Misplaced Trust

Thief God Thanatos-Last Tuesday at 12:44 PM

Shanoa's arms and legs were bound to the long wooden pole behind her back. Below her, a pile of wood and tinder lay at her feet. She looked out into the crowd that surrounded her. Their eyes were full of hatred and malice as they called out insults and derogatory names that hurt Shanoa to her very core. The vicious throng shook pitchforks and torches at her, but made no effort to light the pile of wood ablaze. The herbalist was relieved for a moment, as she thought she had a chance to convince the mob of her innocence. Then she felt it. The familiar sensation as the rune on her back, pressed painfully to the wooden pole, slowly began to heat up. Shanoa only had a moment to writhe in an attempt to escape before the rune blazed up in full fury, catching the pole on fire and scorching her back in seconds. She opened her mouth to scream out in terror, but the air was sucked from her lungs as the wood at her feet caught on fire as well and the blaze consumed her. As Shanoa's body burned and convulsed, she could somehow hear the man at the front of the mob speak in a calm and collected voice. "See? Even her patron deity, the fair Nathos, condemns her to her fate with his flames of glory." Shanoa sat up in bed, gasping for breath. Unlike in her dream, she was able to take in oxygen from the surrounding air, and sighed in relief. Shit, these nightmares are only getting worse. I thought that traveling with the company happily would improve my state of mind, not the opposite. Must be all the stress of keeping my secret... Due to waking up so suddenly, it was only a few seconds before the cursed rune reappeared on her back. Under the pale glow it shone on her surroundings in the darkness of the night, she could make out the light sheen of a cold sweat on her skin. I look like a wreck. How early is it anyway? Maybe I'll go take a shower before everybody else wakes up...

The young woman quietly lept out of her bed in the woman's barracks, and headed for the door to the exit. As she made her way around the numerous beds in the dark room, she was careful not to wake up her teammates.(edited)

Sun Guardian Chuklfug-Last Tuesday at 6:20 PM

The door to the barracks leads into a long, nearly empty hall- a little ways away, Albion struts along, seemingly not alerted to the nearby noise. Unencumbered by the usual assortment of packaged merchandise, he instead carries a fishing rod in his right hand. It's weight rests upon his shoulder, the long pole extending back a few meters- it sways and bounces with every step, enough to level any careless passersby. In the other hand, he carries a bag of fishing supplies- the best bait he could find, some string, and... whatever else the fisherman had told him he needed. Truth be told, he hadn't paid much attention to the fisherman at all- so talkative, and yet so droll. He himself had never fished before, but... how difficult could it be, really? He hums a soulful tune cheerfully as he strolls along- Albion seems rather energetic, particularly for the early hours of the morning.(edited)

Thief God Thanatos-Last Tuesday at 6:36 PM

Shanoa silently opens the door into the hall, and just as quietly closes it behind her. As she proceeds into the dark hall, the young woman immediately notices a dark figure walking towards her. Instinctively, she reaches for her hat, only to remember she left it by her bedside. In fact, she's not wearing her normal dress at all, and is only clothed in a loose black tank top and a matching pair of shorts. Shoot, this is the last time I leave the barracks without a weapon. Who knows what unsavory people make up this army... She squints in the dim light. And what's he holding? Some sort of long blade? Unable to contain her curiosity any more, she holds out a hand, in which a small flame flares up in. Shanoa shields her eyes from the light with her free hand, but as soon as she grows adjusted, she squints and recognizes the man immediately. "Albion?" the witch calls out uncertainly. "What are you doing up this early in the morning?" She mentally assesses how she must look to the other man. A messy bed head, combined with a sweaty body and complimented by her uncouth clothing. Great. I must look like a wreck.(edited)

Sun Guardian Chuklfug-Last Tuesday at 7:02 PM

The hum stops. Albion turns his head back, the movment causing the pole to scrape against the wall with an unpleasant screech. He recognized that voice, by now- Shanoa. He grins, clumsily waving the hand the bag rests upon in a gesture of greeting. "Shanoa!" Albion bends down, setting the pole against the ground- he takes a few steps closer, moving into talking distance. "Fishing, of course. The locals say it's the best time of year- and the docks will be crowded later in the day. I wouldn't want to miss out, after all." The words sit, for a moment, as the situation starts to sink in. No hat, no dress... none of the usual exuberance in her words. She was... clearly quite tried. In fact, it didn't seem she had expected him at all. He scratches his neck, uncertain what next to say. "I suppose I could ask the same question of you. You won't burn through those, will you?"(edited)

Thief God Thanatos-Last Tuesday at 7:17 PM

Shanoa grimaces at the sudden screech as it rends the silence. However, it is soon replaced by a tired smile as she sees the cheerful face of her friend. "Now, now, Albion. Try not to wake up everybody. The witch stepped closer and observes his fishing instruments. "Oh, you fish? I wouldn't have expected as much. You're a man full of..." she trails off as a yawn interrupts her compliment. "Sorry." the herbalist said as she rubbed her eyes tiredly. "I guess I'm still a bit out of it." She gave a small twirl to show off her choice in bedclothes. Although brief, it was enough for him to see that the back of her tank top was skillfully removed, not dissimilar from her typical dress. "Worry not, Sir Albion. I will not be losing my clothes on this fine morning." Shanoa leaned heavily against the wall. "Much to your disappointment, I'm sure."(edited)

Sun Guardian Chuklfug-Last Tuesday at 7:42 PM

Albion recoils with a squint as Shanoa twirls, the spin sending a few locks of hair airborne- the symbol, thankfully, remained unseen. He feels a pang of guilt over the kneejerk reaction- what was she, a leper? He offers a friendly smile, to save face and to soften the blow. "Very clever." Albion flusters a bit at her last comment, but tries to play it off with a short laugh. He tilts his head as her weight collapses against the wall. "You didn't answer my question, though- it is quite early. If you're going to fall asleep, it would be best to do it on a bed."(edited)

Thief God Thanatos-Last Tuesday at 8:11 PM

Shanoa opened her mouth to answer, but then stopped and looked down at her bare feet. I was going to lie to him. I always lie. There's nothing wrong with that. So why do I feel bad when I try to lie to Albion. She sighs inwardly. I'm just tired, that's all. She gave him a small smile and a shrug. "I just couldn't sleep, and decided to take a walk around." she said, wondering if Albion would call her bluff. The witch gave him a coy smile to the best of her current ability, which was admittedly as lacking as she was lacking sleep. "And I would argue if somebody were to go to sleep, it would be best to do it with somebody else." "And you didn't answer me when I asked if... wait, I haven't asked yet." She takes a few steps forward and observes her friend's bag by holding her small flame up to it. "Are you on your way back from fishing? Or are you headed out?"

Sun Guardian Chuklfug-Last Tuesday at 8:36 PM

Albion's smile dims at the guarded, hesitant answer, and for once the coy act passes over his head- he swallows. She didn't trust him, did she? It was... only natural, really. A hint in his tone betrays his hurt feelings- nonetheless, he responds with a cheerful hum. "Come, now... you're overdoing it." He holds open the bag- still full, with the bait and the remainder of the supplies. No fish to be seen. "I'm headed out. Care to join me?"

Thief God Thanatos-Last Tuesday at 8:43 PM

Oh, good. He didn't seem to notice. Looks like I'm as good of a liar as ever, even when half asleep. A pang of guilt hit her again, but she did her best to brush it off. Shanoa considered the proposal. Hmm. I can't say I've ever gone fishing before. Might be an enlightening experience. Might as well. And if it's boring, I can always use the opportunity to go for a swim and clean myself off. She gives him a thumbs-up. "Sounds like a plan. Maybe it'll help get my blood running again." Shanoa frowned. "Although I can't say fishing seems like an overly energetic activity. Oh well. I'll see how it goes."

Sun Guardian Chuklfug-Last Tuesday at 9:07 PM

Albion nods. It ought to be less of a bore with someone else around. Shanoa had remarked on her time in the woods- chances were, it wasn't her first time fishing. If it turned out to be more difficult than anticipated, perhaps he could ask her for a few pointers. "Wonderful! Shall we go? You'll want your hat, I imagine. ...And a pole." He must have hid his suspicions well- she seemed unfazed, and quite content to leave it at that. Albion avoids eye contact and looks away, peering around the room as he waits for the reply.(edited)

Thief God Thanatos-Last Tuesday at 9:21 PM

She nodded. "Good idea. Always helps to come prepared." And without further ado, she dashed off back to the women's barracks. - - - - - - - - - - A few minutes later, the two of them were walking together to the pier. Shanoa now had a her massive hat hanging slack off her back, and a fishing pole propped against a shoulder as she walked. As for her clothes, she hadn't bothered to change out of her pajamas. Her loose tank top billowed slightly in the cool morning breeze, and her soleless feet pattered on the even road. To her credit, Shanoa didn't seem bothered by the cold at all. Rather, the chilly air seemed to have invigorated her somewhat. She tried to start the conversation up again. "So, what brought about this certain interest in fishing, anyway? Is it a pastime of yours? Or did you have a sudden craving for fish?"(edited)

Sun Guardian Chuklfug-Last Tuesday at 9:45 PM

Albion walks to the pier alongside Shanoa, the pair remaining quiet- maybe Shanoa was simply tired. Maybe her mind was on other things. "A pastime? No. Castle Albane was far from any fishing spots, and back when I worked for the count, I never had much time to travel- wherever the family went, I went as well. That's the life of a servant." He scratches his chin, seemingly deep in reminiscence. "The count liked to watch plays, enjoyed sightseeing... mostly, he loved to hold dinners. Anything physical, not really his style. He was keen on telling me how I was a 'part of the family'... even if I always sat at the end of the table. But it was always work. Mostly he just wanted to hear fortunes, but I would carry his bags, polish his things... even sing, once in a while." After a moment, he snaps out of his tangent with a chuckle. "...Sorry. The point is- no. I've never gone fishing before. Still, we'll only be here for so many days- and it's the right time of year." Albion grins with a touch of greed, to no one in particular. "I imagine I might do quite well for myself."(edited)

Thief God Thanatos-Last Tuesday at 9:57 PM

Shanoa watched the young man as he got caught up in the memories of his past. It seems like he misses this count of his... Rare you see that between a servant and master. One part of her story seemed to interest the young woman. "You can tell fortunes? That's quite the rare skill. As far as I know, my sister Artelinde never even managed to master it." Suddenly, she hopped in front of his path and crossed her arms in front of her with a grin. "If you're as good as your count thinks you are, I might have to request that you tell my fortune sometime soon. I wouldn't mind finding out what the future holds in store for me." Shanoa suddenly noticed that without her heels, Albion was quite a bit taller than her. She hurriedly stepped away and resumed walking next to him, with the hopes he hadn't noticed. Shanoa takes note of Albion's grin, and gives a small snicker. "Oh, you think you'll do well? I may not have any experience with this fishing business, but I can guarantee that I'll do better in it than the likes of you." she said playfully. "I'm guaranteed to catch the biggest fish. Or the most valuable one. Whatever matters when fishing."(edited)

Sun Guardian Chuklfug-Last Tuesday at 10:27 PM

He raises an eyebrow- he had gotten used to making his pitch. For her to lay that at his feet, at the drop of the hat- no disbelief, no hesitation... "Well..." Rather, Albion is the one to hesitate. Disbelief was natural in his trade, but... he didn't want her to think of him as a sham. It was clear from before- she already didn't trust him. "Sometime, perhaps. I'll give it some thought." The bragging mostly passes over his head, as he fixates on a couple of words- no experience? Blast. He would have to figure this out himself. Albion's footsteps approach the end of the pier- he sets the back down upon the wooden planks, and twirls around the pole from over his head. Pulling a piece of bait from the bag, he tries to remember how exactly the fishing rod is used. "How did you find food, then? Traders? Did you forage? Hunt? I mean- I never imagined there were many people in the forest."(edited)

Thief God Thanatos-Last Tuesday at 10:46 PM

"Oh? Okay then." She winked at him. "I'll look forward to it." She listens to Albion's question. "Oh, there aren't any people in the forest. Well, aside from a particularly nasty group of bandits. But we do our best to steer clear of them, and they're scared to death of my sisters and I." She let out a tinkling laugh. "So it works out well for both parties." "Also, we don't hunt. After living close to nature for so long, it becomes hard to eat meat. So my sisters and I are vegetarians. We live off the roots, berries and fruits of the forest." Shanoa also flips her rod off of her shoulder, and holds it cautiously over the water. Unlike Albion, she hadn't put bait on her hook. "Uhh... here, fishy, fishy." she said, dangling the rod over the water as if she expected it to lure a fish to jump onto the pier.

Sun Guardian Chuklfug-Last Tuesday at 11:11 PM

The reminder of Shanoa's solitude was sobering- Albion grinds his teeth. "...Right." Albion peers at the water below- below the dimly lit morning sky, the water was clear, reflecting little light- beneath, swarms of fishes swim below with shimmering scales. He spares a moment to take in the sight- in retrospect, he had never been to the ocean before. ...He had best not slip. Albion fiddles with the knob on the rod for a moment- the hook lowers down, sinking into the water below. Tilting his head to the right, he notices Shanoa twirling the rod about- he lets out a loud, and poorly repressed laugh at the sight.(edited)

Thief God Thanatos-Last Tuesday at 11:21 PM

Shanoa, who was focused intently on her fishing, swiveled her head at Albion's laugh. "What? Why are you laughing?" She put her free hand on her hip and glared at him, trying hard not to smile. "Your mind just snapped because of how incredible my skills at fishing are, right?" She reached over and prodded him in the chest with a finger. "And mind how you answer, mister. There is very much a wrong answer."

September 22, 2016

Sun Guardian Chuklfug-Last Thursday at 12:34 AM

Albion's laughter dies down into snickering- in between chuckles, he retorts. "No, no! It's an inventive technique- I'm sure you'll make quite the acrobatic catch." The prod edges him a little closer to the edge of the docks- the wood creaks with the sound of his footstep. The water stirs, but no movement save ripples disturb the hook.(edited)

Thief God Thanatos-Last Thursday at 12:46 AM

She flipped her head prissily back to her rod, paying the entertained man no mind. "Quite the acrobatic catch..." she murmured under her breath. "I'll show him..." She proceeded to shake the rod more energetically, in the hopes that it would get the attention of the fish below the surface, and somehow lure them to the shiny hook. So energetic, in fact, that during one particularly spirited motion she drew the rod back too far and almost lost her balance. She took a couple of steps back to readjust, slamming her back into Albion in the process. "Oops, sorry." she said, and turned to look at him.

Sun Guardian Chuklfug-Last Thursday at 1:12 AM

Shanoa bumps into his arm as she stumbles, causing him to drop the pole to the dock below. Albion jerks his arm back reflexively, as if he had been holding it against an open flame. "Careful!" He takes another step back, taking a moment to inspect his sleeve- thankfully, the fabric was unscathed. It was his favorite coat, after all. Repositioning his right foot, it lands upon... nothing at all. Slowly, his frame starts to tilt back- then, very rapidly as he falls off the edge. Flailing his arms, he catches the cuff of his jacket on the dock- it snags against it, tearing the fabric. Albion falls out its sleeves as he plummets to the water below, striking the water headfirst. A few moments pass, bubbles floating to the surface- Albion seems to have sunk quite deep.(edited)

Thief God Thanatos-Last Thursday at 1:19 AM

Shanoa couldn't help but grin as Albion flailed wildly as he fell off the dock. Sure she felt bad about his ripped sleeve, but his expression was priceless. She peered over the edge of the dock, and waited for him to reappear at the surface and lambast her for her clumsiness.(edited)

Sun Guardian Chuklfug-Last Thursday at 3:36 PM

Unprepared for the sudden impact, Albion neglects to breathe in, his throat filling with seawater as his head hits water. Albion flails his arms about in the tide, causing the pools of fish to scatter- opening his eyes, he looks to his feet to find them facing the surface above- distant, and dimly lit by the sun's reflection. Albion swings his legs, trying to orient himself upward- but to no avail. Blast- why had he never learned this before? He tries once again- this time the spin turns him towards the surface. Awkwardly paddling his feet, he reaches the top- clutching onto the pole of the docks for support, he coughs the seawater out of his system, gasping for air. Albion stares up, locking eyes with Shanoa's gleeful smile- he returns a glare, clearly quite cross. "What?"(edited)

Thief God Thanatos-Last Thursday at 3:49 PM

The young witch does her best to look serious, with limited success. "Sorry." she says again, and holds out her hands. "Here, grab on. I'll try and hoist you back onto the deck."

Sun Guardian Chuklfug-Last Thursday at 4:05 PM

Albion lifts an arm up to lock with Shanoa's- the other clutches onto the deck, pulling him up. He's drenched in water- one of the smaller fishes is wedged in the back of shirt, flapping about wildly. He plucks it out and grins, dangling it in front of Shanoa- who still seems entirely too amused. "See? I caught the-" He coughs out a little water. "-the first one." A lock of hair flops down into his face as he brags, in his sorry state.(edited)

Thief God Thanatos-Last Thursday at 4:09 PM

Shanoa gives him a round of mock applause. "I must say, I'm not sure I can match the effort you're willing to go through in order to get a fish." She grinned widely. "I don't know about you, but I prefer to stay dry. Speaking of which..." She reached into her hat and drew out an exceptionally fluffy black towel, before tossing it to him.

Sun Guardian Chuklfug-Last Thursday at 4:17 PM

He returns the applause with a bow- catching the towel, he tilts his head, squinting with suspicious eyes. "...You weren't expecting this, were you?" Albion tosses the fish into the bag, and takes a moment to dry himself off- turning his face to the edge of the docks, his face drops instantly. "My coat!" He picks it up, holding it up in front of him with a horrified expression- the left sleeve is torn, and hangs crooked. Albion quickly rummages through through its pockets, taking inventory- rings, bracelets? At the base. Tomes? Intact. Staves? At the base. Lastly, he pulls out the crystal ball, with a forlorn sigh of relief- he rests it upon the dock, sitting down with his feet over the edge. "It's ruined..."(edited)

Thief God Thanatos-Last Thursday at 4:22 PM

Shanoa shrugged. "I might have. Or maybe not. Always good to be prepared." She neglected to point out that she had left the towel in the hat for the next time she took a shower. She peeks over his shoulder at the damaged coat. "That's really unfortunate." she said in a consoling voice. "But I'm sure it'll look as good as new when you get it repaired! And at least all your stuff is okay..."

Sun Guardian Chuklfug-Last Thursday at 4:33 PM

He sighs. It felt silly to put so much value on a coat- but it truly was important to him. He wasn't about to say that out loud, though. "...I suppose you're right. I don't know what I would do if I lost my crystal ball." The rod still rests upon the edge of the docks- Albion reaches over and grabs it, reeling it up- the end of the hook is empty, with neither a fish nor the bait attached. It must have been lost in the water. Searching through the bag of supplies for more bait, he comes up short- he hadn't brought enough for two. "I hope you're having better luck. Haven't you unreeled that by now? ...Are you familiar with fishing?"(edited)

Thief God Thanatos-Last Thursday at 4:40 PM

She shook her head. "Never really had a chance to. Nor will. Fish are just so... cute!" She smiled sweetly at him. "Don't you think so? They have such big eyes. The only reason I would want to catch one is to pet it." She nodded earnestly. "Which means I can't use the hook on the fishing line. Wouldn't want to hurt mister fishy." She peered off the side of the dock into the water. "I don't suppose you have any ideas?"

Sun Guardian Chuklfug-Last Thursday at 4:50 PM

Albion lets out an uncomfortable chuckle at the question, a little dumbfounded. The fish that had been caught in his shirt remained in the bag next to him, now flapping about at a slower pace. "Um..." Staring at Shanoa's sweet smile, he gulps. Oh gods. How could he respond to that? "...You could use a net, maybe? But... fishes don't do well out of the water. They might be better off left alone..."(edited)

Thief God Thanatos-Last Thursday at 4:58 PM

She pursed her lips. "But I can't pet them easily if they're in the water. I wonder if I can lure them to me..." She reached around in her hat before pulling out a jar of worms with holes punched in the lid. "Ta-da! Perfect." The young woman paused as a thought came to her head. She slowly turned to face Albion. "Hey... What do you think would happen if I held my hat underwater? I don't think there's an end to how much stuff it can hold..." In her head, she imagined holding the hat underwater, and a whirlpool forming and draining the entire ocean. Then she could dance on the empty ocean floor with all the flipping fish...(edited)

Sun Guardian Chuklfug-Last Thursday at 10:25 PM

Albion shakes his head vigorously in the negative. His hair sprays droplets of water across the dock. "That sounds like... a very bad idea. What it can't hold all that water? You might kill it." Or if it could hold all that water... good gods. Growing concerned with Shanoa's train of thought, Albion tries to think of a distraction. "Why don't you just pet this one, instead?" He pulls out the small fish from the bag, extending it to her- it doesn't move much, aside from a few twitches of its tail.

Thief God Thanatos-Last Thursday at 10:35 PM

Shanoa pauses in her attempt to push her hat under the surface of the water. "Hmm, perhaps you're right. I'm just used to my hat being so... invincible." She leaned back against a pole holding up the pier and stretched out her long legs. "No matter what I try to use it for, it never fails. It's even flameproof!" She gazed down at the large headpiece fondly. "I kinda want to keep testing its limits. But you're right. I shouldn't risk breaking it. After all, I have no idea what I'd do without it..." The young woman reaches out for for the fish for a second, before withdrawing it quickly. "I couldn't possibly. It's been down your shirt!" She stuck out her tongue playfully. "It's probably been corrupted by your... by your..." She gestured at him. "You know."

Sun Guardian Chuklfug-Last Thursday at 10:46 PM

Albion breathes a sigh of relief as Shanoa stops. The fishes would live to swim another day. "That's a better idea." At the mention of her hat, Albion grabs his crystal ball from atop the planks, placing it back in his coat pocket- the swirling amethyst is rather eye catching, glinting in the morning sun. Like the hat, it was important to his livelihood- and he needed to be more careful not to lose it. Albion's face drops at the mention of corrupted- he folds his arms, one hand dangling the fish by its tail. "No, I don't know- why don't you enlighten me?"(edited)

Thief God Thanatos-Last Thursday at 10:53 PM

Shanoa carefully dropped a worm into the water before observing it sink slowly. She glanced back at her teammate for a split second. "You know, cooties. It has cooties now. My younger sister Chiaki told me all about them. All guys have them, and if you touch guys, or things that guys touched, then you get them too." She pointed at the fluffy towel. "I'm going to have to burn that when you're done."

Sun Guardian Chuklfug-Last Thursday at 11:16 PM

Albion fails to suppress a smile and rolls his eyes- once he finishes drying himself off, he tosses back the towel. "What a bright kid." With a shrug, he places the fish back into the bag- hopefully, Shanoa wouldn't ask him why it wasn't moving. "So..." Albion leans his arms back upon the dock, swinging his feet as Shanoa sends the worm to its watery grave. The mention of her little sister had his curiosity piqued- Shanoa hadn't said much about her. He grins. "Tell me- how does a little girl in the woods learn about cooties? Is she a scholar?"(edited)

Thief God Thanatos-Last Thursday at 11:26 PM

Shanoa saw movement out of the corner of her eye, and she carefully removed her hat. Then, in a flash, she swiped it through the water, snagging a fish an a good amount of water at the same time. She pulled the dripping hat back up onto the pier. Oddly enough, the water wasn't seeping through it, despite its cloth-like nature. Apparently it was waterproof. The witch sat cross-legged, with her hat in her lap as she continued speaking to Albion as if nothing had happened. "Oh, I run into town on occasion to visit the library. Due to the location of my runes, I'm the only one who can actually leave the forest without getting chased down with pitchforks on sight." She sadly glanced down at the lonesome fish. "So I use the opportunity to do errands. Such as check out books for my sister and I, and gather supplies on occasion, in exchange for herbs I collect." "It doesn't always go smoothly, though." Flashbacks of times when people noticed her runes ran through her head, and she shuddered involuntarily.

Sun Guardian Chuklfug-Last Thursday at 11:40 PM

Albion's eyes go wide as she swipes the hat into the water- fortunately, relatively little happens. He raises an eyebrow- it was fortunate that the hat didn't drain the waterfront dry, but... hadn't she soaked everything else in there? His train of thought is lost as Shanoa's mood turns dark. Albion's words become more direct, and lose the geniality that permeates his usual tone. The question nearly sounds as an accusation- it's clear it's been weighing on his mind. "...Shanoa. Would you tell me what really happened this morning?"(edited)

Thief God Thanatos-Last Thursday at 11:49 PM

She was looking down at her fish, but any trace of happiness on her face was drained away. As she continued speaking, she didn't make eye contact with Albion. "I... just had a nightmare. Nothing that bad. And I'm sure lots of people in our group have them. So there's no point in paying any attention to it." After all, if he learned I was having nightmares about people hating me, when everybody else is probably worried about dying, he'll think I'm insensitive. Heartless. A monster. Just like THEY do. Shanoa clutched the hat tighter, causing the fish to swim around panicked inside its smaller container.

September 23, 2016

Sun Guardian Chuklfug-Yesterday at 12:10 AM

Albion turns his head to Shanoa, but she avoids his gaze- not a lie, and yet there was still more she was unwilling to tell him. He swallows, and turns his head forward, facing the horizon over the waterfront. "If I recall... the first time we met, you said you might see me as a friend. And I'd like to believe that's the case." He leans forward, extending his right hand- it sits between the two, resting upon the edge of the dock. "...Friends trust one another, isn't that right? And I trust you, but..." The sentence trails off, its meaning made clear- You don't trust me.(edited)

Thief God Thanatos-Yesterday at 12:22 AM

Shanoa finally looks at him, as tears pool in the corners of he eyes. "...I'm sorry, Albion. I don't trust you. It's nothing personal. But I don't trust anybody aside from my sisters. I can't trust anybody." They'll only hurt me in the end. Like they always do. The herbalist broke eye contact again, as tears started flowing. "You're my friend. And I hope you'll always be. But I can't trust you, or anybody else." She remembered the pain on the lance impaling her in the side from the last battle. Remembered the shock and disbelief that the Pegasus Rider that the team was supposed to take down broke through the ranks. "I can't trust my teammates to keep me safe from harm." She remembered trying to blackmail and extort Albion into giving up his precious herbs. Remembered toying with his emotions, like a cat would toy with a mouse. "And you shouldn't trust me either. Please."(edited)

Sun Guardian Chuklfug-Yesterday at 1:09 AM

Albion turns his head away and grimaces, his lips sealed shut. He thought really had it- something more to hold onto than gold coins, or a crystal ball, or... a pipe dream. With the Albanes, with Laura, and now- it wasn't how the world worked. It never had been, for him. Sentiment was always so... fragile. He turns his head to Shanoa with a furrowed brow and flaring eyes, ready to say something rash- and almost instantly softens when he sees the expression upon her face. The tears slide down her cheeks, splashing into the water below- and Albion's eyes, too, start to mist. He swallows- then, he scoots over, huddling next to Shanoa. "No." He holds her arm with his right hand, and rests his head on her shoulder. It was the best- and likely the only- gesture of assurance he could give.(edited)

Thief God Thanatos-Yesterday at 1:17 AM

Shanoa begins to pull her arm away when he grabs it, but then hesitates. After a moment, she wraps her fingers around his hand and holds it. I must look pretty pathetic like this... I don't want to be a pile of emotions and tears like every other girl. I thought I was something more. Yet here I am. Wretched as ever. She wiped her tears away on the damp black towel, and looks down at Albion. Small embers floated off her back, caught by the morning breeze and carried out over the water. "No?" she inquired. "What do you mean?"(edited)

Sun Guardian Chuklfug-Yesterday at 1:32 AM

"I do trust you. And you can trust me. So... don't tell me I'm making a mistake." Albion lifts his head up, still holding her by the hand- he raises the other to his face, wiping his eyes. He laughs pathetically, trying his best to smile. "That's... quite the catch, you have there. We should visit the market before he gets lonely- don't you think?"

Thief God Thanatos-Yesterday at 1:41 AM

Shanoa's eyes hardened. "Albion, you have no reason to trust me. We've only spoken a few times. Not to mention you know virtually nothing about me. I don't know where this misplaced sense of trust is coming from. If it feels like I led you on, I'm sorry. I just wanted to have a good time with you." She sighed and looked down. "And I still do. I'm sorry I'm just... such a mess." Shanoa dropped his hand and stood up slowly, careful not to spill the water. "Of course. You're right." She held out her free hand to help him get up. "Come on. We'll get a better price if we sell them before the fishermen bring their morning haul in."

Sun Guardian Chuklfug-Yesterday at 1:53 AM

Albion's cheer fades, as Shanoa pushes him away once again- he remains seated on the dock. He still smiles, but his voice is distant. "...Apologies. I'm just being sentimental." He reaches into the bag, taking out the twitching fish- he tosses it into the hat with a splash, leaving him by his lonesome. "On second thought... perhaps you should do it. I doubt I'll charm any vendors with seaweed in my hair."(edited)

Thief God Thanatos-Yesterday at 2:03 AM

"..." She stared directly at him, saying nothing. "...I see. If that's what you want, sure thing." Shanoa turned away, and began to walk back to the beach. From behind, it was clear to see that the runes on her back were glowing brightly in the dim morning light. As she reached the end of the pier, she turned around one more time, and offered him a smile, despite her tear-stained face. "Thanks for going fishing with me, Albion. And for trying your best. I'm sure you mean well." Her smile stayed, but the look in her eyes changed. She looked at him with a mix of sadness and longing. She clearly hesitated, and opened her mouth to speak. And then closed it again. Without another word, the pained woman turned her back to Albion and walked to the boardwalk, the runes on her back fading the further she got away from him.(edited)

Sun Guardian Chuklfug-Yesterday at 2:08 AM

Albion nods, his back turned- his eyes are fixated on the sea, watching the waves rise and fall. ===rp end===