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 Posted: Tue May 23, 2023 8:17 am
While it wasn’t uncommon for a family member or two to head to the family farm it was something of a sight for the entire clan to head out. For a week at the beginning of summer Aurick’s family converged on the farm to both spend time with one another as well as gather supplies, work out inconsistencies, and go over general business practices. Of course, the family in question were those on his Geian mother’s side, so her sister’s happened to be around and…well, the resemblance was strong.
Normally he would have made the journey with his siblings and mothers, but this year his remaining mother had come a little early. At first he thought he’d be making the trip alone, yet when his cousin’s brought up the idea of inviting Harika…well, he’d asked her to come along. Now it was just the two of them trekking the remaining bit toward the farm in the fresh, open valleyed countryside. “How are you holding up? Still doing alright?”
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Posted: Tue May 23, 2023 8:19 am
[Sabra via Discord]
Even though she had joked about it, Harika truly had not expected to be brought along on a family vacation with Aurick and the others. The last few days the hybrid had been packing and repacking her supplies in a frenzy, her evenings filled with finishing up orders for the seamstress she worked under while preparing outfits for herself that would be more fitting for the countryside. Unlike her normal attire full of dresses and swishing skirts, Harika had opted to embrace another aspect of Belrean fashion with pants and long boots laced up to her knees that could better withstand any mountain path or farm. Her pink hair was braided and resting over a shoulder, the vibrant color standing out against the cream top she had chosen with laced sleeves that floated loosely around her elbows with an embroidered brown corset keeping everything in place. Well everything that it could considering her heaving sides as the young woman panted with effort after following along after Aurick for so long. "I'm....alright." She managed with a sheepish smile towards Aurick. "I think between working on new clothing designs and at the bakery I may have forgotten what it is to actually walk across a distance that isn't a small side street."
Harika took a moment and her fingers reached up to play with the end of her braid, the woman studying the view as she also took a deep breath. "The fresh air is nice though. I've never really experienced countryside like this before since I was raised mostly on the ocean and then stayed in Oba where it was even more sand, just slightly different with more heat and less water."
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Posted: Tue May 23, 2023 8:20 am
Aurick dug around at his side for the water skin and pulled it over his shoulder to offer it to Harika. As much as he tried to keep up an easygoing air there was a turn of real concern there. Had he just thought the farm was closer to the main road than it was? Maybe we should have rented a pack mule… “Good news is that it’s not much further up the path. As soon as we come around the next bend you should be able to see it.” The bad news was the path starting to go uphill from this point on before it dropped…but he didn’t want to remind her of something she could likely see.
“I could carry your bag if that would help?” It wasn’t as if the trek was completely lost on him (the Belrean had popped a healthy sweat), but between his work at the bakery and regular trips to the farm Aurick was used to it. “It really is beautiful out here. We only ever came out during the summer and harvest, but the city can’t compare. Can’t say that sand everywhere sounds like a good thing to me; see enough of it when I go to the beach.”
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Posted: Tue May 23, 2023 8:21 am
[Sabra via Discord]
"Thanks." Harika eagerly accepted the water skin and took a long drink. She wasn't certain if it was just the different climate, but their surroundings had taken more of a toll on her than expected. I'm going back to walking the park in the morning before my shift. She thought with a frown, the hybrid glancing down at her corset as if calculating any differences in her own waistline since arriving in Belrea. "Guess it's not a bad time to start." She murmured as she faced the imposing hill, relieved to hear that they were close yet intimidated by the final obstacle. Even when she lived back on the islands she didn't spend quite so much time training or working on the boats like the others...most of her skills were with the needle, that was what she had honed instead. Though she did have a bit of pride so Harika shook her head at Aurick's offer. "I appreciate it, but I should do my best since we're almost there!" She chimed with a bright grin towards him, the hybrid shifting her belongings and starting forward despite how much her calves were screaming with every movement.
"It is beautiful out here. I can't wait to see the actual farm." Harika agreed, glancing over her shoulder to make certain Aurick was behind her. "As for sand everywhere? It honestly didn't compare to the beach because at least then I could take a dip whenever sand tried to get all over my clothing and such." She teased lightly. "So I know swimming and sun bathing is a thing for the beach, but what about the farm? Should I expect anything in particular?"
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Posted: Tue May 23, 2023 8:23 am
When Harika’s line of sight drifted down to her corset so did Aurick’s. Instead of feeling flustered by his blatant staring, the Belrean pointed to it and stated, “I wouldn’t recommend wearing that around the farm. It’s pretty, but I’m worried about you overheating or bruising a rib.” Of course it accentuated her waist perfectly, though it wasn’t her figure he was watching. “I’d say you could borrow something of my cousin’s but…well, you’re about two sizes smaller than the smallest. We grow’em big around here.” He may have given into a laugh, but boy was he going to keep an eye on her.
Especially now that they’d started the trek uphill in earnest.
“Yeah, there’s lots of swimming,” He added cheerfully. “There’s a massive lake just west of our farm and it’s great for taking a dip. Last time I was around we had a dock you could jump from and a rope if you wanted to swing out into it.” Of course it was more of a ‘public’ swimming area, but Aurick never minded. The neighboring farms were all full of good folk.
“And there’s usually a dance the last night we’re here. Everyone from the neighboring farms and village comes by so it’s a ton of fun.”
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Posted: Tue May 23, 2023 8:25 am
[Sabra via Discord]
Harika's cheeks flushed with color. She knew Aurick enough to realize that he was simply concerned and had no ulterior reasons for glancing over her like that, but the very fact that he was glancing at her made the hybrid suddenly feel skittish. "Ah, yeah. I suppose I should swap it out for a softer material when we arrive." She admitted before giving a small shrug. "I just wanted to try it out since so many others wore similar attire within the city. My footwear at least seems to fit better." She patted her leg, looking at the flat boots she was wearing. At least she had opted for those instead of the high heels that she wore other days! Harika chuckled at the description of Aurick's cousins before motioning towards her bag. "Don't worry, I packed several things since I wasn't quite certain what to expect." One would think that a farm would be a fair enough description but honestly Harika was so nervous for some reason that she couldn't help packing so many outfits, many of which probably would be a bit too fancy for a farm...
At least there was a refreshing breeze. Harika could not hide the soft sound that escaped her lips as she appreciated the cool air touching her flushed skin. "That feels nice." She whispered before her expression brightened even more at the idea of swimming. "So there is swimming? That'll be fun!" She gushed as they continued their trek. "Do you enjoy swimming? I don't think I ever asked, but I'm assuming you have swam before else it would be...well it at least sounds like you've taken a dip or two before based on how you spoke about this place." And a dance on top of that?! Harika's mood soared even as her body felt like collapsing into a puddle of melted muscles by the time they finally reached the top of the hill, the hybrid slowing down despite her best efforts to keep pace. "A dance would be lovely. I haven't had a chance for a good break, this all sounds like a lot of fun to me. You'll dance as well, right? I would need a partner."
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Posted: Tue May 23, 2023 8:27 am
Aurick’s neck felt a little warmer and when he gave into a laugh it was more awkward than anything else. “Well I bet in the city you’d be the best dressed; you always are.” At least, no one drew his eye to them like she did. He knew she was trying her best to branch into the fashion scene of Belrea, which he had no doubt she could do, and Aurick always looked forward to seeing what sort of creation she would walk in wearing.
The baker stopped his trek long enough to bask in the breeze. His hair had started to curl a bit around his neck as well as his temples. Aurick opened his palm to pour a bit of water into it before rubbing it against his neck. When it made contact he sighed, tilting his head back to enjoy the sensation before starting to walk once more. “Oh yeah, I used to go swimming every summer when we visited,” He grinned. “I’m not good enough to go diving or anything like that, but I’m decent.” Most of the time he ended up throwing his siblings into the deeper end of the lake per their request, so his actual ‘relaxing’ swimming was extremely limited.
As they started to crest the top of the hill Aurick’s blood started to thrum. Anxiety was as high as excitement for the baker, but he couldn’t help the way his eyes lit up when he caught sight of the farm. Even from this distance he could see several children running around the yard outside the main house, and a few bodies moving about the fields. A charming, yet well worn, farmhouse took root in the middle of thriving farmland and Aurick took a moment to take in the view.
In all honesty he almost missed what she was talking about until Harika mentioned a partner. For a moment Aurick furrowed his brow, until his brain caught up with him and he rubbed the back of his neck. “About that…thing is I’m not a good dancer. At all. I can try, but you’re more likely to have your shoes ruined and bruises on your toes by the end of the night than any real fun.”
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Posted: Tue May 23, 2023 8:28 am
[Sabra via Discord]
"Well maybe I could teach you a bit more, if you'd like." Offered Harika with a grin of her own. "It's been a while since I've had the chance to actually swim around. This should be a lot of fun." Her teal gaze slipped back towards Aurick as they stood at the top of the hill and her own smile brightened as she noticed how Aurick's expression shifted at the sight of the farm. Someone is excited. She shifted her belongings, her cheeks flushed both from exertion and excitement as she looked away from her companion to study the activity below. She knew that he had a large family and had expected to see quite a bit of people on this trip, but already there were so many running about! So this was his family's farm? Harika blinked at the sight, a chuckle escaping her lips. There was just so much energy in the image of the fields below, her very first time seeing a farm in person!
"I suppose I'm a glutton for punishment then, but I'll gladly take some bruises and ruined shoes for a spin with you." Teased Harika, tossing her hair over a shoulder as she glanced back at Aurick with laughter in her expression. "We can work on dancing before then. Surely we can get some sort of rhythm in you before the festivities! But first we should settle in, yes? I'll see you down below!" And with that she was off, the hybrid suddenly finding enough energy to bolt down the hill. Admittedly she nearly tumbled a few times over her own feet, but the flushed cheeks and the racing heart pushed her forward as she didn't want to wait for Aurick's answer to her request. This was so silly, but she really did seem to be crushing hard! Maybe some fresh country air would help? Either way, Harika didn't stop moving until she reached the bottom of the hill with a couple of the children stopping their play to point towards her before running back into the farmhouse. "I...guess...they'll be swarming us soon enough."
She managed in between breaths, clutching her belongings in her arms as she waited for the full welcome committee and for Aurick to join her.
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Posted: Tue May 23, 2023 8:30 am
Dots of pale Lightning features struck out like their namesake against the more neutral colors of the farm and Aurick knew his siblings were there. While they were far from the only ones who had Lightning blood (or in his case, solely Lightning blood) their branch was certainly the biggest. He’d never known just how blessed he was to have such a large, supportive family until they lost one of their own and now he felt whole just looking at them.
And then, like that, Harika was rushing toward the farm. The juxtaposition of the pink haired hybrid amid visage of a childhood memory just made his smile brighter. It wasn’t just old feelings he was looking forward to revisiting; it was the new too. The way Harika threw her whole heart into something was infectious and soon enough he was taking off after her with a loud, booming laugh.
By the time he’d made it to the bottom of the hill Aurick was breathing heavy and a sweaty mess. Did that stop his youngest siblings from running out of the house and plowing into him? Not at all! He barely had time to throw his bags onto the ground before a pair of twins launched themselves into his arms. “Ezekiel! Isador! What have you been eating? You’re huge!” Aurick made a gave a loud, exaggerated huff and ‘struggled’ to hoist the boys onto his hips.
“We’re eating what you eat!”
“Yeah, we’re gonna be bigger than you!”
With a ‘shocked gasp’, Aurick swung around to look at Harika. While this was all going on the rest of his siblings, a few of the cousins and even his Aunt, the matriarch of the farm, had stepped out onto the porch. “They’re going to put me out of a job!”
While the boys were preoccupied with their big brother a young preteen girl, whose tan skinned marked her Geian blood, cautiously came up to Harika. “…You work at the bakery, right? Mama said you did.”
And once she started to speak to Harika so did the boys, “She’s the one with the dresses! We TOLD you Lavinia!”
Lavinia puffed out her cheeks and pouted.
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Posted: Tue May 23, 2023 8:32 am
[Sabra via Discord]
Oh my. Harika raised a hand to try and stifle the laughter that escaped from her lips at the sight of the family reunion. She felt like a small wild flower that sprouted in the middle of some forest with how massive everyone else felt in comparison to her petite stature! "Whatever shall we do?" She managed when Aurick gasped towards her, the hybrid slowly lowering her hand so that she could study the boys. "I guess that just means an early retirement for you. How do you feel about some small cabin out in the mountains somewhere? Sleeping in and baking whenever you want...just for yourself instead of so many others." She teased lightly, the boys shooting her a panicked look. We aren't that big yet! There's still plenty of time for you to keep going Aurick! Oh did you actually grow a bit taller yourself? Ahahaha!
Then the attention was solely on her and Harika found herself nodding. "I am the one with the dresses, I think?" She asked with a curious tilt of her head towards Aurick before she glanced back towards Lavinia and the boys. "You know I love helping at the bakery and everyone was so nice to invite me to visit the farm that I may have packed some extra materials if anyone needs some touching up or dresses for the upcoming dance? Aurick mentioned that there's an event so I would love to help out if I could beforehand! I'm not much of a baker myself but I do love creating outfits, if wanted." The boys gave a slight shrug, but Harika flashed them such a lovely smile that they paused for a moment while she added. "Even if some of you don't care about your outfit I can always fashion some corsage wristlets if you wanted for a dancing partner the night of the dance. I think it would be lovely to see what type of different flowers we could gather for them." Okay, so maybe that got some interest. Maybe the boys had some girls in mind despite the younger ones trying to act like such things were yucky?
"But I did forget my manners." Harika shifted her belongings and gave a small wave of her hand. "I overheard that you're Ezekiel, Isador and Lavinia? As much as I love the compliment of being the one with the dresses I do prefer going by my actual name, Harika. I'm delighted to be here and it's a pleasure to meet everyone." (edited)
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Posted: Tue May 23, 2023 8:33 am
“I told them we hired some help and that you were also a seamstress,” Aurick smirked. When one of the boys started sliding down his hip a bit the baker bounced him back up as easily as if he were a toddler. “Hear that, Lavinia? Maybe if you’re nice to her Harika can help you with your outfit for the dance.”
Shy as she was, Lavinia’s bright eyes sparkled and though she didn’t speak her smile spoke volumes. “…It’s nice to meet you, Harika. I’ve never seen someone’s hair look like yours before. It’s very pretty.”
“Is it real?” Isador blurted only for Ezekiel to reach out and give his arm a pinch. “What?! It looks like candy floss! You were gonna ask too.”
Aurick passed Harika a ‘forlorn’ and ‘exhausted’ smile before taking in his surroundings. He’d hoped to see his other siblings as well, but so far it was just the youngest of their brood and a few cousins hanging about the fringes. “Where’s mother?”
All three of the children seemed to still before his Aunt approached the two of them. “Petra…felt it best to stay in the city for a while. Busy with prep work and summer tutoring, you know? It’s hard keeping all of you behemoths fed.” The Geian woman was short, more akin to Harika’s height, but easily twice as plump. She may have given Aurick’s arm a sympathetic pat, but her attention was solely on Harika. “My name’s Ocie and this is my farm. My kids work in the bakery with Aurick and it’s good to finally put a face to a name. Glad to have you with us.”
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Posted: Tue May 23, 2023 8:34 am
[Sabra via Discord]
"I see." Harika smiled and nodded her agreement. "I would love to see what outfits I can design while I'm staying here with everyone." She admitted before the comment about her hair brought a flush to her cheeks. "My hair is real, promise. My mother had the same color." Though the question wasn't too surprising considering all the glances she had gotten since coming to Belrea. Even in Oba such a hair color was rare to see and Harika almost thought it was something only islanders could inherit before she had met a noble's son with similar hair color in Sulburi. She could only give Aurick a slight shake of her head, a subtle it's alright for them to question me, before glancing up at the newcomer.
So she wasn't going to meet Petra today. She felt her own expression nearly falter before Ocie introduced herself. "Thank you for having me." Harika smiled in return. "I've never seen a farm like this one before, it definitely has a lot of charm and activity." She glanced towards the children who were already making their escape, probably to avoid any chores or the awkward feeling that had appeared when Aurick asked about his mother. "So now that we've arrived what should we do first? Once I put my belongings away I can change and help with whatever you need." She offered with a small smile, peeking towards Aurick before glancing back to Ocie.
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Posted: Tue May 23, 2023 8:35 am
Aurick didn’t bother hiding his disappointment. As thrilled as he was to be surrounded by his kin Petra’s absence stung. He knew she was going through a lot, but he’d also hoped that the advances she’d made were enough of a boost…She just needs more time. It’s fine. Maybe on their way back they could visit her; or, rather, check in on her.
When the boys started fussing about being let down, he settled them onto their feet.
“Never?” Ocie’s eyes widened and her smile grew. She reached out for one of Harika’s hands and motioned toward the house. “Come on then; let’s get you two settled so you can start exploring. After a rest, of course.” Her eyes had a little glint of mischief about them, but Ocie’s smile never faltered. If anything it brightened the moment her niece and nephews started to dampen to compensate. “I hope you don’t mind sharing a room with Aurick; I know the house looks big, but we’re pretty full right now.”
“With me?” Aurick gawked. He’d been halfway up the steps, letting his Aunt go about her business with poor Harika. His cheeks were starting to get as warm as his neck! “What about with-?”
“Your sisters are sharing a room and all my girls are bunking up. There’re two beds, Aurick; we’re not indecent.”
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Posted: Tue May 23, 2023 8:36 am
[Sabra via Discord]
"Oh, al-alright!" Harika was surprised when Ocie took her hand but the hybrid willingly followed along. There was just something so homey about the farm that it was nearly impossible to not feel at ease here. If anything Harika just had to be worried about getting swept up with the energy of the place! Despite the earlier shift in emotions, the nearby family already seemed to be perked up with a pair of siblings already getting into a match over something....was that chili powder they were about to...oh boy. Harika could only chuckle softly before Ocie mentioned her lodgings during the stay and Harika nearly stumbled up the stairs with how surprised she was. How much could her heart take?! There was plenty of laughter and light in the place, but even she didn't know if she could comfortably stay with Aurick! Not that she didn't trust Aurick, but to...to share a room? Harika's cheeks darkened with a flush, the hybrid never having shared a room with anyone before save for her mother when she was young. Even when she slept in small storage rooms at the dress shops or stayed overnight in the bakery the hybrid had always been alone before. "I..." She started looking between Ocie and Aurick with slight panic, her cheeks only getting darker the more that she watched Aurick for his reaction to the idea. "I'm okay with sleeping outside or if there's a barn, I hear that the lyari are really gentle and cute. Maybe they'll want more company if it would be too much of a bother for Aurick." She chewed her bottom lip nervously as she looked at Ocie, afraid to glance back towards Aurick in case looking at him more would cause her cheeks to actually burst into flame.
Admittedly there were two beds, but even Harika didn't know how much of a bother that would be for Aurick. He was already doing so much for her and had even invited her to the farm! Would sharing a room be asking for too much? Would she like to share a room? Spirits, what if they did share a room?! Not that she hated the idea, but at the same time surely Aurick would be against it. Right?
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Posted: Tue May 23, 2023 8:37 am
The interior of the farmhouse was well decorated, but with a cozy feel. Many of the chairs had handstitched cushions in a variety of patterns as well as some crocheted blankets tossed over the back. There were spots in the wooden floor that had seen more wear than others, same with the banisters of the stairs, but all was clean and freshly tended to.
“No, no, it’s alright. I can just sleep down here.” Aurick motioned toward the sitting room. “You should have a proper bed; I’m sure you’re exhausted.” Besides, Aurick could sleep through the hustle of a country morning and the shock of having children jumping on him. He wasn’t so sure how she would take to that part of it.
Ocie gave Harika’s hand a pat. “It’s not a bother, dear. You’re his guest and I’m sure if it was a problem, he wouldn’t have invited you along. Right, Aurick?”
“N-no,” Aurick took a deep breath and felt as if he would swallow his own lungs. “I just…I wouldn’t mind it, if that’s what you’re worried about, Harika. I just don’t want to do it if you’re uncomfortable.”
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