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+---- Thread: I know that you feel me, somehow (/showthread.php?tid=9785)
I know that you feel me, somehow - Seren - 07-12-2024
Winter never left Halo. Even when the rest of the world began to warm, this part of Caido remained huddled in on itself, bracing against shuddering snowstorms and long evenings where darkness seemed unending. Contrast it to Torchline, and it was no wonder that Seren forgot how cold it really was. She had slipped from her island in little more than a long-sleeved dress and a pair of cloth shoes, figuring it wouldn't be that bad... but the moment a gust of wind sent flurries of powdery snow up against her legs she hastily changed her mind and pulled out a heavy duty coat like an afterthought. It helped a bit, but not enough to let her drag her feet as she began to roam through the Snowcloak in search of a house she had been to only once before. The odds that Sah would actually be at home were slim, but that was part of the fun. It had been a spur of the moment decision to come here, and showing up unannounced would give her the chance to surprise him.
She liked surprising Sah. The way his eyes became round and boyish was almost as delightful as the way he sometimes blushed when looking at her, and lately she had been missing that.
Fortunately for her, Seren found her memory to be quite reliable. She did knock on the wrong door once, but the matronly woman that opened - with a gaggle of children underfoot, clinging to her skirts and gaping wide eyed at the freckled stranger - was kind enough to steer her on the right path. A little while later she rapped her knuckles against a sturdy looking front door and skipped back a few steps, unable to remain still. Party because she was shivering from top to toe. And partly because, well... she might see her friend again in just a moment. If that wasn't cause for excitement, she didn't know anything that was.
RE: I know that you feel me, somehow - Sah - 07-12-2024
Sah had just finished feeding the wolves a snack when he heard a knock on the door. He hadn't been expecting anyone, and his brow furrowed with confusion. Lilly sniffed the air before perking up and excitedly running to the door. Pawing at it with a whine while Pad watched in confusion, she demanded that her bonded open the door immediately.
With a soft laugh, the Wild Thunder walked over and swung the door open. Sure enough, his eyes widened at the sight before him. [say]"Seren? Hi. What are you doing here?"[/say] Smiling widely, he stepped aside to let her in. His magic didn't let him feel the cold, but her shivering was apparent. Lilly circled the Demi-goddess, ushering her towards the burning fireplace where it was warm. The wolf sent a mischievous look at her bonded, knowing she'd stolen his chance for a hug. The amused annoyance he sent her back only made the wolf's tail wag.
[say]"Would you like coffee or tea?"[/say] Following behind the duo, Sah distinctly ignored Pad's judgmental stare. Part of the Abandoned was mildly concerned over Seren's sudden visit. He'd have thought that something had happened if it weren't for her obvious cheer. Instead, the concern was overshadowed by curiosity and joy. He hadn't had the opportunity to spend time with her in a while, and Sah had certainly missed his friend. It was also a relief to see her acting normal towards him. She had done so when he'd helped with the studio, but the Abandoned still feared her anger or reproach over his actions in the Tournament.
RE: I know that you feel me, somehow - Seren - 07-12-2024
[say]"Hello Sah! I came to visit - oh hi Lily! Yes I see you, I came to visit you too!"[/say] Laughing with her hands outstretched for the wiggly companion to squirm within, she found herself ushered inside as much by the wolf as by her friend. Seren cast Sah a helpless glance over the shoulder - she had been robbed of a chance to hug too - but it was impossible to deny the sweet excitement of a creature she apparently had made a very good impression on.
[say]"Oh, tea please, if it's not too much trouble. I brought snacks!"[/say] She had to rummage a bit in her pocket space to find where the paper bag had wound up, and when she withdrew it from what seemed to be nothing, glittering sand clung to the bottom. It was still warm, and something sticky and very sweet was beginning to bleed through the paper. [say]"Here. Honey buns, and some apple fritters - they're so similar though that I don't remember which is which. It'll have to be a surprise."[/say]
It was undeniably much warmer by the fire. Keeping the coat on until deep shudders had passed and her fingers began to feel whole again, she eventually slipped it off her shoulders and looked for a place to hang it.
RE: I know that you feel me, somehow - Sah - 07-13-2024
[say]"I'm glad you came."[/say] Sah chuckled under his breath as Lilly received her affection tax, and he headed to the kitchen, [say]"Of course!"[/say] It only took a few moments, but he returned to Seren's side with two cups of tea, [say]"It's chamomile. I don't have any other tea at the moment."[/say] She retrieved the snacks, and the Abandoned visibly perked up. [say]"They sound delicious."[/say] It was obvious at this point that he'd never starve so long as Seren was his friend. Her endless supply of snacks was always delicious.
Placing the tea down at the table, Sah moved to the Demi-god's side and held out a hand. With her permission, he took her coat and hung it by the door for when she needed it later. He called over his shoulder as he did so, [say]"You can place the snacks on the table if you'd like."[/say] Slipping back into the kitchen, he got out plates and napkins. With things finally set and the flurry of motion complete, he paused.
With a slight pink tint on the tips of his ears, Sah held out an arm to Seren, [say]"May I have a hug, please?"[/say] He shot Lilly a glance, [say]"Someone had to get hers first."[/say] Lilly wagged unashamedly from where she had settled down next to the table. It felt awkward to ask but not hugging her in greeting felt just plain wrong.
RE: I know that you feel me, somehow - Seren - 07-13-2024
[say]"Chamomile is lovely, thank you."[/say]
Setting the bag away on the table, Seren relinquished her coat to Sah and spent a moment trying to coax Pad into saying hello. When the young pup wouldn't be immediately convinced she left him alone, rising only to find her friend waiting with open arms.
[say]"You may!"[/say] she laughed, slipping easily into his embrace. Wrapping her arms around his back, she stole a slow, deep breath filled with his scent, soothed by the steady calm she had come to associate with him. [say]"It's good to see you again,"[/say] she murmured against his shoulder. [say]"How have you been? I... after the tournament.. I wanted to come talk to you, but Hotaru got there first."[/say]
And then there had been the meeting, and while they had been together while fixing up her studio, it wasn't as though they'd been alone. Certainly not able to talk too much among themselves, the way they used to.
RE: I know that you feel me, somehow - Sah - 07-14-2024
Sah's stomach fluttered when Seren eagerly accepted his offer. Wrapping his arms around her, he rested his chin on her head, [say]"Thank you."[/say] Relaxing against her, he hummed softly, [say]"I've missed you."[/say] It still blew him away at times that she was back. Even though he'd known that she was alive in the stars, he'd still grieved her.
At Seren's question, The Wild Thunder tensed before taking a shuddering breath and forcing his body to relax, [say]"The Tournament was horrible. No matter how much I repeat that it was an accident and how deeply I regret it, it'll never be enough. I did end up speaking with Melita eventually, and although we're not 'okay' and probably never will be, she doesn't seem to be actively seeking revenge at the moment."[/say] Sah sighed as he continued, [say]"I've come to terms with all as best as I can. Your mother helped quite a bit when I went to her once my quest was complete."[/say] He didn't mention how blatantly pleased Safrin had been with his actions. He wasn't sure if Seren would want to hear that.
The Abandoned pulled back just enough to meet Seren's eyes, scanning her with open concern, [say]"How have you been? Are you okay? With how my match went, I didn't hear about how you were hurt until after."[/say] She had seemed fine when they'd met since, but physical harm wasn't his only worry. He'd meant to ask her when they saw each other next, but with everything else going on, he simply hadn't had the chance.
RE: I know that you feel me, somehow - Seren - 07-15-2024
Her insides fluttered softly upon hearing that he had missed her. Concealing a giddy little smile against Sah's shoulder, it only faltered when he began to speak of the tournament.
Rubbing his back with a soothing hand, she made a reassuring noise in her throat. [say]"It was not on purpose,"[/say] she affirmed, [say]"and if Melita holds a grudge then that is her choice. I do not hold you responsible for not knowing about the changes wrought in her. It was something she should have informed you of before starting the round - how else could you know?"[/say] Squeezing him harder for a moment, it was with some reluctance that she parted even just to meet the young man's gaze.
Seren's shrug was light, her expression difficult to read. [say]"I... do not quite know,"[/say] she admitted. [say]"I try not to dwell on it. Perhaps I am more understanding of why mother asks me to be careful, now? But I do not blame Hotaru, any more than I blame myself. It was a bad match, simple as that."[/say] Her shoulders rose and fell in a light shrug, reluctant to say much more. Her thoughts on the matter remained muddled and unclear, even in this kind of safe space.
RE: I know that you feel me, somehow - Sah - 07-21-2024
Sah was floored when Seren squeezed him before continuing their conversation, even more so than by her acceptance and reassurance of his actions. He'd noticed it since her return, but she was far more comfortable with touch now. He knew it wasn't just with him, as she'd been equally affectionate with Hadama. But her trust and ease with him still left him feeling humbled. "Thank you."
Her shift in tone was apparent and the Wild Thunder let out a soft hum, [say]"Understandable. It's a complex situation."[/say] Seeing Seren shut down, even a little, made him nauseous. He knew he couldn't fix it but he could certainly help her keep her mind off of it.
The Abandoned leaned down slightly and gently knocked his temple to hers before returning to standing straight. There was a slight pause to his action as he debated kissing her temple as instinct demanded, but he managed to resist. [say]"Come on."[/say] He nodded towards the table where their snack waited. [say]"Catch me up to speed? What have you been up to since we last spoke? Is the new studio to your liking?"[/say]
RE: I know that you feel me, somehow - Seren - 07-23-2024
It was a small thing, the nudge of his head against hers, but it meant the world. If the pink in her cheeks was anything to go by, Sah's restraint was a good move; but his thoughtfulness was rewarded with a faint smile at least. [say]"Thank you,"[/say] she mumbled, without quite knowing why. Maybe because he didn't press her for answers?
Joining him at the table, Seren settled in comfortably and looked around with a bit more of her usual curiosity. It was a nice place, comfortable and functional, and her hands itched to add touches of paint to that beam, or that carving, or let vines snake up a table to grow roses along the edges of the tabletop.
[say]"Hmm, let me think... Father took me on a trip to the Draig Cordillera. There is a waterfall there that flows upwards. We decided to paint some mockups for that commission Hadama talked about, so I am really grateful to have the studio."[/say] Filling up their cups with steaming tea, Seren dug into a pocket and withdrew a letter.
[say]"Also, there will be a meeting about Starfall later this season. Have a look - I think it might interest you."[/say] It was the letter Ronin had sent her. Lifting her mug to her lips, she watched Sah with a glitter in her eyes; [say]"I feel you might be more useful than me. So if you would like to come along...?"[/say]
RE: I know that you feel me, somehow - Sah - 09-01-2024
Sah smiled softly, [say]"I'm glad to hear it. I'm sure that you'll do a fantastic job for Hadama."[/say] He hadn't seen any of her recent art, but with how passionate she was and his memories of her sketches before she left, she was undoubtedly skilled.
His eyes narrowed as she handed him a letter, brow pinching as he read its contents. It clearly stated that others could be invited but that Seren was doing so was a shock. When he finished and placed it down, the Wild Thunder couldn't help but snort at Seren's following comment, [say]"I highly doubt a single Abandoned is as useful as one of Safrin's Demi-gods. But I'm honored to be asked."[/say] He couldn't resist and reached over the table to give her hand a quick squeeze, [say]"I'll be there."[/say] He might feel out of place amongst Caido's most important people, but if Seren wanted his presence, she'd have it.
The two spent the rest of the evening continuing to catch up before parting ways as the sun began to set.
-[FIN]