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While Steel Eyes would take longer at the healers Nadiya had been sent away. There was no room for someone who was simply too hyper and constantly getting in the way of other patients and healers. Besides that the Matori was pressured by worries of her family - did they think she was lost, injured, or even potentially dead? The last thing she wished for was for her brother to be roaming forever when she was already so close to home. It was only a day's ride, if not less depending on the Xaraan, for her to get to her family's home. So while the healers urged her to allow the Yaeli to rest the Matori did manage to slip a letter into his belongings promising that she would be back before he was released by the 'prison' staff so that he wouldn't have to worry that she had stolen his extra pay from him.

She really did hope that he healed. Nadiya's gaze skimmed over his resting form and a hesitant hand reached out as if to touch his hand, something she would do for a sick sibling at times, before she pulled back. Knowing him he would probably roll over and be prepared to strike at anything invading his privacy. She smiled faintly at the thought before latching a newly bought cloak around her shoulders and turning away. Another good thing about being so close to home was that she could drop her family's name now and get some goods as it was known that they were a family of their word and that any merchant would get paid by either her father or brother when she returned to the smaller village.

Speaking of said brother....after being on a rather rushed and bumpy ride Nadiya found herself latching her arms around his wry frame, "Did you worry?" She had teased him lightly before he had tightened his own arms around her and ushered her into their home. Both of her parents greeted her warmly and she was taken to a new extension of the home where there was a stone chamber with a bathing pool. Since receiving her note that she was coming home in a couple of days everything had been prepared for her - the waters were warm, tinted with perfume and petals, while clothing was arranged for her once she was out of the bath.

"So much pomp for me returning?" Nadiya teased as she sank into the waters, "Or were you wanting an excuse to bathe like this Yira?" She glanced towards her younger sister who was working a comb through the waves of Nadiya's dark hair. She truly had been gone for a while if her sweet sibling had turned into a woman of her own right. Nadiya blinked in surprise as she studied her sister's shape before laughing, "Though it looks like you've had plenty of baths by now with the way your skin is shimmering."

"And I see that you have the same sense of humor and energy as always, Diya." Replied her sister quietly as she finished with her hair, "I know the waters feel nice especially since your body must be exhausted but I believe mother wanted to speak with you." She paused as if hesitant about something before slowly adding, "Your timing...was good. There's a dinner party in a few days and Mother wanted to introduce you to some people."

Nadiya frowned as she turned with a splash to face her sister, "Dinner party?" The Matori's gaze narrowed thoughtfully as her forehead also creased into a worrisome frown, "I haven't been to one of those since I was an apprentice..."

"That's the thing." Yira smoothed her gown as she watched her sister slowly move out of the waters and onto the wet stone, "It's been a while and there are some family friends that are interested...in seeing how you are doing." She finished lightly before helping Nadiya into a light dress of her own.

"Seeing how I'm doing?" Nadiya shook her head, "Okay then, I'll go talk to Mother."

"Ah, perhaps you should speak with Ahren first...." Oh but it was too late - Nadiya was already dripping water out of the bathing area and back towards the main hall where she went into the family study, a room with towering bookcases full of maps, market lists, trade routes, other literature and a desk with large pieces of scrawled on parchment spread on it. Surprisingly it wasn't just her mother waiting on her in the room and Nadiya found the air to be a bit...somber. Too serious and oppressive for her tastes - something which instantly filled her with dread, a fact proven in the first few moments of their attempts at a discussion. And it was only an hour or so later, after many raised voices, that Nadiya found herself staring at both her parents and her older brother. "You want me to meet their son for what?!"

"Nadiya, sweetie you're our oldest and it's been so long since you've been home. Shouldn't this be a good thing? We can merge with the family and expand upon our ships and business like never before. Ahren has done a fantastical job with new land routes, but our ocean routes have been lacking. Their son is a handsome and smart young man...isn't it time you settled?"

"No, no, and no." Nadiya turned her gaze towards her brother accusingly, "You asked me to come home for important matters - was this it?" She shook her head, "You really expect me to go to this dinner and present myself to this stranger like...like I'm something for sale? Aren't those days over with?"

"Nadiya!"

"What?" The Matori shook her head wildly, "I simply can't agree to trying to date someone just because it helps your business, Father. You have two other daughters why not ask any of them?" She frowned, "Actually no don't ask anyone since this just isn't right....you really can't expect someone to agree to being set up like this!" Especially not her, nope and nope!

"Is it really so much to ask you to just meet a boy?" Her mother finally spoke up quietly, "I know you enjoy your adventures dear, but you are older now. Isn't it time for you to settle?"

"It's not like you have anyone, correct?" Ahren rose a brow at his sister, "Just think of it as a fun night to meet and greet. If not him I know of some others close in age that are around as well for this..."

Nadiya shook her head, "Well what if you're wrong? What if I am older and more prepared to settle because I have someone? Hmm?" She found herself just blurting out the words without thinking, "Haven't you thought to ask of my feelings? I have someone and I will bring him, how about that instead? You can try to do matchmaking with someone else!" And with that she marched off while surprise kept their mouths shut - all save for Ahren who found himself chasing after his sister and grasping her arm.

"Do you really have someone, Nadiya?"

"What does it matter? I mean...of course!" She crossed her arms angrily, "And I'll be bringing him to prove it. I just...have to go pick him up and let him know what's going on." Ahren just raised a brow at her as she flushed, "Dont' question me, brother. Shouldn't you be the one finding a wife and not me?" It seemed her mother thought she was too old for adventures and was just trying another ploy to keep her behaved! Well not today, nope!

She would find someone who was willing to do anything for some coin....Someone willing to do anything for coin, right? Her gaze widened before narrowing with a mischievous glint. Oh yes she knew exactly who she could track down that could be wanting some coin. Hadn't he jumped in front of a giant creature claiming that coin was his motivation after all?

It was with him in mind that she borrowed her brother's Xaraan and began racing across the sands. But when she got to the village the girl found herself turning back and then back again and then back once more, almost in a cycle of frustration. How was she supposed to bring this up to him? What in the world had possessed her to come up with this idea? Oooh she was so screwed! There was absolutely no way he would agree...right? Come on Nadiya use that charisma of yours and it'll be okay. Oh gods have mercy.

Despite her inner turmoil it was only a day later that she was knocking at the door of the healers and then peering into the room that Steel Eyes was resting in, "Umm..." Nadiya knocked at the door frame sheepishly before peering in, "You in here still, Steel Eyes?" She bit her bottom lip thoughtfully as she peered into the room, her skirts swishing around her legs as she strode forward in search of the Yaeli. Oh this would be a fun one to explain wouldn't it? He just had to agree...oh gods if he didn't then she really didn't know what she would do.

Nadiya pursed her lips at his greeting, "Of course I did! Do you take me for a liar or something?" She placed a hand on a hip accusingly as she glanced at him, "I see you're not bleeding all over the place anymore." She commented before slowly lowering her arm and crossing the room so that she could meet him in the middle, "My leg is fine since it was a simple sprain and they healed it quickly. How about your arm? Last time I asked they said it would take a few days to get the treatment truly started..." She trailed off as she got close enough to study him.

It did seem a lot better. If the gods were kind...or cruel or mischievous enough - whatever mood explained their situation - then he would be able to leave this place by tomorrow if not tonight. Nadiya slowly nodded her head at the thought before smiling at Steel Eyes, "You really didn't have to walk towards me when we could just sit." Her gaze drifted towards the bed, "Do you mind sitting for a few moments? I wanted to check in on you, give you some extra coin for your troubles, and perhaps even offer you a new job. I figured since you've been laid up here and there's some healers to pay that you could be persuaded to do some more work while you're in the area."

There. Nadiya felt a slight weight lift from her chest as her words flew easily from her mouth, that didn't sound so horrible right? So maybe she could worm her way into getting his aid in this rather unusual request....

"It's not like you were going to come after your pay." Teased Nadiya lightly, "I figured you would run far far away and I really didn't feel up to the task of tracking you down to pay a debt." The petite Matori shrugged, "But like it or not here I am."

Her mouth pressed into a thin line and a slight crease of a frown appeared on her forehead as she pressed closer to him so that she could stare at the area where the bite had been. It was true that they had done a good job with tending to his arm and it did look a lot better but Nadiya couldn't help feeling a bit of regret as her finger gently traced the outline of the wound, "I'm sorry. If only i could have helped more then maybe you wouldn't have had to suffer so." The words slipped from her lips and the Matori quickly pulled back with a flush, "That is if you hadn't had to act all heroic! Just next time we should run and run...even if you have to carry me on your back or something." She shook her head before plopping down on the bed next to him.

"I figured that may be the case." Nadiya grinned at him, "So I can give you a few coins for helping me home, but if you really want some profit then I can offer you this..." She held up a nice pouch that jingled as she tossed it up in the air once to prove a point, "But you have to work with me again." She bit the bottom of her lips as she grew quiet as if thinking of how to phrase her request, "It's not something you may be used to but there's a huge event being hosted by my family later this week - as you noticed my brother is a merchant but he actually is someone who is working smaller jobs under my father's company. We have lines across Tendaji and even throughout the seas towards Yael now apparently." She rolled her eyes with faint amusement, "Because of our rise we also have a lot of new connections so my father is hoping that hosting a gathering will be a nice way for all the families working together in trade to get to know each other."

Pausing Nadiya took a deep breath before peeking over towards Steel Eyes, "So basically what I am needing during this event is a guard to stay right next to me, keep all wandering male gazes away from me, and to act super close to me...for safety reasons of course. After the event I'll also head out in the morning and I thought we could head towards Oba together or something." Not that she wanted to outright ask him to pretend to be a lover...but that was a start right? Technically he would be a body guard since he was guarding her body from potential suitors by being a 'suitor' right? Nadiya chuckled softly under her breath - here was hoping at least.

Nadiya simply pursed her lips in a silent protest as he tried to wave her concern away. Always such a stoic guy even in a situation like this. The Matori simply blew a puff of air towards a stray bang in her frustration before she settled back on the bed. He was fortunate that she was in need of a favor today so she would behave...for now.

"Ah." Nadiya barely made a sound as Steel Eyes contemplated the job offer. Yet her mind was spinning with so many possibilities...did she try to tempt him further? Did she argue for his assistance? Did she try and twist the reality of the situation...further? Cause it's not like I've told him the full story anyways. A slight flush hinted at her secrets but Nadiya did her best to keep a straight face. How was she supposed to ask him to be her boyfriend for the night? Oh, no no no...she would get him to the party first and THEN explain things in better detail. Surely that was okay, right?

"Oh great!" Nadiya let out a breath of relief as she reached out to pat the Yaeli's shoulder, "I'm so happy that you accepted my request! Whenever you're ready then we should head out since the event is in a couple of days...umm and just if you see my brother don't talk to him okay?" She added on hastily as she sprung from the bed and began walking around with excitement, "This is great! You have no idea how nervous this whole ordeal has me and then to have someone to help me out....well it's really appreciated." She flashed him a wide grin, "But there is one thing - do I really have to keep calling you Steel Eyes?"

The Matori paused in her pacing to study the Yaeli, "You would think after nearly sacrificing your life for me by fighting a dangerous beast that we could be on closer terms...such as knowing each other's names." She bit her bottom lip thoughtfully. She really couldn't introduce him to her family like that. Oh mom and dad meet my potential husband, Steel Eyes. Isn't he great? Such a charmer, right? Oh gods have mercy that surely wouldn't do. Nadiya shook her head to clear it of the imaginary scenario, "If you don't like your real name can we just come up with something a bit...gentler to tell others at the event?"

"Aaah, of course!" Nadiya slowly nodded her head in agreement as the Yaeli explained what steps needed to be taken before he was released, "Well on the bright side you won't....err well shouldn't be carrying a huge sword to this event." A slight flush spread across her cheeks as she sheepishly smiled at him, "Would be too obvious that you're a fighter if you had a sword with ya and may make people uncomfortable, ya know? So we'll have to rely on your fists or hide the sword in the main room before the occasion....that'll work, right?" It would also save her mother from a heart attack to see a warrior just walking alongside of her daughter like it was nothing...sheesh. Turning her gaze away as she thought about things for a moment longer Nadiya blew a stray bang away from her face in frustration, "But minor details can be figured out later." She added hastily as she glanced back towards Steel Eyes with a grin.

She was just glad that he wasn't questioning things so much. Even as a story-teller it would be hard for her to spin everything into a lie on the spot. Not that she wanted to lie to Steel Eyes, mind you, but the girl was nervous about revealing the truth so early. It was still highly possible that he could decline her mission regardless of how much money he needed - she felt like he had a bit more pride than that and knowing him would make anything complicated rather than agreeing to be her beau for the night. But a body guard? That was easy enough considering they had already traveled together for a bit...without too much problem. Okay so maybe there was an awful storm, we almost died falling from cliffs before that, aaaand the yaotl. But who was she to judge a trip's level of awfulness? At least they had survived.

Oooh? Nadiya's gaze latched onto Steel Eyes as he actually didn't outright deny her request. After everything had she managed to finally wiggle a bit of the way past that wall of his? Hope had her almost standing tiptoe with excitement as she hovered behind him while awaiting his answer. Would he? Could he? Was there some terrible secret behind his name? What if it was silly? Or she could get killed for knowing it? Was it something like that? Oh the possibilities were endless! And then as he finally, reluctantly glanced her way and spoke the strange word from his lips Nadiya found herself letting out all the breath she had been holding, "Jolantaaa." She breathed out the name before biting her bottom lip to hold back the squee of victory. Yes, she had done it!

"It's not a bad name." She managed finally as if brushing off how important the revelation was for her, "I don't understand why you hid it. It's got a nice ring to it and such, I guess." She reached down as if to brush dirt from her skirts all nonchalant like, "If you're worried about discrepancy with it I could shorten it to Jol for the guests so that your full name will be our secret. Oh! And to blend in better so that no one suspects anything - since after all no one should be worried about why I would need a guard during a public event like this - you should just call me Diya." She nodded, "Even Nadiya is fine, but no lady, miss, or anything like that. Okay? Okay."

"Now you should probably go and check in with the healers. I'll be back here in a few - I need to drop off some things for my brother at the trading post in town and other small errands. Hopefully that gives you plenty of time~"

Nadiya nodded encouragingly, "That sounds like the best plan." Her gaze shifted as she studied Jolanta thoughtfully. How did one turn a mercenary into a loving boyfriend? Just the thought of what she was trying to pull off decorated her cheeks with a light flush. It would have to be a convincing act so that her parents would give her breathing room and if she managed to leave Matori again after the event then she was free and wouldn't have to bother this poor man ever again - not that she disliked bothering him, but surely he was growing weary of her already? Her amber eyes darted away from him as the flush spread up the back of her neck again as her gut tangled in complicated feelings.

This was not something she was dwelling on right now. I just need out of this situation so that I can clear my mind, far far away from him. Nadiya found her gaze turning back to him though at the explanation of his name, "Oh?" Her eyebrow rose in curiosity, "Sounds interesting...you did promise to tell me a bit more in the future." She teased lightly before moving again, "Not like that matters right now since we need to take care of things quickly here."

"Pfft." Nadiya tried to joke as she started towards the door, "How can I stay away from strange people when I am one already?" She winked playfully towards him before turning away and stepping through the doorway, "Don't worry I'll be okay. I'll meet you at the entrance of the town, if you're not there by the late afternoon sky I'll head back here instead~" That stated she waved a hand and left the room.

Now that she was alone Nadiya found herself raising a hand to her chest. What had she just done? Was she truly doing this trick? Ugh I'll be in so much trouble if I'm found out. Quickly she shook her head before forcing her legs to move. It would be even more awkward if he found her just pacing outside of the healer's place! There were a few things that she did need to take care of and with that in mind Nadiya headed down the road and started through towards the markets. First was to drop off the packages from her brother, get some coin in return, exchange a few letters, and then to a clothing merchant to pick up a nice tunic and pants...that she had to estimate size wise but was pretty confident in her decision. Then for herself she even selected something cute and more Matori based considering how she hadn't been home in forever and her body had matured -perhaps not a lot but still a little bit- from the petite child that she once had been. That and all she mostly had now was Belrean inspired, something that she knew her mother would not appreciate at this event, so a teal dress with embroidery it was. Nadiya passed coin and grabbed her new packages before she turned to head back.

Though her gaze did stall as she noticed a stall with some kaboobs and fresh bread, "I'll take two of each and some bread." She called out before slipping her packages into the satchel at her side and wrapping up the bread and meat to carry in a small basket that she had gotten from the merchant as well. That and a bottle of fine spirits and she was ready! Let's just hope that the gods are on my side today. She shook her head in faint amusement at her own boldness in this situation before pressing forward so that she could sit on the fence at the edge of town and patiently wait on Jolanta.

That much was true - he had indeed shared his precious name with her. Nadiya's lips quirked up into a small smile at the comment as she simply nodded her head before giving him a coy look and quietly turning away. Like she said she would find out more later...if their paths continued to be so intertwined it would only be natural for them to learn more about each other. She just hoped that he wouldn't learn too much about her currently considering the real reason she was requesting his help. Though at least he already admitted that she was strange. Rather than being insulted Nadiya was simply amused by his agreement. If not strange then he could at least call her persistent since she was one not to give up easily.

She was zoning out and studying the clouds when he came. Caught up in her fantasies about potential stories and the one that she was currently wrapped up in made Nadiya pause as she turned to see who was calling her name, "Hmm?" Ah, that was right Jolanta was here now. For someone who claims to not be a hero the sunlight definitely seems to shimmer around him. Or was that simply how his glasses gleamed in the sunlight? Amusement made her gaze glimmer before she finally nodded, "I a ready if you are...Jol." She whispered his name and sucked in her bottom lip with hidden glee as she slipped from the fence, stumbled a bit and found herself reaching out to brace her landing with Jolanta's arm. Her left hand paused a moment as her fingers sought out the warmth that was radiating from his skin before she realized that she was touching him and quickly the girl's hand retreated, "Sorry." She breathed as she took a step backwards, "I didn't think that it would be so hard to slip down from there...uh I brought food so we can eat on the way as well." She threw the basket in front of her, "Some sticks with grilled meat and vegetables and then some bread...spirits too though we probably shouldn't be drinking so heavily on the road...anyways eat what you want and let's go?"