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It was a time of darkness for Yael. Even though the populace typically held some sort of reserve about strangers and superstitions the actual proof of evil creatures had truly closed the city from the outside world. Families clustered closer together, even when walking on a public street, and the city had swollen with relatives coming in from less populated settlements. Warriors came home to guard their seamstress sisters while farmers came to rent out rooms in inns rather than staying out in a secluded area for the winter. No one wanted to be taken or risk losing their own after all.

Others, such as the farmer that Kieran paid coin currently to, dared to brave the wilderness. Not from an adventurous spirit but rather from pure necessity. Those who couldn't fit in the city, who couldn't afford it, and realized the need for food to still be prepared for winter were taking the risk of the Dretch. Not that they weren't smart about it - no instead of going to the city they had pooled together to make certain everyone traveled in pairs if not in larger groups.

Clutching his satchel of purchased produce, Kieran started his way back into the city. Even though at first others had questioned the man's intentions whenever he came near the families in the area had started to recognize the man who was dating one of their neighbors. Strange to think that it only took danger for Kieran to stay within the walls - for the most part. He was determined to not let the darkness shake him and if not for worrying Taijana the man would be out with those few reckless warriors who thought to 'patrol' and seek out any of the Dretch to battle. They had to protect their people...just sitting around letting creatures grab any poor Yaeli was not an option to them.

Kieran's jaw clenched at the memory of the huge meeting. Hard to fight what you can't see or catch. That was what had him stumped as well. However, what he had decided upon was something to bring in a bit of hope in these dark times. At least...if a certain someone said yes. Kieran's cheeks darkened at the thought before he continued on his way. He had a plan, he had it set up, he simply needed the other person involved.

And there she was. Smiling Kieran darted around some Yaeli so that he could make it to the doorway where a familiar face stood. "Tai!" Despite everything the man seemed almost carefree as he darted up the steps and leaned next to the other Yaeli, "Looks like I made it back in time from the farm so we can have plenty of extra for tonight's dinner." He glanced around before blinking at her in curiosity, "Surely I wasn't gone too long...is the shop closing early?"

Kieran's gaze lit up at the change in Taijana's expression. So long as he saw that he could change that gloom to happiness then he knew he was still in the running for the Yaeli's affections. As silly as it seemed some days the man did worry that she was going to change her mind. Or was that his own nerves from the question he planned on asking soon? Sorry Kieran, I'm simply too tired of wasting away while worrying about you. He mimicked her, well what he thought could sound like her at least, in his mind before shoving the thoughts away. It was foolish to think in such a way, something that he definitely laughed at when she kissed him on the cheek. How could he be afraid of losing her when she was even getting bold enough for that?

Though admittedly he wished that kiss could migrate a bit to his own lips. The immediate thought flushed the Yaeli's cheeks as he glanced about the shop, "Makes sense. I know it's hard to get business currently....all things considered." His gaze flickered towards the streets and the groups of clustered people, some holding tightly onto the hands of others for fear of being ripped away. A small sigh left his lips before Trilanna poked her head through the doorway, "A pleasure to see you again~!" He called out with a small laugh as Taijana's triplet disappeared.

"Always love how excited she is to see me." He quipped lightly, "Since the shop is closing, however, does that mean I can steal you for the evening?" His heart was racing in his chest, but Kieran was trying to appear cool on the outside - even to the point of casually pressing his glasses back up on the bridge of his nose, a total classic maneuver of someone trying to look suave. At least....that was his belief, so it probably wasn't the coolest move in existence yet here he was still trying it. The Yaeli smiled faintly as he glanced down to Taijana and tucked a stray strange of her hair back into place, "What do you think, Taijana? I can prepare dinner - test my cooking skills?"

Kieran nodded solemnly, "You're right. I should bring more presents with me in the future." He teased lightly, "I prefer having some groans about my appearance rather than being truly disliked." While he was still adjusting to the idea of having such a large and active family Kieran was finding that he didn't hate it. In actuality it was rather nice having people who cared about you - even with all their teasing.

A small smile flickered across his features at her question, "I suppose not." Kieran stretched his arms as he waited on Taijana to return. Now that they were actually about to go out on this particular date the man worried about his heart. Could he survive this night with the way it thumped against his chest, almost as if wanting to break out? Or was that just the sound of nerves rattling about in his chest?

Kieran couldn't help but to laugh at Taijana's statement and quickly had to raise a hand and turn it into a cough, "I think....they're fine. We'll just have to umm...stay out a bit longer tonight I feel." His cheeks darkened at the thought before he reached a hand out towards Taijana to help her down the steps, "Let's go. There's a small place that's not too far from the city where we can have dinner. I would prefer to cook in my own home, but considering current events...we'll stay close." His fingers tightened around her hand comfortingly, whether it was for himself or for her the man didn't know. All he knew was that he would not let anything take Taijana from him now, not after everything they had already been through together.

"Not a staying type of place." Kieran explained with a slight flush on his cheeks, "More like the park? There's a clearing near the city that's not too far out and I can warm up some of the food I have." He held up his satchel sheepishly, "I may have already spent the morning preparing a meal that just needs warmed up."

He just needed a small fire and the perfect clearing. That explained the man walked with Taijana and squeezed her hand, "Things will be fine." His cheeks flushed, "Just saying that since it seems everyone is haunted lately with worry." The man offered her a small smile, "I'm sure once we all pull together things will resolve...it may not seem easy at first, but there's always something that gives in the end."

Kieran glanced away and watched as the streets started to widen and the outside of the city loomed before them, "At least that's my hope." He whispered quietly.

Kieran chuckled, "It's not a problem." The Yaeli shrugged, "I never was much of one for going to taverns or restaurants so it works out. Plus knowing that I'm doing it to spend time with you makes it little trouble at all."

The man let out a small sigh, "That is true, but we weren't expecting such a thing. Now that we've witnessed it surely...surely there can be a way to defeat them." Kieran frowned, a subtle line creasing in his forehead, "I've been keeping an ear out for news from the mainland and it seems there are some rumors that the Alks may know more about these creatures and surely if they've been defeated once before, even if centuries ago, that means we can fight them back again."

Kieran quickly shook his head and gave Taijana's hand another reassuring squeeze, "No, no it's fine. It was my fault for bringing up such a dark topic and I apologize. Let's just try to enjoy ourselves. Worse case if you would like I can tie myself to you so that you don't have to worry about being alone." A slight flush decorated his cheeks before he glanced away, "Oh look, we're here." Up ahead was a small grove of trees with weeping branches that sported a variety of colored leaves. A small firepit, something Kieran had used before stood to the side and a series of rocks littered the are, many of which were smoothed down from countless Yaeli using them as seats. Other than that a small sliver of a stream branch weaved its way through the northern area of the small clearing while a field of fall flowers were starting to bud beyond it. A small place of beauty for those wishing to take a break from the city that couldn't truly leave it for the country.

"I'll go ahead and start up a fire so the food can be prepared." He smiled towards Taijana, "I hope this place is alright for you."

Kieran smiled as he watched Taijana. Even if darkness lingered nearby the man was determined to try and make the best of it, "You can help start the fire? I'll get the meal prepped to set in the fire. There's wood and flint already there by the pit." He gestured towards it before setting down his bag and digging through it. There was the food wrapped up for the fire so that he could place it nearby in a thick leaf and wait for it to reheat. Not that it was too cold thankfully.

But it was while the food would warm up that he could check on other things that he had just left in the area before coming to Taijana's home. Kieran's gaze slipped around the clearing thoughtfully before he came back over with the food, "How is the fire? I can help if you want since I have the food prepared."

"Nice." Kieran grinned at Taijana before handing over the food, "I suppose that works." Mostly it was skewered meat with herbs and spices decorating it. Sweet potatoes, sugared and honeyed, and some vegetables were wrapped up separately as sides. A sweet homemade sauce was also in his satchel which he pulled out for her, "In case the meat is too dry we can dip them in this." The man smiled sheepishly before grabbing also two wooden cups, "I'll go grab some fresh water from the stream."

That stated Kieran took a step before darting back to kiss the top of Taijana's head, "Thank you for helping." With that he went back towards the stream, under a tree nearby where it was harder to see. The man fiddled with something in secret before finally coming back with two cups filled with stream water, "There. We should be set."