[ 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. ]
[ 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.
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. ]
[ 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.
[ 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?
[ 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.
[ 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.
[ 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.
[ 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.
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.
[ 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?
[ The backs of her fingers brush against his cheek gently, watching his gold eyes with a calm fondness.
(Though she is feeling her heart stir for him, how can someone be as adorable and precious to her as her mates have been? Wuk Lamat's not been the only one growing in her eyes, so has Erenville... Except in a direction she never quite expected.) ]
That can happen, especially if you feel like your journey was cut short. But there are other things you can look at while going in the same direction along the way, while you're deciding on what to pursue next, aye?
'tis nicer for me right now, to simply know someone special as I adventure. That's worth something, isn't it?
I want to see more places I have never seen. But I feel like that much is a predictable future for me.
[He doesn’t realize he’s fully leaning into her palm quite yet. ]
But if we are speaking about right now? I want to do exactly what I’m doing in this moment. I enjoy your company, and don’t wish to retire from it just yet.
[ He ponders a moment. Turning his upper body towards hers. He looks over her face. What is he even thinking, giving her a look like this!]
[ What is he thinking, indeed... and what is she thinking, being so enamored yet again when she has such a happy set of relationships (all of who are aware of her interest in Erenville).
Is she being selfish? Perhaps, yet she's been feeling for Erenville in the similarities in their experiences.
Maybe she would have been a gleaner like him, if she wasn't a Warrior of Light... wouldn't that have been interesting? But it's what he says that has her heart racing, and she can't help but think of him as the night sky itself. ]
... So do I.
[ She doesn't want to be away from his company- or have him be alone right now. Her hand strokes across his hair, before sliding down to cover his hand. ]
'tis been hard to not want to be near you, Erenville. You may think me selfish, though, but 'tis not something I hide, aye?
[ Erenville is full aware that Megumi is in relationships with not only a world leader, but that dragoon, and the red-headed miqo’te. He doesn’t know where he thinks he can also fancy her as well.
Maybe he should just let it go.
That is until her hand is covering his. ]
You are not one to hide your feelings, no. Nor your interests.
[ His gaze lands back on her. Erenville knows he can’t make the first move here. He can’t give in to his own selfish desires. ]
Like I could hold back. You've done so much for us, stood by us even when it put you at risk.
[ Her ears flick, as she gazes at him over their hands. ]
They probably realized how I was feeling before I did. And who could blame me? Not only are you a lovely friend, but you're comforting to be around. And I should hope to offer the same back.
[ She lifts his hand to gently kiss the back of his fingers. ]
I just didn't wish to push you into anything you didn't want right then.
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timeasmymeasure
After Skydeep Cenote, around the Ja Tiika Heartlands...
Date: 2024-07-15 01:55 pm (UTC)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?
no subject
Date: 2024-07-15 02:28 pm (UTC)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.
no subject
Date: 2024-07-15 02:43 pm (UTC)[ 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! ]
no subject
Date: 2024-07-15 02:49 pm (UTC)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.
no subject
Date: 2024-07-15 03:18 pm (UTC)[ 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.
no subject
Date: 2024-07-15 03:36 pm (UTC)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.
no subject
Date: 2024-07-15 03:46 pm (UTC)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?
no subject
Date: 2024-07-15 04:07 pm (UTC)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.
no subject
Date: 2024-07-16 12:38 am (UTC)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?
no subject
Date: 2024-07-16 01:02 am (UTC)[ 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.
no subject
Date: 2024-07-16 01:33 am (UTC)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.
no subject
Date: 2024-07-16 01:50 am (UTC)[ 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.
no subject
Date: 2024-07-16 02:00 am (UTC)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?
no subject
Date: 2024-07-16 02:10 am (UTC)[ Maybe that is a bit much, but it's true for the moment. He glances over to her. Watching her from his spot. ]
no subject
Date: 2024-07-16 02:31 am (UTC)(Though she is feeling her heart stir for him, how can someone be as adorable and precious to her as her mates have been? Wuk Lamat's not been the only one growing in her eyes, so has Erenville... Except in a direction she never quite expected.) ]
That can happen, especially if you feel like your journey was cut short. But there are other things you can look at while going in the same direction along the way, while you're deciding on what to pursue next, aye?
'tis nicer for me right now, to simply know someone special as I adventure. That's worth something, isn't it?
no subject
Date: 2024-07-16 03:33 am (UTC)He thinks her words over for a long moment before ultimately agreeing with her. ]
I thought it would be a journey that didn't end. But I know that I will find plenty of travel as a gleaner yet.
[ He smiles a touch. ] That's worth enough, you're right.
no subject
Date: 2024-07-16 04:11 am (UTC)[ She extends her fingers to his cheek to hold it in her palm, and chuckles a little, fond. ]
Off the top of your head, what would you like to do now?
no subject
Date: 2024-07-16 04:50 am (UTC)[He doesn’t realize he’s fully leaning into her palm quite yet. ]
But if we are speaking about right now? I want to do exactly what I’m doing in this moment. I enjoy your company, and don’t wish to retire from it just yet.
[ He ponders a moment. Turning his upper body towards hers. He looks over her face. What is he even thinking, giving her a look like this!]
no subject
Date: 2024-07-16 05:29 am (UTC)Is she being selfish? Perhaps, yet she's been feeling for Erenville in the similarities in their experiences.
Maybe she would have been a gleaner like him, if she wasn't a Warrior of Light... wouldn't that have been interesting? But it's what he says that has her heart racing, and she can't help but think of him as the night sky itself. ]
... So do I.
[ She doesn't want to be away from his company- or have him be alone right now. Her hand strokes across his hair, before sliding down to cover his hand. ]
'tis been hard to not want to be near you, Erenville. You may think me selfish, though, but 'tis not something I hide, aye?
no subject
Date: 2024-07-16 02:29 pm (UTC)Maybe he should just let it go.
That is until her hand is covering his. ]
You are not one to hide your feelings, no. Nor your interests.
[ His gaze lands back on her. Erenville knows he can’t make the first move here. He can’t give in to his own selfish desires. ]
no subject
Date: 2024-07-16 05:17 pm (UTC)But she watches him as he speaks, giving him a wry smile as she holds his hand and lifts it to hold between hers. ]
... and do your interests align with mine own? I don't think I've been subtle here.
no subject
Date: 2024-07-16 05:36 pm (UTC)[ He falls off admitting anything else. Doesn’t say that he knows she’s happy with others.
Viera, even Shetona, are not unfamiliar with the concept of poly relationships. Erenville is just…well, he’s nervous.]
no subject
Date: 2024-07-16 08:31 pm (UTC)... you're nervous. But you should know mine mates are already aware and fine with it. And fine with you.
[ Her smile goes shyer. ]
Do you really think I wouldn't speak of someone so wonderful to them?
no subject
Date: 2024-07-16 08:38 pm (UTC)[ Why is he not surprised? He shouldn’t be surprised. Perhaps he had also been hopeful that they could…at least exchange physical affections.
Erenville is sure he would just hurt her by being gone all the time.]
I can’t say I understand your reasoning for thinking such things of me.
[ His hand covers hers, finally.]
no subject
Date: 2024-07-16 08:45 pm (UTC)[ Her ears flick, as she gazes at him over their hands. ]
They probably realized how I was feeling before I did. And who could blame me? Not only are you a lovely friend, but you're comforting to be around. And I should hope to offer the same back.
[ She lifts his hand to gently kiss the back of his fingers. ]
I just didn't wish to push you into anything you didn't want right then.
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