Monday, June 13, 2016
She shakes her head. "It's- I don't have the words, but I'll try to explain," she says, and drinks more. "If we're friends, we'll be close, then you'll be like family. You already to Goddard. I don't have a good record with family. They leave or die or send me away. I thought it'd be fine if I kept distant but I don't like it." She lays near need against his arm again. "That doesn't make sense."
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"I don't understand it, but I get what you are saying."
ReplyDelete"Two will go," she says, nodding at him dancing with Kryn and holding her like a treasure. "Eventually."
ReplyDelete"But not the way you think. He might move in with her. But I'm sure you'd still see them both as often as you wanted to."
ReplyDeleteShe shrugs. "Maybe. I hope you're right."
ReplyDelete"Unless you somehow stop caring for each other, I know I'm right."
ReplyDelete"Why are you so...sobering?" she giggles into her cup.
ReplyDelete"Because I'm infinitely more sober than you are."
ReplyDelete"You can be sober and not sober," she laughs. "You should try it some time."
ReplyDeleteKryn watches them talking from the corner of her eye. "I do hope they're figuring it out," she says softly.
"Figuring out what, elfling?"
"Whatever they need to figure out," she says, lifting her head and smiling at him.
Gath shakes his head. "You'd probably like me way too much if I got as drunk as you."
ReplyDelete"Oh that would be terrible."
ReplyDelete"You'd want to spend more time around me, go shopping, I can't have that."
ReplyDelete"Highly inconvenient."
ReplyDelete"So I'll stay sober and unlikable."
ReplyDelete"Probably for the best. I'll try to stay drunk and annoying."
ReplyDelete"Lecai," Goddard whines and flops down beside Aara, nuzzling her arm. "Sethai..." He sadly points at the small dragon who's hopping around with a hunk of bread in his mouth.
ReplyDelete"Very descriptive my lord," Gath mumbles.
Aara chirps at Sethai and cuddles Goddard. "Let's get more bread!" she suggests. "Newer bread. Better bread."
ReplyDelete"Can either of you even walk?" Gath asks.
ReplyDeleteAara stands and promptly falls back into her seat. "Nope," she giggles, climbing into Goddard's lap and stroking his ear.
ReplyDelete"Gath," Goddard pleads.
ReplyDelete"I hate you both," Gath grumbles and gets to his feet. He walks over to the table and grabs a large piece of bread. "Here," he huffs, handing it to Goddard.
Goddard makes a happy sound offers some to Aara.
She chirps like Sethai and grabs it with her mouth.
ReplyDeleteGoddard chuckles."You aren't a dragon."
ReplyDeleteGath rolls his eyes and sits on a seat not too far away from them.
She bites off the bread and lets him have it. "Good thing," she giggles. "I'm little enough."
ReplyDelete"Dragons are usually very big. You're too small to be a dragon lecai." He takes a bit of the bread and looks around the room. "Look at how happy everyone is. Except...except that sour puss," he whispers, pointing at Gath.
ReplyDelete"Oh I think he's happy enough," she says. "As happy as he'll let himself be anyway. I don't think I could be happier, however," she giggles, wrapping her arms around his neck.
ReplyDeleteGoddard grins. "I'm glad you're so happy. That's all I ever want. I love when you're happy."
ReplyDeleteShe laughs. "You make me feel selfish."
ReplyDelete"It's alright. You can be as selfish as you want."
ReplyDelete"It's not selfish so long as it's dependent on your happiness. Let's give everyone their presents!"
ReplyDeleteGoddard nods. "I-I almost forgot about that."
ReplyDelete"About presents?" she asks, pulling him to his feet. "Com'ere! We got gifts for you!" she shouts, stumbling to the table Goddard set their packages on.
ReplyDeleteGoddard bumps into Gath on the way to the table. "Oh sorry sorry. Why are you so grumpy? You're getting a present!"
ReplyDelete"Fun," Gath sighs and moves away from Goddard.
Urian, twice and sober and equally as merry as Gath, tactfully slides a chair behind Aara before she falls over.
ReplyDelete"Four, what are you doing?" Two asks. "This isn't how birthdays work!"
"How old am I?" she asks, sitting primly.
"Twenty-eight by our calculations."
"Then I am old enough to know what the he'll I'm doing."
"She can do whatever she wants Two! It's her birthday!" Goddard tells him.
ReplyDeleteTwo laughs as Aara shouts for Gath. "You first! Since I got yours first!"
ReplyDeleteWith a shrug, Gath walks up to Aara. "This should be interesting. Is it a bottle of alcohol?"
ReplyDelete"That wouldn't be a gift! That's like saying breakfast is a gift. You'd think you needed wine to live," Goddard laughs.
"Damn. I should have put alcohol inside it," she mutters, handing the package to him.
ReplyDelete"No no lecai, he doesn't need it. You did a great did with all of these. If he doesn't like it, too bad."
ReplyDelete"You're so hostile tonight my lord," Gath mumbles while he opens the package. "Is this a bolt case?" he asks, a little surprised by something so thoughtful.
"Yes! I think it's a little bigger than the one you're using. And it's pretty!" She beckons Urian to lean down. "It's nice, yeah?"
ReplyDeleteUrian nods and pats her head. "You did good, lass."
"Thank you," Gath says. He moves off to the side to leave room for whoever she calls next.
ReplyDeleteKryn slips off with him as she calls for Two. "That's very nice," she says. "I saw you two talking. She looked...comfortable."
ReplyDelete"She's drunk," Gath says. "She'll be back to herself tomorrow. I'll be surprised if she remembers any of our conversation."
ReplyDelete"Tomorrow, act like she does. Oh! That's my name!" she squeals and dances off.
ReplyDeleteHow does she see everything so simply? Gath leans against a wall and watches everyone.
ReplyDeleteOnce she's handed out all her presents, Aara makes her way over to Gath. "Do you like it?" she asks, clinging to his arm so she doesn't fall over.
ReplyDelete"I do. I can hold more bolts. Thank you."
ReplyDelete"You're welcome."
ReplyDelete"Shouldn't you be over there, hanging all over my lord?"
ReplyDelete"Can I have a hug?"
ReplyDelete"Didn't I just say...fine." Gath uncrosses his arms and holds them out at his sides.
ReplyDeleteGoddard gives Tallyn a slap on his shoulder. "Look at that. Who...who...why would anyone want to hug him?" he motions toward Aara and Gath.
Aara does a little dance and squeals before propelling into his arms, wrapping her arms around his waist tightly.
ReplyDeleteTallyn shrugs. "Sweetheart, apparently. So?"
Gill sighs and lays his head on Goddard's other shoulder. "Aren't they cute?"
"Aara is cute. Aara is always cute, but he's grumpy and I want to hate him."
ReplyDelete"Gath is cute," Gill says. "Her cute rubs off on anybody."
ReplyDelete"Why do you want to hate him?" Tallyn asks, refilling Goddard's cup.
"He...he is not cute...nope...because...don't try to get into my head Sunny, you don't...you don't know."
ReplyDeleteTallyn wiggles his eyebrows. "Yes I do," he laughs. "Sleep with me and show him."
ReplyDelete"How...wait why?"
ReplyDelete"He wants to get the bonus," Gill giggles.
ReplyDelete"Shut up Gillyfish! That's against the rules!"
Goddard gasps. "You're trying to use me in some game?"
ReplyDelete"Don't get so upset," Gill laughs. "It's just a laugh."
ReplyDelete"I'd never use you, Ninny," Tallyn argues, stroking his cheek. "Except for sheer pleasure and decadent delight."
Goddard frowns. "Gill is more my type. Should I ask Aara first? No...I should just go to her..."
ReplyDelete"Ha! See? I told you."
ReplyDeleteTallyn chuckles and pulls Goddard close to whisper in his ear. "You don't have a type."
"I do! Well...maybe...but...when it's a choice between you or Gill...well I can pick one. Maybe."
ReplyDelete"Who has to pick?" Gill laughs.
ReplyDeleteAara takes a deep breath and hangs on to Gath. "This is nice."
Goddard's eyes go wide and he quickly shuts them. "No...I shouldn't stand next to you two...I should go lay down...alone, thank you very much!"
ReplyDelete"I suppose," Gath mumbles. "Hmm maybe you should go save my lord? He looks like he's having some troubles with Tallyn and Gill."
"Why not?" Gill laughs. "We can invite Aara, too."
ReplyDelete"Oh that does sound fun!" Tallyn chuckles in Goddard's ear. "Doesn't it? You...her...us..."
Aara looks over her shoulder and sighs. "Looks like it." She raises up on her toes and kisses his cheek. "Thank you for the combs. And being here."
Goddard shakes his head. "She'd never...I couldn't...excuse me." Goddard dashes off to a dark corner of the garden and sits on the ground.
ReplyDelete"Yeah yeah, you're welcome," Gath grumbles softly.
Aara walks up to Gill and Tallyn. "What did you do, Tallyn?"
ReplyDelete"Why did it have to be me!"
"Because I know You're going for the bonus."
"Gill do you tell everyone?"
Aara leaves them to squabble good naturedly and sits beside Goddard.
"Lecai." Goddard throws his arms around Aara and hugs her tightly. "Did you know I'm a bonus? That's just...incredibly rude."
ReplyDeleteShe giggles. "We're the bonus," she laughs.
ReplyDelete"They...they wanted all of us to...to...but...I told them no."
ReplyDelete"Why? Do you not want to?"
ReplyDelete"I can't do that to you. I love you." Goddard gives her a bunch of little kisses all over her face. "Let's go to the bedroom or right here, doesn't matter to me."
ReplyDeleteShe giggles, falling back and pulling him down with her. "That's not what I asked," she says in between kisses.
ReplyDelete"What did you ask? Oh it doesn't matter. Right here?"
ReplyDelete"No not right here!" she laughs as Two, Urian, and some of the others start catcalling. "Over there," she says, pointing to the dark end of the garden.
ReplyDeleteGoddard nods and gets to his feet. He helps Aara up and stumbles across the garden.
ReplyDeleteShe follows him into the darkest corner of the garden while everyone whoops and shouts encouragement.
ReplyDelete"We could," she whispers, leaning against the wall and pulling him close. "With them. If you want."
Goddard shakes his head. "As long as you're here, there is only you. It's pointless to have anyone else around."
ReplyDeleteShe laughs, biting his neck. "I don't believe you, but all right..."
ReplyDelete"Why wouldn't you believe me?"
ReplyDelete"Because I know you. Let's talk about it later," she says with a little growl.
ReplyDelete"We don't have to," he murmurs before pulling her close and kissing her deeply.
ReplyDeleteGill shrugs at Tallyn with a grin. "Maybe next month?" he chuckles.
ReplyDelete"What did you two do?" Gath asks approaching Tallyn and Gill.
ReplyDelete"Attempted a seduction," Tallyn tells him. "He's more skittish than I'd have thought after what she told me."
ReplyDelete"What do you mean?"
ReplyDelete"He just ran away," Gill chuckles. "She talked about sending him off to this whorehouse in her country once, and how he gleefully skipped back several hours later."
ReplyDelete"I just wanted a little fun with them," Tallyn pouts.
Gath snorts. "Maybe that's how it was in the past."
ReplyDelete"Well, I have every hope for the future," Tallyn says cheerfully.
ReplyDeleteTwo and Kryn sit across from them. "I'll say this party is a grand success," he says, bouncing Kryn on his knee.
"I don't."
ReplyDelete"Why not, Duckling? I think we've all had a good time." She giggles at a muffled moan from the shadows. "Some more than others."
ReplyDeleteGath rolls his eyes at the moan. "Maybe I should head to bed early."
ReplyDelete"I think I should get Lyn to bed too," Gill says and stands. "Come on, husband."
ReplyDeleteTallyn leaps up, tossing Gill over his shoulder and biting his leg. "Goodnight everyone!" he says as they leave.
Gath groans. "You're all disgusting. Well, I'm off. Good night Pinky."
ReplyDelete"Gath," she calls before he can leave. "Come to bed with us."
ReplyDeleteBehind her, Two raises an eyebrow.
Gath laughs. "Your sense of humor is something else."
ReplyDeleteTwo clears his throat. "I'm almost certain she's serious."
ReplyDeleteKryn jabs him with her elbow. "I'm completely serious."
"Then no thank you Pinky. I'm not sure I could ever reach that point with Two."
ReplyDelete"Hey!"
ReplyDeleteKryn gets up and approaches him slowly. "Can I kiss you?" she asks, leaning in slightly.
He glances over at Two. "As long as that won't get him more worked up. I feel I've already insulted him."
ReplyDeleteShe grins. "I'll make it up to him," she says, tugging his beard gently before kissing him.
ReplyDeleteGath kisses her back, unsure of how much effort he should put into it with Two so close by.
ReplyDeleteTwo waits patiently, brushing lint off his vest and picking some food off a plate. Kryn breaks away when she's ready and kisses his nose.
ReplyDelete"If I knock later, will you let me in?" she asks in his ear.
"You don't even have to knock. Let yourself in."
ReplyDeleteShe grins and brushes back his hair. "I'll remember that." With a cheery smile, she goes back to Two's lap.
ReplyDelete"You and he are close," Two murmurs.
"Oh I'm just helping him soften up," she says softly.
Gath scoops up Sethai. "Are you ready to get out of here little one? Or is there something for you here at least?" he says, glancing down at the food.
ReplyDeleteThe small dragon hops down onto the table and goes back to eating.
"I see," Gath sighs and with a shrug, he makes his way back inside.
Aara smiles softly, letting Goddard support her weight against the garden wall until she gets her feet under her.
ReplyDelete"That was intense," she says, amusement in her voice. "Do you think we were too loud?"
"Maybe? But that doesn't matter. I'm sure we just made everyone jealous."
ReplyDeleteShe grins and kisses him again. "I don't care," she agrees, straightening her clothes.
ReplyDeleteGoddard grins. "And to think, not too long ago, you wouldn't have agreed to this. This is different. I like it!"
ReplyDelete"This is drunk," she laughs.
ReplyDelete"Aww really?" Goddard laughs. "That's not fair."
ReplyDelete"You never had a problem with drunk girls before," she snickers.
ReplyDeleteGoddard frowns. "You aren't a drunk girl. You're my lecai."
ReplyDeleteShe smoothes his brow. "Oh don't frown," she says. "It's all right. Everything is perfect."
ReplyDelete"Do you still see me that way?" he mumbles, burying his face in her arm.
ReplyDelete"No, my love," she says, stroking his hair. "I've never seen you that way. I'm just trying very hard to...open up."
ReplyDelete"I was that way. Chasing everything and everyone. It's alright but I'm trying, and I'd never see you the way I looked at anyone else. You're so special to me. You mean so much to me. I-I don't know what I would do if I didn't have you in my life I love you so much." He begins to sniffle. "I love you so much!"
ReplyDeleteAara bites back a laugh, remembering her own breakdown the night before. "Oh love, I know. I know. I love you with my entire soul. I just want to give you everything you want."
ReplyDelete"You are everything I want."
ReplyDelete"I can more. Better for you." She tilts his head up with a finger. "And I want you to feel free to be with whoever you want. I will always be yours."
ReplyDelete"I want to be with you."
ReplyDelete"And a certain moon elf who lives in our apartment."
ReplyDeleteGoddard closes his eyes tightly as he thinks. "Gill? I like him better than Sunny but I still want you."
ReplyDeleteShe laughs. "Gill does not live in our apartment. You know I mean Gath."
ReplyDelete"Oh...of course...I mean of course I knew that's what you meant not of course I want to be with him which I-I don't so there's nothing to even worry about nope all I want is you." He leans against her arm and nuzzle her. "I love you."
ReplyDeleteShe sighs. Liar. "All right, Nuur'eni. Should we go back to the party?"
ReplyDelete"Whatever you want to do lecai," he says sleepily. "Did you have a nice party?"
ReplyDelete"It was perfect. Thank you." She holds his hands as they walk back, finding Kryn and Two wrapped up in each other and Sethai on the table.
ReplyDelete"Not much of a party now is it?" Goddard chuckles. He pulls her close and almost drags her to the ground. "Let's just do what they're doing."
ReplyDeleteShe giggles. "We just did a lot more than what they're doing," she says, her mouth on his earlobe.
ReplyDelete"Well I'm not done or something. I just want to lounge and cuddle until I can't keep my eyes open anymore."
ReplyDeleteShe draws him over to one of the couches. "Then lie here with me," she tells him, pulling him down. "We'll stay here all night if you want."
ReplyDeleteHe nods and holds onto Aara. "This is nice."
ReplyDeleteAara nods, wrapping her arms around him and snuggling down. I don't think I've ever had a better birthday. Even with the royal family...
ReplyDelete"We have such a wonderful family," she says softly.
"Who?" he says softly, keeping his eyes closed. "Me, you, and Sethai?"
ReplyDelete"And Kryn and Two. Gath."
ReplyDeleteGoddard makes a grumbling sound and hugs Araa a little tighter.
ReplyDeleteShe smiles, running her fingers through his hair and humming softly.
ReplyDelete"Four, we're going upstairs," Two says, leaning down and kissing her forehead. "Happy birthday."
She smiles, eyes closed. "I love you, Two."
"Am I talking in my sleep?' Goddard mumbles. "I do love you..."
ReplyDeleteTwo winks at her, bringing over a couple lap blankets to cover them with. Once they're alone, Aara uses her spell to lower the lights and adjust the blankets over them.
ReplyDelete"I love you, Nuur'eni," she whispers before she falls asleep.
Gath lays in his bed but remains awake. The silence is broken when he hears Two and Kryn enter the apartment and he wonders when Aara and Goddard will show up, making it even noisier.
ReplyDeleteKryn sighs when Two passes out right after they make love. Not bothering to cover her nakedness, she goes into the common room for a sip of water, then let's herself into Gath's room quietly.
ReplyDelete"I guess this birthday party was a success?" Gath says, still resting on his bed.
ReplyDelete"As these things go," she says, sitting beside him. "She was glowing with happiness when we left her."
ReplyDelete"I think everyone was glowing after all the alcohol."
ReplyDelete"Something like that," she laughs. "Did you have fun?"
ReplyDelete"Hmm...I didn't have a bad time? Does that count as fun?"
ReplyDeleteShe laughs and lays down beside him on top of the blanket. "It's close, Duckling."
ReplyDelete"So what happened with Two? Did he fall asleep?"
ReplyDeleteShe nods. "He usually falls asleep. I get energized."
ReplyDelete"Energized huh?" Gath chuckles. "He's missing out then?" He yawns and stretches. "What was that all about? Asking me to join you both?"
ReplyDeleteShe shrugs. "Just an offer."
ReplyDelete"Are you upset that I turned it down?"
ReplyDelete"Not in the slightest."
ReplyDelete"Are you alright? You seem...more toned down than I usually see you. Do you need more sugar?"
ReplyDelete"No, I'm fine, Duckling," she says and props her head up with her hand. "A little drained, maybe. Lots of high emotions tend to wear me out sometimes," she explains.
ReplyDelete"I suppose that would make sense. Do you want a drink or anything else?"
ReplyDelete"No, I just had some water. I just came in to talk. Are you tired? Should I go?"
ReplyDelete"Oh no. Stay as long as you want, whenever you want."
ReplyDelete"All right."
ReplyDeleteShe gets up and starts poking around his room, looking at his books.
"I don't have very many books but you should be able to find something interesting."
ReplyDeleteShe laughs softly. "I'm not looking for anything to read," she says as she opens his wardrobe.
ReplyDelete"You're just being nosy then?"
ReplyDelete"Good. We're on the same page. You don't own much, do you?"
ReplyDeleteGath shakes his head. "Only what I need. I'm starting to buy a few more things like the instruments."
ReplyDelete"Interesting." She turns around and leans against the wardrobe. "Just how similar are you and Lady Aara?"
ReplyDelete"Not similar at all."
ReplyDelete"That's not true." She comes back to lay beside him. "The Sheik showers her in gifts, but aside from them, she doesn't own much. Some fancy clothes, a box of gemstones. Books. Unlike Rafiq and the Sheik, you two could walk out with everything you own on your backs. Now," she asks with an impish grin, "why do you think that is?"
ReplyDelete"I can't say anything for her, but I've never had very much. I was always traveling, and right now, it would be easier to leave the day they get tired of me and kick me out."
ReplyDelete"That won't happen."
ReplyDelete"You've read their minds?" Gath chuckles.
ReplyDelete"Even if it did work that way, I wouldn't have to. They need you around."
ReplyDelete"To take all the arrows? Yes I know."
ReplyDeleteKryn starts to protest but stops. "Well...he might need you for that. Remember when I told you that I know what people need?"
ReplyDelete"Hmm I think I've taken more blades and magic than anything else..." He raises a brow, "Yes?"
ReplyDelete"It goes beyond desserts and what kind of wine. They need you around. They love you."
ReplyDeleteGath waves dismissively. "I'm not sure I belong in the same sentence as that word."
ReplyDelete"Don't you think you deserve love? In any form?"
ReplyDelete"Maybe. Whatever that word is supposed to mean. I could be just as loved as Sethai. Like a pet."
ReplyDelete"You are not a pet. And one day you're just going to have to accept that people love you. Whether you want to be loved or not," she giggles.
ReplyDelete"I never said I wouldn't accept it...if it existed."
ReplyDelete"What would it take to convince you it did?"
ReplyDelete"I'm not sure, but I think I would know it if I saw it. And don't tell me it's already there."
ReplyDelete"You said you don't know what love is. How are you supposed to recognize it?"
ReplyDelete"It's probably some vague, feeling based thing...I don't know," he mumbles.
ReplyDelete"Exactly. Why don't you just trust an expert? Like...someone who can see a person's emotions. I bet she would know. And I bet she's glorious in the nude," she snickers.
ReplyDelete"So then tell me exactly what you think. How am I loved but apparently missing it? When you have one who was nothing but hostile to me all night and one that was drunk and will act completely different when sober?"
ReplyDelete"So they have their issues. It doesn't lessen anything. She wasn't drunk when she ran into your arms earlier."
ReplyDelete"Insanity?" he chuckles.
ReplyDelete"Just believe me. And be patient with them."
ReplyDelete"And what's his problem then? You always talk about her."
ReplyDelete"Maybe he's jealous?" she giggles. "Seeing you with me today, then Lady Aara hanging on you tonight the way she was."
ReplyDelete"He isn't allowed to be jealous," Gath laughs.
ReplyDelete"It looks like he was, allowed or not, she laughs.
ReplyDelete"There is only her, so I'm not sure that's what that was."
ReplyDelete"Ask her," she giggles, twirling his beard around her finger.
ReplyDelete"We'll see if she feels she can talk to me sober. I'm not going to push anything. She'll come to me if she wants to."
ReplyDelete"She's come to you twice already. Once sober, even."
ReplyDelete"And I'm still not sure why. Information gathering?"
ReplyDelete"I'm sure that's it," she says sarcastically.
ReplyDelete