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 Posted: Tue Sep 22, 2020 12:28 pm
After a much needed discussion with the elders, Danika found herself pacing along one of the main beaches of Chibale. The refreshing seabreeze, the gentle sound of the waves lapping at the pearly white sands and the faint warmth of the late afternoon sun did wonders for her conflicted spirit. The new tree at the island had promises of being successful but only now did the Elders realize that if it did start sprouting blooms that there was one missing element to help any new mothers - a mystic. Eshe was older certainly but not so old that she could not take care of things in Chibale and with the peaceful era upon them there was no need for a warrior to simply sit around the islands. Danika was young and full of energy, a prime candidate for traveling overseas. Once she would have delighted in the idea but now something tugged at her spirit and she had to suppress a sigh. It wasn’t as if she would be gone forever, perhaps a few years at the most to help train others until they were better adjusted to everything, but at the same time she worried about the passage of time. Would the connections that she made here dissolve once she left for a few years? Surely not.
Still, she was nervous. She had never traveled for long outside of Chibale and even her ventures to the meetings with the Elaria and the like had only taken a few days at the most in Jahaur. Now she was preparing to go all the way to Yael so that she could help their estranged cousins with their tree and across the great ocean to help her fellow sisters who had recently settled near Belrea shortly afterwards. It truly was going to be an adjustment for certain. Danika was not worried about Chibale because the Elders and Eshe were actively around and basically running everything still yet. She was more worried about her own skills. Was she truly worthy enough to take on such responsibilities? Could she take charge and lead the others who were living on the new island? She believed strongly in Aisha and that the Great Mother had indeed blessed her by allowing her to follow her dreams of travel but now that the dreams were becoming reality she was wary. Who would have imagined that she would actually be able to see so much of the world? How many mystics would getto say that they traveled for so long and so far, let alone be asked to help with new trees sprouted from Aisha’s own seeds? It truly was an astounding thought. Oh Aisha you have high expectations of me indeed.
As she thought more and more about the upcoming travels her mind wandered to a familiar image and Danika let out a soft sigh. How would she tell Vermina? What would she even tell Vermina? For the first time in a very long while, Danika found herself twisting her fingers together nervously as she walked along the beach.
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Posted: Wed Sep 30, 2020 4:08 pm
Vermina held the little trinket in her hand as gingerly as possible. While it was perhaps a bit of an overcompensation on her part, she did not want to risk damaging the precious thing that she held. It had taken careful crafting to form the delicate shells into the simple necklace that she could only hope was good enough for the intended recipient... She had been able to spend more time with Danika than she had ever expected, even able to call the mystic her friend. Deeper feelings had been cropping up with every successive interaction. If even a sliver of such a thought had crossed the other's mind as well...
Reaching Aisha though, she found that she had just missed Danika leave some big meeting. Where had the mystic headed? Only a general direction was pointed out, so she gambled and headed along the path. It was a few stops before she headed toward the beach. That seemed a likely place to be good for relaxing after a meeting.
"Danika!" The mystic was a silhouette against the shore, and she hurried to catch up. Did Danika seem down? "I've been looking for you," she said with a playful smirk. "Why is it so much easier to find you by accident than when I'm actually trying to find you?"
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Posted: Wed Sep 30, 2020 4:35 pm
Danika was so lost in her thoughts that the appearance of the other Alkidike took her by surprise. The mystic's expression was unguarded, the tension in her shoulders at the twisting emotions as obvious as the shadows under her eyes, but whenever she saw it was Vermina her lips curled upwards into a smile. "Vermina." She replied after a moment as she tried to shove away her current worries as to not burden her dear friend. "Good question. It is strange, isn't it?" She teased back. "Perhaps we should just stop looking for each other so that we can meet more often."
She tilted her head thoughtfully. "Though if I may ask why were you looking for me? Is everything alright?" Concern showed in her gaze as she took a couple of steps closer to Vermina as if to inspect her. She seemed healthy and was more playful than distressed. I suppose I'm just accustomed to others looking for me when something is amiss and not just to speak with me. She mused slightly as she patiently studied Vermina. A slight breeze moved along the shore, gently moving her skirts and her dreads ever so slightly, and it was enough to cause her to glance towards the ocean for a moment. The sight only reminded her more of the decision at hand, but once again she found herself glancing back to Vermina with a knotted chest. To think the first person that crossed her mind would show up like this...it was funny how fate worked.
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Posted: Fri Oct 02, 2020 8:01 pm
Something was definitely going on. Of course, she could only imagine the responsibility that weighed on the poor mystic's shoulders every day. That meeting must have been something worrisome to cause this sort of visible distress. Perhaps this wasn't the best time for her to bring up her feelings...?
Well, it was going to be her job to cheer Danika up anyway!
"Everything is going well, so far as I know," she said, hopeful smile rising. She closed the remaining distance and held out her hands. The necklace she held had coiled gold wire framing around multiple small, dark shells. It wasn't as fancy and intricate as she would have liked it to be, but her skill in metalworking and fine jewelry was minimal. She preferred to make it simple but durable than mess up a fancy attempt. "I wanted to give this to you. I hope you realize that you're very special to me, and not just as the mystic." Wait- she wasn't going to go there right now... "You look as though you could use some cheering up, too. I hope this helps."
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Posted: Tue Oct 13, 2020 9:18 pm
"Oh good." Danika let out a sigh of relief and smiled towards Vermina. She truly needed to take a break from things and just let Aisha work her will. The thought made Danika take another breath and she focused on Vermina in time to see the necklace being held out. "Hmm?" Her gaze widened in surprise as she reached out a hesitant hand to slowly take the necklace. A flush decorated her cheeks as she held the precious gift and slowly twisted it in her fingers. "It's beautiful Vermina. Thank you." The other Alkidike's words warmed her spirit and she found herself almost shyly peeking towards her. "I'm glad you feel that way....you're very special to me as well." She managed softly before nodding. "Honestly just seeing you in general seems to always lighten my mood."
She was doing her best to hold things together but the confession made Danika's walls shatter and allowed her emotions to break free. She hadn't realized it at first but while she was speaking shimmering tears had started to streak down her cheeks. Surely....surely Vermina just meant as a good friend, right? So why did she feel or rather want there to be something more than just that in her words? How was it that Danika wanted to be calm and brave but now she felt like she was falling into a million pieces? Danika tossed all precautions aside as she quickly moved to wrap the other Alkidike into a hug. "I will treasure your gift, Vermina." She managed as she squeezed her arms around the other Alkidike and rested her head against her shoulders, her gaze fixed on the ocean behind them as she kept hugging Vermina. "I apologize but....please let me stay like this for a moment more." She whispered as she rested her head against Vermina's shoulder, her body trembling slightly as she tried to hold back even more tears.
She was finally getting her dream to travel but she was so afraid to leave everything and everyone that she knew behind. Even if it was only for a few years, Danika knew that she would still miss so much. She would especially miss Vermina now that it seemed something was changing in their friendship. But how could she ask the other Alkidike to leave her treasured homeland and family? Nothing about this timing was fair at all and it made her heart ache so much. Oh Aisha why. Danika took a deep breath, her heart still racing in her chest as she enjoyed the warmth of Vermina's presence a moment longer. "I'm feeling much better already." She managed finally, her cheeks flushed as she kept her arms around Vermina.
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Posted: Thu Oct 15, 2020 7:10 pm
A matching heat rose along Vermina's face, just far too pleased to hear the sentiment returned. It felt even better than getting the positive response to the necklace. What was better than knowing that her presence was enough to lift the other's mood? It was the same the other way around, and she started to reach out a hand to return it as well.
However, her eyes widened with concern when she saw Danika's poise begin to suddenly crumble. She reached out as Danika came toward her, both arms out in almost a catching gesture that quickly morphed to accommodate the hug. Her cheeks heated further, unable to resist holding Danika tighter and letting her own head tilt to gently rest against the other. She could feel the trembling against her body, making her brow knit with concern. She had never faced whatever this was before with the mystic, and she was momentarily at a loss for words. How could she possibly be able to help with something that caused such an upset in the usually collected Danika? She said she was feeling better, but there was no move to separate. Vermina made no move to let go, either.
"We can stay like this for as long as you wish," Vermina softly replied, one hand moving to rub along Danika's back comfortingly. Well, this meeting was going in quite an unexpected direction. "What else can I do to help?"
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Posted: Fri Oct 16, 2020 7:09 am
Oh Aisha. What had she done? Danika's stomach twisted into knots. She had never let her walls crumble so much before. The only one to see such a thing perhaps had been Tyiva but now....well Vermina was also witnessing her in a weak moment. It made Danika feel almost ashamed yet a greedy part of her was thankful whenever the hug was returned. It made her heart fill warm as she rested her head against Vermina's shoulder, a soft sigh of content slipping past her lips. "If only." She found herself admitting with a small smile. It would be nice to always have this shoulder to lean on. The thought honestly surprised Danika but she was quickly realizing just how important Vermina's presence had become in her life.
Danika found herself swallowing before finding her voice again. "Well do you have time to maybe go on a walk?" She asked almost meekly before finally pulling back away from the other Alkidike, almost hesitantly. "I don't know what....what came over me. I apologize." She began quietly, a flush still decorating her cheeks. "Your present was so touching that I just couldn't resist showing my appreciation." She held the necklace in her fingers and glanced down at it with a smile. "Thank you again, Vermina." She had mostly collected herself now but it seemed that her fingers trembled ever so slightly as she held onto the necklace. Perhaps from exhaustion of the last few days, if not simply from the effort to keep herself composed. Even Danika wasn't certain. All she knew was that seeing Vermina was like a balm to her troubled heart.
"I feel guilty that I haven't given you anything." She continued softly as she studied the necklace. "You crafted this for me?" Her dark gaze glimmered with emotions as she peeked back towards Vermina, her lips curled upwards into tender smile. "It truly is lovely." Even if it wasn't the most luxurious necklace around, Danika treasured it far more for the emotional value and the work that went into its creation for her. She truly should do something for Vermina before....well before she left Chibale on her journey. The thought made her antenna flick almost guiltily at the thought as she looked towards the other Alkidike.
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Posted: Fri Oct 16, 2020 11:10 am
'If only.' Vermina wholeheartedly agreed with the statement, keeping the wish silent in her head. It was surely wrong to take such pleasure from the embrace that Danika needed for comfort. Reluctantly releasing her hold, she gave the mystic's arms a gentle squeeze of encouragement. "I always have time for you," she assured.
Goddess, her tongue was practically leaping to express what she was feeling...
"I am just glad that you like it. There is nothing to apologize for." She was fairly proud of her work, but was it really that nice? Surely Danika had all the prettiest jewelry available on Chibale at her disposal!
Brow lifting, she found herself laughing softly at Danika's further reaction. "There is no need to feel guilty, either. We made no announcement of occasion to warrant a gift exchange. I just.. wanted to do something for you. You've given me.. more than you know."
'Though it is nowhere near as lovely as you are, Danika...' How her lips yearned to form the words... Oh, she had to focus! Stepping to Danika's side, she hooked her arm to loop it around the mystic's, joining them at the elbow. "I really am glad you like it. Jewelry is not something I work on often, but I've been thinking of this ever since we went swimming and talked about shells being too fragile for the younglings!" She giggled lightly. They had been friends for quite a while now, hadn't they~
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Posted: Fri Oct 16, 2020 11:27 am
Danika's lips curved up into a wider smile at Vermina's assurance. "I am blessed indeed then." She teased lightly before slowly reaching up to clasp the necklace around her neck. The shells felt nice and cool against her previously flushed skin and she couldn't resist trailing a finger along the edges one last time as Vermina looped their arms together. "Have I?" She asked with a soft laugh. "I feel like I've been taking more from you." Vermina was the one always offering comfort and spending time with her while she mused over things after all. Danika truly was grateful for how she always seemed to appear at the right moments like that.
"I suppose I should be careful then since I'm not a youngling." She replied back lightly despite her heavy heart. "I'm touched that you thought of them for me and put work into something you rarely do. I feel special." Danika flushed lightly at the words as she started walking them along the shoreline, her feet warmed by the shimmering white sands. "I haven't much time for crafting myself but am an expert at helping with blooms should you ever need." She started before realizing her words. "That is if you had a partner or just simply wanted a child on your own one day." Danika bit her bottom lip almost shyly. "I also crafted with clay before and have made some decent pottery before so I suppose there is more that I can do besides the duties of a mystic."
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Posted: Fri Oct 16, 2020 11:51 am
It was a relief to see Danika cheering up, but something was still amiss. Vermina just shook her head and squeezed her arm a little. "Considering how much you give to everyone, you deserve to get a little extra for yourself." If she could help, she would. "Well, you are special!" One day, she would tell Danika just how special...
"I would love a daughter some day. I know I will be able to count on you to help." Helping with blooms... Vermina nearly tripped over her feet when her knees went weak with the idea of Danika and blooms. She wasn't sure she would be able to get through today without blabbing! She tried to laugh off the stumble and shook her head again, face going a flustered orange. "Perhaps I should learn to walk first... Did you enjoy working with the pottery? I feel as though you would enjoy pursuing it as a hobby."
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Posted: Fri Oct 16, 2020 12:09 pm
Despite the smile that crossed her lips at Vermina's words, Danika could only shake her head. "I'm only doing what I was born to do." She admittedly sheepishly, the praise flustering her and making her heart twist. "It would be a crime to not help out when I have the ability to do so." Aisha had blessed her indeed after all and as Danika spoke the words the realization of her current situation weighed on her shoulders. It would be hypocritical to say such a thing and then flee from her duties by not traveling when Aisha had clearly paved that path for her, right? "Special...." She repeated the word thoughtfully as she tried to focus back on Vermina, her heart dropping even more at the Alkidike's next words.
Was Vermina suggesting that she wanted a daughter by herself or with another? If she had a partner in mind then who was it? Danika was so concerned about Vermina's relationships and how much she did not know about the other Alkidike that the idea that she could be the intended partner evaded her. Danika simply plastered on a happy smile as she replied. "Of course. If you or another want to wish for a bloom then I will gladly help. A child is Aisha's greatest blessing." Danika replied slowly before tightening her hold on Vermina's arm when she seemed to stumble. "I hear walking is important!" She replied with a chuckle as she made certain that her companion was steady again. "Are you alright?"
Making certain that they were both steady again on their feet, Danika nodded to the question about pottery. "It was relaxing and when I was younger I often worked with pottery. In the last few years things haven't given me much time to do so unfortunately." She pursed her lips almost saddened by the thought, especially knowing that her future would be even busier with far less time for such a passion. "I still have bowls that I made when I was younger and keep them at my home."
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Posted: Fri Oct 16, 2020 12:57 pm
What she was born to do? Perhaps, but not everyone could fulfill what they were born to do. What was her purpose in being born, anyway? Was she fulfilling anything?
"I-I am fine. I'm not certain what came over me." With another bashful chuckle, she found that she couldn't quite meet Danika's gaze further. Another? Was this Danika's way of saying it couldn't be with her? Had she completely misjudged what might be between them? Maybe she was just overthinking?
It was just so overwhelming...
"I have never tried my hand at pottery. Perhaps we could work on something together to get you back into it? What do you think? I hope I don't waste clay with mistakes. I'm sure it would be fun to take the time to learn." Time.. how much did she have before she burst?
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Posted: Fri Oct 16, 2020 1:11 pm
Danika frowned with concern. "If you say so." Still she couldn't help but to keep a watchful eye on Vermina. What if she wasn't feeling well? She had never seen Vermina stumble like that before. Was it a dizzy spell or something else? If Vermina said that she was fine then Danika should trust her but it was hard not to care about her companion. The last thing she would want was for Vermina to be ill. "If you do feel ill then let me know and I'll take care of you." She promised quietly, the comment slipping from her lips and causing her to quickly glance away. "I mean if that is okay with you...unless you have someone else to care for you." A whisper of a sigh escaped her as she realized how much she didn't know. "I feel that you know more about me and I know less about you and any relationships that you may have." Danika admitted in a rush, her heart racing in her chest at the boldness. Who was she to ask about Vermina having a relationship? They did feel close but she was wary - what if she was overthinking things?
"We could perhaps." Danika smiled at the suggestion before her expression faltered. "That is it would have to be within the next few months because....." Her voice trailed off as she realized that even she wasn't certain how long she had left in Chibale before leaving for the next few years. "Well because things will be even busier for me it seems." She wasn't certain exactly what to say or why she was dragging out her confession. Why not just tell Vermina? What was she so afraid of?
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Posted: Fri Oct 16, 2020 1:51 pm
She couldn't help her cheeks flushing even further, this time with an overly-pleased warmth rather than the heat of embarrassment. 'I would like to take care of you, too,' she thought to herself wistfully. "Someone else?" the statement threw her off a little. "I mean, there is Aunt Pul... There is no one else I would expect to take time for me if I were ill." Her stomach tugged. Was Danika talking about a relationship more like-?
"Busier? Is this what has you looking so down?" She tried an encouraging smile and gave their linked arms another squeeze. "I suppose I am not surprised. With all this talk of a treaty with the Elarians and the growing tree in Belrea, I'm sure you have much that is going to be expected of you. Know that if you ever need a break though, I will be here for you. ..I want to be able to take care of you, too." The previously silent words fell from her lips, and she leaned in to press a kiss to Danika's cheek. "What can I do to help?"
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Posted: Fri Oct 16, 2020 2:00 pm
"So you just have an aunt?" Mused Danika softly as the dread left her stomach. At least one part of her worries had been resolved. The talk of the elders must have bothered her enough to make her think such worrisome thoughts. Who would want to bond with a mystic when they had so many duties to take up their time? Danika pursed her lips against the thought before nodding. "Then I will make certain to be there for you if something does happen." It was a hard promise to make but one that Danika was determined to keep. Vermina had offered her so much of her time so why couldn't Danika do the same?
The encouragement sent a stabbing feeling through her chest and Danika found her will weakening in the presence of Vermina's warm spirit. "You truly mean that?" She whispered softly her movements freezing with surprise at the light kiss to her cheek. "What if my duties take me away from Chibale? What would you do then, Vermina?" Her heart twisted at the thought and yet the promise of Vermina wanting to take care of her as well made Danika hopeful. Perhaps if she didn't have to leave Chibale then Danika would have never forced or risked such a conversation that could change their friendship, but now she felt like there was nothing else she could do besides face the truth. If there was something deeper then she wanted to cherish it while she could, especially if Vermina was going to stay in Chibale while Danika left for the new island.
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