|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Sun Mar 27, 2022 4:52 pm
It had been an eventful few weeks since they had arrived in Kahikana. The crew had repaired the Misty Maiden and ventured into several of the villages that were nestled along the edges of the isles. While Emiyn did go with Ephrym on some further inland adventures, their returns usually bringing back plenty of new foreign goods to store into the cargo, the crew mostly stayed in areas where they could easily get back to the ship. The Kahi were as peaceful as promised even though they did have some tense encounters once the crew proved that they simply wanted to trade and meant no harm everything for the most part did go smoothly.
Today was one of their final days along the coast of Haukea. This was one of the crew's favorite areas since the colorful locals were mostly artisans and had plenty of interesting goods and things to share with the travelers. The scenery was gorgeous, even more so for those who could actually venture beneath the ocean waters to see the vivid colors of the coral reefs, and it was here that Emiyn had decided to invite Yokka along for an outing. Admittedly said outing brought a flush to the back of his neck, the teasing from Ephrym haunting him as he realized that he had gotten a lot closer with Yokka since their journey to the islands. The storm had mostly sealed the deal since Emiyn had been brokenhearted at the very thought of losing the geian woman who had charmed him, but now he danced about the topic. How did one confess exactly? He would have asked Ephrym for more advice if the captain hadn't been so caught up lately with their other crewmate, the golden hybrid who obviously had taken the captain's interest. Though Emiyn truly couldn't judge Ephrym considering how easily distracted he had been lately because of Yokka. The thought made his cheeks darken even more as he waited along the shore, the shimmering white sands almost blinding in the early afternoon sunlight.
I suppose I'll have to figure something out today. Once they left Lokelani things would be more hectic since they would be returning to Belrea to get their profits from all of the supplies that they had gathered. This was their final chance or rather his final chance before leaving the islands to truly explore and enjoy an afternoon together.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun May 01, 2022 5:09 pm
Getting there had been nothing short of rough, but they had finally arrived at the lands of Kahikina. Yokka had spent most of the first part of their stay on the ship running the repairs to make sure it all went properly. They also had to rebuild their stock of tools and materials for the trip back. Then she could finally enjoy her stay. All too soon though, their visit was wrapping up. It had been a few weeks, but it felt like it had been much shorter. There was still so much to see and do since they were finally here!
When Emiyn invited her out for the evening, she felt excitement and surprise. Obviously, she was looking forward to further exploration of the islands.. but the idea of spending that time with Emiyn also sent that strange flutter through her belly. It wasn't the first time she had felt it where the Matorian was concerned. She.. was entirely uncertain how to act on it though! Back home, she would have asked her mother for advice. Here, she was on her own.
Maybe she would just wait until she could go talk to her mother...
For now though, she headed for where Emiyn had asked her to meet him. It sounded like it would be a trip through the reef! "Emiyn!" she called excitedly, pushing that fluttering feeling away. "Hope I didn't keep you waiting."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon May 02, 2022 5:53 pm
"No worries." Emiyn replied quietly, a slow smile crossing his lips as he watched Yokka approaching. Even if he was still prickly with others in the crew the man obviously had a soft spot for their first mate and head carpenter despite their initial meeting. "You gave me plenty of time to gather everything I need." His smile grew, a bit of mischievousness dancing in his gaze as he held up a pair of reeds. A local mage had helped him with a small matter that would allow them to do all of the exploring they wanted today. He had tried it out a couple of times before just to make certain and now that he was confident about matters the summoner was more than willing to share with Yokka.
"I would ask if you wanted to eat something first, but they do say it's bad to eat before going on an adventure like the one I have in mind." He managed, his heart fluttering as he glanced over at Yokka, would she be okay with this? Either way there was no way to know unless they moved forward! Emiyn shifted and made certain his belongings were tucked safely away into a satchel bag. His feet dug into the sand one final time before moving to Yokka's side, the loose sandals he had decided to wear today giving him plenty of freedom to wiggle his toes in the sun kissed beach.
"Sooo...how do you feel about swimming somewhere new?" Emiyn asked as he studied his companion. "And can you trust me?" His gaze was sincere as he waited for her answer. He wasn't about to drag Yokka somewhere dangerous, not without her consent, and even Emiyn felt his heart fluttering a bit in his chest from the suspense. Surely it was from the anticipation of this trip...mostly. It was hard though to let his gaze linger on Yokka, the back of his neck warming from more than the sunlight the longer he waited.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed May 11, 2022 2:05 pm
Everything? Yokka cocked her head with confusion and curiosity. The guy was holding two regular looking reeds.... What was so special about them? Reeds and no food? She crossed her arms and tapped her foot, waiting with light-hearted impatience for Emiyn to reveal what was going on.
Of course, her heart gave that weird flutter again when the Matorian stepped closer...
Ah! Swimming? She opened her mouth to reply, but then the question of trust caught her by surprise. He seemed pretty serious about it, too. With a long inhale, Yokka finally shrugged and shook her head. "You've never given me reason to not trust you," she assured, resisting the natural instinct to give some sort of sassy reply instead. "So, I guess, yeah, I think I can." Just as seriously, she leaned forward and peered hard up at his face. "Do you think I should trust you?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat May 14, 2022 11:34 am
"Before? Maybe not." Emiyn replied honestly, glancing downwards before lifting his gaze again to face Yokka boldly. He didn't back down and could see the flecks of color in her own gaze, she was so close. "But now? I would rather place myself in danger first." He would never let harm come to Yokka if he could help it. The confession made his own heart flutter in his chest, but he knew it was completely true. She had found him when he was his most miserable and brought him into this world of adventure and warmth while their own relationship blossomed even more during their voyage. Nearly losing her had been a blow he had not quite expected and now Emiyn knew that somehow the Geian had helped unlock that lock he had once placed on his heart.
A gentle smile crossed his lips as he tucked a stray strand of hair back behind Yokka's ear. "We came to explore the ocean, right? Come with me." He brushed past her with a calm expression despite his own racing heart and simply grabbed her hand in passing. Tugging Yokka along after him, Emiyn pulled them both forward until the ocean waters were licking along their hips and then up towards their shoulders. "Ready?" He asked glancing towards her as the ocean waters pushed and pulled at them, the summoner doing his best to keep the waters calm enough as he prepared to go beneath the waves.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri May 20, 2022 10:45 am
The truthful answer made Yokka's brow c**k with interest. To think anyone would bother admitting that they at been untrustworthy at any time. Once again, a sassy reply rolled onto her tongue, but her breath caught short with the next admission. She couldn't help how the color rushed to her cheeks and the rapid flutter in her heart. He was standing so close...
She wasn't used to being rendered breathless, and it took her a moment to suck in a fresh breath. "Oh, uh.. yeah." She blinked quickly to clear her mind, grateful that Emiyn was willing to guide her along. The chill of the water yanked her from her thoughts, and she let out a sigh of relief. "Ready as I'll ever be." She hadn't exactly come ready to face her feelings, so focusing on the ocean trip was much easier.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat May 21, 2022 3:56 pm
"Alright then." Emiyn smirked and without warning tugged Yokka beneath the surface of the ocean waters with him. At first he would have been tempted to gasp in surprise but since he had practiced a couple of times the Matori easily adapted to the magic that allowed them both to breathe underwater. His braid floated around him as he kept hold of Yokka's hand and gave her a moment to adapt before moving again, the ocean current helping him to tug them further into the deep waters. Unlike the darker waters of Matori that could be blurry in their depths the ocean around Kahi was sparkling and clear. It was perfect to help them navigate the coral reefs that surrounded them. Emiyn had learned more from the locals when he had been inquiring about things, including the water breathing, and found that this area was one of the calmer spots with beautiful views. It would be a shame to have to fight a sea creature on their first date after all. Date. Despite the cool waters surrounding them the Matori's cheeks flushed at the realization.
It was nice to have some form of distraction while he was trying to figure out exactly how to express his own feelings. Emiyn couldn't help the sigh of relief can sent bubbles from his lips as the vivid colors of the coral reef came into view, schools of strange and colorful fish bobbing in and out of the twisting coral structures. His gaze was bright as he glanced towards Yokka, waiting to see how she was handling things.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon May 23, 2022 2:42 pm
Yokka's instinct had her holding her breath. She looked around to admire the new view, only belatedly noticing.. was Emiyn breathing?! It must have something to do with those reeds he had shown her right before. Relaxing to attempt breathing under water was plain difficult. It went against everything she knew! Yet.. eventually, she exhaled sharply and dared to draw in a quick breath. The sensation made her shudder slightly and she pinched Emiyn's arm lightly.
But of course, this new experience couldn't let her irritation remain. Awe over the magic and their new surroundings swept her attention away, and she held tight to Emiyn's hand for security.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon May 23, 2022 6:36 pm
A sheepish expression crossed his face but Emiyn simply squeezed Yokka's fingers before he started swimming again, his movements bringing them around various structures of the reef. Since they had plenty of time to explore the ocean the summoner made certain to enjoy every moment, pointing out fish and the like to Yokka. It truly was beautiful around Kahi and Emiyn found himself enjoying all of the sights and he even managed to find a pale green pearl that reminded him of his companion, his fingers wrapping tightly around the prize so that he could tug it free and hand it to Yokka. Other than gathering a few more precious pearls and pointing out strange sights, it felt like a good portion of the afternoon was simply spent watching the fish and smaller creatures that lived in the reefs, the hazy sunlight from the surface world marking a path for them as they explored the colorful structures of coral.
Emiyn was even daring to go further before a surprising creature stopped him in his tracks. At first Emiyn found himself confused by the kelp that suddenly came alive before tugging her away from a curious octopus whose bright orange tentacles had nearly blended it in with their vivid surroundings. The creature inked in protest, a cloud of darkness coming towards the pair and Emiyn found himself kicking hard so that he could pull Yokka to the surface after them. Instead of being in a foul mood though the summoner let out a rare laugh, his head shaking as he tried to clear his vision of the salty water and damp bangs that clung to his skin. "That....was....fun." He managed with a grin, his fingers still tightly wrapped around Yokka's hand as he floated them back towards the shallow water of the ocean. "Do we dare go back? Or should we start back towards the shore?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri May 27, 2022 10:25 am
The view was utterly gorgeous, made all the more vivid with the reassurance that she didn't have to worry about holding her breath. She could focus fully on the saturated colors of the corals and the graceful movements of the fish. When she dared, she could pause to see how Emiyn's hair floated around his head and how his muscles worked while swimming. He really had grown a lot since joining the crew... The whole scene was wonderful.
The defensive octopus was a wrinkle in the tranquility of the moment, but she could only chuckle to herself as she was dragged back up and away from the startled creature. Out of habit, she gasped for a breath of air when they broke the surface, using her free hand to push her hair out of her face. "Let's go back," she decided, taking the lead this time with a tug on Emiyn's hand. "That was a lot of swimming." Her gaze lingered on her companion for a moment before a wide smile rose. "That was amazing, Emiyn. Thank you."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri May 27, 2022 10:53 am
Emiyn gave Yokka a soft smile. "You're welcome. Thank you for accompanying me." He replied quietly before letting go of her hand so that they could both work their way back to the shore. The summoner pulled himself back up and a warm gust of wind surrounded the pair to dry out their clothing. Twisting his hair back over his shoulder, Emiyn finally glanced over at Yokka to check to see how she was doing. It was hard to not be distracted by simply watching the carpenter, his heart skipping a beat as the sunlight brightened her appearance almost like a halo around her.
Maybe it was the adrenaline from their whole adventure, the rush from swimming away from their surprise encounter or simply the fact that he had gotten bolder but Emiyn found himself taking a step forward. "I'd say that was a nice ending to an eventful time in these islands." His gaze was thoughtful as he pondered his next words. "I also would like.....well to discuss something with you. Is that alright?" It was definitely harder to focus his words but Emiyn was more of a scholar, less a man of action....if that even made sense for why he was so hesitant now. If he had been maybe Ephrym there would have been less talking and more action...the very thought made his cheeks darken. He didn't dare try anything like that.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri May 27, 2022 11:16 am
Her body felt pleasantly tired as she climbed up and left support of the water. The caress of the warm breeze was most welcome, and Yokka sighed contently as her clothes and hair dried. She pulled the tie from her hair and shook the braid loose so that it could dry faster as well. If only she had magic wind every time she needed to dry out her long locks!
"I'm ready to eat something," she murmured out loud, a hand going over her belly. When she looked over at Emiyn though.. she felt herself melting just like before under his gaze. He seemed quite intent on something, and she tried an amused laugh to calm her nerves. "We've been over this. You can tell me whatever's on your mind."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri May 27, 2022 11:56 am
Emiyn almost wanted to offer to get food first before talking, but Emiyn forced himself to stay put. He had been darting about this topic for weeks, his avoidance increasing ever since the storm had separated them and forced him to truly recognize his feelings for the geian. "In that case then I suppose I should go ahead." He managed with a small smile as he finished securing his own belongings. It helped to give his fingers something to do other than twisting together from his own nervousness. He had written a few notes before but Emiyn hadn't thought to bring the scroll along - would Yokka even want to read it when he was standing right here?
"I'm really fond of you, Yokka." Emiyn finally managed as he stared up at his companion with sincerity. "I was wondering if the feeling was mutual." He definitely felt like writing poetry or something would be less awkward than this. Emiyn closed his eyes for a second to clear his mind before being even more direct. "I like you, a lot, and before this whole adventure I was reclusive from the world. You dragged me out of my pitiful state of mind and helped me to open up again....as cheesy as it can sound you helped me to believe that love is possible. It makes me even want to do crazy things like start a family with you one day if so desired. Nothing soon, but in the future if you wanted because I'm willing to do anything if you ask. " Emiyn shook his head and held out the pearl towards Yokka, almost like an offering. "Honestly I never thought I would want to be close to anyone like this, but I would love to give it a try with you. What do you think?" He could debate the pros and cons, but honestly what was the point? Emiyn loved Yokka as scared as he was to say it, but that was what mattered most.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri May 27, 2022 12:24 pm
Throughout Emiyn;'s speech, Yokka's face grew warmer and warmer, her belly was filled with butterflies, and a weight was steadily lifting from her shoulders. She had suspected, but to hear him actually say the words out loud... it was a relief that she hadn't truly realized she'd needed. She had to say something now though! She was rather the opposite of Emiyn, more about actions than words. She wasn't graceful with words...
Eyes watering with delight, she closed the distance with a small hop and wrapped her arms tightly around the Matorian's lanky frame. Being together with Emiyn and eventually starting a family..? "I like you a lot, too," she agreed with a soft laugh, trying hard to keep her emotions from turning her into a mess. "I want to try." To think she was going to be someone's girlfriend, and possibly a wife later down the line! And then.. maybe a mother... Gods, one step at a time!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
