. It just seemed that Taijana's male relatives enjoyed opening the doors. Though the way they greeted guests could be a bit less...hostile feeling? Unless it was just him? Kieran frowned at the thought before forcing a smile across his features. No need to feel alarmed, right? This was Taijana's family after all. Surely they weren't so bad.
"I am." He replied with a nod before raising a brow at the next question, "A pleasure to meet you both. So Tai is here then?" He held out his hand awkwardly as if to shake, "And it wouldn't be the first time I've answered questions so why not? Is there something in particular you wish to ask?" He had the feeling that this wasn't going to be the most pleasant meeting, but the man's gaze was collected. He just had to imagine them both as rampaging limbara or an angered snaptrotter. Running, flailing, seeming weaker was out of the question - he had to remain calm and strong.
Though admittedly he did attempt to peer beyond the men and into the house. Where was Taijana?
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Posted: Thu Jan 12, 2017 1:57 pm
This just seemed so needlessly cruel to Taijana. She fidgeted from atop the stairs, reaching up to tug at her hair...only to realize all of it had been worked into an elaborate updo by Trilanna. Of course her sister would take away her unkempt braid.
"She lives here, aye." Denet's words were just enough to convey that she lived there, but not enough to let Kieran know she was actually there at the moment. Taijana could have screamed out of frustration.
Tyrios was the one who spoke next, and his words stopped Taijana's heart. "What is your relationship with my sister? She went to the mainland for you, and you came back with her. If you think you can lead her on because she's naive then you can turn around now."
Taijana buried her flustered face in her palms, and tried not to groan. What was he doing?! Leave it to Tyrios to make something as simple as a meal between friends something....something worse. She didn't want to hear this! What if Kieran said something really sweet? How was she supposed to act around him after that, especially when she would have to pretend she didn't hear it? Or what if he didn't really like her at all? She definitely didn't want to hear that!
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Posted: Fri Jan 20, 2017 5:50 pm
Kieran slightly pursed his lips in a silent protest at the vague answer, "I would hope so since this is the address she gave me, but thank you for the confirmation." He replied ever so politely though it was hard not to step forward. What was up with this game? He came to see his friend, so why keep her from him? He just hoped that if she was truly in the home that she would appear soon. Was it his eyes? The lack of the glow? The fact that he was from the mainland? Did that explain their distant attitude?
And then came the true queestion.
Ooooh, oh. Kieran reached up so that he could push his glasses back on his nose, "Well obviously we have a relationship - I wouldn't come visit a stranger nor would she visit someone on the mainland that she didn't know." He replied vaguely in return, a gift for their vague comments about Taijana's current whereabouts, "Naive? Lead her own?" He repeated with astonishment, "You think....that I'm? No, no!" Kieran shook his head and held out his hands pleadingly, "I'm not one to do that. Never would I do that to Taijana. Honestly I never expected her to come after me, but honestly...I'm glad she did. I care a lot about her since she's one of my dearest friends and to know that she cared enough to come after me out of pure worry-" He trailed off thoughtfully, "Trust me when I say I do not mean your sister harm, but I doubt I'm leading her on. She would have to have feelings for me in that way first."
Kieran rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly, "I'm sure she simply sees me as a friend. I just tend to be a bit more troublesome on her than others due to my habit of exploration. When she thought I was in danger she did as any good friend would do by coming to my aid. Is that so strange?" Why did saying such a thing knot his own heart? Each word was torturous and while it may have sounded like he said it calmly the whole sentence felt like it had left a burning trail in his throat. Kieran forced a small smile, "And it is the same. Should she ever be in danger then I would do my best to come also to her side as any good friend would. Does that satisfy your curiosity?"
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Posted: Sun Jan 22, 2017 5:01 pm
A relationship? Taijana's palms fluttered to the neckline of her gown, where she messed with the thin fabric in a nervous fashion. O-of course he meant as traveling companions, friends even, nothing more, so why did that one word stutter her heart like that...?
But he....he only thought she saw him as a friend...? That was...a little worrying, since Taijana herself saw him as so, soooo much more but that was okay since-
Trilanna slammed her hands against her thighs in an aggravated show of force before marching downstairs. "DID YOU LOSE MORE THAN JUST THE GLOW IN YOUR EYES WHEN YOU WENT TO THE MAIN LAND? OR ARE YOU JUST THAT BLIND?" Before the woman could even get near Kieran her husband, Denet, had snaked his arm around her waist and pulled her close.
"Good friends don't go to far off countries to look after each other! Not when they've been accosted by mainlanders on the street and have panic attacks just remembering their faces! Good friends do not avoid coming home to their family just to make sure one person is safe! Good Gods, boy, you are some kind of stupid. If my husband wasn't holding me back I would-"
"Trilanna, please," Denet cooed.
"SHUT UP. I DON'T CARE WHAT TAIJANA SAID, THIS JACKASS-"
"I-it's okay, Tri." For once, Trilanna did calm herself, if only to turn away and look up at the figure descending the stairs. Her cheeks were a dark crimson, flushed with embarrassment and slight humor, but it was Taijana all the same. "Thank you for coming, Kieran...you look well."
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Posted: Sun Jan 29, 2017 7:23 pm
It was awfully silent.
Of course that observation went straight to hell when Taijana -or who looked just like Tai - came flying down the stairs towards him. "Ex-excuse me?" Kieran blinked in disbelief at the fiery commentary being thrown at him, "I didn't mean to insult..." His voice trailed off as this enraged version of Taijana continued to blast at him. "Accosted by mainlanders?" While his mind rushed with all of the words being yelled around him the man's brow instantly furrowed with worry at the thought of Taijana being so traumatized by mainlanders. She had faced so much for him, but wasn't that what friendship also entailed? It had been a pure thought of his that was slowly shattering.
But surely...why...no she wouldn't - she couldn't. Would she?
And husband? His thoughts completely stopped at the declaration. Kieran's gaze widened even more at least this woman wasn't Taijana...right? Just the thought of Taijana being the one to yell at him had made his stomach curl, but the thought of her being married truly disturbed him. No, there was no way that this woman was Taijana. No matter how identical she was to his friend there was just something different about them.
Trilanna. Hearing a different name made Kieran give a soft sigh of relief. He had a feeling about the truth, but it didn't stop the fear. Though even thinking that he was afraid of Taijana having a husband continued to further his confusion. He had come here to just say hello and check in on his friend, but now that woman had stirred a series of questions and mixed emotions.
"Taijana." His whole world quieted as he heard the familiar voice and the man found his gaze moving to stare at the woman now descending the stairs. Honestly he was rather speechless. He had known she was pretty, but despite that seeing her like this still silenced him. It was a good full moment before he forced a smile, "Thank you for inviting me - it seems you are doing well also." The Yaeli bowed his head politely, "Though I seem to have caused a ruckus with my arrival which I apologize for."
He glanced around at her family sheepishly before peeking back towards her, "Would it be acceptable for me to talk somewhere more privately with you? I wanted to ask you something about the uh...trip home and how you were feeling after being overseas." And about the whole mix of feelings that were stirred in him lately and about why she did go so far for him. But could he even dare to bring up such matters?
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Posted: Mon Jan 30, 2017 8:45 am
By the time she reached the main floor her sister had calmed enough to lean comfortably against her husband, absorbing whatever calming effect he had on her. The sisters passed a small smile between them; identical in appearance, but ever so different in personality.
Denet remained a firm rock, and Tyrios....well, he was prone to his moods.
Her cheeks were flushed, lips painted a darker shade, and her eyes were lined in kohl. It all felt rather silly to her, but seeing Kieran's reaction stirred her heart. Maybe Trilanna was right; maybe all the time they spent getting ready was more worth it than she had originally thought.
"N-no, you didn't, it just-," She reassured, looking to her family for just a moment to make sure they wouldn't object.
"They don't like outsiders moving in. Something about sharing a womb I'm sure, but they're protective." Denet cracked a bit of a grin, ushering forth an almost identical groaned murmur from Trilanna and Tyrios.
"Upstairs," Tri supplied. "We'll start prepping for dinner, so you can have a little time alone. A little."
Taijana had to fight back a bit of irritation. Even among her siblings, as much as she adored them, she rarely got to speak for herself. Though they meant well it wasn't as if she were mute. She nodded her head though at the suggestion, and turned to ascend the stairs, pausing once to look over her shoulder to make sure he would follow.
The main landing was small but cozy; leaving little to wonder about what the upstairs would be like. It was split into two rooms, the left of which Taijana entered. That room was also split; but by a sheet of cloth that was rigged up to separate the room further into halves. She moved to the far edge of her side, and sat atop her bed. "You can sit if you'd like - or stand- whichever you prefer, really."
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Posted: Mon Jan 30, 2017 9:22 am
Kieran moved his hands forward so that he could interlock his fingers. It was a nervous habit, but the man was an ideal image of patience as he waited for his answer. "Oh?" Kieran offered a shy smile in return for the sudden friendliness, "I suppose I don't blame them then." No, how could he? Family was super important - if he still had one then the man was certain they would feel the same. Though he was rather thankful since it appeared that the tense questioning was over for now.
"Thank you." Kieran bowed his head before glancing over at Taijana. Was this alright with her? He wanted to speak up - to ask her if she was okay with this but the woman had already made her move. Shifting his belongings back on his shoulder the man hurried to follow suit.
Glancing about the small area, Kieran smiled. So this was what an average home could look like? It seemed nice and cozy. However, it was a bit awkward once he realized that they were alone in a bedroom and that she was offering her bed to him. This is totally fine. Kieran took a breath before finally moving so that he could perch at the edge of the bed, "So...seems like you are glad to be home, right?" He began after a quiet moment, "I mean - I'm thankful to see you doing well, Taijana." The man reached up to tug at the base of his ear thoughtfully. Oh spirits what was he even wanting to say? His mind was completely stuck on the things that Taijana's sister had mentioned and it kept making him flush ever so slightly when he dared to peek over towards Taijana. So instead the man found himself staring at a random corner in the room as he waited.
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Posted: Mon Jan 30, 2017 9:29 am
"It was the longest any of us has ever been from each other." Taijana's hands lay in her lap, fingers mussing with the cloth draped across her legs. At times the other two would go out into the world for a day, but never longer. The separation had seemed like agony at first, so she could only imagine what her siblings had felt.
When she looked over at Kieran he didn't seem like himself. He seemed...nervous, or stressed, neither of which was good for his health. "A-are you alright? They didn't treat you too rough, did they?" If she had been in his shoes surely she would have passed out by now.
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Posted: Mon Jan 30, 2017 9:46 am
Kieran peered over at her from the corner of his gaze, "I see." So she had done something completely out of the ordinary to go after him - of course he had realized that, but at the same time he hadn't truly realized the full extent of what she had done. He truly had been selfish in that regard. It seemed that for a man who adored collecting knowledge that there was still much for him to learn about others. Such a thought made him want to hang his head in shame.
"Ah, I'm fine!" Kieran snapped to action with a light flush as he turned to look towards Taijana, "I'm a man who wrestles with snap trotters and charms keldari - so I could take a bit of roughness." He admitted with a little laugh, "Honestly..." Beginning Kieran trailed off as he glanced towards the floor rather than at Taijana, "I was worried about you and ashamed of my own selfishness. Until I came here I didn't realize how much you have done for me. I mean I understood you had taken the risk, but I was so happy to have you at my side in the mainlands that I didn't dare think twice about how you must have suffered. And for that I am truly apologetic." The Yaeli man sighed as he slowly moved to glance towards Taijana, "I was selfish in my own desires that I didn't place you first. For that I hope you forgive me, Tai."
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Posted: Mon Jan 30, 2017 10:14 am
At his snap she jumped back a little, taken by surprise by the sudden excitable act. Her doe eyes widened, brightening their glow as she looked him over. There was no way Key could be as 'fine' as he claimed to be; not when he was so on edge! Surely there was something she could do to help-
"No no no, it's not like that, I only-" She tried to reassure him, but he kept talking and she didn't want to stand in the way of whatever he had to say. Her heart beat faster than the pounding paws of a radaku. "There isn't anything to forgive. In truth, I was selfish myself...I was so scared that something would happen to you that I threw reason away and chased after you. I inconvenienced you and made it harder for you to travel and I-"
Taijana took a deep breath to steady herself. "Seeing those lands, and those creatures with you was pr-probably the most exciting thing I've ever done in my entire life." She wasn't strong enough to go back; being around the earthlings of the mainland had wrecked whatever sense of sanity she had, and only a few had made her feel calm enough to stick around. She would have loved to visit with Shadiya once more, but that wasn't meant to be.
She didn't know how to say what needed to be said without shaking. Her hands were constantly knotting among themselves; heart beating so loud that she could hear it.
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Posted: Mon Jan 30, 2017 11:02 am
"But why?" Kieran bit the inside of his cheek as he glanced over towards the woman, "Why did you care so much to do that for me?" The question slipped out and he forced himself to quietly add, "Not that I'm upset about it - far from the truth really as you were a great companion - but I'm just baffled." He had never had anyone to care for him to that level save for his own mother all those years ago. Was that why he had reacted so harshly at first? Not because he wasn't touched, but because he too was terrified of the idea that something bad could have happened to her? He had thought that was a thing for friends to do then as Taijana was his only true Yaeli friend, but now her sister's words had him reconsidering. Yet what else could it be besides friendship?
"I'm glad then that I could give you such an experience." Replied Kieran with a smile, "Maybe seeing the world would help you out a bit - you survived it after all. So I hope the world isn't so scary for you anymore." He held out a hand towards her, "And if you would want - I know that I want to continue helping you to face all the scary things. Would...would you be okay with that?" He didn't know exactly what that question would entail for them, but one thing was certain - traveling with Taijana had made him realize just how much he truly valued her as a companion. And he didn't want to lose that.
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