Nairi
Novice
Fey-Touched
Posts: 60
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Post by Nairi on Dec 22, 2006 1:06:34 GMT -5
"I'd look stupid? Are you saying that I'm not attractive? I thought that swordsmen always looked good in black." Now it was Nairi's turn to pout, though he seemed to only be doing it as a way of mocking Kashan. He leaned back and tilted the hat down in the front, hiding pretty much everything but his teasing smile.
"I'm hiding something too, you know." He laughed softly and raised the hand that wasn't supporting him to his chest, where the largest in-tact piece of his armor lay. "Everyone has a big secret. I might be willing to share mine, but I want to try on the whole outfit first... that means the coat, too."
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Kashan
Novice
You Can't Fix a Life.
Posts: 61
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Post by Kashan on Dec 22, 2006 13:15:57 GMT -5
"No dummy," Kashan complained. "It's because you ARE attractive that you'd look stupid." The next thought that popped into her head was 'crap. I just said that out loud, didn't I?' Perhaps because she so rarely conversed with people she had a tendency to blurt out things most would tend not to say, and then just realize after the fact that she probably shouldn't have opened her big mouth.
"...a-and I told you not here, didn't I?" she huffed, sitting back and crossing her arms over her chest. Of course, he probably hadn't thought of the fact that the nature of the wings meant that the shirt she wore under the coat exposed most of her back--and thus the bandages trapping her wings down against it. If he wanted her coat he'd have to go through efforts to get it--and she was damn well going to make it harder than her hat's abduction.
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Nairi
Novice
Fey-Touched
Posts: 60
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Post by Nairi on Dec 23, 2006 10:39:55 GMT -5
Nairi dropped the subject of the wings for a moment, instead trying to wrap his head around what she'd said about him. "You think I'm attractive? Really?" At first it looked like he was blushing a bit, and that he'd take the compliment like a normal person would... unfortunately, his fractured way of thinking had to screw it up. "But you said that I'd look stupid in this outfit because I'm attractive. You wear the outfit too, though, and I think you're attractive, so does that mean you look stupid in it? I don't think you do."
He tilted the hat back just enough that he could watch her, eyes nearly glowing in it's shadow. "I'm sure we could find some privacy if you'd like, but that would be very forward of me to ask... shall we?" He grinned.
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Kashan
Novice
You Can't Fix a Life.
Posts: 61
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Post by Kashan on Dec 23, 2006 11:57:08 GMT -5
Kashan's reply was to sputter a little helplessly. She wished he would stop saying things like that, she didn't know how to answer when he did and it made her cheeks turn pink, and he had her hat so all she had to hide behind was her hair, which didn't do the job nearly as well.
And then he outright asked her to go 'someplace private' with him... "You're incorrigable!" she protested.
That wasn't EXACTLY a 'no'. She was half tempted if only to get him and his 'spoiled child' tendencies satiated for the moment, and because she really DID want to stretch out her wings anyway. Maybe it was the heat or the fact she'd slept in a bad position, but they were hurting more than usual today and wanted room to breathe.
In the end, she didn't answer him one way or the other, not exactly. Who knows what Nairi would take that to mean.
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Nairi
Novice
Fey-Touched
Posts: 60
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Post by Nairi on Dec 27, 2006 1:56:23 GMT -5
"I'm what?" Nairi didn't have the sharpest mind around (considering the indigo fog clouding it all day), but to be fair, he was just a farm boy before "the change." She couldn't expect him to know what a word like that meant, especially when most people were running for the door before he could get so deeply involved in a conversation. "I'm not really sure what that means, but I'll just assume that it means I'm right. Also, why do you get flustered whenever I say something?" He was sure he could get quite an amusing answer for that one, but Nairi didn't really wait around for it. He got to his feet, spinning the large black hat on his head.
"Come on... it's hot out here. There's probably some caves on the other side of the lake where we can find some cooler water. Monster-inhabited caves, but it's fine. I'll protect you." He winked beneath the massive brim.
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Kashan
Novice
You Can't Fix a Life.
Posts: 61
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Post by Kashan on Dec 27, 2006 10:33:00 GMT -5
"It means you're stubborn and difficult to deal with," Kashan protested, but frowned and got up. She had to follow if she wanted her hat back, or that's what she figured, settling Nanai on her shoulder as if the cat's presence would divert attention from the scales on her face.
Her cheeks flushed faintly at that little 'also' and said. "That... that's because you say weird things that I don't know how to answer, and because you're totally illogical," she insisted.
She sighed helplessly and gave a short nod and pout. "Like I need your protection," she complained. She was no warrior or anything, but she could at least punch anything that tried to get at her and THAT should hurt enough to dissuade further attacks. Maybe. "I'm not as helpless as you seem to think I am," she complained. Mostly because it was embarrassing, when he said that kind of thing it sounded like some sappy romance story. "Anyway, if they're monster-inhabited, I'll fit right in. They'll think I belong there," she mumbled.
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Nairi
Novice
Fey-Touched
Posts: 60
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Post by Nairi on Dec 27, 2006 11:08:01 GMT -5
Nairi wasn't expecting to run into anyone else on their stroll around the perimeter of the lake. He would've given the hat back immediately if he was, but for now, he seemed to enjoy wearing it a little too much. "I suppose that's true. About being stubborn, that is. I won't admit to saying 'weird' things, though... that's completely subjective. Most of the people I've talked to wouldn't call it that." No, they'd probably use more colorful language like "insane" or "terrifying." Maybe he could take some lessons in conversation or something...
With his bag around one shoulder and sword strapped to his back, he took their walk at the water's edge slowly, finding pleasure in actually having someone to walk with. "I know you don't need any protection. I just like saying things like that because they make me feel like I'm important to you, even though I know I'm not." He flashed a smile over his shoulder at her, wild golden eyes glimmering.
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Kashan
Novice
You Can't Fix a Life.
Posts: 61
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Post by Kashan on Dec 27, 2006 15:57:40 GMT -5
Which made Kashan's cheeks flare and a startled look jet through her blood red eyes. She quickly looked down and away as if doing so would hide from the too-observant man that his words had embarrased her.
Why in Enmamihan would he even want to be important to her? Was he so disjointed and so desparate for companionship that even someone like Kashan was better than nothing? That must be it. She knew he kept complimenting her and saying nice things, but that didn't mean she had to believe that he meant any of them. Still, for someone like the half-dracon mechanic, who had never heard such words directed at her in her life, it was difficult not to react, to try to imagine being precious and important to someone...other than a cat.
"...flirt," she mumbled under her breath, trying to brush off the awkward topic.
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Nairi
Novice
Fey-Touched
Posts: 60
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Post by Nairi on Dec 27, 2006 21:42:57 GMT -5
"Such an easy way to dismiss my words, isn't it? It isn't the first time you've used that defense." He seemed unable to walk a straight line without fidgeting, which, really, should've been no surprise to Kashan. It fit perfectly with his scatter-brained persona and school-boyish behavior. At first it was him playing with the hat: taking it off, tossing it from hand to hand, spinning it about. Soon it settled once again on his head and now he was twirling his sword about, its alien blade reflecting strange greens and blues in the sun.
"Everyone is desirable to someone in some way. There are people who go their whole lives thinking otherwise, and they endure miserable existences, much like what you've been describing to me. Hopefully, in time, you'll realize just how desirable you are." As was his way, he uttered these heavy (and somewhat flirtatious) in an off-handed manner, as if such words were always a light matter to him. That wasn't really true, but it was the only way he knew how to express it. He raised his slender hand and pointed straight ahead with his weapon, sighing. "See the entrance? There's a network of caverns up here, many with pools of water. There aren't any monsters. I was just kidding."
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Kashan
Novice
You Can't Fix a Life.
Posts: 61
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Post by Kashan on Dec 27, 2006 21:53:04 GMT -5
Kashan pouted and sighed, indignant. "First you tell me you're being serious about one thing, and then that you're kidding about something else right afterwards. You tell me to believe you and then admit you've been lying," she protested. "Who could possibly believe a word a guy like that says?"
Part of her wanted to believe him--very much. The other part didn't dare. Believing him was dangerous and she was sure she'd end up burned if she tried. Even so, she sighed. It felt like her body was moving on its own. Why was it despite the fact she was convinced she couldn't believe a word out of Nairi's mouth and that he was quite possibly completely insane...she couldn't just snatch her hat back and walk away?
Red string of destiny? No, she doubted it was anything so poetic, and she wasn't a poetic person. She didn't believe in destiny. She believed that everyone had luck--some people had good luck--she had a whole lot of BAD luck. And it was just her luck to end up in a situation that she should by all rights be able to easily escape...but somehow just...couldn't bring herself to put an end to.
'Ah, this is a mess...it's going to blow up in my face like that self propelling toy boat did last week...'
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Nairi
Novice
Fey-Touched
Posts: 60
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Post by Nairi on Dec 27, 2006 22:05:00 GMT -5
Nairi wasn't trying to be dishonest or difficult - it was just the way he was. To him, the whole situation was more amusing than frustrating - most people he knew couldn't stand being near him for more than a few minutes, and here was Kashan, who complained more than any of them... yet still followed. He adored her, he really did, but he wasn't sure if he could trust himself to do the right thing. It didn't usually work out that well.
"I guess you'll just have to decide what to believe, then. I was never very good at convincing people." He'd turned to say this to her, walking backwards all the while, and now he about-faced again. They were nearing their destination, and before long they were effectively hidden from the baleful gaze of the sun. The caverns were serene - smooth, dark rock walls that shimmered with the water's reflection. Some of them had shallow pools and others had multi-tiered ones, but regardless, it was cool in here and that was good enough for Nairi. He took a seat against the wall, setting his sword and the hat down next to him. "I must admit, though... I'm surprised there aren't monsters living here. It's so pleasant. They're always dwelling in nasty little places. You'd think they would take advantage of an onoccupied space as nice as this."
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Kashan
Novice
You Can't Fix a Life.
Posts: 61
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Post by Kashan on Dec 27, 2006 22:12:28 GMT -5
Kashan sat down with a sigh, glad to be out of the blazing sun in spite of all her complaints. "Someone told me a story once about a horse that could talk. A farmer found out and spent the whole day trying to figure out why. It turns out the horse was enchanted by a fey and could only speak until sunset. When the sun went down and the horse couldn't talk anymore, the farmer realized there were a lot of better questions he could have asked, but he didn't because he was too busy with the 'why' of things.
Being a mechanic, I tend to think that's a stupid story, but the moral fits the situation. Don't ask why right now. Just enjoy it. There will be plenty of time to think of 'why' later."
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Nairi
Novice
Fey-Touched
Posts: 60
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Post by Nairi on Dec 27, 2006 22:21:04 GMT -5
Nairi's eyes blinked briefly at the mention of a horse enchanted by fey. That was really the only reaction he had to give to the story. It was interesting, but he thought that it might just be Kashan asking him to shut up in a strangely polite fashion. He tilted his head at her, and then, without a word, pushed the hat in her direction.
He could be quiet. In here, it was easier than anywhere else... this place was as magical as it got without dabbing into the real thing. None of that terrible humming that caused the hair on the back of his neck to rise - just soothing, dancing lights. His eyes closed, slowly. He brought his knees up and held his sword between them with a pair of fingers, keeping the sheathed point downward so that he could idly turn it as he relaxed.
Just enjoy it. There will be plenty of time to ask 'why' later. "Will there?" he questioned softly of himself, voice not much more than a whisper, though there was little refuge even for whispers in this quiet place.
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Kashan
Novice
You Can't Fix a Life.
Posts: 61
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Post by Kashan on Dec 27, 2006 22:33:21 GMT -5
Kashan picked up the hat and seemed to debate for an extended moment whether she should put it on or not. It wasn't like her. Her hat was a mask. It hid her face, and the better part of her emotions, from those around her. It made her feel safe. But she got the sinking feeling that no matter what, with Nairi she would never feel safe. She'd be in this permanent state of unease and awkwardness. And he didn't seem to mind her alien features. She chocked that up to his being unbalanced, but decided, it was hot anyway, and laid the hat down.
Nanai decided to crawl into it for a cat nap.
"...there's always time to ask why," Kashan said, assuming he was addressing her. "...as long as you can remember the question and feel like exploring it."
She fidgeted a moment, debating. Nairi seemed distracted...but the pain in her wings was just getting to be too much. Normally, she'd do anything to keep from drawing attention to herself. But now was probably better than the middle of some random street later anyway when he remembered, and sighing inwardly she shrugged out of the coat and unfastened the bandages, letting them uncoil on their own and hang down her back as her wings ruffled and snapped as if in reflex--having wanted to escape the binding very badly. They were brown and gold in shade, but she kind of hoped Nairi was too lost in his thoughts to look her way. She just needed to stretch them out for a bit. They were so achey...stupid hot, sticky weather. She'd instinctively chosen a spot near the cavern wall that cast most of her in shadow, but if one looked closely enough, a vague outline could still be seen sprouting from just below her shoulderblades as she sat hunched slightly forward.
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Nairi
Novice
Fey-Touched
Posts: 60
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Post by Nairi on Dec 27, 2006 22:45:24 GMT -5
He was distracted, sure, but not so distracted that he didn't notice what he'd come here to see. He blinked in a cute, sleepy manner, watching her. "I'm jealous." Kashan was quite the individual. She was more than unique, and while she felt that she was doomed to hide from the rest of the world because of it, it was what drew him to her in the first place.
As far as he was concerned, scatter-brained sword-boys were meant to talk to strange dragon-girls that dressed all in black on hot days. It just felt right.
"We came all the way here so that you could stretch and you're still hiding from me." He let up on the blade, causing it to fall forward, pulling up his knees and turning to face her. "You're as much a mystery to me as I am to you, y'know. As for the question... well, I guess I'm just afraid that if I stop and ask you why you think I'm worth your time, you'll suddenly realize that I'm not." He shrugged one shoulder, looking down. "And that'll be that."
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