🐰😻

[clevermallard]

this is also self indulgent.

Comments

Around MSQ 93, before the whole Valigarmanda situation happens

[menphina]

[ It's been a while... they're getting ready to rest and they've been busy with Wuk Lamat's trials too. But once it's time for them to wind down and bathe and rest, she takes some time to sit and pen her letters with Ser Bubblenuts watching. Some little pouches for her kids are around his neck, and the letters to her husbands and mate are all ready too.

Thankfully with her taking the time whenever she gets a break, she has enough to write about by the time Ser Bubblenuts returns. So giving him his carrier pouch, she rubs his head. He can make it! And she stretches, moving to dry her hair.

Wuk Lamat is a treasure, and she wants the best for her. She's still so young and naive, and open to learning... she's happy with this adventure. Though... her childhood friend ought to have some opinions on her, shouldn't he? So she wraps a towel around her shoulders- maybe he'll be at the campfire? ]

[clevermallard]

[ He's been taking a rest ever since their last set of trials, even only being their guide, he has been almost absolutely exhausted each time they do something. Though, part of him is glad he can be on this journey too.

Though he would never admit such a thing.

If Megumi does happen to come looking for him, he IS at the campfire, finally having slipped that backpack off for once. One might think it was glued to him! ]

[menphina]

[ The game sure wants us to think it is. Though what a back it's probably given him ///

She beams, ears wiggling when she sees him- she's still patting her hair dry, and dressed down in a light blouse and skirt for the night, and lifts a hand when she sees him. He's been such a delight to be around in this whole journey and she is glad they have his expertise. ]

Still up? You should start winding down.

[clevermallard]

[ Well, she'll just have to find out what sort of back it has given him! Now won't she!

He was zoning out, staring at the gentle flicker of the fire before them. Her voice reaches him, and he looks up to meet her eyes. Only before he realizes she is in bed clothes and maybe he should look away. ]

Just sitting by the fire, that's all.

[ Hmmm. ]

[menphina]

[ She has no qualms finding out, though she has the towel (which is also just a cloth wrap) so she can have it around her shoulders. She'll just come and sit beside him then. ]

Then 'tis time for company. Besides, I make a nicer sight in the firelight, don't I?

[ Teasing! ]

[clevermallard]

[ He looks away when she says that. Though he's known Megumi to be a little flirtatious. He certainly does not know how to respond in kind. These sorts of situations...

Well, he decides to change the subject. ]

Are you certain you are not tired? You could use this time to rest.

[menphina]

I've worked on less, but I'll rest soon. Not like you haven't been resting much either, ser. I know how you patrol around to make sure nothing is around us.

[ Oho. She'll just reach up to poke his cheek lightly. ]

What's the matter? You've been looking worried. Is it about Wuk Lamat?

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.

« After the Incident »

[menphina]

[ It had all happened so fast. Seeing Gulool Ja Ja fall had been the last thing on her mind... and what had happened with Zoraal Ja?

When everything wasn't making sense, suddenly there they were- Y'shtola and Raha, and she tackled them both as soon as she came out of her shock. Of course, there were things left to explain, and they listened, but at least with them there, her resolve returned- especially with Erenville in such pain. She wanted to reassure him, and tried...

Though he's gone off and she does want to look for him, but while they have a moment to recuperate, she holds G'raha's hand once they've done what they can to help and sit outside by Downripple in the Resplendent Quarter, waiting before everyone regroups, and lays her head against his shoulder. ]

... and that's all that's happened. 'tis so much... we were having a good time in Shaaloani, and then all this... I'm so glad you're here, Raha.

[earwiggle]

[ Though he had agreed to stay behind for the right of succession. It was all he could do (with Y'shtola) to get on the next ship over to Tural. After hearing out everything, and everyone- it's a nice reprieve to go ahead and go regroup.

He was so happy to see Megumi, and of course finally get a glimpse of this Erenville that she spoke so highly of. Though it seems his home got tangled in whatever mess was happening over in Shaaloani. ]

I'm glad to see you hale and whole. 'Tis good we arrived when we did.

[ He raises his free hand to stroke her head. He really did miss her. ]

How long do you think we have before we should gather everyone up again?

[ Perhaps they could chat for a while longer, knock their heads together about the situation...or spend that time catching up. ]

[menphina]

[ Well, she HAS filled him in on what she can... and she knows he'll be preoccupied with Ketenramm and the others when they do have to regroup, so it's all for the best right now that they spend some time together first.

Since people are too scared to emerge now, she can be openly affectionate, wrapping her arm around G'raha's waist and setting her head against his chest. ]

We've done what we could. We're just waiting for a linkpearl call, so ... I'd rather we spend it together. Something tells me we'll be too busy for it, after.

[ Her tail wraps around his. ]

This is not how I wanted you and Erenville to meet proper- not that you don't know him already, but...

[earwiggle]

[ It would have been nice to officially meet Erenville on better terms. They had seen each other in passing in Old Sharlayan, sure...but. Well, that was besides the point. To G'raha's knowledge, his home had been encapsulated by the dome and there was no current contact with those assumed to be in the dome.

He would need to see it first hand to have any true opinions about it.

He nestles Megumi into his arms, kissing her forehead. ]

We should be patient with him, he is worried or his home. Rightfully so.

[ His tail twines with hers, comfortable. ]

Tell me where your head is at, love. I know you have the most cool head in this situation, aye? Are you okay too?

[ He would be remiss not to check in on her, especially after the events that transpired when they were stopping the Final Days. G'raha Tia has grown immensely as a partner in that time, knowing that regular check ins were sorely needed! ]

[menphina]

[ They also did have that cute little lunch with Wuk Lamat and Erenville too- it's so strange how it feels like that was an eternity ago. But she purrs a little as her forehead is kissed, nodding. ]

Mm... I know. He should be worrying... I'd be going insane from worry if I were him.


[ She sighs and looks ahead of them, at the small pool of water before them. ]

I'm... not certain about what to think of this. 'tis all so out there. So I'm trying to not stress myself with unknowns until we have a better picture.

[ She lifts her head to kiss the side of G'raha's jaw. ]

He wanted to take me to meet his mother. 'tis so sweet, don't you think?

[earwiggle]

He is probably trying not to show it. But keep trying to talk to him, to comfort him. He’s going to need it.

[He turns his head to take her lips in a kiss briefly. It feels nice to finally be in her presence. ]

I’ll make sure to do my best to help you with what knowledge I have. I promise.

[His gaze softens. ]

I want to be hopeful that can still happen. Even if not right away.

« A moment »

[menphina]

[ Well. They certainly were learning a lot in Yyasulani... from the fact that Erenville's mother is... a little robot now, and part of a resistance, and Sphene and... goodness her head hurts.

And Erenville is clearly not doing well. He wanders off, and unknown to her, discovers that no one remembers Cahciua, while she spends time with little Gulool Ja and Otis, confronts Zoraal Ja-, learns of the others back in Tuliyollal defending it and Sphene's true intent.

There's so much happening, and it breaks her heart to see little Gulool Ja cry... but they have to storm the soul facility now, and after another meeting, she races to look for Erenville in the small moment of time they have- with G'raha's encouragement.

She knows Erenville will be safe staying back before they head off, so it's a good time as any as they rest and prepare. ]

Erenville, wait... Cahciua said we should rest for a bit before going off to the Twelfth Level. Talk to me.

[clevermallard]

[ He can't deny that he's had a tough time coming to terms with everything he has come to learn while they have been in Yyasulani. His concern will not subside, at least not now that he has discovered something that really would be important news for the others.

But perhaps that wasn't news that needed to be shared without further investigation. It's something he doesn't want to bring himself to accept.

When Megumi catches up with him, he can't wipe the crease in his brow away fast enough. He didn't want to rock the boat right now, figuratively speaking. ]

I'll tell you later, I promise. Not right now.

[ He sounds like he's trying to close up again. ]

[menphina]

[ She doesn't want to force him, but that doesn't mean her worry is gone... her ears droop a little, but she approaches, reaching to take his hands in hers. ]

Alright, but... I am worried. Ever since we got to Yyasulani, 'tis been one thing after another. And I don't want you to feel like you have to handle this alone, alright?

[clevermallard]

[ He allows her, his grip is firm at least. ]

I know, please. Do not worry for me. You need to go do what you do best.

[ Something that he can't do. It's frustrating to know that he feels like this. Like he can't do more. ]

Talk to me when you return, okay?

[menphina]

I will. I'll return... we'll do what we can, with Cahciua's help...

[ She steps closer, meeting his gaze and scanning his lovely gold eyes. ]

I know you probably don't have an appetite, but will you please try and have something before we leave? Please?

[clevermallard]

You would do good to trust her.

[ There is no doubt in his mind that this is his mother. She calls him those dreaded nicknames, calls him Elene’shpya. No one but her would do those things.

…and yet no one remembers her. Unless she was deceased, it wouldn’t make sense. He’s holding some faint strand of hope she’s pulling a fast one on him. ]

…I do not know if I can.

[His eyes tell the entire story of how stressed he is right now. He’d probably eat with major disinterest right now.]