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Post by Nadia on Jul 28, 2021 15:54:14 GMT -6
It was challenging to hold the eye contact. Nadia felt shyer with every passing second, and the urge to glance down was unbearable, but she willed herself to keep still and appreciate the earnest gesture. A balm to her wound was the smile she was rewarded with. When was the last time she had seen the knight with an expression like that? Had there ever been a comparable one before, in the length of their acquaintanceship? “Mm, my father always called me an old soul,” She said with a small grin, before she even realised that the words had come out. To mention her family unbidden. How bizarre, how dangerous - but she did not feel that she would be judged or betrayed by Sarv. A look of discomfort crossed her face for a fleeting moment, as if she’d stubbed her toe. “I… I mean to say, thank you. If I can help you fulfil those goals, I should be very much honoured.” Dylan wasn’t happy that he wasn’t directly involved in the discussions. Playing in the seaweed was all well and good, but if there was anything going on, he wanted to know! The houluh trotted back over to stick his head under Nadia’s arm - his snout was in the bowl of ice cream in a heartbeat. “Oh, no! Out,” The spell was broken, and Nadia looked away at last, pushing Dylan’s nose away from her pudding. “Ruffian. This is very impolite of you!” [10]
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Post by Èdan on Jul 28, 2021 16:23:50 GMT -6
If the knight notices the struggle or awkwardness, he doesn't make a fuss of it, merely continuing the polite smile (As it seems rather awkward to end it so soon). The tenseness that had gradually built up from the admission from before seeps away in much the same pace, now that the air has been properly cleared. Perhaps even with a small bit of added pride at the high praise given, seeping in.
"The honour would be all mine, my lady, for you've given further purpose to pursue such a goal. And might I add that perhaps your father had a wisdom about him on such a topic as well, for he would have been quite correct." Although that remains all he says on the matter, taking a moment to focus back on the dessert. There's no intention on pushing Nadia to sharing more than she's comfortable with. (Plus, there tended to be a lot of people in the world with some form of.. shall we say, 'complex' relationship with their parents or parental figures. It often meant sore wounds and worse dispositions, neither of which people generally liked being poked at).
The eyes look up from the food only when the pup makes his own move for it, and even then for a moment as there's a short dry chuckle. "The hound -- Dylan --" he corrects, continuing to admit, "would be deserving of a reward as well, my lady. It -- he -- could have made a run for it, when you befell under the food's influence, but refused to leave your side." (Not that it would garner him any points from the pup, but fair's fair - That kind of loyalty deserved a praise here and there).
. 41 . July: 11
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Post by Nadia on Jul 30, 2021 12:13:48 GMT -6
It was hard work, removing a puppy from ice cream. No matter how bad it was for them, it smelled delicious, and Dylan didn't have the presence of mind to understand that the denial was for his own good. Instead, he stubbornly pawed at Nadia's arm when he was pushed away, nearly sending the bowl to the sandy floor. "Now, now!" Wrestling with him while also listening to Sarv proved to be a challenge, but she made the best of it - and her demeanour was softened by the report of her houluh's loyalty. She smiled as she looked upon him, smoothing one hand over his silky ears and laughing when his tail thumped in delight. "That is good to hear. They are terribly loyal creatures, sir. I have... a rather large pack, and a better companion than a houluh was there never." 'Rather large pack' was an understatement, but there was no need to expose her unstoppable puppy habits. She watched the flickering flames of the brazier for a moment more, marvelled at the fact that they still burned in the underwater surroundings (no matter how uneasy they still made her feel), and then sighed. "Do we dare proceed?" [12]
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Post by Èdan on Jul 30, 2021 13:32:05 GMT -6
The demonstration and praise for the creature doesn't seem to go hand-in-hand, or at the very least the pup isn't exactly making the best case for it. There's a short chuckle from the knight, as he watches the lady try to tame the stubborn thing. (Although he might argue the point of companionship on principle. Most people in the City seemed attached to their beasts hand and foot, and there was definitely a strong culture of treating them with something of reverence bordering on subservience. A pet could be affectionate, certainly, there wasn't any question about that. Not that he's known that from personal experience, but he understands the general concept, at least).
"If my lady requires saving, perhaps I could stand closer? He does not appear to be as frightened of the helmet as before, but it might remind him to be more tame," the knight offers, largely in jest. The dangers of the manor would not require a permission, but to save a lady from her own miniature wolf pack? Slightly different story.
The bowl doesn't seem in a hurry to empty, even as he feels his fill is had, so he sets it aside and retrieves the helmet's faceplate from the designated pouch, sliding back over the face and latching it into place once more. It's almost like a last piece of a puzzle filling a void, his posture adjusting in turn to opt that sense of dutifulness once more, as if to say the break's over and it's time to work. At the question, he surveys the room for options first, before looking back to her, "I object to neither going nor staying. But.. How do you feel, my lady? There's no shame in taking time to rest and recover before proceeding, if the effects have not yet fully passed."
. 42 . July: 13
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Post by Nadia on Aug 3, 2021 12:42:02 GMT -6
Whether or not Nadia was ready for movement, the mansion was. A deep rumble had her abandoning the bowl in favour of clutching Dylan close to her; she didn't trust the magic not to harm him in some way, after the trickery they'd already experienced. Why was it changing now? The environment was so pleasant, it seemed a shame! The water was draining away. It swirled around them and sunk down, beneath the sandy floors, wilting the seaweed and dismantling the coral. She could feel the sun on her back, then - when she looked up, the sky above them was radiant blue and cloudless. What were fish swimming above their heads had become gulls, wheeling and screeching. Still the seaside. The ocean that they had been submerged in had retreated, but lapped the sand a few metres away, the foam threatening to creep closer. Where was the exit? When Nadia looked out over the sea, she could see only the horizon... her houluh was released and set about digging through the warm sand. "The mansion is my saviour once more, ironically," She said with a wry smile. "Whatever next, hm? Shall we be kidnapped by pirates?" [August - 1]
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Post by Èdan on Aug 3, 2021 13:00:42 GMT -6
There's but a moment before he, too, starts feeling that first draft, that vague sense of something changing in the air, like an arcane breath before a storm. But it is a familiar breath by now, he knows to expect it and to anticipate the slight disorientation that follows, when the world swirls from one shape to another.
The knight is still sitting where he was, almost in the same pose as he had been, only the head now surveying their surroundings - The cool of the ocean is replaced with the warmth of the sun and a clear sky above. To one side is now a shoreline to the ocean, where endless sand had been before, but to the opposite side a thick brush of shore-growing plants. Aside those changes and minor alterations in the details, it doesn't seem as anything else has changed. The brazier is still there, the lot of creatures and items as well.
And most importantly, nothing new has shown up to disturb it (Although he's willing to give it time. The manor has a sense of humour and most of it was in comedic timing). He stands and dusts the stray sand particles off from his tabard, from where the wind had kicked things up (He's quick to give up on the sand between the armour beneath, that's a problem for later him), and goes to retrieve the glaive. There's a pause, seemingly a confused one, as he looks to her, then the ocean in some alarm, then back to her, and finally settles. "Ah, a jest? I would certainly hope not, my lady, for the tales I've heard tell of them are quite crude." He pulls the glaive up from the sand and does a small brandishing move, "And besides, were some to attempt it, I would be honour-bound to protect my lady from such a dreadful event with my life. No pirate shall capture you, I swear it."
. 43 . August: 2
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Post by Nadia on Aug 3, 2021 13:22:43 GMT -6
Nadia was rather sorry that the knight's face plate had been affixed once more. It had been pleasant, to see his face - to read the subtle changes in expression as best she could, and understand them better. She was grateful that his eyes were unobstructed, at least. Much could be told through the eyes. She looked over to Dylan, who was busying himself digging through the sand again, kicking lumps straight into her lap. How charming. Even as she shook her skirt out, the houluh continued, not paying the slightest bit of attention to where his mess was landing. She took it as a sign that it was time to stand, at the very least. "Oh, I do not doubt you, sir. Though it seems unlikely... we have not seen anything even remotely humanoid since we entered." In fact, she didn't remember ever having seen the mansion conjure a person as an apparition. There was a first time for everything, though. The place's weird sense of humour would likely prove her wrong if she made any blanket statements. "It would be nice to avoid adventures of the swashbuckling kind, however." One hand extended out towards Sarv. Her expression was bashful, red-tinged. "May... May I request your assistance?" [3]
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Post by Èdan on Aug 3, 2021 13:44:46 GMT -6
The knight's gaze casts itself out to the sea for one last look, just in case, but there's still no sail nor mast nor shape of a ship on the horizon. Not that he assumes the lady to be incorrect, but the term for 'humanoid' could be.. malleable. (A particular kind of shadow apparition comes to mind, mirror-moving and looking to have a sense for potentially deadly games. And the voiceless giggles. Fun times).
"Indeed, such rabble is best avoided." Turning back, there's almost a jovial note to his tone, when he gradually recounts, "And I should say that my own experience once saw me encounter a panther of sorts within here. Quite an odd fellow, pale in tone, a strange manner of speaking and a small silvery dragon on their shoulder. I almost assumed them to be part of the manor's tricks, but have since noticed them outside this place as well, so surely they must have been a real person." What was the name.. Xentus? (He does not mention the part where he also lost said panther in the manor, but that had hardly been his fault - The panther just didn't reappear at the designated meeting point).
The jest is cut short with the request, as he's quick to respond and come to her side. One hand takes hers, though gently grips no further than her fingers - As is proper for assisting a lady - the other presently hovering close, but not touching, ready to support her should she have an issue with her balance. There's also a more quieter, this time worrisome question, as he repeats the one from before, "How do you feel? If you need more time to rest, we can."
. 44 . August: 4
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Post by Nadia on Aug 3, 2021 15:18:07 GMT -6
Nadia wasn't sure if she'd ever met another person in the mansion. There might have been a brief interaction, many moons ago, but that was outside in the gardens. Did the magic of the place keep people from crossing paths? If so, what was the purpose of that? It seemed a curious choice for it to make. Perhaps it was best to focus on the interactions to hand at the minute. She was grateful for the assistance, with her body still feeling on the weary side; when she was upright, her fingers lingered in his grasp for a beat, and then slipped away to smooth out and brush down her skirt. Dylan was adamant to make a mess of her, it seemed. "I feel... much better than I did, at least," She said with a nod. "Not at my full capacity, I will admit, but... if we proceed slowly, I should be as right as rain soon enough." Hopefully, that would prove to be true. Dylan wasn't keen to move along, though - he'd found much entertainment in his hole digging, and was looking proudly into the shallow depths. [5] [Logged to here - 45 posts made in this thread so far]
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Post by Jack on Aug 3, 2021 17:30:14 GMT -6
A couple of fish swarm around you, nothing good can come from this.
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Post by Èdan on Aug 4, 2021 7:44:51 GMT -6
It seems the extra support isn't needed, which is an encouraging sign. With the lady on her feet, the instinct is to let go and stand back, but the lingering grasp creates a momentary point of confusion. He doesn't pull away immediately, seeming a little out of turn at the expectations of the proceeding, until she finally lets go and there's a beat where processing seems to happen for a second or two, before he finally steps back a little more awkward than intended. (The knight's social graces were rather rigid, it wasn't easy to improvise on. Normally it could create humorous situations, although it was unclear if the lady had done so on teasing purpose or out of medical need).
With a short clearing of voice, he takes up the usual position at his side, "I'm glad to hear you're doing better. It's best you pace yourself, and we can take it at my lady's own speed, to avoid any over exertion. The weather now may be clear, but too much sunlight can likewise be dizzying." The breeze from the ocean provided a cooling element, but the weather is otherwise as nice and balmy as any pleasant summer's day. Excellent for walking and outings (A little less so when you have three layers of armour and clothing, but he'll manage).
Before any steps can truly be taken, the sound of water splashing nearby catches his attention, and he turns to see the hole the pup had dug seeming to fill with water. A normal occurrence for digging on beaches, except this hole is now apparently containing some odd dark fish, as well..
. 45 . August: 6
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Post by Nadia on Aug 5, 2021 14:54:44 GMT -6
Dylan was perplexed. The puppy stared at the hole as it filled with water, head cocked to one side - and then something started moving. Instantly, he was set off, and he started barking at the fish as they writhed around in their shallow sandy bowl. One paw even dared to splash in and try to scoop them up. "You leave them alone, Dylan," Nadia reprimanded him, leaning down to take him up into her arms. He wiggled fiercely, tossing his head, but she was surprisingly steadfast in her actions and would not release him. "Now, enough theatrics. We have been through quite enough for one day." That would turn out to be famous last words, she was sure. Dylan huffed through his nose and sagged against her with his paws dangling helplessly. "I appreciate your concern, sir," She shot the knight a warm smile. "We should try to walk. It may improve my spirits." [7]
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Post by Èdan on Aug 6, 2021 0:44:09 GMT -6
To say he's surprised at the pup going for the fish would be an understatement (Although he does find it amusing that for all the keen senses of the hound, the fish had apparently been better at hiding in a narrow hole). He takes a step back to avoid water being splashed at him, allowing the lady to reign the pup in (As she's likely the only one able to do so with any efficiency). Beneath the helm, his ear twitches, thinking to hear a sound underneath all the racket, and he turns to look towards the brush. When it looks like there's nothing, there's a pause, but he eventually shrugs it off.
Focusing back on the scene ahead, the warm smile and the fact the lady is even able to heft the pup are both equally good signs. The smile isn't evident, due to the helm, but a corner of the eyes does seem to lift slightly, "Certainly, my lady. A breath of fresh air can only do good, and perhaps help strengthen constitution." When they set off, it's not long before something carries on the wind again, and his head tilts, leaning into it. He can't quite catch it, as it seems part pressure, part some sort of weird ringing in his ears, stronger now that the pup is quiet and unable to shield it. It bothers him enough that he pauses to ask "Do you hear something..?"
A shake of the head clears the ringing, but the pressure remains, insistent. Perhaps the lady's word's weren't so much famous last ones as prophetic.
. 46 . August: 8
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Post by Nadia on Aug 6, 2021 10:17:09 GMT -6
The sight of Nadia standing there with an armful of houluh was no doubt an amusing one. Droplets of water dripped from Dylan's paws, and his nose was coated in sand - he lifted his snout to sneeze, spraying grains over the woman's sleeves. It was a blessing that she was still flustered enough to forget about her appearance, or she would've drowned in mortification at making such a show of herself. More important things were at hand. Her brow furrowed when the knight drew to a halt, and she looked around, straining her ears to identify the source of his distress. Nothing. The fact that Dylan's keen hearing wasn't picking anything up was curious, too; if there was anything to be alerted to, the pup would've done so. "I'm afraid not, sir... what do you hear?" Growing concern was clear in her expression. "Are you sure you feel quite well...? N-not that I doubt you, of course..." [9]
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Post by Èdan on Aug 6, 2021 13:59:50 GMT -6
"I'm fine--" he begins to say, out of instinct, even as his expression seems vaguely confused. But the pressure increases, like the swell of a tide and the ringing returns with a crash of a wave. He lurches forward a little, leaning into the glaive now for support as there's a grimace in what little part of the face is visible. (And something digs around in his head. It bores and it flows, trying to find cracks and holes, but finds fluidity in return. Stage after stage after stage, emptied before it could crash into anything, latch onto it, mould it. The mind fights back.. and its annoyed by it).
The free hand comes up to grip the side of the helmet, resisting the urge to tear it off, "Something's.. wrong.." He might have been proud, but this is something else. Something he hadn't encountered yet. (Something much deeper. The ringing echoes around in the skull, finding nothing.. until it chances upon a single solitary tether, unassuming and unmoving. It follows it down, deeper in, to where it attaches to an anchor.. and finds exactly what it's looking for..)
There's an exhale as the ringing stops, the pressure letting up.. replaced by melody. (A song - summer-sweet, distant.. and haunting). The face goes slack as the man looks up and stares towards the brush.. (At silver-gold strands weaving through the air like dancing waves, in tune with the music filling his mind with a single, but simple command - 'Follow').
. 47 . August: 10
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