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Post by Ziya on Jan 11, 2019 11:50:39 GMT -5
Rand was mystified by the word accompanying Éirín's obvious flirt, but decided that it was likely a common occurrence on this world. The language she used next tickled his memory, though he couldn't quite place it. It was likely similar to one of the Elder Languages, those that existed in the First Age. While the term itself eluded him, the rest was enough to make his cheeks burn. His only saving grace was that she immediately flustered herself, giving him a chance to change the topic.
Which he didn't take, as his fool brain instantly went to reassuring her instead. "What you have or have not done is of no consequence to me, raya aada. All that matters to me is that you aren't ready, and to be honest neither am I. As for you're questions..."
He explained what the Power was and how it operated, as well as the various uses of weaves. That alone took nearly an hour, though it did include various examples of bonds, including the one that his wives had used on him. Finally he turned to the last question with a chuckle. "As for Elayne, Avi, and Min, they would likely be wary of you at first meeting, but I have no doubt they would warm up to you quickly. You have naught to fear from them."
When it came time to ask his own questions he thought for a moment, choosing carefully so as not to overwhelm her. "I suppose it is. How does magic work here? You mentioned being a goddess, was that a boast or fact? What are the Heartless? What was that blade like weapon your companion with purple hair could summon?" In truth he wanted to know more about her, but wisdom told him to learn all he could of the world first. He could always ask more questions later.
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Post by Conrí on Jan 11, 2019 16:08:50 GMT -5
Éirín stumbled over yet another word in the Old Tongue, but blushed despite that. It seemed two could flirt in their respective languages. She smiled, hoping that it wasn't too suggestive. "I called you 'my dream boy', but, I might think of better terms in a bit. Like arseling." As she said the last word, she winked playfully. Even with the distraction of stew, his reassurances and the fact that they had been so close just moments earlier made her light-headed. She was slightly relieved that Rand had blushed just as badly as she had, and was even more soothed by the fact that he wasn't be judgmental of her at all. She set her now empty bowl on the ground, and then moved back to where the red-haired man was. The wolf girl looked innocent enough, but something in the way she looked at him from head to toe probably gave off the hint that she was hoping to at least be next to him, possibly in his arms, for a while.
When she was close enough, she knelt in front of Rand and simply stared into his eyes. For once, any traces of uncertainty were gone from her face. Carefully, she tilted her head toward his cheek and softly put her lips there. She just kind of left them there for a moment or two, feeling their auras mesh through the contact. She moved back and gave him a look that wasn't too dissimilar to a dog begging for attention. Her eyes went to Rand's chest. Whether or not he picked up on the hint, Éirín stayed next to him, listening carefully to everything her mysterious one had to say. Occasionally, she nodded, particularly when she thought she understood how his form of magic worked. So, it sounds like all of his magic is more like something within himself that he channels out, not unlike what some people can do with aura here, which explains what I saw with my Oracle sight. That means that he can likely adapt to this magic we have.
The priestess shivered slightly when Rand ended on the mention of how his wives would likely react to another being added. Does he see me as just one more woman, then? Instead of asking, the mystic's eyes searched his, and then his aura, but couldn't get a clear read on it, so, she sighed and asked, before she got into her own explanations of the questions he'd asked. "Just so you understand, my world would not be okay with you dating me or anything else like that. Tir Tairngire is rather...stuck in its ways. Conrí, my brother, is next in line for the throne. If the people don't revolt against him because of who he loves. A fine young man, named Jason. Maybe they actually can change it." She shook her head ruefully. "Of course, we need to make sure it's still..." A ragged sigh escaped her lips. "Anyway, my point was tied to this question -- So, am I just another woman for your belt notches?" Her hand moved quickly to her hand, and she looked away from Rand for a moment.
After a moment or two, Éirín cleared her throat and moved her hand away from her mouth. "Don't ever tell anyone, but, my mouth is about as cheeky as my brother's, but, if I hear that I'm like him from anyone, I will deny it, got it?" A dangerous light flashed across her eyes for a moment. Finally, she started answering his questions. "Magic is more based on certain elements here. It's something you can pull from. Like a pool or a well, but, it's not necessarily so tied to the individual here. Take that bowl, for example. With a little focus, you could, say, fill it with water, light it on fire, move it with wind, or crush it with earth. Go ahead and try it. Without your source. It won't come powerfully at first, but, small tasks at first."
The wolf girl leaned her head on her hand, propped up by her elbow. "I am immortal, well, nearly. It's not a boast. I train with deities daily and have been getting closer to that title every day. I won't necessarily be a goddess of war, and would likely be closer to a goddess of foresight. Avalon was very sheltered, but, a good place for me to hone my skills." She cast a glance over the camp, spotting a tea kettle. She used some wind magic and brought it over to the fire, filled it with water, and floated some tea leaves from her pouch into the kettle's strainer before placing it over the fire. "The Heartless are people who have lost their hearts to Darkness."
Thinking of his outburst earlier, she quickly added, "I doubt anyone close to you fell to the Darkness. It's...if they were...bad people, then maybe." Her voice still trembled with some sorrow when she said this. "Finally, the Keyblade is what Lucia summoned. It is a blade born from someone's worthy heart to fight the Heartless and the dark. The Keyblade wielders are normally in charge of bringing their fallen worlds to the light again." She tapped her lips thoughtfully, studying Rand with her Oracle sight. "You might have the ability to wield one, actually."
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Post by Ziya on Jan 11, 2019 20:00:08 GMT -5
Éirín's question nearly made Rand smack himself for lack of thought. Briefly he wished that he had Mat or Perrin's way with women; they would never have slipped up quite so badly. "Nobody that I've ever been with, in this life or my last, has ever been a 'notch in my belt' in any way. I've cherished and loved each person individually, for themselves. I certainly don't blame you for asking that however." After a moment he added, "oh, and what I called you means 'dear' in the Old Tongue."
That settled, he moved slightly closer, so that they were nearly touching as he listened to her answers. The first few intrigued him, particularly the fact that both Éirín and her brother were royalty. How he ended up constantly attracted to strong-willed people who were descended from or were royalty themselves was beyond him. He supposed it had to do with them seeing him for himself, rather than his power or titles.
Her explanation on the magic of this realm was more interesting still, though it did seem a touch anti-climatic after the emphasis on control and specifics that channeling inherently possessed. Still, it seemed simple enough, and so his curiosity got the better of him. "So focus, draw, then visualize?" He did just that, focusing on the bowl, attempting to draw in the strange force that seemed to fuel Éirín's abilities, and then visualize the bowl filling with water as if catching the rain.
For a moment it seemed nothing happened other than a sapping of his stamina, and with a disappointed sigh he turned back to his companion. Then small sounds caught his ear, as if water were hitting the tent despite there not being a cloud in the sky earlier. Sure enough, a downpour had suddenly started and drenched the area, making Rand very glad he had chosen a hill. Sheepishly he turned back to Éirín once more and chuckled. "Apparently power is not the issue."
He listened to the remainder of the answers intently, absorbing all the information about this strange new place he was in. The explanation about the Keyblade interested him in particular, especially given the recent fall of his own world and the possibility of acquiring one himself. "Oh? And how does one go about getting a Keyblade then?"
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Post by Conrí on Jan 11, 2019 20:41:28 GMT -5
Éirín nodded when Rand answered her earnestly, and a pent up sigh left her. "N-no...I'm sorry. Love wasn't exactly our family's strong suit, a stór." Thinking for a moment, she said, "A stór is raya aada, then." Still, a slight blush crept from her neck into her face. She instinctively, if haltingly, lowered her head into Rand's chest. She curled herself into a ball, quite content to look into his eyes and feel his voice vibrate through his chest while they talked.
The wolf girl nodded when Rand asked about magic. It was far less complex than what she understood of his ways, and so she wondered if he would find it boring at all. The bowl remained empty, didn't light on fire or anything else. She felt her heart sink a little. She wanted him to at least be able to try something from this realm. Just as she was about to tell him to try again, there was a slight pattering outside of the tent, which turned into a downpour in seconds. Something about the rain made her snuggle closer to her love interest, and she began to stroke his cheek lightly and hum.
The priestess was a little surprised that Rand said nothing about the Heartless, but, she was at least thankful that he hadn't otherwise become sad again. She stopped humming when the tea kettle started to whistle, and gracefully rose to her feet. It was her turn to grin sheepishly, because she realised rather quickly that this wasn't her tent, and she never asked Rand whether or not he had cups or wanted tea. She turned, looked at the red-haired man, inclined her head toward him slightly and said, without thinking about it too much, "Honey, where do we keep cups? Though, I suppose I could have asked if you wanted tea first. Apologies, Rand."
While she waited on him to clarify about the cups, Éirín contemplated her answer. "Well, um...the blade chooses its wielder. It chose Conrí, and, it may or mightn't choose me, in the future, if I accept it, that is." Normally, she was certain about things, but, this time, once again, her voice shook. "I really wouldn't blame it if it didn't, though." Another heavy sigh escaped her. Suddenly, this game was no longer all that fun, because she was staring back at parts of herself that she regretted, and wasn't exactly ready to have all of that come spilling out of her. "It's a...difficult...story, but, I'm not the kind of person who willingly hides things from those she...cares about. Well, unless you're Conrí." Love seemed to fit, but it also came off as too strong, which is why she faltered. Once more, the wolf girl winked and stuck her tongue out at Rand, wondering if he would actually pick up on the fact that she was hinting and flirting again.
And then, the question burst forth from her. The kind of question she wished she could take back the second after it was said. "What's the worst thing you've ever seen, Rand? Tell me truthfully, and I will answer you with mine." She instantly covered her mouth, eyes wide in horror at what she'd said. Ready or not, it seemed like she was telling him anyway.
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Post by Ziya on Jan 11, 2019 21:48:01 GMT -5
A soft chuckle made it through Rand's self control as Éirín searched for cups, finally reaching into the covered provisions to retrieve a pair made of a milky while material that matched the bowls when she asked. "Honey, eh? Here's the cups, and I would love tea, chalidar."
What she said about Keyblades choosing their wielders made little sense to him, though to be fair neither did two people somehow being absorbed by a book. Any musings he may have had on the topic were pushed aside when she continued however. The feel of the air shifted, suddenly becoming quieter and heavier as her last words lingered in the tent for a moment.
Rand closed his eyes, and nearly a full minute later began to speak softly. "I'll answer that honestly as I swore, though I think you'll regret asking long before I've finished. I've seen cities slaughtered and eaten by monsters. I've seen people tortured so thoroughly that they killed their own children while laughing. I've seen children taught to wander the streets killing anyone they please as a game. I've seen starvation, plague, mutilation, every kind of horror imaginable and a few that can't until you've seen them yourself. And yet..."
He trailed off for a moment before opening his eyes once more, regret most prominent within them. "None of it compares to what I've done. I was responsible for the act that sealed away the greatest evil in my world, but that same act drove every male channeler mad, myself included. I slaughtered every person that bore a drop of my blood, including my wife and children, and their children, and their children as well. I killed myself and left the others to ravage and reshape the world for over a hundred years, sending our people back to the stone age. And that was only what I did and saw in my past life."
He took a breath. "In this one I caused multiple wars over my very existence, destroyed an entire city such that the people were dead an hour beforehand, and nearly unmade reality in the process, simply to kill a single woman. I left people that I ruled to starve simply because I had other things I thought were more important. I very nearly destroyed my entire world utterly, and almost removed free will from the people in my pride. There are millions, if not more, dead due to my actions, and just as many who suffered far more than they should have, including the people I care for most. So, Éirín, please know when I say that I'll understand whatever yours is, I mean it."
It was only after he stopped that he realized he was weeping. He brought his hand up to wipe the tears away, satisfied that it, at least, was still steady, before returning to the fire and sitting once more. No more tears fell.
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Post by Conrí on Jan 11, 2019 22:33:08 GMT -5
Éirín didn't need to ask for a translation when Rand clearly picked up on what she called him. She was amazed that she didn't blush, and quickly busied her hands with getting tea. She simply nodded solemnly when Rand said she would regret asking that question that she did. The wolf girl forced herself to walk back with the tea while locking his eyes with hers. She didn't run to him, but, she had to fight the urge to, and, that was difficult enough when he was already tearing up on her. She abandoned the notion of carrying the cups of tea and simply made them float to where they had been sitting.
The priestess then very calmly wrapped her arms around Rand. She still didn't say anything, wondering how many would hear everything she just had and only see a monster. She guessed the answer was higher than she cared to think about. Her fingers ran through his hair, and she found herself humming again. She had also, apparently, pulled Rand's head to her chest. "I want you to listen to me, raya aada. You did what you had to. You weren't responsible for everything. Not one person is solely responsible for how the world turns." Gently, she placed her fingers under his chin and directed him to face her. "I am so, so sorry you had to face all of that."
Éirín realised she was crying now, but not on account of her own pain. She took a breath and forced herself to stop. She had promised, but ended up taking her tea in one, shaky gulp. "My father was a terrible person. Stricken with madness from the darkness in him. He actually thought that in order to preserve Conrí, I had to lose my life. By his own hand, while my brother watched. It was a ritual of sorts. Chanting. Druids. I could hear my brother screaming and pleading, but never stepping in to help. Right as the knife was about to deliver the killing blow, after I'd had my will nearly broken, I woke up in Avalon. Untouched. Had been granted immortality and a new life. But, that pales in comparison to the times that father made my mother scream and beg for him to stop. You see, Conrí was never considered to be...strong in the ways that da preferred, so...he demanded another heir. Anytime he felt like it...he'd... The wolf girl stopped, forced to wipe her own tears away. "Mother forced me to become a priestess, because she saw the way father had started to look at me. Eager, greed driven eyes."
Thoroughly drained, Éirín started to fall to her knees. You're the only other one who knows, farm boy. And, that...scares me. Who's to say you won't use me? The wolf girl cupped her hands over her ears and tried to shove the invasive thoughts away. Rand wasn't like that. She knew that anytime she looked at him.
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Post by Ziya on Jan 11, 2019 22:59:55 GMT -5
Rand was not used to opening up to people as he just had, and was definitely not used to being comforted by those who knew all the things he had spoken of. Not in such a way, at least, and certainly not with that hint of firmness. It reminded him of his mother Kari, in a way. Somehow that help him regain his composure.
That composure was sorely tested by what Éirín said next. His eyes became steel at the thought of such a man, and instantly he understood at least part of what she meant earlier about love in her family. He wanted nothing more than to destroy him in a stream of balefire so strong that it would undo what was done, and the Light be damned by the consequences to reality.
But anger wasn't what she needed.
With difficulty he let the feeling dissipate, only kneeling down to embrace her once he was certain it was gone. By no means did that mean he was calm however. Grief, for her, her mother, and her brother filled him, so strong that he wept once more. He kept his touch light and open, knowing that memories of that sort can sometimes create strong reactions to certain actions.
When he spoke again, his voice was soft for a very different reason, filled with gentleness and comfort. "That was not your fault either, Éirín. What he did was inexcusable, both to your mother and to you, and should never have happened. You are not less for it, nor for being unable to stop it, and you have my word that it shall not be spoken of unless you wish it, by the Light and my hope of salvation and rebirth. By the grave of my mothers, both by birth and by raising." The strongest, most binding oath from his world, and the most personal one he had ever taken, yet he meant it, heart and soul.
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Post by Conrí on Jan 12, 2019 8:51:55 GMT -5
Éirín flinched slightly when she looked at Rand. His anger was more than evident. Her mouth had dried out again, and, even though she was shaking, but not because of the anger the red-haired man held in him, she managed to get more tea where she knelt. "You should know that he never...my mother made sure he never...with me." The words barely passed her lips and sounded more like choked whispers. She kept watching her love interest. The storm had come over his eyes again, but she knew it was for her and not at her. Still, she wished the man would say something. Anything. Or, do something. As it was now, she nearly expected the storm in his eyes to start outside the tent.
The wolf girl forced herself to stay looking at those eyes of his. She knew what his intentions for her father were. He tried hard to maintain his composure, but, the murderous intent, while justifiable, was also palpable. She licked her lips, and then groaned, remembering her plan with Lucia and Conrí, though the sheep dog didn't know it yet, at Castle Oblivion. It seemed useless to keep that plan a secret, and, since Rand was simply staring at her, saying nothing, she took the chance to speak. "I know what you're feeling. But, only the next king can face the current one in battle. It was never my fight, and, it is not yours, either." She took a drink of her too-hot tea, wincing at the pain slightly. "Furthermore, my brother is unaware of what I just told you. However, there is a place in this world that turns memories into rooms in a castle, and, if Conrí is to become the king, then he needs to be pushed into the truth, no matter how harsh it is. He thinks me dead, and he blames himself." The last words came out hard, but with a hint of sorrow to them, and, that's when Rand slowly moved toward her.
The priestess didn't flinch when he lightly and gently embraced her. Still silence, but she got the sense to just be patient. It was clear that he was taking his time as to not hurt her. She carefully set her tea cup aside. And wiped his teary cheeks. She couldn't stand the fact that he was crying because of what happened to her. She kissed his cheeks when she was done drying her love interest's face. They were light and gentle touches with her lips.
Finally, he spoke, and the sincerity of the oath seemed to seep into her and shook her to her core. Her skin tingled with fire and then ice and then fire again. Éirín subconsciously pulled Rand into a tighter hug, and her lips met his. Once, and then she looked up at him with teary eyes herself, but, she nodded slightly and then pressed her forehead to his. She didn't mind that their auras mingled and let her feel close to him without needing to kiss him, but she also breathed in his scent and then her lips found his again. She kissed him hungrily and felt her tongue move slightly across his soft lips. Her heart raced, but, she never wanted to let go of the man in her arms now. She heard a soft moan come from her, but wasn't quite sure if the lightheaded feeling she was having was good or bad. Have I lost my head? What do I do now, because we were supposed to be asking each other question, but, no one's ever...been like this. I want to just say to hell with it and be with him now. The wolf girl moved her tongue back across Rand's lips, and she pushed slightly between them before forcing herself to stop.
A furious blush came over her, but, it wasn't because of shame. She kept her lips on his, though, and managed to mumble. "Do you have any more questions for me, lad? Or, are there a few ideas working their way through that wonderful brain of yours?"
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Post by Ziya on Jan 12, 2019 16:51:39 GMT -5
The kiss was intoxicating, even with the circumstances leading to it. Her actions proved her feelings far better than any words could, though they surprised him with their strength. Entranced, he couldn't help but wipe her tears away soon after she pulled back slightly. For the first time he noticed her scent as she kissed him a second time soon after, one that he could get lost in easily, and he very nearly gave in when he felt her tongue probing.
A moment later he used the opportunity of her mumbled words to gently pull her lips away, tightening their hug so that her head was on his shoulder. His tone was soft and comforting, almost a caress all of it's own. "Both, actually. But it would be wrong for me to do anything more without you in a clearer mind. If that happens, I want it to be because we both choose to, not because I took advantage of you needing comfort."
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Post by Conrí on Jan 12, 2019 17:58:32 GMT -5
Éirín thought time itself had stopped when Rand decided to not kiss longer and instead put his head on her shoulder. His voice was steady and calm. Tension she didn't know she had been holding inside unraveled, and she felt her head slump down into the man's chest. Her hands balled into fists, then released, only to tighten into balls again. She kept her head down, but, she felt her own aura raging and changing from calm to happy to infuriated and then to a longing desire so deep it hurt and back again. She was almost certain that if Rand had forced her to look at him, her eyes would have flashed with fire only to turn cold and then pained. The light-headed swimming that had consumed her before faded, and she noticed that she was nearly hyperventilating.
In truth, the wolf girl didn't know whether to laugh or scream or cry. Anytime her mouth opened, a strange sound came out, so she would close her mouth, determined to try speaking again in a few minutes. The blush on her face had shifted from desire to anger and then back again. Part of her wanted to flirt, to see if she could get him to do what she wanted, but, his sound words echoed in her head against every little thing she was feeling. She almost wished she could summon a malestrom over the tent that could match her feelings. For years, all she wanted was to be understood, and, once she finally seemed to have that, all she wanted was to be reckless. A laugh finally vibrated against Rand's chest, followed by a cry of clear, pained rage that gave way to a sob.
The priestess was unaware of her fists slamming into Rand's back. Everything seemed and felt dark, and her head pushed into his chest further. Hot tears streamed down her cheeks. Her breath came out in painful bursts, and her throat felt scratchy and sore. A few laughs occasionally cut through her screaming and sobbing. "Do ya think I give a damn about how clear my head is right now, madra caorach?" Her fist slammed into Rand's back hard enough that her hand hurt. "I don't care. I certainly didn't want you to be honorable about it. I wanted to be used. I want to be loved."
The dull ache in her hand brought Éirín back to her senses. She heard what she had last said, and, it felt like a daze had lifted, but not enough for her to regain control fully. "Madra caorach!" She screamed and very nearly spat at Rand, seeing Conrí in his place, until everything fell back into place with a sickening weight. She covered her mouth with both hands and scurried backward away from Rand. This was why she never believed the cards when they talked about love. She'd always been afraid she'd break it, and now, despite all the positives, her little outburst probably had. The wolf girl looked more than a little terrified when she wiped her face for the third time that day and looked at the red-haired man across from her. Again, the cards flashed in her head. The same three, but, she didn't want to believe it.
Instead, the wolf girl forgot about her tea, about the book, and about Rand. Well--not entirely about Rand. She quickly lowered herself back down to her knees at the back of the tent and pressed her forehead into the earth until the dry dirt ground into her face. Just as soon as she felt that sensation, she stood again and then ran outside of the tent. Whatever questions he had were likely gone now, as was whatever he had likely seen in her. With the thousands of Heartless out there, she could rampage, and the only thing that would be broken was either the darkness or herself.
Without thought, the priestess roared and jumped off the hill, not caring if she ever saw that camp again. At least, not right now. If she took a moment to listen to her heart, it would have told her to stop, turn around, ask to be let in. Ask to talk it out. But, Éirín decided, as she pinned a Shadow under her staff, bludgeoning its limbs off one by one while punching back a Soldier, a Wight Knight, and a Barrel Spider into other Heartless behind her, the explosion from which she used to launch herself in the air and kick a Wyvern in the chest before crushing the limbless Shadow's head with her staff upon landing, letting loose was more fun.
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Post by Ziya on Jan 12, 2019 20:53:35 GMT -5
Rand simply let Éirín do what she would, hoping that letting it out would calm her down eventually. He knew far too well what bottling emotions like those for too long could do to a person. He wasn't about to let that happen to her, especially now that she had finally begun to release them. Still, he was surprised at the strength of her fist against his back. It was nowhere near enough to force a reaction, but he'd likely have a mild bruise by the morning. It was a small price to pay for her peace.
Unfortunately he failed to take into account what she would do after coming to her senses again. The look of horror and pained realization on her face stunned him just enough that she was out of the tent before he could say anything. By the time he followed she was already out of the camp and fighting. He would have followed, but the moment he moved to a short person with oddly green hair dressed in crimson appeared out of nothing.
Mink took one look at the red haired man before them and turned to glance at the chaos that currently was Éirín before swearing and sighing. "Just my luck, wandering into Aunt Éirín's rampage as she met Uncle Rand." As they fumed "Uncle" Rand walked over to them cautiously. "Who are you and how do you know us? Does she know you already?" He seized the Source and readied a few weaves just in case.
The look Mink gave him was cool and level with a hint of annoyance, and their tone matched. "Name's Elmindreda Kalenia Cray-Talec. I'm Lucia's kid from the future, and I know you two from there. Yes I'm named after your wife; Everything from Winternight on is a book series in this world and it's my mom's favorite. No I'm not telling you your future; it'd spoil the fun and I'd get in trouble. Any other questions?"
Rand could barely wrap his head around the person before him, and so simply shook his head. "Good. We'll wait just a moment before getting out there and helping her. She needs to blow off some steam first."
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Post by Conrí on Jan 12, 2019 21:21:33 GMT -5
Éirín felt sweat start to drip down her back. She cleared a decent circle of enemies around her. It wasn't enough, so, she pushed further into the Maw. Further away from the camp. She thought back to the look on Rand's face when she came to. How he had just taken that without even grunting gave her some hope. But, the second the hope rose in her chest, a dark fear of what she'd done crushed it down again. Her staff felt like an extension of her body. She cleared a narrow path for herself to where she could see the darker auras from the enemies. Interestingly, after abusing the Shadow, she hardly actually killed anything, just simply smacked things out of her way without discrimination. She barely saw what she hit, just knew that her strikes actually hit.
Bloody madra caorach. Bloody Rand al'Thor, sittin' there, taking it in stride. Not yelling at me a'tall. Not doing a damn thing. Rage still gripped her, and she felt her aura slip into the dark a bit. Unlike Conrí, she managed to control herself well enough that she wouldn't go berserk. Then again, she had never really shown the abilities that would have caused concern. Her staff finally hit something that didn't just move out of the way, and she looked up to see a Darkside.
The towering monster likely should have scared her, but, she scampered up its arm and unleashed a flurry of blows to its head. It started cup at its ear, so the wolf girl switched sides and attempted to box the other ear in. She kept doing this back and forth, visualising either Conrí or Rand as she did so. Eventually, the monster started to spin around, in an obvious state of dizziness and confusion. At times like this, the priestess wished she had a Keyblade of her own, but realised that she may never get that privilege.
The Darkside roared in pain, so Éirín roared at it louder than it had. She thought about using magic against it to just put it out of its misery, and then realised, with some horror, that the roar the Heartless gave attracted not one, but, two more Darksides. With a sigh, the wolf girl cast Malestrom and set Lightning Water mines at the other Darksides' feet. At most, the explosions would tingle, but it might stagger them long enough for her to figure out how to pin the three close enough together to deal with.
I'm not in over my head. I'm just bleedin' pissed off. I do not need Rand the bloody Dragon Reborn or whatever title he wishes to come save me arse. A solid smack to the Darkside's temple finally caused it to start to fall over and fade, and Éirín used the momentum to jump at the other Darkside near her. Fortunately, it had stepped on one of her mines and started to look down. With a solid thunk to its chest, the wolf girl used her precious seconds to vault up into the beast's hair, making sure the slam to the head she gave it would make it reel in pain. She climbed down its hair like it was rope, and stood on its shoulder. The other Darkside noticed her and started to lumber toward her. Let's play.
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Post by Ziya on Jan 12, 2019 22:47:15 GMT -5
Mink's appearance raised far more questions for Rand to consider, but he reminded himself that there were more pressing concerns and remained silent, choosing to draw his blade instead and take a step forward. Mink followed, eyeing the blade with interest as they left the camp. "Ah, that sword. You figured out how to use Elements with it yet?" His blank look made the answer obvious, so with another sigh Mink summoned their version of Requiem's Resolve and focused on Fire. "Like this: Elemental Blade: Fire."
The crystalline blade became wreathed in flame before they used it to casually slice an Armored Soldier in two, the heat melting it's breastplate as effortlessly as when Rand wove a blade directly out of Fire. "So, you infuse the weapon with the Element and it acts as if made from it? Interesting..." Focusing, he tried to combine a weave for a blade of Air with the magic of this realm before visualizing them merging with the weaves present within his sword already.
He felt a surprising amount of resistance, but by using most of his ability with Saidin he managed to maintain it, and a second later the steel became a bright blue, as if made of Condensed Hardened Air. Experimentally he swung the blade, only for what appeared to be a shockwave to emerge from the slice and cut down a Soldier nearly six feet away. Mink nodded in approval. "Nice! That seems to take a decent amount to keep up though." Rand agreed. "Indeed. While I can maintain it indefinitely, I cannot use other weaves without this one dissipating. Still," Lizard in the Thornbush's thrust took an Armored Soldier in the head from eight feet before swinging and cleaving a trio of Shadows at four feet, "it seems quite useful."
Suddenly Mink stopped and stared at the hill where Éirín had passed. A moment later a horrible roar sounded, followed by what could only be her response. "That was a Darkside... I can see the auras of two more, we need to help her!" They began hovering off the ground, quickly gaining height as Rand shook his head and opened a Gateway to where they were pointing.
As it shut behind him Rand gawked for a moment at the size of the Heartless. Only the jumara were similar in size, and he prayed to the Light that these were not as tough to kill. Closing on the one walking towards Éirín, he readied his blade and used Rain in High Wind, praying the multitude of quick strikes could at least hamper the behemoth.
Mink caught up a moment later, just in time to see the Darkside shift its attention to their uncle. Eyes narrowing, they threw their keyblade at the thing's head before overcharging it with Elemental Nova, creating a fiery explosion five feet wide in its face before drawing on both Wind and Fire magic. "Duality Mage: Hellstorm!" Three fire tornadoes ten feet tall and five feet wide appeared surrounding them before falling onto the battlefield, two moving toward the one Éirín was on while the last remained near the other, constantly burning it.
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Post by Conrí on Jan 12, 2019 23:23:48 GMT -5
"I didn't bleedin' ask for help!" The shout echoed from the Darkside's shoulder. Éirín growled. Another bump to the head of the Darkside actually made it turn to look at her and try to rub its head. The other Darkside was still lumbering toward them despite the fiery tornadoes. "Rand bloody al' bleedin'Thor. Dragon Reborn...more like over glorified lizard that can cough wee embers. You're just as bad as that sheep dog of a brother of mine. Haven't I hurt ya enough, or are you that insistent for another lesson, arseling?" Despite her insults, a bit of her cheekiness was returning, which should mean that her spirits were starting to raise. If she managed to take these out, then maybe, considering the fool had managed to follow her, he'd be willing to talk? The thought of being able to actually work things out with him made her more determined.
The wolf girl smirked and howled as though she really were a wolf. Her staff stabbed through the Darkside's neck that she was on, and she used her staff like a rudder, directing it around the magic that seemed to cut off access to the other. "Now, then. Fight." She moved her staff from the creature's neck and jumped down to the creature's left shoulder blade and shoved her staff there, choosing to hang off of it and do pull ups, which forced the creature to throw a few punches at his friend's head. She yawned and gave the creature one last punch to the head before kicking her and her staff free to return to the wounded Darkside's shoulder.
She grinned when the second Darkside swung at her. The priestess fluidly ducked under the arm and slid down the arm of the one she was on, poking at it's wrist, which, caused it to look right as the fist of the other Darkside connected with its face. The blow from this caused the second Darkside to topple over and start to fade. She cast Water Mines below her and mixed it with her icicles again, fashioning a crude slide for herself so that she wouldn't be harmed by the fall. At the end of the slide, Éirín jumped and tumbled through the air gracefully, twirling her staff as she did, and stuck the landing precisely. She bowed with a flourish, as full of herself as ever. When the last Darkside roared, she yelled back again and actually stuck her tongue out at it.
"You're dead." The wolf girl focused and took control over the last Heartless, quite unwilling though it was, and forced it to punch itself in the head until it could barely raise its arm. She then made it stand in the fiery tornado until it started to fade away and quickly severed her link with the Heartless, clearly a bit out of breath, but, a jovial light shone in her eyes all the same.
Éirín yawned as though she were bored, and noticed the night starting to set in. She strutted over to Rand, planted a kiss on his lips and winked before walking past him as though nothing in the tent had happened. "I'm heading back. I know. We'll talk. Also, time is a dangerous thing to mess with, nymph, but, you know that already, and you know that I can figure out who you are. Just don't hurt yourself, or mother dearest, predicament though she's in, will kill me, regardless of what my relations are to you." The wolf girl gave Mink a level glare. One she'd seen herself use before in a dream with the familiar-seeming child.
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Post by Ziya on Jan 13, 2019 0:16:27 GMT -5
Rand was stunned by the awesome display of power by the one flying through the air, and even more so by Éirín's skillful manipulation of the Heartless. Soon enough there was nothing left, and as the darkness settled he was left even more confused.
Mink's initial reaction to their not-yet-aunt's all too familiar glare was to bow and apologize. The urge was so strong that they were mid-bow before they stopped and glared back, flying over at nearly top speed. "Hey, you're only three years older right now. Want me to tell Rand when Barid'll be born?" They were very careful to stay high enough that the staff couldn't reach.
Rand decided it was better not to ask, ans simply walked behind them. Hopefully he'd get some answers by the end of the day...
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Post by Conrí on Jan 13, 2019 8:49:21 GMT -5
Éirín's smug smirk and strut nearly slipped away from her when Mink flew to her. Do you want me to start right now with that, child? Her eyes flashed with a mischievous light. Usually, in something like this, she would have flinched and blushed and shook her head, but, the teen in front of her had given something very important away. The flying one had started to bow to the priestess. You look like a fae. Of course, what I can remember from that dream and with my Oracle sight, I think I can understand why. The wolf girl was particularly careful to keep her thoughts to herself, and spoke firmly enough to let the child know that another quip like that, and her staff would be certain to not miss them, "Whether or not I am only three years older than you right now, or whether I am twenty, I am still your elder. And, I gather you remember just how much I've likely had to lecture you about spoilers and how much I loathe them." The priestess stood straight, and her eyes seemed to glow a little. Yes, she remembered that from one of her strange dreams and had to keep her staff behind her back with some effort. Her tone of voice was goddess like enough that it sent a shiver down her own spine.
Éirín held up a finger. "Before you retaliate, I suggest you listen. Your want of power depends on it." Truthfully, Mink's aura radiated nothing but that desire with a hint of anger, and, poor Rand was still stunned by her display, but also confused, by the way it swirled. What kind of a name is Barid, anyway? Surely, that can be...discussed. The wolf girl sighed and shook her head, debating on how much she should treat Mink like one of those in training on Avalon. The spunky teen certainly fit the part, but, then, Éirín forced down a chuckle. It was almost like she was looking at herself. The thirst for power with all the best of intentions. Focusing on that alone until everything else was shut out.
There was no doubt in the priestess's mind that Mink was stronger than her already, but, they wielded the power so haphazardly that they were unable to see it. She knew she had Mink's undivided attention at that point, but the wolf girl decided to make herself eye level with the child regardless by standing on a pillar of water. "The kind of power you seek is created not out of desire, though, that certainly helps, but out of a honing of the person who wants to master themselves." Her voice was gentle, as she wanted to soothe the teen as best she could. "So, Mink, is there anyone or maybe a group you can think of that has the power you seek and can actually guide you with it, rather than you being a glass cannon all the time? Think on it, wherever or whenever you'll find some comfort."
Éirín nodded gently and lowered herself down to the ground again. She looked at Rand and smiled a bit sheepishly. Her feet carried her to him, and she dipped her head toward him slightly. Cautiously, she reached her hand out to his, felt her fingers brush his and then hesitated. She rubbed her cheek and looked away for a moment. Tá brón orm, a stór mo chroí."The weight of the apology and from the term of endearment made her aura tingle along with her skin. She swallowed and looked up at his blue-grey eyes. Once more, they pulled her in, and she felt drawn to hug him, but stopped herself. He needed a translation, likely, and answers. There is sorrow on me, or, more simply, I'm sorry. Treasure of my heart."
The wolf girl's lips burned with a desire to touch his, but, again, she stopped herself. "May I come back to the camp with you, Rand? I do understand if you say no. I made a right fool of myself and had to take out those Heartless to get it all out of my system. Regardless, I was unfair to you and did something I never should have." The priestess glanced at her now bruised hand, and wiped tears from her eyes. She started to go to her knees in another bow when she remembered where they were and decided she could beg for his forgiveness later, if he asked it of her. If, that was, no matter what Mink said, the man wanted anything to do with her anymore. Suddenly, Éirín was considering taking out another Darkside, just to get her confidence back.
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Post by Ziya on Jan 13, 2019 14:22:57 GMT -5
Mink rose a few more feet into the air just in case as they saw the look on their aunt's face, though they couldn't help but notice the fluctuations in her aura that proved she was at least a little flustered. Before they could think of a comeback Mink was distracted by Éirín's next words. The fact that she ended up eye level with them, 20 feet up, definitely helped in that.
When she was done, Mink had a very thoughtful expression on their face as they considered her words. After a moment their violet eyes widened slightly as they had an idea. Swooping down they nearly tackled Éirín in a hug before backing off a few feet again. "Thanks Aunt Éi! That gave me an idea of where to start at least. See you in about 16 years, or whenever I decide to come back to this time." They paused for a moment before adding, "Oh, and I can see auras like my mom, though you probably knew that. You've got at least a year of safety, so have fun with Uncle Rand." They winked, and then they were gone.
Rand could honestly say he had no idea what was going on, but as Éirín smiled and apologized the annoyance and confusion melted away. Tenderly he reached for her bruised hand, stroking it lightly with his thumb before speaking honestly. "I'm just glad you didn't run off into a blizzard like Aviendha did. We both nearly froze to death before we got back." He sighed as he realized what he had just done. "I'm sorry, I don't mean to compare you to them so often. You are your own person, and I don't want you to think I'm interested in you merely because you resemble them in some ways. Let's go back to the camp, dival a raya cuebiyar. Light of my heart, if you're wondering."
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Post by Conrí on Jan 13, 2019 15:41:27 GMT -5
Éirín let herself be tackled by Mink, chuckling lightly. Maybe Éiriú was right and she had a gift with dealing with children. As her spunky relation winked after making the wolf girl blush with the vaguest of hints about what exactly would be happening with her and Rand in the future, an exasperated sigh escaped her lips and her head shook. Pups. Though, that one is one of the more bearable ones. She offered Rand something of an exaggeratedly pained smile once the child was gone. "We'd be calling that one either a fae or a changeling, from the way they act." She said this as though the red-haired man would understand.
As she waited in the silence next to Rand, her eyes widened in a bit of surprise when he, with exceeding gentleness, took her bruised hand in his and began caressing it, if just barely. The touch sent small pinpricks up her arm, but, not in a bad way. As he talked about what one of his wives--the one she guessed was Avi--had nearly gotten them both killed in a blizzard, the priestess hid her grin with her sleeve. It was all she could do to not laugh, and, she cocked her head slightly when Rand apologised. "I do not feel like you are comparing me to them at all. I feel like you're remembering them, and, you're sharing their lives with me. What else am I supposed to expect, mo bhuachaill aisling?"
In an attempt to emphasise her point, Éirín gave Rand's hand a light squeeze and didn't let go. She blushed lightly when he agreed to let her back into the camp, with such a strong term of endearment as well. Mink...ya cheeky little fae. she thought ruefully. Instead of sighing or shaking her head, she simply pulled him into another one of those weird gateways back to the camp. The fire and the warmth of the tent seemed to make her realise just how tiring the events of the day had been. There was still a lot to discuss, but, the wolf girl was happy enough to do so over cups of tea, even if they spent most of the night talking. The priestess simply decided that, even though the cards had been involved with her fate, she wanted nothing more than to stand next to Rand and get to know his heart better.
The priestess continued tugging lightly on her crush's arm until she was right outside of the entrance. Here, she stopped, let go of his hand and bowed slightly before holding open the tent flap. She kept her eyes on the ground, still warring with herself and her hopes and fears. The Sun seemed to be spinning in her head, signifying her own lack of balance in the situation at hand. Her hope of being able to kiss him as someone who was loved and forgiven clashed with her fears and self-criticisms in a silent, but agonisingly loud battle in her head.
Éirín wanted to try this over again, but, she was just as afraid of screwing it up. She waited for Rand to enter the tent before she did. Once they were inside, her gaze still refused to raise from the ground. Her palms were wet with an icy sweat, and her face went from blushing to pale. Her lips seemed to fidget, and she struggled to find words. Her hands reached out for the bottom of his shirt, and she pulled up. Seeing how such an action might be taken, the wolf girl managed to mumble, "I'm not being crude. I need to see it." Her voice fluctuated between firm and shaky, "I need to see what I've done to you so that if I ever so much as have a fleeting thought of doing it to you again, I will instead know how to demand penance from myself."
As it was, the girl bit her lip hard enough after she was done speaking that blood trickled down her skin. Yes, this pain will do, for now. This pain is enough to teach me the error of my ways and not hurt Rand like this again. Rather than realise the error of what she was doing, the priestess bit down harder, until her lip went numb. At that moment, she stopped. If tears were on her face, she didn't acknowledge them. Her stomach growled again, but to this, she simply said, "A pain bringer like me does not deserve to eat tonight. This, and the blood I have shed will be my penance to you, if you will accept it."
Once the last act of penance had been said, Éirín made sure to meet his eyes before finding a spot opposite from his bed where she curled up into a ball and contemplated whether to will herself to sleep or try to see how he'd react to it all and if he would be kind enough to grant her the chance to talk. Perhaps with tea, but, her penance certainly would not allow for food. On the inside, the wolf girl was still screaming. At herself, and at the criticism that she had given into and now seemed to loom over any hope she had of actually making this work out.
Mink's flirty warning of the future suddenly cut like a knife. A person like me has no place having fun with anyone, certainly not him. Not now, anyway. Penance done and accepted or not, some things can't be forgiven or atoned. Éirín sank further into her thoughts and pulled herself into a tighter ball. Her knees nearly touched her chin, and she shuddered from the coolness of the night, but she didn't dare ask for warmth or let it be known that she felt like she'd been dipped into a pool of ice. Silently, she let the tears fall, counting off the ways in which she would be better next time or would be forced to do a worse penance. The screams of her hopes dulled and then fell away into whispers and then faded all together as all that remained was the list that her criticisms yelled at her with the bellowing of a thunderclap. Or, maybe it was more like the yelling of an angry, disgruntled king.
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Post by Ziya on Jan 13, 2019 16:12:24 GMT -5
Rand's relief that Éirín understood his intentions melted away at her sudden actions within the tent. Removing his shirt to see the bruise was well and good, but the punishments and more beyond was another thing entirely. Seizing the Source again he could hear the tears hitting the ground where she lay, and something indescribable welled up within him.
"No," he nearly growled as he walked over to her, "no more penances, no more punishments, no more flaming ji'e'toh! I never understood it then, and I'll be burned if I put up with it now." He threw together a Healing and willed it into Éirín without even touching her before he sat cross-legged a foot away.
"Mother's milk in a cup! I'm not a bloody doll, and it's a single flaming bruise. I've lost my entire bloody hand before, burned clean off, and lived with wounds that never healed for two bloody years. Then I straight up died! This is nothing, and I'm treating it as bloody nothing. Now," a few weaves of Hardened Air filled bowls with the stew and poured the tea as he moderated his tone finally, "if you're ready to talk as equals, the chairs are over there. Otherwise I'll tie you up and feed you myself, to keep you from starving."
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Post by Conrí on Jan 13, 2019 16:43:25 GMT -5
Éirín gasped as ice shot through her. Damn you. You're not supposed to be healing the penance away. She sniffled and wiped her cheeks, but did not move from her position. The penance, it seemed, had been denied. At least, that's what she would have thought, except Rand seemed to be nullifying it. At this, she flinched, but not because of his tone, and dared to at least look at him. The words, she thought, other than those in the Old Tongue, which she repeated in a whisper that was barely audible, still curious as to their meaning, but also having enough sense to not ask until he was through, weren't quite drowning out the yelling in her head. How do I tell all of this to you? All of the noise in my head? How meaningless I know it is, and how wrong I know it is, but... Her eyes moved back and forth, trying to figure out what exactly she saw in Rand's face. It was anger, but not at her.
When he clearly cursed, at least, the wolf girl figured those counted for curses, due to the way that the man looked like he was also ready to spit venom with those phrases, she finally sat up. He sat across from her and seemed eerily calm despite the words coming out of him. At the mention of his death, the priestess thought maybe, just maybe, his words might be louder than the criticism. She eyed the stew and the tea hungrily as another growl, heightened by the healing, erupted from her. She seemed like she was about to take Rand up on his offer to talk, except for the last word he said managed to bring back the torrent of screaming in her head. The Darksides she had fought earlier standing on top of each other would have appeared dwarfed in comparison to the towering giant in her head. With a flash of stubbornness, and perhaps a hint of curiosity as to whether or not he actually would go through with it, Éirín shook her head. "No," she said firmly, "Nullifying the penance I might have accepted, but, being considered your equal when you know I'm not. No. I will stay here and starve tonight." The wolf girl swallowed the second the words fell from her lips. A single glance at his aura made her know that she had just sealed her fate.
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