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 Posted: Wed Oct 11, 2023 5:15 pm
The first thing she noticed about Tale was how incredibly large the trees were here. Kani kept finding herself distracted on the road, her curiosity getting the best of her several times as she continued to wander towards the largest ones she could spot on the path and wrap her arms around them as much as she could. Her fingers never reached each other as she did so, and she found herself chuckling every time she failed. It was all so very foreign, and she was living for every moment she and Morain spent in these new places. Traveling to Tale had been a goal, but now that they had arrived she didn't quite know what to do with herself. Did she get a job? Visit any sort of attractions known in the region? The world was open to her now and it was refreshing. "Now that we are here, Morain, did you have any thoughts on what you wanted to do?" Kani asked in passing as they had stopped for a break by a small stream. She idly worked on filling their waterskins with her magic, splitting her attention between the task and looking over at him.
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Posted: Tue Dec 05, 2023 6:06 pm
(1/10) How... was this girl...so cute?! Morain probably should be annoyed by now of her stopping to hug the trees, but it was too charming, and every time he paused to watch, beaming. He'd been the Tale, plenty of times, before but it had been years and it still felt strange to be here, after the blazing heat of the desert. Bits of that heat still chased them through the savanna, but once under the trees the breeze turned cool and comfortable instead.
Stopping in their trek, Morain settled on a nearby tangle of roots and rubbed his ankle with a soft groan. All these years traveling, and he'd never quite gotten comfortable with walking long distances without complaining. It was just one of his negative traits as a traveling companion - he wanted to stop, often, and without his family to push him just a bit further, they'd spent more nights in tents than in settlements they could have reached just by pushing a bit longer.
"Well. My family would usually check the contents of our purses, and consider a few weeks of work while we consider our options." He returned, brightly, watching her magic with fond interest.
"But my purse is still heavy enough I'm not too worried about it just yet. What about you?"
The quiet fact that hung between them was that, once they reached a proper settlement, they were expected to split up. Wasn't that their unofficial agreement? To get through the desert? And yet - he'd hemmed and hawed and found reasons to persist with her, so far, and he wasn't looking forward to making more excuses later once they got to a larger place like Yera.
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scarlett arbuckle Vice Captain
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Posted: Tue Dec 05, 2023 6:28 pm
She finished filling the waterskins and set them down, frowning as she heard the noise come from Morain. She wandered over and knelt down in front of him, easing his hand away from his ankle. "Are you pained? Should we rest a little longer before we continue? I don't want you to overwork yourself on the road," she spoke gently, fingers brushing against his ankle to check for any swelling. She was always stunned by his appearance, and after their encounter during her color changing fiasco she had become even more aware of it. Kani hadn't brought up her thoughts since then, but she'd been stealing glances when she could - finding ways to be closer. It was embarrassing and she felt a bit like a teenager fumbling over a crush, but she hadn't felt anything similar in many years. Zoryn seemed to sense the shift in her mood and decided it best to settle down, curling up nearby and keeping one eye peeked open at Morain. "I don't know what my plan is," Kani started, gently rubbing his ankle as she looked up at him from her spot. "I didn't really have a plan other than running away. I'm sure you have places to go, but I will go with you as far as we agreed and then well....figure something out?"That was the best she could do after all. Making it out of the desert had been the goal, and here in Tale she was experiencing so many new things she couldn't even begin to think on what happened days from now. She wanted to instead spend her time enjoying the moment.
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Posted: Tue Dec 05, 2023 6:37 pm
(2/10) Ohhh yes. Definitely. Rest was delightful. But Morain was briefly distracted when Kani came to his side, sitting a bit straighter the moment she knelt down. "Maybe a little, but that's - you don't have to-" He stumbled over his words, feeling warm the moment her hand touched his ankle. She was more skilled with her magic than he was, but the reminder that he could have used his magic to ease the ache made him feel foolish.
It wasn't magic she used, however, and that only made him more nervous, barely suppressing the urge to wiggle in place. He wasn't shy usually - he'd flirted with more than enough women, and been flirted back with, to be confident in his wooing abilities. But having a girl genuinely worried for him felt much more intimate than flirting ever had.
Thankfully, she eased the conversation into more serious places, and that helped settle his flustered head, at least a bit. "I had nowhere specific to get to, so I'm in no hurry to separate just yet." Morain said, as nonchalantly as possible. It was, also, a lie - he'd started this trip intending to visit Jauhar, and try and connect with the Aishans there to learn a bit more about his heritage. But that seemed less important, in the face of splitting up and possibly never running into Kani again.
"And hey, we can always run away together until you figure things out, right?"
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scarlett arbuckle Vice Captain
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Posted: Tue Dec 05, 2023 6:59 pm
"Run away together? It sounds as if you like my company, Morain," Kani teased, smiling a bit shyly at the thought. It was a pleasant thought, ignoring everything else and rushing off wherever the two of them wished to go. Her fingers shifted a little farther up his leg, attempting to ease anymore discomfort from their travels as she thought it all over. "The idea of separating is saddening," she continued to quietly admit, face heating at the comment. Morain seemed to be a free soul, and she worried her comment would sound like an attempt to tie him down in even a small way. She wasn't even sure she could admit what her true thoughts on him were at the moment, but at least voicing that she would be sad about them splitting up seemed appropriate. It didn't have to be anything more than just an admission. "But forgive my ramblings," she fumbled over her words, glancing to the side.
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Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2023 6:18 pm
(3/10)
Squirmy. That was how he felt, both inside and out. Did she realize her hand was moving up his leg?! Did she realize just how much his stomach twisted around when she smiled so sweetly?! Morain was, suddenly, fiercely thankful that he had eyes like his baba, and not like papa - he knew how Siel's eyes would shift around when he was nervous, pupils shrinking when startled. Morain hoped that he looked unaffected, although... he immediately felt a rush of guilt at the thought. Because, just as he was thinking such things, he noticed every shift of Kani's expression instead.
Partly in an attempt to reassure her, but also to remove her hand from his leg before he lost his mind, Morain ducked down to grip her hands in his own, squeezing them. It also brought their faces closer too, leaning into her space - but it was unavoidable, unless he tried to pull her up to her feet, or to sit beside him. "Of course I like your company. You shouldn't ever be sorry for saying things that are true. It would be a shame to separate."
Separate. He liked the word they kept using. It suggested they were a pair that COULD separate, or... a duo, of sorts. He nodded to himself, then flashed her a toothy smile. "You know... my father would sometimes take us on trips just to find special stones. Rocks. Sometimes you don't have to have more of a plan than that. So - while we're-- you're running away... what d'you wanna see in Tale? I'll try to take you there."
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scarlett arbuckle Vice Captain
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Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2023 9:14 pm
Kani was thankful for her new darker skin tone and how it hid the darkening blush spreading over her cheeks and warming her ears. With their faces so close she let her eyes drift and settle on his lips, wondering what it would be like to close the distance there. As soon as the thought crossed her mind her eyes widened, trying her hardest not to give away such a shameful thought. Morain was kind to her and would surely be bothered by such a thing!
"Well...I just want to experience everything. I've been in one place for so long it's hard to decide what I want to experience first," she admitted, squeezing his hand in hers. "I'd like to try food. Maybe see some shops? Look for some clothes? I wonder if there are any pretty dresses I could try."
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Posted: Mon Dec 25, 2023 1:15 pm
(4/10) Kani looked away from him, and Morain immediately softened his expression in hopes of silently communicating that it was all going to be okay. It seemed that she was overwhelmed by their conversation, so he'd be a proper gentleman and change the subject away from more sensitive topics.
He responded to the squeeze of her hands with another one of his own, lightly brushing the pad of his thumb over her knuckle before, reluctantly, pulling his hands away again. Then, the hybrid flashed a broad grin and stood up, ignoring the complaints of his sandal-clad feet. "Well, that is something I think we'll both enjoy." He enthused excitedly, giving an experimental twirl so his tunic would flow around him. "It's only right for us to get to enjoy everything a new place has to offer before settling down to work."
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scarlett arbuckle Vice Captain
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Posted: Mon Dec 25, 2023 3:56 pm
Kani couldn't help but smile back at him, eagerly appreciating him as he twirled. She patted at her own outfit and considered what sort of styles would be popular around the area. Maybe lots of floral patterns? She wasn't entirely sure that would look good on her. She was always better suited to Matori colors, but it may have been her own bias for home. Kani stood from her spot knelt on the ground, stretching her arms above her head as she shook out the tenseness in her limbs. "It's a date then. When we find the nearest big settlement we'll get dressed up and explore the town. And we won't separate. Until you decide you wish to part for other things," she agreed with equal enthusiasm.
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Posted: Mon Dec 25, 2023 4:12 pm
(5/10) Morain fully intended to step out of his spin with a fluid grace, and maybe a cheeky wink. Instead, a single word stamped through his brain as she moved to stand, and he stumbled instead. A date she'd said! Not only that, but they would dress up to explore, as if it was a special outing--
He hummed along in agreement, but tilted his head just a bit to look at her, tugging his ponytail over his shoulder to idly play with the strands as they fell into step together again. Quite unable to control himself, Morain kept glancing at her, watching her curls bounce against her shoulders and cheeks as she walked, the shift of her flowing skirt as she moved. He didn't know how they could find a dress prettier than what she already had, but he had to hastily wave off the fantasies that felt ungentlemanly to fixate on, given she was his traveling companion and friend.
He didn't have a good track record on making things last with partners, and the minute he overstepped he was worried he'd break this comfortable companionship they had been building between one another.
'If it's my choice, I think it might be quite a while before we part ways.' Morain thought. Then, he gave his head a shake, and moved to bump their shoulders together as they walked. "You ever had Talean ale? I heard it's sweet as nectar, not like the burning stuff in Oba. Oh-- 'course, I shouldn't ask a lady if she drinks, should I?"
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scarlett arbuckle Vice Captain
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Posted: Mon Dec 25, 2023 4:45 pm
“Oh I've never drank before. My teacher always said not to in order to keep a clean mind and body,” Kani began as she thought back on the old woman who had took the time to teach her all of her magic. She'd surely be disappointed with her now, but Kani didn't think that mattered so much like she used to. She bumped back gently against Morain, taking in his side profile as they moved. “Not that I don't want to try! Wait that makes me sound too eager, huh?” Kani rambled, rubbing the back of her neck. “What I mean is I think doing all the new experiences I wouldn't have done before is good for me. And that includes indulging like I wouldn't before. So sweet alcohol sounds nice. We can try it together! I'm sure you're a man well versed in such things. Cultured and well traveled.” She worried her words were offensive and frantically waved her hands, attempting to clear the air of her strange words. “I don't mean that in a bad way!! You're just very experienced in so many things. It's reassuring.”
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Posted: Tue Dec 26, 2023 2:45 pm
(6/10) He nodded along, noting to himself that she had a 'teacher' she apparently respected quite a bit. In their travels together, he had never sat down to just... ask her about these things. What he knew about Kani was pieced together, conversation by conversation... it gave her a mysterious air that he was fully aware was his own doing, and not her own, because in most things she'd been an open book with him from the start. It shouldn't have been a surprise to him that she didn't drink, but it somehow was anyway - and that really would have been that, if that was all she had to say about it.
Instead, though, she kept talking, and the more she talked the higher his eyebrows went, until finally he stopped walking and turned to face her better, propping his hands on his hips as she frantically waved her hands. He kept what may have been seen as a stern expression until, finally, his composure cracked and he covered his mouth, ducking his head into a quiet fit of giggling laughter he smothered into his palm. "I'm sorry! You just - you looked so worried!" He drew in a shaking breath, then lifted his head, tugging his fingers through his hair in an attempt to smooth himself out. "Yes yes, I hear you. I've had my fair bit of alcohol before, but never Talean ale. Wine? I can't remember what they call it. We'll make sure to indulge just a bit, but not enough to regret it in the morning - I'll take care of you, don't you worry."
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scarlett arbuckle Vice Captain
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Posted: Tue Dec 26, 2023 5:20 pm
Kani felt the growing mortification come over her at his stern expression, her entire form growing stiff as he stepped in front of her. At Morain's laugh however she relaxed once more and instead huffed, leaning forward to tug his ponytail slightly as it drifted over his shoulder. She should have known Morain wouldn't take it that way, but she did have a bad habit of inserting her foot directly into her mouth when it came to words. There was nothing cool or collected about her, and it had not gotten any better with age. "Ah yes I have heard of people struggling after nights of alcoholic indulgence. Part of me wishes to experience it, but it's probably for the best if I don't overdo it. I would hate for you to have to care for me in such a state." Kani wasn't even sure what she would be like under the influence. She hoped she would be fun, but given her luck she would most certainly be awful. "Are you a fun drunk?" She questioned curiously, bumping him gently as she continued walking.
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Posted: Thu Dec 28, 2023 6:50 pm
(7/10)
Morain was shameless, and only snickered again at the tug to his ponytail, holding his hands up in surrender. There was something so cute about her, to use so many words to explain a hangover. For a moment, he just smiled at her, not catching just how smitten his expression was in that moment. Because, she might say she'd never want him to care for her, but he didn't think he'd mind in the slightest.
"Hmm?" He was stirred out of his thoughts by her question, returning to walking alongside her. Maybe, a bit closer than they'd been walking, to start. "Oh. I get philosophical. Ponder the stars and the immensity of everything around us. My brother, Siel, found me once laying in a field half naked, staring at the sky--" He paused, wondering if he should be horrified at admitting to a girl he li-- cared for, something so shameful. ... It was better than admitting the amount of times he'd woken up, hurrying out of a partners' bed. THAT-- that was where he drew the line at honesty. He never, ever, wanted to admit to her what sort of a young man he was - had been.
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scarlett arbuckle Vice Captain
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Posted: Fri Dec 29, 2023 5:25 pm
Kani laughed at his response and attempted to imagine Morain spouting deeply meaningful things, at least things he considered deeply meaningful, while half dressed in a field. It was an entertaining thought, one she would have liked to see herself. Hearing more about Morain's time before he entered her life pleased her, every word something she held close. This slow unraveling of the two of them was a comfort that she had not shared with anyone since...well since her last relationship. "I am certain we can find a field around here if you wish to do so again, and if not we may sit in an inn and discuss the finer details of the universe together," she teased, glancing up at the sky. "You speak fondly of Siel. Why do you not travel with him? Not that I want you to go. But you know..." Kani hoped she wasn't bringing up anything bad. Maybe they had a falling out! Or something worse! "Y-you don't have to answer that."
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