Welcome to Gaia! ::

Things had definitely shifted between Jhin and Kyril. The woman found herself dancing around him, her wariness obvious as he seemed to pull away despite the afternoon they had shared together the other day. She was at least able to walk more now and feeling better had allowed her to finally shift through her belongings. A few glass things here and there rolled out from where she had brought along extra pieces and Kyril was thankful to see that they were in mostly one piece. “Just a few casualties.” She breathed as she thanked On’os for his good fortune. Some of the items she pondered over before finally venturing out of the house, a basket of trinkets in hand as she prepared to give them out.

First she visited Myra who had been helping her to learn how to bake while Jhin was away on a couple of patrols. Kyril had grown frustrated knowing that Jhin was taking care of everything while she couldn’t even make a simple loaf of bread! So she had hoped to surprise him and had accepted help from the older leaf earthlings. Then she had stopped by the twins who had gathered berries for them and helped her with other little tasks while Jhin was away for the last two days. Everyone seemed to gush about the delicate objects, the colorful glass vase perfect for flowers and the small decorative daggers perfect for the kids to enjoy.

[Kyril 1]

“Nope.” Kyril couldn’t help the excitement that bloomed in her chest when she saw Jhin approaching the village. “They’re gifts.” She called out with a grin as the twins held up their prizes before darting away again. The hybrid leaned on a staff, her expression bright as she studied Jhin. Why did he seem so down? Her golden gaze softened as she glanced at him and a sigh escaped her own lips. “Did the patrol go alright?”

[Kyril 2]

“They are.” Kyril began as she chewed her bottom lip thoughtfully. “I’ve had time to talk with others, you know.” She added as his own words trailed off and Jhin looked towards the ground almost helplessly. She had learned about the late summer battle which haunted the village still. They had lost three rangers that day and one apparently had been close to Jhin. Myra had brought it up to her whenever Kyril had asked her for advice about how Jhin normally was and if she knew how best to approach the usually more stoic ranger. The more she learned about those who had passed, the more she started realizing why Jhin seemed hesitant to get closer despite their growing feelings for one another. “Let me show you some of my belongings?” Kyril didn’t even wait for a response as she started to walk towards Jhin’s house where she had scattered her glass pieces throughout the family room.

[Kyril 3]

“Surprise.” Kyril let out a soft laugh as she carefully moved so that she could sit down in the middle of her belongings, her legs carefully stretched out as to not disturb her bad ankle. “I hope you like them, I’m rather proud of my craft.” She managed with a small smile before reaching around for a small wooden box. “I happened to have a couple of extra pieces that I worked on while you were away…” She started before her voice trailed off almost sheepishly. Would he like her idea or think she was pushing her luck by imposing on his personal feelings? Kyril swallowed before shaking her head to chase away her fears. If anything she was notorious for pissing off others who didn’t like her voicing her opinions so why stop now? She had faith in Jhin. He would be patient and listen to her without making a scene. “In Belrea I helped craft some memory beads that others would wear in honor of those who had left them.” She explained carefully while opening the box to reveal a bracelet of green and teal beads with delicate golden vines swirled inside. “I had some left and I twisted them along twine with some gold leaf to make a bracelet.”

“I know that I will never fully understand the depth of your relationship with your friend because I never got to meet him, but I wanted to offer you something so that you could honor his memory.” Kyril explained as she held the bracelet out towards Jhin. “You can tie the beads in your hair or wear this as a bracelet or necklace if you’d like for me to alter it.” The hybrid’s cheeks flushed slightly as she glanced between Jhin and her offering. “I lost someone dear before when I was a youngling and that pain haunted me for many years. I still miss her but I just have to hold onto the good memories and hope that their soul is happy in the heavens. Hopefully she’s proud of all that I’m accomplishing now and I’m sure that your friend will be proud as well since you’ve already saved so many people, including me.”

[Kyril 4]

Kyril’s cheeks heated up as Jhin’s words sank in. She had just wanted to help him find a way to mourn his friend, to give him something as a comfort against the pain of loss and hadn’t even thought of any other motive other than to ease the pain in his heart. “I don’t know what to say.” She replied finally. “I just know it’s hard to lose someone and I never meant to bring you pain. I was hoping the gift could be some sort of balm for your loss.” Kyril bowed her head as she thought about things. She had even asked for incense so that they could offer their wishes for the departed this evening and share food with them which was customary in areas of Matori. Was it selfish to try to get to know more about Jhin and understand why he was so distant at times? Perhaps, but she honestly just wanted to cheer him up. He had done so much for her after all.

“And who said you had to let me go?” Replied Kyril as the other part truly sank in. Was that also why he had been so distant since their kiss? Did he think she was simply going to waltz out of his life? Certainly she had family in Oba and Matori, but Kyril’s own brother had traveled the world with a lover from further away than this! The very thought made her laugh before she reached out to touch Jhin’s arm in apology. “I’m sorry, but you shouldn’t think that lightly of me.” She began with a small smile. “I’m not going to leave that easily, not when I’m really starting to become invested in this whole edging my way into your heart nor do I plan on passing away soon.” Even if one could not decide those things and they were up to the gods, Kyril was determined to fight against everything since the man before her had touched her heart as well. He was someone worth fighting for and she didn’t want to lose him either.

[Kyril 5]

“I’m glad you realized that.” Kyril replied back as she raised a hand and rubbed Jhin’s shoulder comfortingly. “I also worked hard to learn how to bake bread...I know it’s not the best but I thought we could set it out tonight in the Matori fashion with incense to burn for the departed. It’s always good to leave an offering in their memory. I truly hope it helps.” She would send prayers to her departed Aunt as she hoped for her spirit to be at peace in the heavens, perhaps even watching over her like a guardian spirit. She could only hope the same for Jhin’s friend. “I think he was a smart man then to know it takes a stubborn person to deal with you.” Kyril stated lightly, trying her best to brighten the mood since it seemed like this Yaloh would not want either of them crying for him. He was a man who had wanted laughter from the stories she had heard and it seemed somehow he had balanced out Jhin’s more somber nature. It truly broke her heart to think that Jhin had lost someone dear to him like that and she could only support him and make certain that she wouldn’t be leaving him anytime soon. As long as he was okay with that of course.

[Kyril 6]

Kyril smiled in return as she leaned against Jhin for support and slowly stood. “We’ll prepare the incense and then we can have dinner after we set up a little memorial outside for them. I set everything up outside so that the smoke will drift towards the heavens.” Though some burned it inside of their homes, Kyril didn’t know how much incense Jhin would be able to tolerate. Either way she liked the idea of the smoke as it swirled towards the sky, their wishes following along towards the spirits of their loved ones. She just hoped that her wishes for Jhin could come true as well, including the one that somehow pieced their futures together.

[Kyril 7]