🐰😻

[clevermallard]

this is also self indulgent.

Comments

[clevermallard]

[He chanced a look back to her. Inspecting her eyes for a moment. He could look at it in the way he looks at most things, couldn’t he?

He’s keeping his hands to himself. ]

Like sapphires. They almost glow. Like they have as many stories to tell as I think they they do.

[menphina]

[ Ah. She can feel her heart skip a beat, and she smiles to herself, before looking back at his. ]

Yours look like a jar of honey on a window ledge, catching the light... sweet and delicious. Not that I'd eat your eyeballs. They just look-

[ For a moment, she recalls... And her gaze softens as she smiles. ]

... nostalgic. Like you're home.

[clevermallard]

[They're awfully close. Erenville listens to what she says. Curious for her to say that.]

That’s a big compliment for someone you hardly know.

[It’s true. Though he is daring enough to hold their position. ]

[menphina]

'tis just what I feel, you silly bun. You can't possibly be ignorant to how lovely you are.

[ They really are close, huh. If she moved closer, she'd be close enough for their faces to be near enough to let their lips brush together. ]

I could gaze at you all night if you'd let me.

[clevermallard]

Such things aren’t important to me.

[He admits that much. He’s always quick to brush off advances from others.

He doesn’t stay in one place long enough for anyone to start to think about catching anything more than something fleeting from him. ]

Why? Surely you aren’t here just to stare at me.

[menphina]

Is it so surprising if I am?

[ She slides her fingers down to his chin, turning his face her way slightly, though there's still enough distance between their faces that it's still kind of polite. ]

I'm interested in getting to know you. We're friends, aren't we? I should like to learn even more.

[ A flick of her gaze to his mouth, then to his eyes. ]

...a lot more.

[clevermallard]

[He catches her look, and it’s hard not to look down at her lips and back up to her eyes. ]

…we are friends.

[Easy to admit, he’s enjoyed watching her have fun for a change. ]

And you intend to do this by staring at me the entire night?

[ He teases her right back. There might be a smile somewhere on his lips if she looks close enough.]

[menphina]

[ She definitely has been having fun so far, and she smiles at his comment, wiggling her ears at him. ]

I don't know, I'm rather good at staring. I can go without blinking for a while, too!

[clevermallard]

[He just huffs. It’s not a big huff, just a fond one. ]

I should probably walk around the camp again, shouldn’t I? To make sure all is well.

[ He’s just saying this because he’s being shy about being so close!]

[menphina]

Any more walking around and I believe the threats are just going to come over to stare at you, love.

[ She smiles and playfully scritches under his chin with her fingers, drawing her hand back. ]

Get some rest, aye? Oh- I almost forgot.

[ She moves her hand to his opposite cheek and draws his face in to kiss the side closest to her. ]

[clevermallard]

[ He was going to argue, but. Well. They’re already this close. He doesn’t draw back. His feeble excuses being blown away nearly immediately by her.

When he turns his head to meet her, their lips barely brush before the sound of a rowdy alpaca interrupts them. They should stop, lest they get spit at if the creature is about to storm their little camp.

He has to pull away.]

I’ll take care of it.

[He was so close too!! ]

[menphina]

[ Oh. He was turning towards her... she's about to lean in when-

ALPACA.


She blinks a few times, watching Erenville move away and feeling her excitement puff as she looks at the fluffy creature who has wandered in on them looking for a treat. The situation is just so silly she can't help but smile...

But she does nod to him, letting him run off and setting her arms over her knees.

Well, it's not like she's impatient- and Erenville is such a pretty sight regardless. She's so looking forward to what the days ahead will bring and what she can learn with him!

... looks like she will have another letter or three to pen, though. Hmm, hmm 😊 ...]

After Skydeep Cenote, around the Ja Tiika Heartlands...

[menphina]

[ It's a strange but comfortable night, and she's thinking over the events of all they've been through to get here. Erenville's certainly feeling things as well, isn't he...

First, having to face the shade of Gulool Ja Ja at his prime. Then running into the explorer himself, Ketenramm... and finally, the actual discovery of the City of Gold? It was real all this time and they found it?

With Gulool Ja Ja's appearance, they were clearly not going to be staying beyond that. But now, as they prepare to travel again when all are rested, she explores a little by the settlement, watching the motes as they pass in a twinkling stream. There's been so much to take in...

And Erenville...

She pauses by a lake, with that special tree, and looks out into it. Morpho butterflies linger close and she watches them, until she catches a familiar scent... so she approaches. ]

Couldn't sleep either, then?

[clevermallard]

[ It’s all been one thing after the other, and what weighs heavy on his mind is finally completing the task that his mentor gave him. His mother. He could tell her that he finally did what she set him out to do.

He wonders if that teaches him to doubt the validity of certain stories.

Regardless, he’s wandered out tonight, by the lake the shimmering tree. He’s taken his equipment with him as well. Intent on staying out for a bit to gather his thoughts.

His ears perk at the familiar voice.]

No. But I’m surprised you aren’t resting.

[menphina]

Had enough time to rest... couldn't sleep much more.


[ Everything falling into place for Wuk Lamat... Koana giving up his own attempt to aid his sister... things have certainly been interesting there. She steps up close, moving her arms behind her back and leaning over to look at him. ]

Pel for your thoughts?


[ Better than Gil here, for now! ]

[clevermallard]

[ He huffs fondly, just smiling and waving his hand. He is happy to hear her using things she’s learned.

She really is amazing. He just shakes his head.]

I needed a moment to clear my head is all. I thought the City of Gold to be a rumor and only a rumor. That I was being sent on a never ending quest.

[ He looks back at her. ]

Would you like to sit for a while, the morphos won’t bother us if we stay here.

[menphina]

Aye. I'm not too worried about them.


[ She is doing her best to learn! Besides, she does have distant family around these parts. Not family she's really kept in touch with as much, but she knows they exist on her mother's side.

Still, that's not a matter for now; she sits and waits for him to join her, gesturing to him. ]

You walked off carrying all this... you can take it off for now, aye? It looks heavy.

[clevermallard]

[ He sits with her, stretching his arms up as he slips his pack off. He does tend to carry that thing around with him. It’s always been like that. He has everything he might need!

He pulls a knee up to his chest again.]

What will you do when all of this is over? After the ceremony that is bound to be had?

There is a lot left of Tural to explore.

[menphina]

[ Every motion of his body is so delightful to watch... she really is smitten, and she leans back, looking ahead of her at the floating lights. ]

I'll travel some more. 'tis good to be able to collect more stories... maybe I'll even meet my Hhetsarro relatives. Very... very distant relatives. Not that they've any idea I'm more than just mine mother's daughter, but... 'tis nice that way.

[ Not being known as a hero. ]

Do you know anything about them?

[clevermallard]

I know a touch about the Hhetsarro. I know where they live, and where they make their home.

I could take you there.

[It’s a small suggestion. He had mind to go visit his village. ]

I said I would take you to see Yyasulani.

[menphina]

[ Her ears flick and she shifts closer, nudging her shoulder to his. ]


I want to see it. The place you came from... And I'd like to meet your mentor, too. She sounds like we'd get along.

[ Dangerous! But she beams and looks thoughtful as she looks ahead. ]

Mine mother was mine mentor too. She passed very early on for me- so I became determined to become like her. As wonderful and strong. Never quite thought I'd become a hero though. Thought I'd be adventuring, selling medicine and seeing new sights.

[ A weak smile. ]

Did you always want to travel, too?

[clevermallard]

You probably would get along with her.

[ But also, please Megumi. Don’t give his mother the wrong idea here!]

I’m sure your mother would be proud of you, for all the things you have accomplished. At least this time you were able to play the supporting role, aye?

[ He gently bumps her shoulder back. ]

I did want to travel. I wanted to be just like my mother. She was strong, and had so much knowledge. Hence why I left to go be part of the gleaners. I needed to find that knowledge for myself.

[menphina]

[ You mean all the right ideas :) She listens attentively though, she chuckles, brightening. ]


Aye. 'Tis been more fun seeing little Wuk Lamat growing from when we started. 'Tis like mine children though... I want to see them pick themselves up and learn from their experiences and decisions. So when I return to them, I know I can be a better mother.

[ Her gaze follows the twinkling lights to Erenville though, watching his face. ]

Did you find what you were looking for, though? You must be feeling so much now that you know the City of Gold is actually real.

[clevermallard]

I am sure Wuk Lamat would love to hear that. She is going to be busy in the upcoming days and will need your support.

[ Erenville thinks, too, that Megumi is a wonderful mother. Even if she has to be away from them a lot. ]

It is admittedly hard to put into words. I have been searching for this for such a long time, you know. Forgive me my lack of knowing how to word things.

[menphina]

[ She smiles thoughtfully at that... she wants so much for Wuk Lamat to succeed, and though she doesn't think her to be much of a leader, she has love in her heart and that will go a long way.

But her gaze softens at Erenville's admittance, and she reaches up to brush his hair back as she hums in thought. ]

Are you feeling proud that you did? Or perhaps... are you feeling a little sad? That what you found it, and now you're not sure what to pursue?