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bloom and wild - Isla - 01-03-2026
Isla had sent word to Sunjata beforehand that she's planning to visit the House of Midnight; having missed the worst of the mud from Flowerbirth and with much more of a catchup than initially planned, she arrives just as the sun is starting its relentless climb into the sky. Unlike the majority of Caido, the Remedy adores the heatwave they're getting, and even the distant fires and the faint smell of smoke on the air isn't enough to wipe the smile from her face.
Where once she would have opted to shift into a molten tiger or to stroll the full distance from the Skyport to the House, for obvious reasons that the Flood will soon be privy to, she takes a carriage this time instead. It arrives just as the heat of the day is beginning to take, Isla thanking the driver and hopping down, her summer dress fluttering in the warm breeze and her golden curls pinned back from her face.
Unglamoured as she heads towards the entrance - another change, since the Remedy is rarely seen with her Ancient traits openly on display, she shields her eyes from the light as she ducks inside, smiling to the familiar greeter and inquiring after Sunjata.
RE: bloom and wild - Sunjata - 01-03-2026
Quietly grateful that the mud had allowed Isla’s trip to be a bit later while he’d been running around everywhere trying to figure out what the fuck happened to his fiance, it’s perfect timing that the Flood is at the House of Midnight when she arrives. The arrival of her comes with the expectation that she likely had traveled here by foot, but as Sunjata is summoned from his paperwork to greet her at the entrance, he immediately takes note of how little she appears disheveled from the trek and the very brief parting of a wagon through the bright windows.
The House of Midnight is warm, though attempts to cool it down are well in full swing – not that he thinks Isla would mind, but Sunjata’s certainly been roasting a bit himself. Dressed down in a sleeveless shirt, scars and tattoos on display, hair cut short and the short stubble on his face all prove to be cues that he’s trying to keep cool as much as possible. His lopsided smile is offered to her as he arrives, forgoing any distance for his friend, stepping in to wrap her in a hug of greeting. “[say]Isla, you made it![/say]” He hums, pulling away to offer her a smile. “[say]How’ve you been?[/say]” He asks, turning toward the bulk of the bottom floor where they can commandeer a corner booth to get something to drink and some food if she’s hungry or thirsty.
RE: bloom and wild - Isla - 01-03-2026
Isla does not mind at all, the Remedy seeming perfectly content in the foyer even if everyone else looks overheated or has dressed down to the point of immodesty to keep cool. (Not that immodesty is really possible in a brothel of all places). As Sunjata appears she's already stepping forward with a dazzling, fanged grin, hugging him in return even as she apologises for undoubtedly being yet another source of heat in the House. [say]"Hello, Sunny,"[/say] she trills. [say]"Sorry it took so long for me to come and visit. C'mon, let's get a seat."[/say]
Knowing the House like the back of her hand given that she had helped to construct it, she breezes over to a booth by one of the windows so she can sit and open it for Sunjata to enjoy the cross-breeze. As for refreshments, Isla opts for a pot of tea and whatever desserts are going, having found herself with a particularly sweet tooth as of late. [say]"I've been good,"[/say] she tells him once she's placed her order and has settled herself in her seat. [say]"More than good, actually. I have news to share. But first, how are you?"[/say]
RE: bloom and wild - Sunjata - 01-06-2026
The hug in return is very warm for Sunjata – between the work he’s been doing in here, the heat that’s settled into the bones of the building, and that which radiates from the Ancient herself, but Sunjata absolutely won’t complain. The hug is welcome, needed honestly, and as they part he shakes his head with a soft huff of a laugh as they step through the rest of the bottom floor of the House of Midnight toward the booths. “[say]That’s okay. I’ll be honest, we were pretty mud locked last season.[/say]” He hums as they slip into their seats.
When it comes to his order, he picks something vastly different from what he usually would do – a lemonade specifically not spiked so it doesn’t heat his blood any further than it already feels like it is. “[say]That’s great.[/say]” Sunjata hums, leaning forward to let his steel gaze focus on her, warmly. “[say]I’m g--..[/say]” He cuts himself off with a lopsided smile of an apology. “[say]I’m okay.[/say]” It’s a bigger admission, one granted to Isla as his friend rather than any other acquaintance.
“[say]Tell me about your news, first.[/say]” He doesn’t want to ruin anything she’s about to say with the dourness of his love life, especially considering what it had originally caused for her.
RE: bloom and wild - Isla - 01-07-2026
[say]"Mm, so I heard. And now a little too far on the drier side, right?"[/say] Isla laughs; she knows which she would prefer, but perhaps King's End likes it muddy? Pausing so Sunjata can order as well and not seeming at all surprised as he opts for refreshing over alcoholic, as he responds to her question with a false start, her blue eyes soften a bit and she glances over him as if seeing him again properly for the first time. [say]"I've seen you a lot worse than okay, at least,"[/say] she says with a wry smile, another question forming on her lips when he passes the buck back to her.
It feels strange to be sharing what she considers very good news on the heels of knowing Sunjata isn't doing so well, Isla worrying at her lower lip before deciding to commit anyway - it's why she'd come to visit, after all. Her expression melts back into a smile, this one sincere and quietly, shyly pleased, and she lifts her gaze to meet the Flood's. [say]"Ever and I are having a baby,"[/say] she says, opting not to sugarcoat with preamble. [say]"We didn't plan for it, but we're excited. Nervous too, but..."[/say] She laughs a bit, shrugging sheepishly. The more people she tells the easier it becomes, and now it feels exciting too.
RE: bloom and wild - Sunjata - 01-07-2026
“[say]A little. It’s a good thing I’ve got water magic.[/say]” Sunjata says with a soft laugh and an easier smile despite the bomb he’s just laid – the timer ticking down as he doesn’t give into it just yet – wanting to hear her good news before he makes it sad. It’s a knowing, lopsided smile that takes place of the apologetic one and a softer rumble of “[say]yeah,[/say]” because she’d seen him at every angle – the broken, the built, the one hauling himself piece by piece back from the dirt he’d drowned himself in.
His attention is wholly on her, though, as her shy smile blooms and when the news comes, there’s the flicker of surprise in the form of lightning strikes that make each and every scar that’s visible (it’s a lot right now) flash vibrantly for a second. “[say]Gods, Isla, that’s great news![/say]” It’s a surprise, yes, but his excitement for her and this chapter of her life is immensely overwhelming, swallowing up the edge of sorrow he’d indulged in earlier. “[say]When are you due?[/say]” He asks, his grin unabashedly bright even as the waiter returns with their drinks as requested.
RE: bloom and wild - Isla - 01-08-2026
[say]"Ah, that's true,"[/say] Isla says with a soft laugh. [say]"Of all the places to spend Longheat and try to stay cool, you're second only to Halo,"[/say] she agrees; at least Sunjata can stop the spread of any fires and provide a bit of artificial rain if needed. But the small-talk fades in lieu of much more important topics, and the Remedy's shy smile is still in place as the scars suddenly bloom to life across Sunjata's skin, softly illuminating them both for a second.
Then Isla is laughing, unable to help herself, just managing to thank the server as he brings their tea and lemonade. [say]"Thank you, Sunny,"[/say] she says, her smile creeping wider and more cheerful with every moment that passes. [say]"It was a shock, but we're happy. And honestly, I have no idea. We think it happened because I'm an Ancient and the chaos of it all meant nothing to the protection we used. But if that's how Ancients operate, that means it could be as early as this season."[/say]
Her eyes widen a bit to think about it, hand drifting to her belly and the merest suggestion of a bump there, still barely noticeable. [say]"We've just started to tell people, and I wanted you to be one of the first to know."[/say]
RE: bloom and wild - Sunjata - 01-14-2026
A soft laugh leaves him as she makes a really valid point. Despite the heat, Sunjata finds that he might consider a Halo trip if only to have a few days of relief with the sweltering heat. It’s different than he usually would be – prone to liking the heat and warmth more than the cold, but this year it’s been bad. “[say]A Halo trip doesn’t sound terrible.[/say]” He admits, his lopsided smile softening a touch as he hears her news and lets the excitement burn through him.
Her laughter is warm and a welcome sound, honestly. And he clings to it as she explains that it was a shock and that she is happy. And that’s all Sunjata really wants for her. “[say]Oh wow.[/say]” He hums with a soft laugh, letting her happiness bloom around him and chase away the shadows that keep trying to cling and reach for her. “[say]I’m honored, really. I’m so happy for you.[/say]” He means every word, his steel gaze trailing after her hand that hovers at her belly, happiness clear in his gaze. "[say]You'll make a great mom.[/say]"
RE: bloom and wild - Isla - 01-15-2026
[say]"Speak for yourself - you couldn't pay me to go to Halo any more."[/say] Isla chuckles. Risking becoming a statue as an Ancient doesn't sound like a terribly enjoyable vacation, especially not now that she's risking two lives by making the attempt. [say]"But you have a wonderful time if you decide to take the trip."[/say] A wonderful time inside, hopefully, out from all the snow she knows Sunjata dislikes.
Blushing at his praise despite it going unlooked for, Isla's smile grows soft and warm, and she nods to the Flood. [say]"Thank you - I'm glad you think so,"[/say] she murmurs. [say]"It'll definitely be a change of pace."[/say] Not a bad one though, based on how hard she tends to work and push herself. Taking a deep breath and letting it out again, finally the Remedy reaches for her tea to pour herself a cup.
[say]"Well, there,"[/say] she says. [say]"You know my big important news. Now how are things here? How are you doing?"[/say]
RE: bloom and wild - Sunjata - 01-19-2026
He laughs lightly, nodding because he understands very well why she won’t be making that trek to Halo. He isn’t too sure he’s serious about the trip to Halo anyway, but he flashes her a lopsided smile instead of breaking the joke and snorts a little before he answers. “[say]I will.[/say]”
Besides, there’s better news to talk about and he finds himself clinging to it rather than the sorrow that fills his chest. And maybe that makes it a little too obvious that he’s latching onto her happiness because he’s lacking in his own. It’s hard to say. “[say]Yeah, I’m sure it will be.[/say]” He tilts his head a touch at that, imagining Isla and her and Everest’s child running around the clinic and shrieking their happiness.
It sounds fulfilling in a way that he doesn’t get to know, and at this rate he feels like he won’t get to. Which does help as she turns the question back onto him and his smile pales a touch. She knows him well enough anyway to know that he’s slipping that mask into place again, even if he watches himself.
“[say]Things here are good. Great, even. Busier than ever.[/say]” His gaze flits around the House of Midnight annd seemingly the region beyond until the grey of his gaze lands back on her. “[say]I’ve been better though. Hotaru’s been… missing. And not a single person’s been able to find her so Flora and I asked Frey and they said she was fine, but Flora also can’t channel her… so.[/say]” All in all, pretty fucking vague answers he can’t do anything about but worry and stress over.
RE: bloom and wild - Isla - 01-20-2026
The way the warmth drains from Sunjata's smile is more than enough, in fact, to set Isla's alarm bells ringing, though she merely watches and listens as she sips at her tea, giving him the space to talk about it as much or as little as he feels he can. [say]"I'm glad to hear it,"[/say] she says of the House of Midnight - that much is obvious at least, and even a quick glance around the place makes it clear that business is booming. [say]"It's come a long way from that muddy patch of land we had to till for the foundations."[/say]
And gods, even that seems like a lifetime ago now - the brothel's beginnings, their friendship and reliance on one another, and all the feelings that had gotten tangled up in it as well. So as Jata continues, as he confesses that Hotaru is missing, it's easy for Isla to offer immediate sympathy, setting her cup down and reaching across the table to clasp his hand between both of her own. [say]"Fuck, I'm so sorry,"[/say] she blurts, giving his hand a squeeze. [say]"Jata, you should have said something earlier!"[/say]
Brows furrowing, she glances around at the brothel like Hotaru might suddenly just appear, resplendent as ever, like nothing had changed. [say]"Gods, that sounds hard. Is there anything I can do?"[/say] Whether that's spreading word through the Green Circle to check if anyone matching Ru's description has appeared, or even just giving him something to help him sleep.
RE: bloom and wild - Sunjata - 02-02-2026
“[say]It really has, huh?[/say]” Sunjata says with a soft laugh regarding the structure they’re sitting in. The building itself has blown up in terms of business and additions, people flitting here and there throughout it on the regular rather than being a space that people tended to pass through. Rarely a night went by without the rooms filled one way or another and for all the help Isla had offered during that time of building it, he’s eternally grateful.
It’s a smile that begins to fade when he explains that Hotaru’s missing, and as she reaches across to clasp his hand between her own, his gaze drops to it. She shouldn’t have to bear the burden again for him, so he doesn’t let her. He just squeezes her hand back and shakes his head with a soft snort that ends in a quiet sigh. “[say]No, it’s okay. Your news is way better.[/say]” He offers, finding it in him to look up at her and flash her a more genuine smile, taking the effort in him to muster it.
“[say]I’ve put a lot of feelers out lately. I’m waiting to see what we hear back. Frey says she’s fine, but nobody knows where she is and Flora can’t channel her, so we’re kind of at a loss right now.[/say]” And not sure entirely what any of that shit means.
RE: bloom and wild - Isla - 02-02-2026
[say]"Better news doesn't make yours any less important,"[/say] Isla says, her tone softly chastising, though as Sunjata puts in the effort to draw that mask back up for her in a way that seems genuine, she can at least do him the courtesy of meeting him halfway. [say]"At least Frey says she's alright,"[/say] she murmurs, a pang of relief relaxing her shoulders a fraction. [say]"That's strange, though, for her not to be able to be channelled..."[/say]
Shaking her head and knowing already that Sunjata would have been reaching out in whatever way he can, in the end all Isla can offer is much of the same. [say]"I'll reach out within the Green Circle,"[/say] she suggests. [say]"Perhaps someone in the guild will have heard something, even if it was just as she was passing through."[/say] Squeezing his hand again before finally releasing it, the Remedy settles back.
[say]"She'll come back,"[/say] she says softly, sounding quietly certain. [say]"But until then, you know better than anyone how to keep busy. Just let me know if you ever need more work - we can always use more hands in my clinic."[/say]
RE: bloom and wild - Sunjata - 02-04-2026
“[say]Yeah, that’s something.[/say]” Sunjata says, puffing out a sigh that’s filled his cheeks with air, nodding to the strangeness of the whole ordeal. It’ll make sense in the future, but for now it leaves a wide gap of what the fuck’s going on that he doesn’t know how to deal with well. But to hear that she’ll reach out anyway and see if she can get any information soothes some raw edge in him and the storm clouds of his grey gaze soften. “[say]Thanks, Isla.[/say]” He murmurs softly, squeezing her hand again before she pulls her hand back.
Hearing her certainty, though, does help. And he can’t help but to laugh lightly to hear her comment, taking a note of it as he dips his head in agreement. “[say]I’ll let you know.[/say]” He agrees, though whether or not he’s got time to do it is another story. They’ll find out, though, and if she truly does need his help, he’ll be there to help the second she asks.
As for the rest of it, though, he leans back and beckons the waiter over so they can order some food to snack on and continue catching up, still overjoyed to hear that Isla is expecting.
- FIN