•||• Slowburn is great but what about Whirlwind Romances?

[healingraen]

[ Sometimes it still amazes her to think of the world and the life that was waiting for her far above the waves. It was an irrepressable curiosity that drove her to leave home in the hopes of learning more of the world around them. Toh'ni loved her home, truly, and the family that she'd left waiting there, but she longed for MORE as many did at her age. The only life she'd ever known was that on the sea floor, protected by their enchantment and safely hidden away from the wars of man on the surface world.

When she thinks about what a near thing it was that she didn't leave home, how she might not be sitting here sharing the warm glow of a fire with this creative, incredibly talented man it's a bit startling.

From across the flame she offers a smile, then turns to the pot housing the night's meal. The night's been full of stolen glances and smiles such as those. It was as though his music had put her under some manner of trance, but if that were true it was the kind that she never wanted to come out of. His voice was so sweet, and he'd played so beautifully, it was indescribable. She'd been outside overlooking the city from the balcony surrounding the tavern, but the next thing she'd known she was swaying on her feet, stepping lightly to the melody. Her eyes slid closed and the rhythm swept her away.

The music had grown more impassioned without missing a beat, making her blood sing and her heart race, and the bard had drawn closer, eyes riveted. She knew without seeing because the notes had grown louder, and the weight of his gaze was like thick blanket settling over her on a cold night.

In that moment it was as though the whole world had shifted on its axis. The sounds of the tavern died down, and one might think it was simply because she was so enraptured by the world he'd created, but in reality the other patrons had taken notice of them and watched, listened, equally transfixed.

As the final chorus began and the sun dipped behind the pillars of the city, bathing the deck in a golden glow, their eyes met.

Her heart stopped. Her mind froze. Time slowed. She knew. This bard, this man, he was something truly special. ]

Zen'enji, would you like seconds?

[ She inquired, shaking herself out of her own thoughts, thankful for the shadows that probably hid the flushed look beneath and around her scales in the dark. She didn't consider herself one who flustered easily by any means, but she'd never felt such a strong rush of emotions before, either.

In the time it had taken her to stir the pot's contents it seemed that Zen'enji had edged just a bit more around the fire. To think they'd started the night on opposite sides, and by now they were gradually getting so close that they were nearly side by side. The scene was perfect, almost overwhelmingly idyllic. Their camp sat a safe distance back from one of the many cliffs of La Noscea. The sun was finally beginning to set, coloring the sky with fire, first, and then the calm of dusk as the sea seemed to extinguish the flames. Fireflies were just beginning to dance in the grass, and the stars overhead in the sky. ]

Comments

[disreputables]

[Little did they both know that he shared many of the same thoughts as her. He had left home because he wanted to get stronger, to know more, and it was all because he wanted to bring his tribe great glory. While they did not usually participate in the many events of the Steppe, they were still a mighty group of Xaela. Zen was never much concerned with displays of power, he was more of a caretaker if anything, however knowing that there was so much more out there that he could bring back to his tribe made him want to venture out even more.

That, and he wanted to learn many different skills and abilities, understand the many classes as well. It all came back to when he would eventually pick up the blade much like his father, and he would prove to those that nearly kicked him out of the tribe for his bright red hair and his equally bright mind. He was sharp, calculated, and that had threatened people. He held no grudges against them, but of course, he would just have to show them that they were right to be threatened, that he was mighty within the tribe.

However that initial urge of wanting to prove himself had been swept under the rug for the time being, and it was all because he found just as much excitement and glory in performing. His parents and those of the Mol tribe had been the only ones to truly appreciate his music and his singing, but now that he was out travelling? Well, he had many followers, many people that appreciated and wanted him to perform.

Just like her he recalled back to when they had met on that night, when she had danced her way into his life. Their eyes had met and he had walked off the stage, his flute in hand and he played a tune that seemed to call to her very soul. The two of them danced together, circled one another, and he had even begin to sing a tune that further caused a fire to ignite within both of them. After their performance they were applauded and asked to perform again the next night, and the night. Before they both knew it they had agreed on a partnership of sorts, and Zen had been overly thrilled that this wonderful woman was with him.

Zen plucked away on his harp as they both sat around the fire, humming his tune that he had made up on the spot. Every so often he would glance up to her, noting the way she flushed and looked away. The Xaela felt that same sort of want, that urge that came with being an Au Ra. His emotions had gotten the better of him and he wanted nothing more than to cuddle up beside her, to touch her, to rub horns... anything he could do in order to feel more of her physical affections.]

Mmm...

[He raised his brows as he thought to himself, now picking himself up so that he could sit a little closer to her. It wasn't subtle, not at first, but after that he did begin to nudge himself closer and closer to her seat.]

Perhaps in a moment. You know I can never turn down your cooking, Toh'ni.

[In fact he could never turn her down, period.]

Are you tired? [He stopped strumming his harp and set it down to the side, now simply waiting for her answer. Zen allowed his eyes to wander from her eyes down to her lips before returning back to her gaze. He had to fight the urges he felt, he wanted to be slow for her and to make sure that she really was on the same page as him- he cared for her, a lot, and he wanted to protect their partnership.]

[healingraen]

[ His humming had her visibly relaxed, and at his praise the Raen couldn't help a soft laugh, not mocking or teasing, but somehow mirthful all the same. Happy. They were more alike than either of them had yet to realize, it seemed. Just as Zen considered himself more of a caretaker, so too did she, though it might just manifest in different ways. She'd always wondered if she might meet someone special while on the road, hoped that if not then, perhaps when she returned home she'd find the right someone waiting for her. Family meant the world to her and she longed for one of her own someday. Just... not QUITE yet. It always seemed as though there was more to learn, more to discover, and her role as a healer often took her into dangerous situations.

Still, in moments like this there was a part of her that had to admit it was easier to imagine what that might one day feel like. A house full of music and love and laughter, that was what she longed for.

Thoughts for another time, perhaps.

She might have been flustering some from the intensity of emotions running high, but it wouldn't stop her from appreciating the moment, or the company. When he moved to seat himself directly beside her Toh didn't even so much as bat an eyelash in surprise or protest. It felt perfectly natural, to be so close, to share such a companionable space even though it was really the first time they'd been in such direct proximity.

She set the ladle back down against the side of the pot then. ]

I'm glad to know that you enjoy it. I can't recall how long it's been since I had someone to cook for other than myself, out here on the road.

[ People were often busy rushing to and fro, and her pace often didn't match to theirs. She enjoyed being able to take things in in her own time: Sights, smells, sounds, nature, life. That may have been what drew her to Zen's music- it was so alive that it was impossible not to be swept away by it. Just like him.

Secretly she enjoyed the idea of doing little things like cooking a warm meal as a way of showing her care, as well. Her twin sister would roll her eyes so hard if she heard that. ]

A little, but it's a good kind of tired. It was a good, full day.

[ Her eyes turned upwards then, gazing into pale eyes, not unlike the clouds she'd come to cherish watching in her years traversing the surface. ]

[disreputables]

[Admittedly, he would have wanted to cook for her as well. Maybe next time he can offer for it to be an effort on both their parts, and perhaps they could just work together on it. That would be fun, he thought, being able to work together on a meal and laughing along with one another the entire way.

That was something she seemed to be able to do so easily with him, be able to bring out a laugh, a smile, all of it was so easy. She could just glance his way, like she had all night, and he would end up feeling his heart swell so much. Zen wondered briefly if he had the same sort of affect on her- but that thought was soon put to rest when he thought back to just how much she flushed whenever she would look at him as well. She surely felt the same, he knew that, and now it was just how to go about beginning this.

It was time to start what they both wanted.

As she stared up at him Zen said nothing except for nodding along at her words. Yes, it had been a good day, and it had been a day full of her company. Every day was a good day when they got to spend all of their time together. So, Zen turned his body to face her a bit more, a hand now moving out to touch her knee as he stared down at her much smaller form. This thumb brushed over her skin, feeling her heat up with each passing moment.]

Toh'ni. [He began, his grey eyes full of warmth and adoration.]

Forgive me- but there is something I have been wanting to do. Honestly I don't know if I can go much longer without at least... letting you know that I...

[Well- instead of trying to say it, instead he just leaned in towards her, coming right down to her level. He tilted his head, his horn now gently rubbing against her own as he closed his eyes.]

Every day with you is a treasure.

[healingraen]

[ In a number of ways it would be a simple matter of adding yet another layer onto their fast growing bond, a new evolution of their established partnership.

In a number of other ways it's already grown and changed in so many ways, from a meeting of like minds and like hearts to something more, under the guise of a business venture but no less sincere for it. That partnership had grown overnight into a deeper companionship than anything she'd ever known.

Yes, he did make it easy, so easy that at times it was a little frightening to think about. Toh'ni liked to think of herself as someone easy to get along with and talk to, but usually there was a bit more time needed to adjust to one another. From the very beginning she'd felt so naturally at ease dancing alongside him, that she didn't even think twice about agreeing to travel together despite knowing barely anything about each other.

How was it that just knowing that he was due back from a supply run, or that he'd be there when she woke in the morning could put her heart so at ease?

It was probably a little bit silly that she felt like sharing those thoughts would chase him away considering the fact that she'd caught him gazing at her just the same way that she had towards him. Yet the logic driven part of her mind insisted she not assume, temper her expectations a little instead of going all in with her heart. (If something seemed too good to be true, didn't that usually mean it WAS?)

All it took was the touch of his hand at her knee to send her thoughts to a bracing halt, but of course he wasn't content to stop there, and neither was she to let him.

"Toh'ni."

Her breath caught when he said her name, because of course she'd yet to look away and she could see the look in his eyes clearly in the firelight. The thump in her chest as her heart jumped was almost painful, anticipation coloring her actions and reaction. There was a moment where his words trailed and gods, she wanted so desperately to hear him finish his thought! For her patience, though, she was given something even sweeter, and the moment that she felt the touch of his horn a smile broke on her face.

Slender fingers came up, gently touching the side of his face as she rubbed her horn back against his in turn, a tender gesture for the one she'd just received. ]

I feel the same, Zen'enji...

[disreputables]

[Zen's heart felt like it was going to beat right out of his chest. Each thump he was certain she would be able to hear from how hard it pounded against his ribs. She was making him feeling a certain kind of heat that seemed to make his skin feel like it were on fire, and it was a sensation that felt good to him. He was glad that she accepted his feelings and that she seemed to feel the same way- even going so far as to delicately touch his cheek as she rubbed her horn back over his as well.

Gods, was this real? He couldn't believe this was happening.

He continued to gently rub his horn over hers, accepting the feeling of her affections and wanting to deepen it more, to really show her just how much he cared.]

I think I have always felt this way.

[He smiled as he pulled back a little to get a good look at her face, his free hand coming up to cup her chin, making her look right up at him. Zen stared down at her lips, at just how inviting they were, and slowly he leaned in towards her.]

Call me Zen. [His lips were dangerously close to hers now, and instead of going all the way in for the kiss he simply let his lips touch along hers, barely making contact. Was it a tease? Of course not, he just wanted to further bring about those feelings of need in one another, and also to take things slow with her. Surely, she wanted this just as much as he did, but he also wanted her to close the gap herself.]

There is no need to hold back anymore, please, show me your feelings as well...

[healingraen]

Zen...

[ She replied, as though testing the shortened name for herself before deciding that she enjoyed the way it rolled off her tongue. The flustered feeling from before had begun to fade, and it showed no signs of returning just yet even as the young woman became emboldened in her actions. Even if he hadn't asked she would have given him what he'd been hoping for. If she could be accused of being nothing else by those close to her, she could always be counted on to be affectionate and tactile.

That was why when his fingers cupped her chin (her skin tingling in the wake of his touch, warm and alight with excitement) and prompted her to meet his gaze again, instead of a blush he'd be met with a smile.

It was also why when his lips chanced to ghost against hers and she felt them move with his words she already knew just how she wanted to respond. First with a gentle brush of the tip of her nose against his, but then chased after with a soft press of her lips, deepening the contact.

As the initial few seconds passed and she happily became familiar with the sensation, Toh'ni also began to shift, her knee drawing away from his hand but only so that she could draw closer. As though to make up for the lost contact her free hand came to rest atop his thigh, bracing for balance. She thought to shift to her knees so that he wouldn't have to bend so much, but perhaps there was a better way still that the two of them could get closer. ]