ROLEPLAY HQ - forced-vows

The mountains were spires of mottled gray that rose like crooked teeth to the sky, sunk into gums of rich black earth. One hundred years ago his people lived in the foothills, able to farm and forage the mountain caves. Until humans came. Daiviki sighed softly watching the sunrise, feet set off the cliff and wings lazily unfolded to rest. He only knew of legends and stories told by their few elders. Their clan was small now, only a few hundred in size, and it was on his shoulders to keep them safe. Sighing softly he let his head fall back, eyes closed, hearing the chatter of one of his kin rattling across the stones. "Daiviki, where are you?" He let a clicking from his chest, projected loud and clear, just a nonsense sound to give an idea where he was. Nusa climbed up the cliff to his side, setting in her claws. "What are you doing, fool?" "Resting away from you brat." He tsksd and pretended to kick at her as if to dislodge her from her hold. "You were looking at the humans again." She hauled herself over the edge, her sounds softer and mild. "Yes. They're expanding. If they start climbing the mountains again we need to move deeper but we are ill prepared for the cold." He looked over to his kins face. She had a scar over her eye and though it wasn't affected visually, he knew she was blind in that side. She stretched her legs with a groan tail tip flicking, pretending it wasn't a problem. They both knew she was masking her anxiety of the situation just as he was. "It'll be fine. They hardly come this far. And we can cause the landslides and snowfalls again just as we did then." She patted his shoulder, "Come down. There's food." She nudged off the edge and fell, spreading her wings to slow her descent. He followed after a final glance to the town in the distance. Daiviki's people called themselves Uvami, meaning stone wings. Their feet were a cross of paws and a humans foot, tipped in razor claws. Thick limbs were dark, nearly black, lightenin

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g to stony gray like their environment. Horns in a variety of shapes framed faces seamed down the center of their faces, hair in blacks, grays, and occasionally white was kept long and braided. Daiviki sat with Nusa in a circle around a small fire, using his claws to carefully eat, his mind heavy with the threat of man.

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@🎄A Magpie in a pear tree🎄

The femme with fair skin and long, slightly purple-tinted, white hair that cascaded down her back, looked out the window while holding her delicate hands to her chest. She was listening to the men behind her talk of what their plans were- and how they involved her. Though not unwilling by any means, she hadn't been told the arrangements. Had she been told she'd been a banner man or sent to war with a sword, she may have kept her breath more than the words she heard tumbling from the greedy mouths of the human men behind her. "She's old enough as it is. And in this tower, she is of no use to us," said the captain of the guard. A louder voice perked up in protest. "She's delicate! Would you have her be some concubine?" He demanded. Her father, not pleased with the suggestions made, made his discourse known. And she knew if her mother was alive, she wouldn't even have humored the ideas being tossed left and right about her future. The first voice spoke up again, this time in a tamer way to the head of council's words of protest, "She came to us looking for peace, mi'lord. The least we can do is honor her wishes and use the protection this pact can provide." She heard her father huff in defeat, and she felt her own shoulders slump. There was no one coming to save her from this fate she'd thrust upon herself, but she didn't protest it. The captain of the guard was right. She had volunteered. The terms had never been stated, and she wouldn't be so brash as to back out now. Lyra was many things. A woman of privilege in a small hamlet. A delicate creature in a rough world. A flower tender when quilting became too tiresome and conversation was dull to her well-educated ears. But above all things, she was stronger than her small form would convey. Though a mere 5 feet in stature, with long hair that waved down to her waist, wearing a white dress made of the finest silk the small town near the mountain pass could offer, she was no shrinking damsel. And so

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mething about how her father had worded her nature struck her to lift her head defiantly and look around to the men deciding her fate. "I can handle it, should the leader agree to your terms. I only ask I bring my seeds for a garden. It's the very least I can ask for my freedom." She turned from them, her soft nose up and away as she continued staring out the window and issued a sudden command that made the hardened men around her jump as they realized there was more bark to her than they'd realized. "Send the missive and see to their terms, I'll prepare myself for an acceptance should it come. Tell Juddah that I have made my choice," she steeled herself. The man she'd loved once had turned from her when she had been tasked with diplomacy, abandoning her as she sought peace. She wouldn't give the coward the decency of an explanation from her lips or text. He'd hear it like everyone else would. ~~~~ A few days later A messenger, looking disheveled and wearing a linin garb not made for the climbing she was doing made it up the pass. She called out to the creatures that dwelled where she couldn't quite see and held her hands up. Shaking mildly. Her voice quaked as it came out, "Creatures of the spirals! I have a message from the human Hamlet of Forray!" She shook with each word. "They ask you to read this missive and return their query! I'll be waiting at the end of the pass for a response. Should you have none, I ask only that you don't kill me and allow me to return to my family!" the messenger requested. The shaking messenger put the letter down and scurried back to where she'd wait for a response. The words inside read a simple: "We ask a treaty. We know the females in your population dwindle, and war dawns on both our horizons. We offer our highest woman of standing to you to join our Hamlet of Forray with your clan for protection. Should you accept, she will marry whomever your clan chooses and do your bidding to join us." @Vox

Nusa looked across to Daiviki, seeing his back to the outcrop and spear in hand. Her clicks echoed off the mountains like pebbles rattling down the cliffs. Uvami could form sound in the depths of their chests, amplified and projecting the clicks and rattles like bird calls. 'Trick?' 'Don't know.' 'Get the clan?' 'No. Single woman. Small.' 'Aye. Can't hear no one else. She said war.' 'Liar?' 'Why lie?' 'True.' He conceded and pushed up, setting his spear to his back. He stepped down into the path like a bastion up the hill, hair streaming in the wind and tail lashing behind him. As he went down the thin path he heard Nusa follow, prepared to act should this be an ambush. Nusa's skin rippled amongst the mottled colors of the mountains, keeping her hidden. His heavy weight was audible, making no effort to hide, paw like feet tipped with razor claws. He stepped down into the humans view and she'd realize very quickly he wore little. Just a fur tied about his waist in a loincloth that bared high on his legs. He looked down at her like a wolf might prey, dark eyes giving little of his emotions away. The letter was small in his fingers as he held it back out. "Read it." Daiviki's voice was edged with a warning to obey and his eyes searched hers for tricks or lies. His ears pressed back against his skull, gnashing his teeth in thought. "When is decision required?" The clan needed to be brought in to the conversation. Even if he was leader, he didn't look it. He wore no finery and carried a spear with a broken haft.

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@🎄A Magpie in a pear tree🎄

The messenger quaked in her boots as the Uvami approached. His shadow would cast him long before he got there and she awaited his reply with all the trepidation in the broken world. Turning slowly, she cast her dull eyes up to him. She wasn't a woman of any means by the look of her. She barely wore more than he did and took no notice of how unadorned him and his people were. To her, a peasant at most, it was common to see such garb on the less wealthy in their small Hamlet. She clutched her cloak to her and stared for a long, gap-mouthed moment before she nodded in response. "Of... of course. I understand. We prepared for this," She said with more conviction in her voice than the tremble betrayed. She took the note and read it out loud to him very carefully a few times before sighing and realizing that that might not translate either. Her hardened voice went on to explain, "Our fairest maiden of age is to offer as a ... mate to the one of your of your choosing to make our kind one" she put her hands together and nodded to him "To make a union of our two kinds. You will protect us and treat her well, and we will stop our war on the mountains. We cannot live like this forever and a treaty is our best option. Our Hamlet has little, but we have a marriage contract or... er ... Mating contract in order that would serve both our kinds well." She trembled and added, "I'm just the messenger, sir, not the woman in question. No offense but I find you terrifying and I wish nothing but prayers to Gaia Mother that you will treat her well should you accept. As the letter states, we're aware that women among your kind are rare, and we are compatible." She shook her head at the thought, happy she wasn't the woman waiting in a tower down the cliffs for word of what was to become of her. @Vox

"Shut up. I'm not a fool. I speak the same tongue." He tsked, understanding what his father meant by they liked to assume they had stones for brains too. "If we do not come down the mountains by three days, assume there is no deal. I need to speak with my clan." He grumbled catching Nusa's ear. 'Make sure she leaves.' He set in his legs to head up the hill, using his hands to keep his pace, mind awhirl with debate. A mate? He sighed softly, ears pressing to his skull. It'd get his elders of his back about it.... he barely processed as he reached the cliffs, wedging in his claws and feet. The climb gave him a good amount of time to think... •~~• They made their descent obvious on the second day of the alloted three. A flock of ten walked through the main square in time with the sun; six men and four women clad in furs. Dress amongst his people were highly optional and subjective but he'd forced his group to at least cover their lower halves. Nusa stuck by Daiviki's side, her son strapped to her back. Their attempt to be more than just a battalion of soldiers in the humans eyes. 'Funny little buildings...' 'Warm down here.' 'I heard they pray to some... thing?' 'Geea?' 'Somethin' like that.' 'Hush.' Daiviki tsked shutting down their cracklings and rumblings, scanning the buildings. They'd put on paint, lines and symbols across their skin of the faces and chest, Nusa's son wrapped up in a blanket. The boy was barely toddling age, little horns barely visible through a halo of light ashy hair.

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When the light properly cracked through the morning they were sitting in a circle amongst the square, the adults passing a pipe and Nusa's son trying to catch the smoke they blew about. Daiviki was set atop a roof, spear and knife in hand.

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@🎄A Magpie in a pear tree🎄

For three days she waited. Three long days as the messenger had conveyed. Lyra sat in her tower with handmaidens around her. Adorning her in the finest white silk the Hamlet could afford. They fluffed her hair and fashioned her face with paints to make her more appealing in the eyes of the Uvami. Missives had said they clad themselves in bright war colors. So the same was done to her. Her eyes were adored with shimmering blue powders, her cheeks with a rosy rouge. Her lips held the color of blood, and a stripe was painted delicately down her chin as it was lifted by a woman who gave her a dour look. "You are either very brave or very stupid," she informed Lyra. To which the woman just smiled and replied softly, "Perhaps both. But peace should come at any cost." She dropped her head and shook it lightly. Her hair was a mess of curls around her like a halo. And when she was carted into the carriage by the men who had served her up to the enemy, she took a look at her Hamlet, knowing it might be the last time she saw it. Her eyes wandered the place and tears welled up, but she steeled herself. The future was forward. The envoy arrived to meet the Uvami and their entourage. The carriage rolled to a stop just away from their camp and the beast of burden who pulled it gave a whinny of uncertainty at the presence of them. All the same, it was trained enough to stay as the driver pulled to a stop. No less than 8 men stepped from various spots. No weapons in sight. But that meant very little concerning humans. A brash one among them seemed to be the lead as he gestured to the grouping by the fire with his head to his men. He called out "We're here for talks of peace and to show you the offering for such, we bare no ill will," he let shout that didn't sound friendly no matter what words he used. But still, he seemed to be honest. He continued on as he shouted away from the distance. "We came to meet for talks, and to show what we offer for peace!" He finished,

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sounding like he was giving away territory or some sort of livestock. In the carriage and still hidden from view, but all the same in hearing range, Lyra shivered. She could almost feel the monsters, the beasts in their camp watching them and waiting for what was to come. But she held herself still and kept from shaking. She'd not make an appearance as a shivering maiden needing to be disposed of or rescued, depending on the man who may choose her. Outside, the man in charge continued, "We present to you, Lyra Ebonwrought, first lady of the Hamlet of Folly and an offering to your chosen mate for her. We hope with this we may bind out people as one!" He gave a gaudy flourish and opened the carriage. Lyra sat on a cushioned seat, looking at her hands as her long and slightly white/purple hair curled in waved and hid her face from view like a veil. She'd been prepared like a lamb for the slaughter and expected no less but her pride made her refuse to go into the whims of fate without her head held high. Slowly she rose and turned to the showing. Her skin was tan in an olive way, painted as the maids had left her. She wore a flowing dress that hugged her curves and her hair descended beyond her waist. Flowers of every color were woven into the curly locks and she rose her bright and almost neon-green eyes to the waiting party. As though knowing who was who and what was what, her gaze turned and pierced into Daiviki's for a moment, a flash, a glint, a soft smile before she passed him and spoke her own words at the mild dismay of her keeper, "Yes, I am Lyra. And I am your offering," she bowed her head and then her knees lightly in a curtsy. Keeping her head down but a certain dignity to it as she addressed them. @Vox

He'd had one of the men dress higher. Colored fabric and feathers laced in his hair, the man rose to greet them. Daiviki stayed firmly on his roof and tightened his grip on his spear as she looked to him. She's tiny... compatible? How.... He sighed softly. The man dressed to look their leader motioned for her to rise, "The pleasure is ours." He smiled, one of his tusks missing. 'Ask what they expect.' "If... you join the mountain, what do your people expect of us? Please. Come sit. Discuss." He stepped aside, gesturing for seats to be taken. Nusa bit the stem of her pipe, chattering when her son toddled too close to Lyra. He was nearly reaching her height even at his age holding up his hands to her. The child was making an odd chatter in the back of his throat and blinking wide dark eyes. Their false leader chattered a command to the boy and got no response, but Daiviki's harsh crack of sound made the boy retreat back to his mother like he was hiding from lightning strikes. "I apologize. We are all on edge. This is new for us just as it is for men." The false leader bowed, Nusa taking the cushions from one of the humans to set out on the ground. They'd brought food wrapped in leathers, Nusa's son crawling into her lap and giggling when he was given several mushroom caps to snack on. Their private chattering hadn't stopped, clicks and rattles giving way to little smiles or snorts of laughter. He didn't know what to think. They seemed.... honest. She was pretty he supposed. Tsking softly he went from a half squat to fully sitting on the roof of the ruined house. They'd set up the meeting in an old ruined village, the rubble half rotten away. Nusa took over the talks, able keep tabs of the conversation faster. She'd wrapped a bit of cloth about her chest, holding her pipe and sun across her legs. These men were so... small. She suddenly felt she took up too much space. And this woman. Daiviki was a chief supposed to have his pick of their people and he'

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d turned everyone away. Why was this woman who he was agreeing to? "You look like a painted bird." She tsked and went quiet when Daiviki let out another lightning crack sound.

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@🎄A Magpie in a pear tree🎄

The only female human in the grouping watched as she was addressed and bowed her head to the false leader as he addressed the human carriage and it's various envoys. The only thing to stop the rather former presentation by them was when the youngling wandered up to her. That was when she broke. The toddler came clicking up to her with it's speech she didn't understand, most likely baby talk, and the little form she could only recognize as a child. And a cute little bean at that. The painted mask she wore broke then. Lyra's smile blooming like the flowers she so loved and she dipped without care for her garment as the dirt touched it and she put her arms out as though to catch the youngling should they fall. She laughed softly and met the child's eyes. For a moment, there was a sadness. For all people said about 'compatibility', she believed that no children would come, no happy ever after should these talks come. So for a moment, she allowed herself to melt in the curious child's curiosity. Pushing her long hair back and smiling more "Hi there, I'm Lyra," she said very softly. Her head jolting up as the child was called away to Nusa's arms. Her smile dropped then and she rose with a bow of her head "Forgive me, I didn't mean to indulge. Children are so precious and yours is particularly precocious. Something to be admired," she chimed to Nusa softly and gave another bow of her head at the offerings to sit.

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Walking over with the group of men, who looked proud, their chests out as they formulated a grouping around her. Less like a guard and more like a prisoner being led to the gallows. But she kept her head up and walked with her hands folded in her lap. Choosing to sit away from them slightly and closer to the only other female in the entire treaty party that had arrived on both sides. They talked, speaking to Nusa and the False leader about the benefits of joining families and clans. All the while, Lyra looked around at the ruins, her eyes drawn up at the male on the roof. She canted her head slightly and considered him openly with wide eyes. They weren't so unappealing. Large, a little brutish with a softness to them in the dark at least. The fire blazed away as the talks went on, and the men offered her like a sacrifice to them. All the while talking about peace treaties, the ups and downs of trade routes, and how forming alliances through marriage benefited humans in many ways. The men were selling her to Nusa, looking to the false leader and back to Lyra who was still staring at the hunkered figure. Eyes squinting. She responded finally to the last thing spoken to her, smiling a bit and canting her head "They insisted," She said in her soft voice "I believe my Hamlet thought I'd be more appealing if I came to you all looking like a peacock in heat," She smirked a little at Nusa and leaned in a little with good humor "Is it working?" Her voice was soft and gentle and she had a good nature about her. A casual one too. She gave a sly smile and shook her head.

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Finally saying her piece, the men freezing up as she dared to speak to Nusa, Lyra's gentle tones echoed around the camp "I won't lie and say I'm pleased to be married off or I suppose mated off as your people may call it. But as the men have outlined we can benefit from this. I only ask that I'm not mistreated. I am not an Umavi, I'm a human. And I'd like to be one who isn't a chattel." She requested softly. Her only request besides her seeds that she'd made during all the negotiations into the night about her future. @Vox

"Believe me he knows better than to treat a woman badly. That doesn't work amongst our people." She reassured, grinning letting smoke between her teeth. Once conversation between the men started again she leaned back over. "Considering he's still here, I think your bird technique is working." She teased, laughing when her son giggled putting his foot in her face. She quietly glanced to Daiviki on the roof, clearly trying to keep their conversation between themselves. "He's not one for discussions. So he puts someone else to it and listens." She smiled teasingly playing with her sons toes making him wiggle. "Don't worry. You're with someone your own age." She winked referring to the false leaders older age versus Daiviki. "It is about time I bring him home. Would you like to walk with me?" She offered holding out a hand. "Your space is already made at clan home." Her son giggled chattering and tugging on his moms hand. Daiviki chattered and Nusa responded, sighing when he got up and jumped off the back of the roof out of sight to the dark.

@🎄A Magpie in a pear tree🎄

Her eyes slid from Nusa, back to the one on the roof and she allowed a small grin. "My father used to say that the man who talks the most is usually the one who knows the least." She half whispered back while the men bartered for their terms for the clan and the human hamlet alike. Lyra laughed lightly and leaned closer to Nusa to tickle the boys toes with her and sighed "I suppose he isn't terrible. He seems well mannered but I haven't upset him yet." She smirked a little in a wicked way and had a glint in her eyes when she met the other woman's. "But it seems decided all the same." She rose and looked to the men still chattering as she slipped her hand into the other femme's with ease. She wasn't afraid of them. For all the tales told about the horrors they wrought, they weren't without reason and she felt herself right for trusting her gut when it came to peace. Even if she was walking into a deal she didn't entirely like, it was one she could live with. Sighing and gripping the hand of the kind Umavi female named Nusa, she walked with her as she was lead and would let the men deliver the few things she had to their new allies. She'd get them, wherever she ended up. A chill ran down her as they walked and she stared at the ground with a smile. "Truth be told I didn't think dolling myself up like a painting would do much good. But I suppose if he sees worth then our people can know a peace as one. These treaties are usually carried out between kingdoms," she explained as she went along with ease, her free hand holding up a bit of the white garment. "They hoped it would work for our peace between our kinds. We're the only Hamlet for many many weeks. We can't afford to war the way the greater kingdoms can," her soft voice went on "Peace was the only option. Bloodshed was... Unfortunate and unnecessary." Her ruby lips turned down "It should have never come to that. I hope we can find a bond and whomever you choose to give me to," she paused and swallowed

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, again steeling herself "Will be amenable to keeping my people safe, all of us safe." She said the last words pointedly. Though she walked hand in hand with the woman and her son, she looked around from time to time to catch what she thought were glimpses of the one she'd seen on the roof. Questions welled in her head but she knew that there wasn't any going back. She was bought and paid for. The contract signed. What happened next was up to the Umavi. Though, she reasoned, if they were anything like the enchanting and kind Nusa, she could live with this life. As though musing on it, she asked softly "What is life like in the spires? Do think I'll be able to grow things there?" She sounded hopeful, almost painfully so in her soft voice. A gentle quiver as the quake of a new life started to span before her into the unknown. @Vox

"Yes. We live underground where it's warmer." She reassured holding her hand, knowing it was too dark for the other to see very well. "The soil is very good and there's water and heat for even southern plants." Her tail lashed behind her, eyes skimming the darkness. She chattered to her son who talked back, "He says you look like a goddess." She smiled lightly giggling. "I'm sorry he doesn't know the common tongue yet..." Nusa hoped she was calming. Someone she'd wished she'd had when she was small. "He's only three after all." As they set up the hill, Nusa wrapped a thick fur over her shoulders to keep warm, knowing the night could bite deep. Nusa was six foot and built like a wall, her hands dwarfing Lyra's. "It'll be okay." She promised softly, hand wrapping about hers. "I'm sorry it's a bit of a walk. I can have Daiviki come carry you." She offered softly. Nusa's son gently slid his long fingers into Lyra's, concern in his thin face.

"We should divert. The path ahead is too unsteady blind in the dark." Daiviki quietly stepped into view, blanket over his arm, suddenly going from silence to heavy audible steps. They could disappear amongst the stone like wraiths. He gently bent knee and bowed, braids slipping off his shoulders, tail tip flicking. "I am proud to meet you... Lyra." He rumbled gently, Nusa and her son letting go of her hands. 'I will take her the rest.' He chattered to Nusa who nodded and headed off into the dark, leaving them alone.

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@🎄A Magpie in a pear tree🎄

"That's nice to know, something to look forward to," she allowed herself a gentle smile at Nusa in both thanks and reassurance that she could still tend a garden. The boys sweet words made her melt and her finger wiggled in his as her smile continued to blossom at the sight of the little one. "I wanted children once, with a very foolish man who didn't want peace," she sighed "But we're going to make a better future for you, aren't we little one?" She asked the toddler with all the warmth of a mother, though she'd never been one. "Oh no, I wouldn't want to trouble one of your people. My goal is to be less of a burden and more of a bridge," She did huff a little, the smaller woman having trouble but not voicing it. Even as sweat sprung in the cold air from the trek. She didn't complain once and gave Nusa, whom she'd started to grow fond of, a gentle look "That's very kind, but to bother one of your men would be uncouth of me..." She trailed off at the appearance of Daiviki. Her head turned and lips parted slightly at him. He was slightly unlike the others at camp and the way he addressed her and bowed had a small smile curling on the corners of her lips. She bowed her head, then lightly at the knees in a curtsey "Thank you for the kind welcomes. Your people have been nothing but gentle in this exchange. So the pleasure is mine," she spoke to the ground but rose her eyes. Though unsure, she thought it might be the one she'd seen crouching. Her hues meeting his through the long locks of very pale purple hair that surrounded her head. His words were lost on her and she looked between him and the woman and back again with uncertainty. Pausing though on Nusa, she smiled and nodded "Like weeds, I'm told I can grow anywhere. I have faith and with the winter months coming, a warm place sounds nice... What did he say?" Her eyes drifted back to the impressive male and she felt herself quake slightly in his shadow, though he crouched it meant very little to how petite

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she was. Even so, she kept her head up in respect and a mild smile on her face that started to fade as Nusa moved away. Snapping her hands together in her lap and feeling oddly vulnerable around language she didn't know. Circumstances she couldn't predict. @Vox

"I told her I will take you. Her home is closer to down here than where we are going. It is more convenient for her to go now." He explained keeping his voice soft. "I can carry you to make it faster, or we have to walk through the caverns." He straightened fully to his height but kept his movements slow and visible to try and keep her at ease. "My name is Daiviki. I am the leader of my people and to be given to you." He looked down at her, gently and slowly taking her chin in his fingers. He was careful not to harm her skin as he lifted her chin to look up to him. "I will take care of you. Protect you. But you must listen to what I say and when i say, understand?" His head cocked to the side, pad of his thumb pressing gently over her bottom lip like he got distracted. Before she could speak he let go and turned to continue the trek. He'd had to drink to even get up the nerve to go and deal with the meeting at all.... He hated this full idea.... her face showed her emotion clear. She didn't want to be there. She didn't like Uvami. It was purely for politics. So he'd treat it the same.... "Are we climbing or going the long route?" He looked back, waiting for her to catch up. @🎄A Magpie in a pear tree🎄

Attention turned to Daiviki as he approached. Her gentle eyes, bright green and almost shining as the sun dimmed in the background of the mountain scape. She didn't look away and she noted how gentle he was. A small smile forming in the corners of her lips a moment at that. He was trying, she'd give him that much. It couldn't be easy for him to be so slow and careful when his very stature almost demanded he be loud and abrasive. Her head tilted up with his urgings and she didn't push him away or pull from the grasp. It wasn't unkind or rude. She felt her breath hitch slightly as he spoke and the soft thumb over her lips made her blink and lips part at nearly his urgings. She was caught a moment in the giant before her that stated his terms. Normally she may have balked at being told what to do and how. But this wasn't normal times. Instead she nodded slowly into his hand "I Understand," She said softly "I want to be respectful and honorable among your people as well as you with mine," she stated with a soft shiver up her spine she didn't betray in her words when he turned from her. She considered his offer and while it caught her that he was the leader and indeed whom she was to be given to, she relented to the offer from what was now known to her as he betrothed. Or whatever his kind would call them. Staring as he turned back to her she cleared her throat softly and smiled a little "I wouldn't object to my intended carrying me. Among humans it would have been seen as... inappropriate to let another male touch me when I'm ... reserved for another." She tried her best to keep a friendly smile to her lips and gentleness to her tone that just seemed natural. "If you wish to carry me and it's no burden, I wouldn't object to resting my feet," her breathing seemed to pick up a bit as her soft voice spoke like a whisper on the wind that seemed to carry. Never once did she look away or drop the mild smile. She'd not make a bad impression on him, not knowing wha

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t she did now. And she was already so very polite. @Vox

At first she thought he had extra arms unfolding from his shoulder blades, long limbs carefully and methodically spreading apart, but a thin membrane eventjally spread properly popping a joint. He stretched wide wings, them aimed more down rather than out like a birds. The ends were tipped in prehensile hands and claws like a bat. He bent low so she could easily reach his back, wings folding around like a cloth carrier for a baby. She could easily curl up to sit in his wings, arms about his neck. Only once she was settled did he stand increasing his stride to his natural pace, wings cradling around her like a warm blanket. They were soft and leathery, lacking any hair or fur. His skin smelt like stone warmed beneath the sun. The path increased in pitch and narrowed in width until he was nearly climbing, using the path edges to balance on the loose stone walk. "Impropriety is not much a concept amongst my people. There is some, but something as trivial as touch is not." He took a moment to pause getting his bearings. The mountains were near fully dark, even to his eyes meant for dim light, the fire below a star in the night. @🎄A Magpie in a pear tree🎄

Lyra paused a moment as she watched, with semi widening eyes, as he unfurled unseen wings. Blinking slightly as she stared a moment and her teeth tore a little at her bottom lip. It was uncanny, she'd never seen his kind this close before. It wasn't fear so much as surprise mixed with curiosity. Entertaining the form of his a moment with her eyes trailing over him slowly before snapping back to his features, she'd smile, bow her head in thanks and walk up. Carefully, she'd raise on tip toes till her arms barely wrapped around his neck. It was only by his aid that she got up into the wrap he'd created. Her form shook ever so slightly in his comfortable grasp, apprehension taking her again. It was all so new and she'd been thrown head first into all of this without any knowledge of what was to come. But he was kind enough, for now. And his grasp was warm in the chilling night air as they climbed upward and she bounced ever so slightly in his arms and wings. She listened to him talk and nodded with an adjustment "In truth, I don't know much if anything about your kind. There's stories in the towns, and things the envoys talk of... But beyond that I know very little. You'll have to cope with ignorance in that regard," she sighed a little, warm breath over his chest as she did so. "I'm eager to understand, I'm just... A little scared is all," She tried to explain. Lyra was a reasonable woman by all means and she'd wanted peace. She was going to try, at least, to make this pleasant when and how she could. Relaxing the longer they walked and with the gentle touch she didn't expect. "Did you make yourself known to my people as the leader? Or did you continue to let them have talks with whomever it was that did your bidding?" She inquired in her meek tones. A mild smile quirked wider on her lips for his deception. She didn't seem to have minded it. @Vox

"He remembers information far better than me. And he can write and read our own tongue to repeat later." He explained lightly, "and he is older. We have better talks when he pretends for me." He got Lyra settled on his back then started his climb. The cliffs were vertical but he seemed to have no anxiety with it all. He dug in clawed fingers and feet, tail flicking behind to keep their balance. He kicked up and nearly leapt her body height up the wall, his grip of her wings keeping her steady. "We are almost there." He advised, looking carefully up to not hit her with the ends of his horns. "Much has changed from when humans were allowed here. You're the first in a long time." He did another jump and caught another ledge, pulling them over top of it. Tucked hidden in the stone cliffs was a large cave mouth, the thin path spreading below.

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@🎄A Magpie in a pear tree🎄

The femme clung to him as they rose and he moved to situate her better on his back. She let out a little gasp when she took a chance to look down and didn't make that mistake again. Instead her petite arms wrapped tightly to his neck as he climb and spoke so casually. Her heart racing in her chest and heated breath on his neck as they went on. Managing a response, her gentle voice came out by his ear "I feel very privileged then, I suppose. Though you may allow others to talk for you, I'm at least pleased you don't hide this from me. This entire thing is already very...peticular." She sucked in her breath a bit, "If I had to talk to you through a third party, I'd imagine it would be more so," she laughed a little, a warm breath over his skin on the back of his neck as she did. The leap made her cry out and cling harder, her form shaking against his, "What has changed? I was hoping for at least a garden..." There was a mourning in her voice. As though she longed for nothing else she'd left at this point. @Vox

"We found better life beneath ground more often. In past we had to raid to survive. We had little in the way of proper guidance and it made our culture volatile." His wings tightened around her to try and calm, not having thought about the anxiety of the climb. He had very little fear of heights and often forgot others did. "You will have a garden. I promise." He glanced back lightly, concerned by her sudden remorse. He looked back forward to focus on the climb. At the top he set her down far from the ledge, the open mouth of a cave leading inside nearby. He sunk to sit near her, wings left lazily out across the ground. "Tomorrow I will show you the walking paths." He smiled softly, half crawling to the cave mouth and opening the box tucked just inside. They'd collected plenty over the years that qualified as light, but half of them he didn't know how to work. He rattled about with a broken lantern, giving her time to recover from the height. "It'll be easier in the light. If I could get this bloody thing to work." He tsked annoyed with the broken metal contraption. @🎄A Magpie in a pear tree🎄

She clung to him, like he was an anchor in a world that had given her away. And in some forms that was true. She both needed him at this moment and to survive life among his people. Catching his glance she gave a shaky smile at his tone. "That's very sweet. I don't want to trouble you. I was given a list of rules to abide by as your... Wife." She cleared her throat and put her head into her shoulder, if for no other reasons to hide her face and shield her gaze from the heights he climbed and jumped. As they finally landed and she was set to the ground she brushed out the garish gown she wore like the peacock she'd been done up as, as 'tribute' to his tribe and him. Though looking at him now she was thankful for a few things and made one known. Pulling a long strand of hair from her shoulder, she messed with it with her fingers looping around and around, looking to the cave and then him as he sunk to her level, more so at least. She nodded and sighed "I think I'll need to fashion more appropriate clothing," she said as she went in after him, going to the mouth of the cave and letting him lead her inside. Recovering quickly and coming to terms with her a lot faster, she was still shaking and the chill from the mountains was getting to her. This was a far cry from the life she lived before, but as she watched him move about. A soft laugh came from her lips and she walked over to the lantern he was shaking, from the pouches that seemed like adornments at first on her waist, she pulled a striker and flint, fiddling with them. Her free and petite hand reached out to touch his overly sized one to hold the lantern still, giving him a gentle look before she pulled her touch away to open the lantern's window and strike till a light was lit and the wick aflame "Another gift from my people. They sent me with small items we thought might be of worth." She explained. Though she was shaky, a bit scared, and didn't hold eye contact with him for long. When she did lo

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ok, it was more of an interest in him. If anything, her fear was born more of the climb and her choice to not let it show as best she could. Even as the wind up there whipped her hair and made her shiver, she closed the window to the lantern and smiled to up at him with an incline of her head "Will there be a ceremony or are we simply mated? Our envoys knew very little about your customs. Clearly." She looked down at the nonsense she was cluttered with. @Vox

He led inside the cave, holding the light high for her to see. They'd left it natural here, the stone formations cutting out the wind. It was warmer inside, the floor clean and dry. "We had made trades for fabric and clothing. As well as we already have leather and fur. Obviously, we don't wear much for clothing." He chuckled lightly, tail lashing behind him. "Be... aware of that. Some do not wear any at all when resting." He glanced over and down at her. Further inside the stalagmites and similar pillars of stone had been carved away. In the flickering lantern she realized she could see near hand prints in the stone walls. It looked like hands smearing through mud, pressed into the stone, smoothing it flat. "It is... complicated. Most of our people do not take life partners. Because our breed are so rare, many have children with many others." He sighed lightly, hopping a small trench filled with water, having a foot on each side. Easily lifting her over, he smiled gently. "This is an abnormality. I'm aware your people have a ceremony I would like to do. We tend to celebrate anytbing whenever we can." He chattered lightly under his breath in a near sound like a bird. A happy noise. His wings had folded up to his back again and one could easily think he had no wings at all. He turned off the lantern and shuttered it as they entered a large atrium. The open space was massive, cored out like a bee hive. Stalactites thick around as houses hung from the ceiling, arches exposing hollow interiors. Caves lead into the dark and below there were cliffs and offshoots of stone giving places to laze about. It was warm and comfortable in temperature enough plants were growing. Vines crawled up the walls and cliffsides. One could forget they were in an interior, grass and plants growing in soft black soil. A river splashed down nearby, splitting the massive cave in two. The walls were smeared with rainbow streaks of faint light enough of it everywhere that she could see quite

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well. Many of his people were about, their chattering and clicking like bats in the space. Suddenly curious many looked down or across to her and him, nudging each other and generally being nosy. "This is one of six caves in our flock." He said lightly. "The space I made for us is over there." He pointed across to a cave with an easy path to the entrances and down to the river. He'd claimed the full outcropping in front of it, a grassy flat space. He'd made fences, branches tied together and half walls of molded stone blocked out the decent space around the cave mouth. "I can make walls where you need, and we can tear out the wild plants wherever you'd like to grow." He smiled softly, tearing out a large fern and touched her nose with the broken end, the sap sweet smelling. "Now you glow." He grinned, chattering, and touched his forehead leaving a blue mark.

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@🎄A Magpie in a pear tree🎄

Picking up her long dress, she moved along behind him to the light the lantern brought. She put the flint and striker away before doing so and listened to him with a mild blush "Well I don't suppose I'll ever adapt to those ways, I can certainly mind myself while others do." She informed gently in regards to how his people didn't wear garments, typically. "I'll still require them but as long as you have the materials, I can do so. I have seeds, mind you. But no fabric. The few belongings the Hamlet's elders allowed me to have sent up was ... minimal." She frowned a little and looked away. It would seem this arrangement had her giving away quite a lot but all the same, she turned back with her head high a mild smile at the cave as it opened up and she saw the wonders around her. It was unlike anything she'd ever seen and it caught her breath "Oh Daiviki... Your world is enchanting," She breathed without truly knowing she was talking out loud. Her hand to her heart, she lowered it as he explained about partnering and how he liked the human traditions. Her brows raised and she reached out to touch his overly large arm with her petite hand. "You want a handfasting?" She said with mild surprise and a smile that was followed but a laugh, her hand covering her lips "I'm sorry. It's just hard to find even a human man who would dream of such. But... " she looked down and bit her lip before her shining eyes peeked up at him through long lashes. "I can prepare the ceremonies and such and coach you if this is truly your wish. You are my intended and it would only be right to give in to any request you have that's reasonable. And a handfasting seems so." She bowed her head lightly, wearing a soft smile. Continuing to follow him, she finally came upon where would be their home. Looking around with wide eyes and a look of wonder, she suddenly shot her hues and features to him and gave him a long look "You had this prepared?" She smiled a little more "Did you have so

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me intel on me that told you I'd be a mate you'd like?" She gave him a sly smile and a little wickedness played behind the fear that was dissolving. She looked away and laughed again "This place is lovely. Truly. Human villages are so mundane but this is... Beautiful. I think I should like it here. If you're okay doing so I could use the entryway by the opening clear, so I can plant. A small space to the right and left for vegetables. What is your usual diet?" She asked with a cant of her head. Slowly she held the hem of her gown up and passed him to enter inside. The art on the walls and stalagmites had already had her attention, as well as the strange but appealing being that had been guiding her and now was her mate, so to speak. She giggled as he touched her nose with the fern, reaching out to grab the end of it and tug it a bit before she blushed a bit "You aren't what I expected." She said softly, looking down. "I had been led to believe you'd throw me over your shoulder and haul me into your bed chamber. Now I don't know what to expect," She admitted as she played with the hem of her dress between both her hands and stared down at it with a soft smile. "I'd like to know what I can do to make this comfortable for you. You've been, thus far, kind and accepting. Welcoming and giving. Would you like anything from me?" She asked it in a whisper but it was as though a gentle request to ask how to please him in the most innocent but scandalous of ways. @Vox

"My plan is to make you another garden at the lower entrance you have not seen. It is closer to the foot of the mountain and I think would be better. We eat meat mostly and roots that grow here." He sucked his cheek in thought. "Outside food on occasion. The plants here grow very quick and provide the most." Tail flicking when she went into the further questions he snorted softly at the idea of him being a ruffian. "I make no full promises I won't. But you've been taken from your entire life and thrown into mine within one night." He tipped up her chin with clawed fingers, "I remember that feeling. I have now interest to do that to you." He let go, thumb skimming her cheek as he straightened up. "Do not worry what I need. This is not for me. Just as it isn't for you. It is for our people." He ducked inside the cave straightening up inside. He'd made the entrance smaller than needed, providing privacy, and once she was inside dropped a blanket curtain. "I can add spaces and change the shape given time. However you need." He advised ears flicking back and tail lashing. The space was four semi formed rooms, the front an entrance and place to sit, the second a kitchen of sorts, and the back assumingly a room though it was curtained off, and a bath branching aside. He had made furniture from stone, cushions filled with grass. The kitchen had a welled space in the wall for a fireplace, a waterwell in the opposite wall, the cold water keeping the hole ice cold. "I tried to think of anything so you could have privacy, but it is obviously not my full understanding." He chuckled. He couldn't decide his thoughts. She was... different obviously to him, but her asking that question had sent his brain into confused spinning mush.... Ears pressed back he bent, using a cup on a handle to pull water from the well emptying it in hope the cold would clear his mind.

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@🎄A Magpie in a pear tree🎄

Bright eyes stared into his as her chin was lifted up. And an unseen chill washed through her at the claw that cusped her cheek and ran down it. His soft and deep voice touching her to the bone in a way she didn't fully understand yet. Her ruby lips parted at his words and she nodded against the claw against her overly soft and fair skin. A lock a purple, pale hair falling onto his appendage as he moved her chin. She just stared a moment with soft eyes. Speaking after several moments "Is it?" she asked before he turned away from her to lead her through the cave. She went along, dallying a moment to gather herself and the breath that hitched in her throat. He was alluring, appealing. And it confused her. She had thought a lustless, loveless mating of the alien kind was in her future. But now, watching his strong back and folded wings as he led her in after releasing her face from his grasp. It was almost possessive and it confused her all the more. Showing on her features only mildly as she responded "I did what I need for us both. Both our kinds, both of us. So did you. This should be as painless for you as for me," she said softly with a push of her hair behind her ear. A soft gasp echoed from her lips as she looked around the space he provided and for a long moment she walked the space with slow steps before she turned half to him and gave a soft smile of mild adoration "This is wonderful. And planting sounds just as much. I'll show you if you like. I want to be a good mate- a good wife as my people call it. Not just for our people but our happiness." She paused a moment and bit her lip "My kind mates for life but I won't begrudge you for seeking out others. Among humans, a wife is little more than property." She breathed in sharply and looked down. "Some human men are far more savage than any I've seen of your kind, but it doesn't diminish my wish to make you happy," She gave a shaky smile and clutched her dress hem "Will you show me hunting spots tomo

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rrow? I can rig traps or cook whatever you bring home. I don't know much about what's expected of me and I don't want this to be ... hard." She looked down and closed her eyes. "It's odd, I don't know you but you've already been kinder to me than many who have vowed love in spades. Thank you, I'll do my best to make this easy. I can imagine you let many of your kind down when you agreed to this. I'm sorry you had to forsake your life for our people," She sounded genuine and let her head stayed dropped while she stood by one of the stocked kitchen spaces. A bit overwhelmed it seemed by how much he offered for her merely being here and agreeing to this. Looking up she tried to hold his eyes with her soft gaze "If you wish for a human hand fasting, tell me when and I'll begin preparations." She bowed again, almost mute this time in a subservient way not shown as much till this moment. Her hands holding her dress to span it out as she curtsied to him as one with great respect might do. @Vox

"Don't do that." He glanced back, setting up the cup. "Assuming expectations or whatever you're doing." He straightened up arms crossed. "I do not own you. You are not a possession. You do not owe me." He reiterated not getting the hesitancy nor the subservience. "So stop." He grit his teeth. "I was already a let down taking control of my flock. If anything it's an amusement amongst my people." He sighed sinking into a seat he'd made large enough for his height. Idly he smoothed his hand over the arm, the stone eventually deforming under his touch. His kind could melt the stone, being made from it themselves in the long ago, though it exhausted him quickly. "So please. I have no expectations. Enough trying to repay me." He let his head fall back, tail lazily scratching across the floor. "It's late. Through there is a mattress and what clothes id found. If you need water use the cold well. It's clean." He advised gently, voice softer from losing energy. @🎄A Magpie in a pear tree🎄

Bright hues watched him as he worked and sank to sit, admonishing her. Her eyes turned wide in wonder and a kind of shock as he spoke. She fluttered her lashes against soft, high, pale cheeks and opened her mouth a few times to talk before she turned away with a flit of her hair behind her bejeweled ear. "It's different in my world," She informed him gently. Not taking offense by his stance on the matter. "You exchange service for service." Her voice was quiet. "I told you I don't know your customs. Your ways or your people well. I'm a sacrificial lamb, Daiviki." she pronounced his name nearly perfectly and gave a sad smile. "You're mocked perhaps for this, I'm thrown away for this. The very least I can do is make it pleasant for us both." She moved to the 'kitchen' area to quietly take stock a moment "For humans, a mate means a spouse and a spouse provides. What are the roles in your culture?" She sighed and looked down at her dress with dismay and distaste. "Please understand, I know you aren't happy thus far with my easy subservience to you, but what am I to do?" she looked around at him with a soft and semi-pained look "My people told me I could bring peace, dolled me up while the man I loved served me up, and now I'm in a cave... Imagine if it was reversed. Wouldn't you want to fit in, be worthy?" She asked with a quizzical expression at him. Her hues drifted to the matress and her eyes widened a moment as she realized there was only one. "I won't let you give up comfort for a woman you don't know and don't appear to want all that much, for all the grief in your kind it seemed to have caused you."Her voice was soft, but there was a mild hurt to it. She had taken the comment about how his people viewed this arrangement to heart and his dismay at her desire to see to his needs didn't help at all. As lost as she was, in this cave, she felt as though she was in a mezzanine. @Vox

"I don't understand what you ask. Roles. Whatever you're trying to express." He looked over, temple rested on his knuckles. "I came to the clan as a war prize." He advised gently touching the scarred cross on his forehead, a symbol of it. "I've played the game. I had to fight for this place. I am giving it to you. Take it and leave yourself to calm." He tsked gently mildly annoyed she wasn't understanding his thoughts. "You want something to do? Garden. Sew your clothes. And stop acting you need to fulfill some desire of mine." He said tired, tugging the tie out of his hair, raking his fingers through the tangles. He eventually got up to start a fire in the fireplace, setting in some kindling and branches he'd brought down from the surface. She realized very quickly he could form sparks hitting his knuckles together, using them as sparking stones. Once it was started he stood up and pulled water from the cold well and finding a rag for her to clean her face. "Go redress or at least not that dress. Then come clean your face." @🎄A Magpie in a pear tree🎄

The femme looked confused, at a loss more so that he didn't understand her anymore then vice versa. Humans, in this time and her Hamlet, had roles and positions they filled in the family. She'd come her expecting the same. But was all the more dislodged in her standing when he spoke. Eyes traced his movements over the scar and she opened her lips to ask but thought better of it before shutting the ruby seal. Defeated, she hung her head and nodded. Perhaps hoping to bring him joy and finding that she was little more then a small burden, or at least feeling such. Her voice was small and she didn't look at him "Of course. I hate this whole get up anyway," she admitted before approaching him and taking the bowl from his hands, her own soft ones touching his for a moment. "Thank you," she still didn't look at him before hurrying away to the more private areas of the stone cave. All stone. Her life now. She wondered if her soft exterior would fade and the toughened heart beneath would come out more. Lyra hoped not. But as she disrobed, took off the layers of fabric and brightly colored adornments, setting them to the side as she washed her skin with a corner of the dress that lay discarded. She took off the paint, she let down her long hair. She removed the flowers and let them float in the bowl, wondering how long before she'd see fresh ones again. Small tears appeared in her eyes before she finally finished and she rose to take a layer of the flamboyant dress she'd been carted in to her arms. Slowly wrapping it like a toga around her form till the white, semi green fabric lightly sheered, coated her form. The paint was gone, so were her tears. She returned to him with a look at the sparks and small smile, though still not raising her eyes. "You have many skills. Do your kind need fire or is this another luxury for me?" her voice was but a whispered chime and she moved around his impressive form till she sat on the other side of the fire from him. Knees t

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ucked up against her chest and hair falling fully around her like a massive halo that the fire reflected off of. Finally sighing, she relented "We have a long road to learn eachother, I can see it now. But I can be patient if you can," small as her voice was, she seemed determined to see it through. And he wasn't so hard, so mean. He had an appeal she couldn't place in the flurry of the last few days. @Vox

"We largely do not need light. We can locate through sounds and touch comfortably. Fire is used primarily to cook and warm our children." He was watching the small crackling frames, settling his anxious heart. He'd not meant her entrance to be so... disjointed. He rubbed one of his eyes on his knuckles, tangled locks falling over his face. "I will sleep tonight in the roost. Tomorrow morning be prepared for a walk. I'll show you the other exit where you can have your garden outside." He pushed up from the seat, having to use the ceiling to get his feet under him. "We do not spend much time here. I know the dark isn't enjoyable." He pet back her hair, passing to get blankets down for her in their room, the shelves too high for her to easily reach. "Here." He set them on the end of the mattress, "tomorrow we can find better things for you to make here more comfortable." He said softly as he cleaned up the costume shed been in, putting them up on shelves. @🎄A Magpie in a pear tree🎄

Bright eyes stared at him as he moved around and explained "Well I appreciate the light and warmth. I need both, being a fragile human" She smirked a little at him teasingly, mildly but it was there as she started to relax in his presence and what she was accepting as her new home. She peered around until her hues set on him. She considered him for a long moment. "Thank you, you're making this rather painless. I don't know anything about your culture but I want to learn, I want us to ... understand each other. This is only going to be a happy union if we do." She explained with almost pleading eyes and thankful ones at the same time. "Thank you as well," came her gentle voice "For seeing so well to my need for a garden. I was so worried and I have so very few skills. I was meant to be married to the mayor's son for most of my life. But when he found out I wanted peace..." she trailed off, her smile faded and she looked to the fire. Her long, pale purple hair covered her face and she was quiet before clearing her throat. "You're kinder than I expected." Slowly she rose up with grace and now cleaned and her clothing simplified by the toga she'd fashioned, she went to the bed he'd set things at the end of and slowly climbed in. Turning on her side, she looked over at him with soft pale, rosy cheeks in full bloom like roses. "I'm not ... ready to try mating," She admitted "But sitting on your back for hours and knowing that we're meant to be mated, in both your culture and I suppose mine as you seem interested in such," She laughed a little, seemingly touched by his earlier request, "Then sharing a bed shouldn't be so awful. I am tired. And I'm not so cold as to turn you from your... Rook?" She was trying, at least, to understand his terms and people. Though the first night was going to be awkward and semi-hard to understand on both sides. She was doing her best though, with fear and excitement as her eyes scaled the man that might lay with her for the

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first time, however innocently, and thought her own private thoughts of how his form would fit near hers. @Vox

"The roost. The stone attached to the ceiling cored out. It is a place for single males or those in trouble with their spouses." He chuckled sitting on the floor next to the mattress, resting by the wall and setting his arm on the bed. He blinked and his eyes tightened shut, a soft sound in the back of his throat clicking gently at mention of mating. His ears flicked back tail clicking gently on the floor. "You're so small I'd fear I'd hurt you." He snorted chattering softly like stones tumbling down a hill. "You don't even reach my shoulder." He stretched out his legs, smiling with eyes closed tight like a cats. The balls of his feet were closer to an animals too, toes having pads and claws. "I am hoping to have some of us make a new nest outside. Buildings like your people. Learn." He Said softly petting her hair. "Yoh won't be trapped underground." He promised petting hair back from her cheek. @🎄A Magpie in a pear tree🎄

She blinked as he came to rest beside her and corrected her, giving a small and blushing smile "Roost." She repeated. She was willing to learn, she wanted to. But it was all so new to her. His words about how small she was, was met with a mix of indignation and another fluttering of red over her cheeks that caused her to look away and clear her throat. "I suppose a mating without such things could be arranged. In truth what we do behind these walls is up to us and the customs we make. Even if we go about with each of the traditions of bonding by both our kind's ways" She fluttered her hand in the air. It fell to rest by her head as she leaned back and he came to push her long and wild hair out of her face. A small smile of genuineness came over her soft features and long lashes fluttered over alabaster and rose-tinted cheeks. "You're so eager to make me comfortable, in every way it seems," she nearly whispered. A petite hand came up to touch the one stroking her hair away and her cheeks, a little shiver and soft goosebumps rising on her skin. Her hand encased his as much as it could, given his size, and she smiled a bit more "I'm okay living like this," She assured "I was always called adventurous," she gave a gentle laugh and sighed. "But a little homestead sounds nice, and I could teach your people a bit about carpentry. I've read alot about... too much," she gave a soft sound in her throat close to a nervous laugh and looked away. "Thank you, again, for your kindness in all this. You could have been a beast," she allowed her soft gaze to drift up to his once more. @Vox

"Go to sleep butterfly." He chuckled holding her fingers that tucked over his hands. -- She woke to the smell of food, Nusa and Daiviki talking quietly. Nusa's son was wrapped up in a blanket on the floor nearby, out cold asleep. Nusa had brought more clothes, though they were a bit old fashioned and large. Trousers and a tunic shirt were folded next to her. Both of them were sitting, Nusa with a bowl of flour mixing with her fingers. She grinned as Lyra nudged open the curtain. Daiviki smiled softly pointing lightly to the side bathroom. "Theres still hot water if you'd like to bathe. There'll be food soon." He held up his hands, dirty from dough, as explanation why he didn't get up. The bath was molded from stone, a mat at the bottom to keep tender skin safe from hot stone. Several buckets still held hot water, steaming warm, well enough for her. A plug at the bottom of the bath kept the water in. Daiviki chatted quietly in their clicking tongue with Nusa, both cooking. When she came out Nusa held up a plate of what looked like buns. "They have fruit in them careful it may be hot." She grinned, a peach in hand, carefully peeling off the soft skin. Daiviki poured tea from a pot into a metal tin cup, the liquid inside sweet and vaguely blue and oily in tint.

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@🎄A Magpie in a pear tree🎄

She came out after an evening blissfully asleep. It was more comfortable then she expected and much to her shock, he didn't seem to join her to her knowledge. She didn't think she'd be ready for that, however close they'd connected thus far. The evening before she remembered thanking him and drifting off. But the look in his eyes was so soft compared to the stone that he represented. She was impressed, she wouldn't deny that. And as she went to sleep on the mattress alone, she thought it was far nicer then what she expected. She didn't feel like a sacrifice anymore, she felt like a tribute. Moving to the doorway she watched Nusa and Daiviki for a moment, smiling at the little one sleeping. Her eyes shifting to Dai as he spoke and smiling a little warmly before darting her eyes. "Thank you," She said with a little curtsey. Offering Nusa a smile, she moved to go get washed and rewrapped herself in her toga quickly before joining them. Sinking down to her knees to make a triangle and looking from one to the other slowly. She watched them eat and was quiet for a time before clearing her gentle throat. "Daiviki" She said quietly "Nusa," she smiled at the other female with more openness before continuing, "You asked about human customs the other night and what we might do to solidify it among my people. What would you like to do for your people?" she canted her head ever so slightly with a mild smile and blush "I'd like to be a part of your world as much as you seek to be part of mine," her voice was soft and her eyes dropped, her hand raising to push the long pale hair behind her ear.

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@Vox

"Your people invited us to join their festival." Daiviki nudged the plate of food towards her to eat, letting out steam from his own bite, "my plan was then. Both of our people together." He tipped his head lightly aside, "does that sound alright?" Nusa's son had woke and crawled into his mothers lap, sleepily chattering when given a slice of peach. "It'd give both our people a chance to interact with each other. Combine both our celebrations." She smiled lightly at the idea. "A small group has been invited to your village to learn to build. I thought you and I could go to get clothes for you." Dai offered, sitting back against the wall. @🎄A Magpie in a pear tree🎄

Easing down beside them, she smiled at the plate of food and whispered a very quiet thank you, her eyes casting up a moment to look at Daiviki. He wasn't so bad, in terms of men that she could be oathed to. He'd been kind, polite, given her space, food, and was now talking of collaboration. Her bleeding heart ached at the goodness there and the shared common ground they had. She nodded, her runaway hair fluttering around her as she did. "I'd like that. But I do fear we might run into some of the more protesting of the Hamlet. Some aren't exactly happy with this arrangement and may make things difficult. Especially one," her eyes narrowed and she shook her head again, politely diving into her plate. Her soft eyes looked at him again and considered his strength and prowess a moment before she grinned with soft lips "Nevermind, such a silly fear," She shook her head and looked to Nusa with a look that only one woman can give to another. She ate and continued on "I like the idea and it would be helpful. It's much colder here then where I'm from and I'll need furs and things to keep me warm in the mountains. I was hoping to find some herbs and perhaps more seeds." She mused "Of course to help out here," She added, as though fearing she was sounding selfish. A blush cast along her cheeks a moment and she kept her hand down before speaking again "So when will we head out?" She thought a moment of being carried down the steep and was filled with an odd combination of fear and excitement. Though she didn't know why. @Vox

"If they have problems with it and really want to fight then that's a problem solved very quickly." He chuckled lightly, head set back on the arm of his seat, tail flicking across the floor. "Humans don't do that Daiviki..." "Eh? Then what do they do missus know it all." He rolled half baring his teeth in a barred grin rocking his head back and forth. He got her kids foot in his face for an answer. "Humans don't fight over brides right? Tell him I'm right." "Males fight over anything. And for fun. And because there's nothing better to do." Dai picked his teeth with his nail. "I thought we'd take the path out to show you where you can get to your garden outside. Then head for the town." Dai made a soft clicking under his breath, huffing and stretching out over his seat. He'd fallen asleep against the wall by her and his back and legs killed.

6:42 AM

@🎄A Magpie in a pear tree🎄

The femme blinked repeatedly as her eyes darted between Daiviki and Nusa and back again. Amused by their comments and mostly Daiviki's. Finally she couldn't stifle it any longer and covered her soft lips to giggle into them while her face turned red in response. "I'm... Very flattered, Daiviki," she explained. Her hand reaching out to touch his forearm in the first caress she'd really given him besides clinging to his body for dear life as they climbed. "But humans... well they do fight for spouses on occasion, it's rather rare and the intended still gets their last say," She lowered her hand from her mouth and was smiling. "And I've made my choice," She chimed very gently to him. "I don't think any would be so daft as to challenge you but even in the worst event... Well humans aren't... you," she looked down and fiddled with her makeshift dress. "Human men are horribly disappointing. This is the first meal ever served to me by anyone thats ever expressed affection, for instance." With that out in the open and her mind a little dizzy at the idea of being fought for, by a man she had thought was rather grumpy about this arrangement, she went back to eating her food quietly with the little hints of a flattered smile. @Vox

Once she was nearly finished did he start packing some supplies to bring into the town. A leather pouch tied shut around his materials and strapped to his thigh. Old human coins, some small raw gemstones, a bit of gold. Things to sell to buy her things. He carefully stowed them away. A dress Nusa had brought would do well. It was simple and blue and a bit big. Daiviki sized it slightly by eye then took a knife to it to cut the skirt to a better length, roughly at her knees. The removed length of skirt got pulled into cord and run up the back in a simple corset to pull the bust to size. It was old fabric and would do until he could buy her clothes.... He'd never had to worry much about the appearance of clothing, after all his kind preferred utility, but this worried him. It looked like rags too much for his liking. The silk coat from the other night will do to cover the mess of the back. He sighed softly, rubbing his hair. "Here. This will do for now. We will go to clothes first when we arrive." He reassured, worried she'd refuse to wear it. Her current dress was little more than a slip, and sheer enough he worried in high light she'd be exposed. Why does that stress me... "The coat from our meeting night will do well to cover. The day is hot outside." He set his knife in its sheath on his opposite leg. "For now it'll work." He pushed up lightly to stretch, Nusa's son already having slipped out and left. 'Are you coming Nusa?' 'Once I settle Sprout. I wish to see my family to.' Dai chattered a soft affirmative. All of the separate clans of Uvami kind believed themselves separate species, but the potential positive link Daiviki had made was bringing them back in arms. His birth clan were sending people to help the humans build now that they could walk the mountains safely again. He'd not seen any of his birth clan since the war. Nor had Nusa.... "Shall we go Butterfly?" He offered his arms. "You can finish eating and ill carry you." He offered tail f

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licking. "It's a long walk and you have small legs."

10:27 AM

@🎄A Magpie in a pear tree🎄

Eating, she let her eyes track him as he rose to start to prepare. Canting her head slightly at the way he fussed. She was confused at first by why and how come he was bringing trinkets, when he started to make her a dress more befitting the climate. It dawned on her like the sun that he was trying to care for her already. He didn't need to, mind you. Lyra had given herself over and was prepared for the worst, though hoped for something better. This, this was just adorable. The way he gathered what humans might consider valuable and then made such a big deal out of crafting her a dress that wouldn't drown her. When he finally offered it, she slid a pale glance at Nusa and smiled with red cheeks. Flattered by all he was doing and the way he sighed and ran his hand through his hair, she reached out to take the tattered dress and held it like it was dear fabric for a moment between her hands before she said warmly "Thank you, this will do wonderfully. And the coat should do as well," she added in agreement. She was trying her hardest not to be a burden or problem on him, but no matter how hard she tried to make herself easy to care for, he pushed back with more care. It surprised her in a good way and as he offered his arms to her and called her 'butterfly', her long lashes fluttered against her pale cheeks. Nodding, she hurried to the other room to change into the blue dress and the overcoat from the previous evening. It was big on her, but the cord helped pull it tight around her waist and made it flair around her hips. She pulled it down and adjusted it with a smile and a little flutter in her heart. Lyra couldn't place why she adored the garment so much, but she did. Throwing the coat over it, she whisked around the corner and back to Daiviki's side before he could recind his offered arms. She hesitated a moment as though unsure how bold she should be, before opting to step up against him slightly and stand on her tippy toes, holding her arms u

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p for him to scoop her how he wished. "My legs arn't that small," she tittered a little with a smile and look up at him before she turned her head away like pulling with a pry bar from his stare, to look at Nusa and her son "It was nice seeing you again, Nusa. I hope again later today as well. Thank you for the garments. You've been just wonderful to me," she beamed before looking back to Daiviki and wiggling her fingers a bit as she held her arms in the air. "Ready, big guy," she smirked a little at him and looked away a moment and not argue with being carried. @Vox

He easily picked the way through the caverns greenery. Many of the denizens were lounging about the river that they hopped over, Dai's long legs making it little more than a skip. Several of the males, slightly younger, made a little group around them like puppies. "Look at you all tamed!" One chattered laughing, their speech rough and unpracticed. Playing. One of the others smacked Daiviki's leg running past, leaving a glowing print of sap. Daiviki snorted and when the young one stopped, pressed a foot to his side and pushed him in the water. He stood above on the stone river edge as the man bobbed up. "Remind me to tell your wife you're being a brat." Dai grinned as the other sputtered. "Wait but. No!" "Who's tamed now?" He grinned chattering under his breath and continuing on, leaving the group laughing and jumping in the river. This new lower path was like massive stairs that Dai hopped down, Lyra sitting on one of his arms. He let himself down the several drops and to a lower archway that let out into the grass. The cave path let out into a field and in the distance, the forest and hamlet. "This field is ours to the trees. And out that way." He pointed following the foot of the mountain. "Several of us are going to be taught to build by humans so we can have homes here." He smiled lightly. "Including for us." He set her lightly down to take a small break, stretching out and letting his wings out warming up in the sunshine.

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@🎄A Magpie in a pear tree🎄

Resting on just the one arm and feeling very secure, she sat much like a half upright princess might. Grinning wider and keeping her arms around his neck, only to tighten when she was afraid by one of the jumps or leaps he made. Her heart jolting a bit but not as much as the day before. The comments from the others they passed made her blush and smirk, turning her head into Dai's neck softly and giving the slightest of nuzzles "I don't wish to tame any part of you, for what it's worth," she said so only he could hear, her soft lips by his ear as she did. She pulled away a little and smiled at him assuredly and then laughed as he turned the tables and shoved another into the water. She held on and sat happily till they came to a rest and he so easily set her down. She was so small compared to him and even her own kind, but she didn't have the fear she thought she might. Sweat formed on her brow at some point and she shrugged off the coat to wrap it around her waist into another plume of a skirt addition instead. Pushing her hair behind her ear, the lock locks cascading around wildly despite her best efforts, as she looked around at all he told her was theirs. She smiled a little wider and looked down as he mentioned a home for them there. "I don't mind the cave, Daiviki. You've already changed and acclimated so much for me." She looked up at him, touched. Reaching out she put both her small and soft hands on his forearm and tried to catch his eyes. "Now that it's just us and the commotion of all the pageantry is gone, tell me... Do you really want this or are you just hoping for a better life for our kinds? I don't mind either way but I want to know what kind of wife you want. One that can love you or one that simply there for formality." She looked down as though dreading the answer but preparing for the worst. She spoke to the ground "I have hopes for a life, love, children, a home. But I won't force you into anything. I just want whats best for everyon

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e and if that means being a dutiful servant/wife to you instead of a partner... I accept that." She told him, though never looked away from the ground. She spoke it all out softly and directly, and she began withdrawing her hands from him slowly in the process. As though letting him know she would always respect his wishes within reason. Touched as she was by all he had done so far and offered, she felt softened more so because of it and thus, had to make sure she was doing right by him in return. @Vox

He met her eyes with a pause of thought then heavily dropped to sit, stretching digitigrade legs. Silently he laid down in the grass, clearly using it as time to formulate proper words. More of his kind were leaving the mountain, playing and enjoying the sun. Escaping the dark. He lifted a hand above him, gently playing with a strand of grass that swayed above him, framing the blue sky. He gently tucked an arm and claws about her waist, pulling her down to sit atop his stomach. "I am... learning. My childhood was lived in war and in the dark. I am only sure of how to fight. Talking is hard." He get distracted by her small hands, chuffing amused when he compared their size. "I want to live. To have my people live like they did long ago. We have that chance, because of you." He gently put her hand against his cheek, eyes closed. His skin had gone lighter in color, rippling like water, dark dots like slight freckles over his cheekbones. "I am not opposed to our relationship. I do not want a meek mouse too terrified to open her mouth." He sighed slightly debating more words, "You are my equal as a bride and you'd be queen. But you act as if at any time I'm going to bite you in two. I'm aware of my multitude of teeth but I do not bare them without reason..." He chuckled softly trailing the claw of his thumb over her lower lip, his palm easily covering the side of her head. "Let me make a home connected to the sky, let us live, and let more come of it in time. Yes?" He stretched again with a soft groan of happiness to be outside, "You worry too much of me demanding tithes. I'm a simple man that likes the sunshine and the company of pretty girls." He grinned gently holding her chin to make his point.

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@🎄A Magpie in a pear tree🎄

Surprise took over her features as he brought her down with him and cupped her face along with guiding her hand to do the same. She pulled her lower lip between her tiny teeth and bit into it a little hard as her curvy rear touched down on his iron abs. She stared with wide, pale as snow eyes at him and her breath caught in her throat as a large hand curled around her face, so small in his grasp and he pulled at her lip as he explained, soothed, and joked, as well as complimented her on what she'd done. A blush crept across her freckled and pale features as he did so and she dipped her eyes down with a soft sigh "You're brave too. No one else would take up our marriage offer." she explained soothingly to him. "But," her focus bright back up to his face and the hand wrapped around his face would softly caress him as she continued with a gentle smile and reserve to hold his piercing gaze. "I don't know that I could have even hoped for a better suitor," She beamed at him as her voice dropped as though they were sharing a secret. As she sat atop his form and stared down at him, as they relaxed together in a native place, oddly, for them both, and spoke of the future and their joint desire for the best, touching each other delicately and with a care that maybe neither expected from such an arrangement, she leaned down. Long hair slowly capped around them as her face came just inches above his and her body shifted against his as she used him like a couch at his behest. Her long and wavy purple-pale locks seemed to shield them from all the world around them as her smile and full features of freckles and rosy cheeks came into view. "You're handsome, charming, delicate but not a coward, soft but hard enough... If I'm to be a queen for anyone, a bride, I'm very glad it's to you." She reiterated in a soft voice to him. Slowly her lips would seem to get inches closer as she spoke till they were nearly nose to nose and her smile wouldn't stop. "You think I'm pret

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ty? Even for your kind?" She said in a whispered surprise, the look taking over the expression on her face as her hand softly moved over his chiseled jawline and up to his hairline and back across his cheek in a slow and rhythmic way. He had her lost in him, it seemed. @Vox

"You keep doing that I'm gonna fall asleep." He chuckled softly, smirking gently, tail tip flicking. "And yes. You're pretty by all standards." He chattered softly in his throat, a quiet rattle like purr, scratching under his throat. He paused at another voice talking, calling to him with a light clicking. Are you fucking in fields now Viki? Daiviki visibly paused then shifted enough to look over the grass, holding onto her carefully. A man a bit away waved lightly and Daiviki visibly was surprised and stunned. Hi, Viki. He clicked and Dai got up, half fell, and ran to hug him about the neck. You abandoned your girlfriend... He noted pointing, Dai eventually letting go eager to meet them both together. "Butterfly, this is Daina. He is from my birth clan." He introduced her in the other direction. The man was shorter and carried more fat, round horns like a rams and larger feet. But they shared the shape of their face and smaller ears. "Bride?" "Aye." "But..." He blinked in surprise but bowed, smiling. "It's nice to meet you...," "Lyra." Dai answered grinning. "We are going to town." "May I join?" Daina and Daiviki looked to her for an answer, Viki offering one of his hands.

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@🎄A Magpie in a pear tree🎄

A giggle sounded in the back of her throat in response to his purr and her hand moved around to scratch softly under his chin in response to that with a soft smile as she slowly leaned down to close the distance between them. "Falling asleep in the fields with your bride-to-be, how very scandalous" she cooed in a tempting whisper. Her lips primed to touch is just when the gruff sounds from their native tongue sounded and diverted his attention up. Her lips grazed his chin as she pulled away and blushed, still sat atop him before she stood quickly when he did. She smoothed out her now treasured blue dress and wrapped around coat to her waist that gave an appearance of a ploom around her. The weather was hot and she found herself breathing hard from the close contact. Though not upset it had been interrupted as she watched the pair interact with such brotherly love. She walked forward as he introduced her with his new pet name, reaching forward to take his hand and let him guide her to their sides. She released him and folding her hands in her lap, she gave the stranger a soft smile and deep bow "Yes, bride." she said warmly to Daina. "And a happy one at that," She breathed out with a now adoring look at Daiviki. At the request and clear understanding that this person was important to Dai, she perked up. Holding her dress out to the sides and giving him a curtsey "It would be a pleasure to have you with us," she welcomed warmly, "Anyone close to my intended is someone I consider soon to be close to me, or I wish it to be so," she laughed softly and sighed with a sparkle in her eyes as she cast them between the two of them. "You must be very special to elicit such a response from Daiviki. I'll have to take notes on how you win his affection," She grinned at Daina and then looked to Daiviki with a wicked little smile as she reached up to tuck her arm into his and lean her head against it in turn. She seemed pleased, more at ease now then before and she r

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egarded each of the new comers into her new life with warmth and welcoming nature that spoke of her desire to be part of Dai's world as much as she could. Growing, it seemed, the more time spent in private hours. Though it seemed rare and Lyra had a suspicion it was for a reason. She let it be though. He seemed happy, pleased with her and the life they were building and that and the peace their union would bring, would be enough for her. @Vox

"We were friends before I was taken. Born on the same day which is why we're both 'Dai's'." He smiled down at her slowing his steps for her smaller size. Daiviki. Daina. "When our war broke we were both children. I was taken by the mountain clan. He remained in the snow." He explained lightly, trying to make it understandable. Their war seemed older than the human v. Uvami war. Private fights between clans. "I haven't seen him since..." Daiviki looked to the other for an answer and he debated. "Before your hamlet was there." Daivikis tail wrapped around her arm as he let go of her hand to trade with his friend, giving him his raw things for coin, but he returned his hand into hers. It had been a long time since he'd seen his 'brother'. Both had been close since birth until Viki had been given away. He still had the figurine Daina had made him so long ago.... Both entered the little village, Daina stepping away to join more of his kin who were helping rebuild. "Now then. Interruptions aside. Take these. I do not know the weight of your coin." He advised giving her the small bag. It'd be well enough for several clothes and necessities she'd want her own of. Her kin seemed to have taken somewhat well to Uvami, their size and strength useful for labor, the few who spoke common tongue translating for the rest. Daina's clan wore thicker furs and more clothing, some growing furs down their backs and limbs. Despite their once being battles or conflict between their clans, now they seemed completely happy to work together without hesitation. "This is strange to me." He admitted looking down at two human children hiding behind their mothers skirts. He let Lyra pull him along where she pleased. "Are your children always so small?"

7:11 PM

@🎄A Magpie in a pear tree🎄

Pale eyes looked sweetly between the two as they exchanged items and she seemed to not notice exactly what they were. Her attention was too focused in on their talk and interaction with eachother. It was endearing and she held her hands before her, clasped in her makeshift dress, nodding in understanding. "I see. Your tribes war for children?" Her chime sounded almost frightened. The look on her face held soft worry as well though she was taken off guard when he handed over the pouch and the feel of his tail and then hand on her arm. It made her smile and relax a little with a gentle sigh as she held out her hand and took the coins and precious things in the bag that would pay for her garments and other things she might want. A soft blush came across her cheeks as she stared up at him, her hands wrapping around the gift. "You're doing so much for me," She sighed and looked down, slipping her finger around a lock of hair and over her ear. "I hope it's worth it for you, I really do," She said in her delicate way before pressing her lips together and turning. Her free hand rotated in his to clasp his softly with her tiny digits. She pulled him along as they went passed the mixed groupings of their kinds, more and more humans in the mix as they made it into market. His question made her chiming laughter ring like a bell "Some are rather big, some are small. But mostly.. Yes. I imagine if we're able and you like... well ours would probably be bigger," she mused it softly but her cheeks flushed again and she turned from him to look through a rack of soft garments in a stall. Her hand still holding his as the other pushed one and then the other aside to pick from them. "Whats your favorite color?" She asked him. The woman who ran the stall seemed none too worried about Dai or the presence of the others. She saw the large, heavy sack that Lyra carried and that was all she cared about. @Vox

"They used to. It was before the hamlet was even here. We had a sickness, and the need for children was greater. Those who could pass on a resistance through breeding. They went after anyone nearing age." He followed her into the stall, keeping his head low and arms tight to avoid knocking anything askew. "I cannot see colors well. Yellows and pinks and reds are the easiest. Bright and light colors stand out in my eyes." He skimmed the back of fingers up a bolt of pale orange, "Sunset colors and of the field. Darks blend together for me." He smiled lightly to her, "Though it is not necessary to dress in colors I like." He chuckled softly. He knew much of clothing couldn't fit him, requiring enough it became costly to clothe himself, but clothing interested. Texture and weave stood out like mountains beneath his fingers. He enjoyed the feeling and look of the stitches and embroidery. Tail lashing about his ankles he found a place to stand out of the way, spinning little spools of ribbon about the pole they were hung on like a child who couldn't sit still. He tugged out a length of ribbon that'd match something she'd buy, using it to tie up is hair into a bun, bright pink against his monochromatic body. His dark eyes kept her in his sight, a watchdog of massive proportion. @🎄A Magpie in a pear tree🎄

Between browsing garments, her hand came up to cover her lips as she laughed and turned a darker pink in her cheeks, raising her pale eyes to his softly and responding "I don't have to do anything." she said pointedly at him but wearing a wide smile as she stared up at him while he explained. Her hand reached out to touch the fabrics he indicated he could see well. "I suppose I'm a pale ghost to you then." She laughed a bit, aware of her slightly purple but monochromatic-like appearance, even being a human she had an odd look to her. The faint pastel purple in her white hair and the bright violet eyes, along with her red lips, seemed to be the only color on her. She laughed more as he pulled his hair back in a pink ribbon and nodded with a certain look and turned to pick out a couple differently shaded pink and red and orange outfits from the rack. Mostly pink as she had deemed he liked that color best. He had put it in his hair. The shop lady wrapped it all up for her and she waited patiently before paying her and adding to the order a cloak that was easier and more simplistic than the robe she was wearing now from the other night. Indeed everything she had picked had been practical and simple in comparison to how done up she'd been the other night. Lyra thanked the shop lady before taking her wrapped tight package in her arms and turning to Dai, still pink in her cheeks. "The bow is quite fetching on you," she gave him a teasing wink and giggled before ducking her head. "I'm set for clothing. Just a few grooming items. As you know, they didn't let me take more then a few things to send up the mountain. And I chose mostly gifts for your people." She admitted with a shake of her head "Short sighted, I know. But I wanted peace. Now there's more of a chance. Because of you," she pointed out with a beam up at him. Her adoration growing and becoming clearer. "So, umm yes," she broke her eyes away from his and toward the other stalls while chewing her

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lower lip "And of course a few seeds if we can find them." She led him off and asked as she did "Do you not want me in colors you can see?" looping around back to what he'd said before. @Vox

"I enjoy colors. Just some muddy into the same shades. They're still pretty, but some I can't see the difference between." He tried to word. "My eyes are meant to pick out light colors in the dark." He twined his fingers in hers, conscious of his claws. He paused seeing a store with homegoods gesturing her lightly inside. "I am going to stay out here. Bit short for me." He chuckled, holding her things for her. He found a place to sit in the sun, face raised to the warmth, chattering softly under his breath. There was nothing better than the heat. Her packages in his arms he stretched his feet. At least she was happy, he was doing okay. He still didn't know exactly how to feel, she was so eager to please.... He feared his hesitancy was showing. She was sweet or kind, but she was blatantly different. How could he provide what she wished for..... He set a palm to his face, hair over his clawed fingers, eyes closed. I just need some sign... @🎄A Magpie in a pear tree🎄

Soft fingers found purchase in his and twined easily. The claws didn't make her hesitate, and she found that was probably a good indicator for her. In fact she found the pads of her soft digits pressing into his curved claw tips ever so slightly with a smile dancing over her features at the feeling. A bite to her lower lip before she retracted her hand to break way from him at his indication that he'd stay outside. She nodded and handed over the items in her arms that he so graciously carried for her and for a moment, she paused. The femme couldn't remember the last or first time beyond thing one, that someone had been so attending to her. Shaking her head she smiled at him before going inside to talk to the shop lady. The voices inside would carry out well enough but at first there was nothing more then the chime of the ship bell and the sound of the sale's woman greeting her with surprise. It was the rare building that stayed in the market and wasn't a pop up tent. But it was the best place to get more personal, and general, items she'd need. The exchange was uneventful at first as she collected her items and asked for others behind the counter. Unaware of the toiling gargoyle in the grass outside. The shop woman pipped up and broke Lyra out of her own thoughts to snap her hues to attention. "Aren't you afraid, dear? I've heard such tales of those... creatures. And you're going to marry one?" The woman behind the counter sounded impressed, scared, and slightly disgusted all at once and none of it missed the ever alert Lyra. She scowled a little. "People." She simply said "They're people. Like you or me." Her voice was quiet but carried a slight anger to it. "And I'll have you know that he's treated me better than any of the suitors in the village. He's patient, he's kind." She smiled and lost herself a moment "Strong and ... he cares." Her brow knit and she looked up at the shocked shop owner with her eyes widening "Isn't that what any person wants i

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n a partner? And his kind mate. I'll be his Mate." She corrected with her chin raised. She was proud. "I'll also take a pouch of the winter and spring seeds please" She added to her order as though she hadn't just lost herself entirely in the fantasy that was now her life sprawling before her. Part of her deflated but there was still that hint of pride to her smile. Of happiness in her choice. Paying the woman, who no longer had any words to speak, she made her way outside and stood in the sun that cascaded over Dai. The illumance of it shined around her and she beamed with a package in her arm "Can we go home now? I got everything and I'm getting rather sick of this place already." She scrunched up her nose a little "And I need a bath," She laughed in her musical way and held out her hand to help him up. Though the concept was laughable given their sizes. @Vox

He took her hand but put most his weight to his legs to keep from pulling on her. As they stood three men passed their little cubby and tsked. "Why are you helping that fucking thing?! That ain't no partner." "We can help you lady, we can help you." One said softer the group half blocking the two off from each other. Daiviki bristled, hair raising slightly and tail lashing, but he didn't step in until it'd be a problem. Humans were still fragile about Uvami's being there, he couldn't push. "We challenge! You all do that stuff right?! Fight for brides? Well we fight for her!" The third pointed in his face and he tsked, looking down as the other two were clearly thinking themselves charming rescuers. "We do." Daiviki made his accent heavy as possible. "Then we challenge." Daiviki snorted under his breath and gestured for them to lead the way, picking up Lyra and her things. She sat easily in the crook of his arm. Rage was bubbling under his skin.... Mate challenge. Come he cracked out in his own language, startling the crowd they forded through, his own kind quickly delaying tasks to watch. Word spread quick between both species gathering a crowd about a ring they used for a multitude of games or fights. Daiviki gently set Lyra on the rail purring under his breath and half crouched so she was looking slightly down at him. "Well.... this is fun." He grinned lazily, setting his chin gently on her legs. "If you don't wish to see, turn away." He cradled her cheek softly using the back of his fingers, "I will not loose." He promised gently kissing her palm, long fingers wrapping about her wrist. Daima reached the rail leaning next to her. "Watch her for me Daima." "Aye." Both went into conversation in their own tongue as the crowd filled in, watching the three find short knives. The rule had been extended to weapons, considering humans stood no chance in hand to hand. The leader of the Hamlet hit the rail and Daiviki chuffed, "If I kill them, will it cause issues

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with my kind?" "No. If it's sanctioned as it is now, nothing will break." The man acknowledged nodding gently. "Good." Daiviki slid a leather belt off his waist, leaving it over Lyra's knees.

7:17 AM

@🎄A Magpie in a pear tree🎄

Pale eyes preened on him as he rose up and she found herself leaning toward him as her head inclined up to his and he came to his full and impressive height. Her smile didn't stop until the trio of men, human men, decided it was their place to say something. She opened her mouth with an angry look, very clearly about to say something when she felt Daiviki bristle. Thinking it over, intervening could make it worse. Ever diplomatic, she caught herself and reached to take Daiviki's hand again. "I have all the help I need. But, if you insist on making fools of yourself, please. My mate to be has yet to show me a feat of strength," her smile twitched and her eyes stayed on them as Dai lifted her up with ease in one arm. Her own wrapping around his large biceps as she stared down at the men scurrying for a fight "So this should do," she finished under her breath with a rather dark look. She doubted anyone heard her. Women weren't heard in this world. Not the one she came from. She thought of the power Nusa held among the Umavi, and made a commitment to learn more from her. She was sat down and her hands unwrapped from his arm only to rest in her lap and then move to his head where he rested on her knees. She trailed her fingers over his brow and pushed a long lock of dark hair back and behind his ear. "I very much suspect you like this," she said quietly with her head dipped down a bit toward him. She smiled as he touched her face and kissed his palm as he did hers in return. "I know you won't. But if they..." She sighed "Just please don't get hurt" her delicate brow pinched in plea before he broke away. Lyra watched and sighed as she listened to the men bicker in the ring about terms and treaties. Grinning at the belt laid on her lap and reaching out to touch, ever so softly, the back of his clawish hand. "I hate these fights," she shared with Daima and watched Daiviki's impressive form as he went to fight. Her chest swelling with a kind of heat that countered

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what she said. "We're gonna gut you, hear that?" One of the trio said to Dai, another licking his lips to look past at Lyra "And take our prize. That piece if meat that ain't for the likes of you!" Lyra clenched the belt in her lap at that and watched in horror as they all lunged at Daiviki with their weapons at once. The gasp of real fear froze her to the core. It wasn't the fear of being one of these disgusting men's bride- she'd kill him or run off before it would be a problem. It was a fear she felt for the first time for him. How quickly he'd captured her attentions already. @Vox

"If they even land a bleeding hit, I'll buy their corpses a bottle of wine." Daima snorted like a horse, "He's going to rip them apart. If you're not eager to see blood princess I'd look aside." He fell quiet when they moved, screaming in tinny human voices. He caught the first by the wrist, put a foot into his chest, and ripped his arm free like she'd snap a twig from a branch. His weight crushed the man's chest as he stepped forwards to the other two. He was angrier than he'd expected. Their leering eyes enraged him. Their sickness. The man's blood was warm under bare feet and would soak into the straw of the arena floor. They moved faster than him, but his skin was thicker. The point of the sword hit the flesh of his forearm, barely cutting through to pink and scattering sparks, but he was already moving down. She'd seen the strange scar or split down his face, possibly questioned it, but it was something he rarely used. His hands got hold of the man's arms and held them aside. His face split down the center, spreading aside to bare beneath. Teeth lined the skin like thorns, his skull lined over by thin muscle, his teeth sharp and enmeshed. The view was quick to her and from an odd angle before he'd bit down over the man's head. His teeth broke his skull like an eggshell. Blood soaked Daiviki's front as he straightened letting the man's body drop and he looked aside to the third who was just standing there. Daiviki was on him with a step, grabbing his head, and slammed it into the rail. Once. Twice. Third, until it slipped from his palm because there was nothing to hold. He yelled enraged at the corpse beneath his feet loud enough it made her ears ring and his chest ache. His face closed, rolling his shoulders trying to calm his heart. Spitting blood out his mouth he walked to the rail, gently putting his forehead to hers with closed eyes, purring in his throat until his breath leveled. The crowd dispersed, a few men remaining to clean the mess. Some edged a

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way from his kin, but others seemed jovial, troublemakers out of their lives. A permitted fight gave no permissions for fear or anger after.... A man offered a bucket to Daiviki and Daima motioned to just set it down. He eventually lifted away from Lyra and washed his face and front of blood, rinsing his mouth. He didn't talk, unsure of Lyra's emotions. If she was afraid.... He hadn't thought about it until it was done. He stared at himself in the red tinted water until his sight unblurred. @🎄A Magpie in a pear tree🎄

The worde from Daima fell on her and she raised her brows while steeling her purple ash gaze. There was something about watching Daiviki get worked up that was making her eager for their mating night, though she'd never say it. Instead what she did say, through a soft pant that rose and fell her breasts "No, I want to see this. I have to see this," the breathless words left her soft lips and without her thinking. It all happened so quick. But her eyes tracked it all as though happening in slow motion. She watched with quickened breath as he tore into each of the men in time. Letting out a soft cry only when she saw him get cut. Her hands clasped the belt in her lap like a lifeline and holding her breath, she only let out a sigh when he finished the last one off. Her pale purple hues were the size of coins as his face split. The beauty of it masking the macabre and frightening reality for her. There was something so profound and spectacular about the curves of his face plates pulling back, the horror under surely only seen by those about to die and yet she saw it for all its glory with her lips parted and a brief thought of how his fangs concaved into his prey. She bit her lower lip. When it was done, and it was over very fast, her chest was heaving. Daivikis lightening reflexes making short, gorey work of the pigs that tried to claim her. As he approached, she watched with wide eyes and her chest heaving. Leaning into his head with her own and closing her eyes. She breathed him in. The smell of gore and slick sweat, and the racing rage he gave off for a few moments as he quieted against her. Her hand reached up to touch where he'd been hurt and stayed there as he moved to wash his face "Are you okay?" She asked. That was all she seemed to care about. Not the blood or gore or violence, but the meager cut he'd sustained in what was absolutely a bloodbath. Before he could say a word she ripped a piece of the dress she wore off into a bandage and started to

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wrap it around his arm with care, worry on her face for him, and delicate touch. Fretting over it while women in the crowd cried over brothers and sons now reduced to visceral. But her only care was for the papercut he had in comparison. @Vox

"It is fine." He reassured blinking several times and glanced to her as she came to his side. "Hardly bleeding." He gently shook his arm once she'd tied his arm. He looked to the woman screaming, guilt briefly tugging his mind. He turned to gently lift her to his arms instead, Daima handing their purchases over. "Head home or the field. Let things settle my friends." He chuckled patting Daiviki's cheek trying to make him relax. Daiviki, Lyra in his arms, took his advice. Whether or not she was ready to go, he was. Only once they hit the field did he think of speaking. His voice was sore and coarse. "I am... sorry?" He offered debating how to speak of it. "I... won't hurt you." He reassured, his worry apparent and first to his words. He set her down in the grass still heading for the mountain path they'd taken down. His feet were still muddy with blood and straw annoying him. They left paths through the tall grass. "At least they know we can protect your village...." He tried to laugh a little, pushing his hair out of his face and realizing there was blood in it. @🎄A Magpie in a pear tree🎄

She slid into his arms as though meant for such a spot. Resting there with her hands holding his upper arm again. She leaned her head into his biceps and sighed with closed eyes as he carried her away. She was more than happy to go and even moreso to be in his arms as they bounded off to the field. At one point in all his walking and quiet, she sighed and smiled to speak "Do you like carrying me or is it a part of your culture?" It was an idle question, and she appeared to be happy to be in his arms as he carried her from place to place. Finally, when they had made it to the field and he set her down, the dusk breaking in the background to cast red and orange shadows over both of them, she put her hands in her lap and gazed up at him. There was something different in how she looked at him now. Her cheeks and chest flush with red and her heart rate slightly picked up as he spoke. He was a mystery, he was complicated, he had her in his grasp before she'd even realized it. She knew it probably better to leave this pairing as a coupling of peace and treaties and convince, but standing there under his gaze as he seemed so scared of what she, of all people thought, she was lost. A laugh echoed from her lips and she leaned forward till her head was on his hand. Soft lips touched the back of it as though cherishing the touch. Holding his massive hand in her two dwarfed ones by comparison. Slowly she rose purple hues to meet his gaze and breathed out "No one has ever treated me as you have, Daviki." Her words had wonder in them "I'm not afraid of you. I feel safer than I ever have, now more than ever." She confessed her thoughts and feelings openly and bare. "To them," she gestured toward the village and market "Im nothing more than a sacrificial lamb. But to you... well I don't know what you feel or if a mere human like me can bring you any real joy," she looked away with guilt that she may have taken him from an umavi women who he would have desired more "Bu

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t after you kept those pigs from taking me, treated me so well, I will do all I can, I promise." She sighed and closed her eyes while gripping his hand "I just don't think you understand how ... how life was before these last few days..." She couldn't explain or maybe didn't know how. But he treated her as a treasure in a world that had always tasked her with burden. @Vox

"Your legs are small. I don't know how you can get anywhere in a timely fashion." He teased softly, voice hesitant after her confession. He just looked down at her, fingers and palm skimming over her cheek. "I... need to bathe." He shifted conversation looking back to the mountain ahead of them. "Let's get these things home and get lunch mm?" He held her hand plodding slowly to the mountain for her smaller steps. "I need to get the taste out." He chuffed rubbing knuckles over his cheekbone. He wasn't sure how to respond to what she said, but his fingers gently tightened about her hand. He didn't like the thought of her going back there.... Not at all. Back in the atrium, most of it was empty. Their was a few of his kin lounging about but with newfound permissions to be outside in the lower valley, most were out. He handed her purchases to Lyra, and when they passed the river he stepped into it to scrub himself clean. He spread his face to wash, gold eyes flicking to black in a blink. An inner eyelid to protect his eyes. He hid his face as he did this, keeping beneath the water. He raked fingers through his hair to get the blood out, face closing, blinking his eyes into focus. Once he was clean enough he pulled himself out the water, shaking out his hair dry and stomping to get water off. "What shall we do for the rest the afternoon?"

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@🎄A Magpie in a pear tree🎄

Her soft features bloomed into a blushing smile as he teased her and she had a pick up in her heart beat as they locked eyes after he'd defended his right to her and she'd confessed just how much that meant. For one moment she stared with the eyes of a woman who had hope, who had a vision of a happy future. The fingers trailing over her cheek made her close her eyes and let out a soft sound in the back of her throat. A shiver run up her spine. But the moment broke when Daiviki didn't respond beyond that. Her face falling a little as the flame of lust flickered in her chest and started to cool. As though reminding herself this was a union of peace and treaties- not one he nessasarily wanted. She couldn't read minds and had no idea why he'd fight for her to turn away from her confessions now. But she took his hand in hers and stayed close as they made their way up the path. Keeping her thoughts to herself now. Her hand stayed tightly in his with her weak grip until he gave over her packages and went to clean himself off. She set them on the ground and watched for a moment before making her way over to the waters edge to scrub her face and arms. A lost look in her eyes as she let her mind wander. She slowly looked up from the cup of water in her hands that she likewise was gazing into the reflection of, when he came out and asked her about their afternoon. Staying crouched, she considered their options and looked around, in fact anywhere but at his large and tempting form, to the others lounging about. "We could have some lunch. I know a few meals I can cook over the fire. Or we could go back to the den and discuss the mating rites." Her voice trailed off, a sound to her light voice as though indicating she didn't expect him to be very interested in the latter. All the same, she was curious "How did your people and mine decide to handle that again?" She played with a blade of grass "I wasn't as appraised as you. You're a chief. I'm just the girl offered. T

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hat's how it is in the human villages." She gave a small wry look at the ground as the wind brushed her hair over her slightly freckled face. "Thank you, by the way, for not letting them take me. I would have slit the throat of the winner beyond you, but it saved me the trouble." She grinned a little, a hint to her darker nature showing through. @Vox

He choked on water he'd scooped to his mouth, having laughed into it. "Theres no way I'd let that happen. They act disgusting just of a difference in visual gender. Foolish." He clicked lightly to himself, like one would mutter to themselves. He stretched lazily, padding the direction of the den. A female high above leaned out the roost, calling down in their tongue and he responded looking up until Lyra caught up to his side. A loud cheer went up above as the conversation was relayed, a sudden explosion of conversation amongst the few above. He turned back offering his hand to her again, "I have meat likely. Could make food of that. Nusa should have brought it by now." He acknowledged, continuing their talk of food. Someone had left gardening tools by their door that he paused to look at, unsure where they came from, but ducked into the den in front of her. He crawled on knuckle and balls of his feet, checking the cold well for food. "She did. It's um.... uh." He struggled for the word repeating a clicking pattern to himself before putting his hands into antlers at his head. "Cold land grass animal. Elk? Is word?" He shifted his weight the other way to the fire to start it, fresh material brought inside for them as well in a basket. He set a large metal disk over the fire to warm. He felt suddenly frantic. He liked having someone to take care of. He'd not truly had it before. "I have not cooked long. I do not know proper tastes. Tend to be plain for myself." He went to a shelving and took out a tin, small wooden containers holding spices which he set out if she wanted to use them. Rather than uncomfortably moving about the slightly too short space he crawled instead on hand and feet. He could do so quite comfortably and quickly. "I need to ask them to make it taller." He chuckled sitting down in his chair to keep out of the way for a moment. "Your peoples ritual. What all is it? I'd only spoke of it for a moment..." He blinked realizing he didn't fully k

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now. He fetched a brush from a shelf and ran it through his hair, roughly tugging it through until it was smooth. "Ours is a party. Meal and dance. We make a fire. I make a..." He struggled with another word, "big rope. I have to wear all night and you get to hold." He put his hands lightly around his neck like a collar. "It's a joke." He snorted. "Explaining it makes it sound strange."

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@🎄A Magpie in a pear tree🎄

The femme couldn't help but cover her lips and laugh at him as he affirmed he wouldn't have let that happen to her. Her eyes dancing with affection as she nodded in agreement. "They are disgusting. Most men in the Hamlets and villages think that way. Seeing Nusa," she smiled and shrugged "well it's a treat to see things are different with your... our?" She canted her head slightly and smiled "People." She took his hand when offered and as before, played with his claws with the pads of her fingertips. She had caught up quickly to him and when they approached the cave and he scrambled into the den to get food ready, she couldn't help but adore his anxious behavior as she easily came in behind him. She settled beside him. Her shoulder slightly touching his as she started to sort through all he offered. She voiced the counter to his thoughts, "I've never been taken care of like this before. Most of my life was caring for my siblings or parents or village. Even our pairing... well it was in service. Though I find myself not mind the latter of it all at all." She smiled and blushed slightly without looking at him. Her hands moving to prepare skewers of meat and spice them before placing them over the pit and answering while she watched the flames and food, shifting it from time to time. "In human towns we part for a full day, in which the groom, you, would prepare a dowry to show you can care for me. While you do that, I'm to prepare a grand feast and prepare myself appealingly to you to show I can, likewise, care for you. After a days end, we meet at an alter honoring our Gods where we tie our hands together and light a candle. Then we're married as humans call it." She shifted the meat till it was juicy and ready and pulled the lions share from the pit to offer to him with a smile. "We also exchange rings. But this is all the human way. I suppose as the chief among your people and the man among mine, how we choose to seal our pairing is up to you." She didn't se

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em to mind but did add "I... I would like a honeymoon though... I don't know what your kind does after the mating ritual. And a party in all its revelry sounds very fun. What's the rope about?" Her head canted with an amused look "Explain it, I'm curious about the joke. Do you want me to leash you around?" She teased a little, her shoulder bumping his warmly. @Vox

"Is the joke. Our word for male is very close sounding to dog. Like your common calls women 'bitch'. Though I've discovered thats used rather rudely." He found a place to settle laying on his side, watching her. "Joke most indulge for the amusement. Not a necessity." He pushed up to use the wood bench table, a grass mat providing some plush under their weight. "Honeymoon is amusing word." Dowry. Rings. I saw those. he gently took the cook plate off the heat, carefully using a rag to protect somewhat. "The leader was very enthusiastic about a combined celebration, though I'm not sure it's a good plan right now.... considering the fight." He tore pieces off the spit easily, thinking while he ate. "But they're planning it hoping to repair our connection." He held up the empty stick. "Good. Thank you." "Temporary home will be done soon for us below in the field. Daima is in charge of the group living in the village now. We will be able to check it before it is finished so you can specify what you need." He seemed to be talking to fill the air, unsure of what to say. He'd always been alone. His spaces had been his own but now she was in them... he looked at his hand skimming his thumb against the pads of his fingers. He had little practice retracting his claws and they made his hands look strange. Tensing his fingers tight they pulled back into his fingers. Food in one hand and looking at his now abnormal fingers, he idly bit the skewer in thought. He fully ate once he was sure she'd eaten enough licking clean the sticks with a sharply pointed tongue, eyes fully closed and relying on touch. "Living in a construction will be something interesting. We are not builders." He paused thinking, "We should make a new bed...." He added, "a new mat at least perhaps." Once both had eaten he gently crawled to her, cradling her cheeks in his palms and set his forehead against hers. Purrs echoed in his throat, ears swiveled back as far to his skull as they could reach. "Shall

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we go collect flowers above? I'm sure you've not seen the mountain flowers." He made a soft noise pulling back brushing back her hair from her eyes. "I can help you collect seeds to keep." He went to a shelf, gently tugging down what looked a harness and blanket. "I'd carry you and you can keep warm this time." He set it on the floor, returning to the shelving. The space was slightly tucked into the wall like a closet and stuff was shoved into it like an afterthought, a catch-all for his things. "Else a nap would also be delightful." He chuffed laughing tail wrapping about her ankle where she sat. He noticed he'd done so and swiped his tail aside to let go. The appendage was akin to his skin, the top ridged in harder scales like those about the base of his wings. He could hold a good portion of his weight with it, though not everything, and it'd idly wrap about things before he'd think about it. "I feel I'm required to entertain." Dai admitted laughing bashfully. "As if we don't have time..." He gently touched his wrapped forearm.

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@🎄A Magpie in a pear tree🎄

Pale hues tracked him as he ate his meal and she ate hers. Smiling around plump elk bits as he spoke and they chatted about the proceedings to come. She thought for a moment, licking her lips clean before speaking. Her free hand fluttering a little "It's an odd word, I know" she laughed like a bell "It's just a tradition for humans to hide away to someplace, visit the ocean lands or a nice area to enjoy for a few weeks. It's a time away from the world to seal the bond." She shrugged "I've never been beyond the Hamlet, and here. It always appealed to me." She looked up a little wistfully at the cave ceiling "Just getting away from the noise" she sighed and then shook her head "But it's not important" she assured. Beaming at him as he finished his meal and thanked her, she did the same, licking her own skewer clean in more petite motions. She looked over at him as he stared at his hand but before she could ask, he was pressing his head to hers in that way he'd taken to. She pressed back, long hair touching his cheeks while she closed her eyes, smiled, and sighed. The talk of a new home made her perk up a bit as he moved away "I... never thought out a home before. Or I guess how to design one. I suppose something large. As for a bed," she found her cheeks turning pink and looked away with a silly little smile "I guess we will need a new one to share," she laughed nervously "We could go see the wild flowers and gather supplies to make a new one on our way back?" She suggested. His nervous admittance to her made her laugh a little and sigh "If we're being honest, I feel the same. A lot of pressure has been put on me to be a perfect mate for you. I've been told horror stories, warned, told to not mess anything up. But the longer we're in eachothers company, the less fearful I'm getting. With that," she game a nervous smile and laugh "Comes the new question of how to just ... give you a good life. I can imagine you gave up alot, agreeing to this. I even imagine the

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re's a heartbroken umavi woman, or many, who wish you were theres." She pinched her brow and felt an odd jealousy she couldn't place, but shook it off. "I like your people, I like you," she said gently and reached out to caress the tail on her ankle before he whipped it away and she finally brought her eyes to his as she laughingly admitted "But I have no idea what I'm doing or how to do it. I'm just an idealist that thought I was being bartered into matrimonial servitude," she laughed again and made a little snort as she shook her head. @Vox

"I do not like how some of my kind are. I was raised by harsh kin." He nudged the cross burnt into his forehead with a knuckle. "I do not want to be like they were. What they taught me. I have avoided and turned away several out of some... strange feeling. But I had little decision on this choice. I'd wanted to improve my peoples lives. My thoughts were to be set aside." He wrapped his belt back about his waist, tieing it down. Most of their tools were rough and unpracticed in make. Metal pounded flat and sharpened set into wooden handles and tied into the settings. Bone tools chipped or smoothed for use. Clothes were secondary thoughts, tied or folded to fit. Blankets and shawls rather than sewn. The one thing they did have was weaving and string work. The harness was leather cording neatly tied, deceptively simple in make. Most of her weight would rest on him, her only job to hold the blanket. "You can sit sideways legs together or against my back." He unfolded his wings with soft pops of joints, lazily letting them drag at the floor. He sat with them spread, organizing the harness in his lap and checking the knots. With the fire his wings showed faint blood vessels through the thick membrane. A joint was tipped with clawed fingers, three of them, and he kept wiggling and grasping the air like he was stretching. His wings laying out took up nearly three times his normal space, filling the room quickly. She had seen few without wings, and Nusa's son had none. He didn't use his wings often nor did he fly. "There's much we can walk but once the cliffs really start its best for me to climb. Faster as well." He'd carefully laced the harness around her waist, and aligned it based on her desire how to sit, either about both her legs or between them. Gently Daiviki picked her up in his wings, tieing her to his back, and wrapping the blanket about her. She could sit up while he crawled from their den, stepping into the atrium. "We can go through the roost." He offered

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, heading down to the middle of the space. The roost was a collected pillar, the cave stone growing from ceiling to floor over years. He hooked his grip in and lifted them both easily to climb above, pulling into the roost. The massive stalagtite was hollowed out, beds laid out on shelves of stone. Personal things were kept in bags to be carried with you though it seemed the people here had little. What couldn't be worn was discarded. Few lounged about on mats or with each other to keep warm for the air was much colder. Nusa's son was sitting with another female and he appeared to be the only child. The woman he sat with had pale eyes and stared into space, but deftly wove the strings he held for her, her clawed fingers easily forming bracelets for him. As they got closer it was clear she had been blinded. Scars crossed over both her eyes and down to her mouth and one of her legs twisted at the knee, scarred and mangled. Sprout chirped seeing Lyra, tail flicking happily. He was covered in little bracelets and necklaces and they'd been clearly going at this for a while. "He says hello." Daiviki translated lightly, petting his head as he passed. The woman chattered to get his attention and Dai paused as she pushed to her feet. From one of her slender arms she pulled a bracelet holding out her hands. Her clicks were slurred together into a soft vibrating tone instead. "She'd like to give you a gift butterfly." Dai explained with a soft smile, responding to her talk with a little rumble of his own. The woman held out a bracelet in thin fingers, tremors shaking her like a leaf and retracted quickly away. Her face was tight and afraid. Sprout took her hand their tails wrapping together, Daiviki talking constantly to her in their tongue. "Can she touch your hands? She's quite nervous of humans." Daiviki adjusted Lyra on his back, the woman waiting for an answer. She didn't open her mouth to speak making her noises muted.

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@🎄A Magpie in a pear tree🎄

Watching him with her pale eyes, she looked confused and then delighted as he went on the explain and show her the harness he'd rigged. She stood up, her petite height making the area easy for her to do so in. Approaching him, she let out a soft gasp of surprise as he exposed his wings. Her eyes wide as coins. The first time they met, a mere day ago though it seemed like longer, in a good way Lyra didn't mind at all, she hadn't fully seen his wings or taken the time to examine them. She approached him and carefully reached out to touch the leathery wing span with her fingertips before jolting them away and looking bashful. As he scooped her up, she nearly purred at the feeling of his warm form encasing her. She spoke about things he'd said before as she adjusted to rest her legs to the side and princess style in the harness. Her arms reached up to wrap around his massive neck, "I don't like the idea that you're a dog, forgive me I'm not judging your people but... I don't want to leash you around." She laughed and smiled warmly "Maybe we can tie our hands together like my people do, and keep them that way all night in a way your people do?" She suggested. She rested against him and sighed as they moved through the caverns "I am sorry," she eventually said "That you felt so duty bound. I can't promise I'll be the best for you," she relented with a sad sound to her soft voice "But you've been good to me so far. And I can promise I'll always treat you how you treat me. We may have both been forced, in a way, to do this. But we can make it pleasant." She decided with a soft sigh and her head against his chest. When they made it to the roost, she looked around at those gathered. The child and what she assumed wad their mother, made her smile at the bracelets they wove. So much prettier and brighter than the ones humans sported. She was surprised when she was sat down and the woman retreated from her after reaching out. Confusion coated her features and then Diavi

8:39 AM

ki explained. She softened and gave the woman a warm look. She held out her hands and held herself in an open way. Her smile never fading. Some people thought the Umavi monsters, but Lyra didn't seem to hold that fear. People had tried to scare her, but her fascination in their kind was never a secret. "She can touch me," she welcomed, her soft hands reaching out "And please tell her thank you for me?" She requested of Dai with a look up at him before she returned her attention to the scared woman. @Vox

Her thin hands skimmed Lyra's long fingers easily wrapping about her limbs. She didn't move her eyes staring past them into space, sounds echoing inside her mouth talking to Dai. Her arms were coated in minute scars crisscrossing her skin, her softly folded ears, furred like an elks, were notched and cut into. The woman was one of the few who fully dressed; a shawl tied about her waist in a short dress, a thick fur tied about her legs in a skirt. She snorted in half disgust or disapproval lip raising enough to show open holes were her tusks once were. "She calls you small." He left out a few words he deemed unneeded, chuffing softly at her in chastisation before Sprout tugged the woman away. She let the child do so diffusing the woman's dislike though she angrily chattered waving them away. Daiviki sighed softly and continued their trip up going through inner paths of the mountain. "Better response than I expected of her." He shook his head lightly slipping into the pitch dark caves. It was a pathway for fresh air to reach the atrium but also a way to climb to the surface though the walk was steep and the climb difficult. "I am sorry. Many will avoid you. My people tend to ignore rather than confront." He reached back gently to pet her cheek moving on. "I'd teach you some of my tongue but it's... hard to explain. If you'd like to learn I will try to teach." He caught hold of the edge of a cliff step of the pathway finding edges to wedge his fingers to. The small space meant he could use his feet on side walls to push them up. The change in conversation was a hope to move past the woman's behavior, praying it wouldn't sour Lyra's thoughts. "Your version to speak would be very rough but understandable." He grunted with the effort of climbing through the near vertical cave shaft, pausing occasionally to breath and rub his hands on his legs. The harness made sense this time as he frequently used his wings to brace themselves without crushing her on the wall, or hung f

11:09 AM

rom them rather than his arms. They quickly reached the surface and he put her through the small exit, unhooking her from his back, then wedged himself through after. The field was cold and the air only slightly thinner, twisted trees peppered with apples and flowers clearly cultivated. The vines had stakes near them to grow upon, weeds removed to give them space to breath. Daiviki happily flopped out in the grass stretching, tossing the harness aside. "Take what you want, but leave some to regrow." He smiled needing a moment to lay out.

11:09 AM

@🎄A Magpie in a pear tree🎄

A smile bloomed on her features when the larger and much more scarred woman took her hands and toyed with them, she smiled even wider at the bracelet she was given before hand. That was, until the clicking talk sounded and she didn't need to understand the language to know some choice words had been used. She shrunk a little and withdrew her hands, smiling at Sprout as he led the woman away. She looked up at Daiviki and sighed, her smile still vaguely there "I suppose I shouldn't expect anything else. It could be worse." She reasoned with a look down "Do many of your people look down on what you're doing? Bonding us?" She asked as she more meekly slipped back into her harness on his back and let him maneuver them through the roosting area and various tunnels. As he spoke of teaching her his language there was some petulant part of her that wanted to scoff. But, catching herself and realizing it was an emotion born of feeling rejected and small at this moment, she spoke up softly "I wouldn't mind learning it, if you have the patience. It might be hard for me to make some of the more guttural sounds but there's no reason I can't try. You know my language." She gave his shoulder a squeeze before he hoisted her up out of the tunnel. The gust of air hit her as she stood up and smoothed out the blue dress Dai had made her and she still wore. Looking around with her hair sweeping around her form. Long and semi tangled after the last few days. She really needed to sort some things out regarding bathing and her own needs. Until now she'd been in a daze about the whole thing. But the field was beautiful and the tangle of garden growth made her beam with wide eyes and a smile from ear to ear. Listening as Daiviki advised behind her, she laughed softly and shook her head "Of course, silly. I told you I garden." She looked back at him with a teasingly playful admonish. Then she took off into the various spots to start gathering. Working quickly as she took roots caref

9:50 AM

ully at the base and skinned stems for seedings. She placed them in little rolled spots she fashioned in the hem of her dress as she went. Using folding to keep them in place and giving the dress a soft hoop look. By the time she was done, the sun was dawning and the hours may have even passed by as she lost herself in her work and search for seeds she could identify and use. Thinking of things to make for them, things to cook, things to fashion, ways to dye fabric more efficiently, it all ran through her head. She finally looked up, sweat on her brow from all the progress, dirt on her hands and a little on her pale face. Her purplish eyes peered at Dai as he lay there waiting so patiently for her. Not far from him and having kept her word about sparing enough for regrowth, she walked over to him and sat down in the grass by his knees. She watched the sun for a long while as it set. "Thank you," she finally spoke "This was... Nice. Probably boring for you." She relented. "Where should we look for bedding?" she asked as she scanned the woad around them. "If you still want to share one with a tiny human." She smirked, teasing him again and referring the the much, much earlier comment from the woman who had given her the colorful bracelet that was now wrapped around her wrist. @Vox

"Most think I've lost my mind and are waiting until I wake up." He'd said softly in response to her askings. "Many are still alive from the Era of humans hunting us. Scars are still fresh." He'd napped in the grass for a while, wings half spread as he laid out on his chest arms under his head. When she sat near him he gently tucked his tail about her waist. "Have enough butterfly?" He pushed up to sit behind her holding her gently watching the light fading from the sky. "I am too tired today. Tomorrow." His arm stung and all of him ached, voice softer than his usual tone. "And I was not bored. Never would be." He reassured hands gently wrapping around her sides. He gently brushed her hands clean chuckling, "We both need baths again." Skimming his knuckle on her cheek he got the dirt off her face, laughing softly. "And a brush again, that's what we should be doing now." He laughed louder rolling on his back tail still across her stomach.

11:07 AM

@🎄A Magpie in a pear tree🎄

The femme felt her breath catch in her chest when he said the first words about his people waiting for him to wake up. She didn't like that. It wasn't as though she'd been forced into this. No more than he had. She had, like him she assumed, volunteered to join their races and end the pointless war that left scars and wounds on both sides. But she didn't like the idea that he'd wake up, and remembering the woman Umavi's response to her, she lowered her head a little and managed a smile. Her voice was small. "And humans still remember when we were hunters. My grandfather died in one of the hunts. I don't mourn him. I pay penance for all he did before that," she revealed with her eyes tearing a little for a moment. It cleared fast. Lyra was stronger than she appeared. Able to hold back and push down what others couldn't. The soft whisperings of his name for her brought a more geniune smile to her features and she slowly looked over as he moved to hold her. She closed her eyes and leaned back into him with a gentle smile and a feeling that she knew she was being insecure and sad for no reason. He felt nice around her and she smiled as his hands came around to dust her off. "I suppose I do. And yes, I've gotten enough. I saw the tools by the den and I'm looking forward to using them," responded with an enthusiasm and happiness to her voice that had wilted for a moment. She looked over at him and caught his eyes as he brushed her cheek and uttered to her about going back and waiting for bedding, bathing, and grooming. Her lips parted a little as she beamed into a smile "I'd like all that. It sounds like a nice end to the day," she assured him and laughed suddenly when he rolled around and made her half roll onto him with his tail around her back. She pushed him a little and continued giggling "You're delirious with sleep," she decided in a trill of her voice. @Vox

He tried to copy the word 'delirious' multiple times and failed slurring the many syllables, then gave up flopping wings across the grass loosening his tail. "Shall we go home?" He glanced to her, stretching out with a soft noise before pushing up. Her flowers were wrapped up carefully to be brought home and her equally wrapped in a blanket too. "It's faster going down, but it's a rough trip." He warned, "I'll be careful." He carried her in his arms rather than in the harness, his legs and wings easily lowering them off ledges to the point it was safe to drop. He was careful warning when a landing would be rough or he had to slide. But he descended nonetheless, far faster than they'd gone up. It didn't take long for them to return to the atrium and by connection, the den. "I'll get water hot for you to have a bath." He murmured softly setting her on the path heading for the den. "Head on butterfly." He quickly had water on the fireplace and then to the bath, filling it all the way up. "Would you like me to stay butterfly? I'll do your hair for you. Else I'm heading to the river." He motioned for her to go to the bath, finding a nightdress from the purchased items and his hair comb from his shelves. "Dinner will come next."

6:09 PM

@🎄A Magpie in a pear tree🎄

Smiled warmly at him as he tried to say the word and then musically laughed with a dirt touched hand covering her lips. "I like how you always try." She revealed softly to him. Touching the tail around her waist and nodding. "Home sounds good. I'll admit, Daiviki, I don't know what's expected of me as a mate. But I'm not afraid anymore. Nervous but not scared." She assured him as she was wrapped up with her flowers and put in his arms. She found she liked it there. There was something warm, something safe there. As they descended and he spoke of evening plans, she leaned her head into his chest and sighed "No one's ever taken care of me before. I'd love for you to bath with me but I don't want to make you... uncomfortable with my form. I don't look anything like a Umavi woman under all this," she warned. Realizing he probably had seen his own people's flesh but her own would or might be alien to him. She snuggled into him though, comfortable, less afraid than a day ago "I'd love it if you brushed my hair and helped me bathe. You can join me and I'll do the same for you..." She offered with her fingers twirling in his long hair and a blushing peer up at him. @Vox

"Smaller perhaps. Less hard places," He tapped some of the hard plates many had across their skin, "but the same... I asked." He admitted, gently touching his lips to her hair, tucking his tusks under his lips to not tunk them into her head. He followed her inside, stripping off the bit of cover he did have and sunk into the water, ears flicking. He'd kept his back to her to step into the bath and leaned against the side. His long legs tucked up slightly to give her space to sit tucking his tail across his waist to keep his modesty and he closed his eyes without her asking. It was normal to do, even for those you knew; to avert the eyes to give a moment to change clothes or drop them without under scrutiny. He waited until she was comfortable in the bath before he opened them, motioning to turn around so he could start on her hair. Gently lifting water to her hair he wet it down and carefully brushed it smooth moving with caution to not hurt her. He had purchased soap for her from town something more expensive and pretty than the harsh, rough stuff he used. He passed her the bar purring softly in his throat "Here. Good soap." He nudged her softly again with his head against hers like wolves pressing their heads together. His claws retracted he skimmed his fingers through the untangled hair laying it flat. She sat between his knees with his feet flat against the other side of the bath. "Pretty hair." He mumbled to himself using his thumbs to massage the back of her neck. His fingers easily wrapped about to the front of her throat but he kept his hold very loose. His own face, scalp, and throat were full of nerves, more than hers, making him careful of her. He didn't know how she felt. Where was sensitive and where was not. Daiviki bent forwards a little to unfold his wings over the edge of the bath and letting them lay lazily over it, leaning back with his arms against the edge as well. He wanted her to have space to bathe comfortably before he went bothering h

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er or being in her way. He did watch her though, silently setting his cheek on his knuckles a gentle smile on his lips. Pale skin and soft curves... not what he grew up seeing. She was foreign to him, but he enjoyed her presence. Her delicate and slender form. He looked without shame or hesitancy but did not touch.

6:54 PM

@🎄A Magpie in a pear tree🎄

She sighed as he explained their differences, lightly, and tucked into her hair. Smiling and curling into him a little tighter for it. She eased down out of his arms and felt a little light headed as she walked toward the bathing chamber. She paused as he passed by her, bare, and went to make himself comfortable. Pale hues keeping track of him and widening as she gazed upon his massive and expansive body for probably too long, blushed and was thankful when he turned his eyes away. Lyra busied herself for a moment, a small tremble in her form as she worked to tuck away the flowers and seeds safely. Pausing again, she took a steady breath and carefully unwrapped her form to join him for their bath. Nervousness shook through her but she pushed it down. It was a giddiness, an excited nervousness. She slid off the garments and her long pale violet hair fell around her in a mess. Reaching up with her eyes closed and head turned a little, blushing slightly as she undid a few pins in her hair that, apparently, revealed it to be near knee length. It fell around her in waves and she half covered herself like a bashful Godiva as she walked over to the bath and carefully eased in with him. She curled up between his legs, feeling his body against hers that made little goosebumps rise on her skin. She sighed as he started to rub her neck, though at first she froze with a sudden curl to her toes at the touch, she relaxed into him after a moment and let out a little trill in the back of her throat. "That feels nice..." She whispered to him with a smile that couldn't contain itself, her arms wrapped around her knees that slowly uncurled till she was laying against him and he was smoothing out her long locks. She snigged the soap and smiled at him, pushing her head to his with a little twinkle in her eyes before she turned back away. When he let go of her neck, she let out a little sound of protest that she cut off before giving him a coy look behind her back and blushing

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again. She took in his appearence. The impressive form, but gentle hands. The curve of his claws and wings. He was different to her but not in a way she found unappealing. Pulling her eyes away, she took the soap and started to lather her form. But there was something almost performative about it. In a way as though trying to keep and draw his eye toward how her hands slid over her form with the slippery soap and she made a show of rinsing herself. She didn't entirely know why she was being this way at the moment, but whenever she looked back to catch his eyes, staring at her, she felt an excitement again that urged her to show him her form in the most vulnerable state she could. To highlight her body for him in this chaste, for now, bath. She started to rinse herself with cups of water in her hands that she dumped over her shoulders and wiped away the suds. After she was done, she turned her form toward him and pulled herself up to her knees "Your turn," she said very softly as she reached out to touch the sides of his face and pull her wet tender fingers through his hair. "Do you want me to comb it?" She asked him, again in a voice so soft and delicate. @Vox

"If you'd like." His face was hot under her hands, ears flicking lightly. He'd shift enough for her to reach his hair which was thicker and coarser than her own but shorter and waved. It was charcoal black struck through with lighter grays, following the monochromatic theme he suddenly found boring in comparison to her color. She had to sit chest to chest with him as it was too difficult for him to easily move. He'd tip his head to make it easier for her to comb some of his hair, them both knowing it was mostly for fun rather than legitimate care. He used her closeness as an excuse to hold her helping her keep balance. His hands were firm about her waist and the tips of his nails just barely touched her back leaving tiny little arcs in her skin. Leaving one of his hands at her waist he took the rinse cup to dump over his head, scrunching his nose to close his eyes. Water followed the contours of his face sticking to his hair and lashes, and he licked the dent made by his tusk to get water off. A wide wing gently tucked over her back, a warm thick blanket to block out the slight chill, holding her close to lay against his chest. "We should get out. The waters just going to be cold." He chuffed looking down lightly at her laying on him, eyes squinted shut like a happy animal. "I can get a blanket for you." He offered softly setting his palm to her face, thumb petting her cheekbone. He moved forwards to her but paused in second guessing, letting his hand fall. It's too much. it was foolish. He knew that. Hells they were naked sharing a bath. But did she even want him, or would she allow him out of her seeming want to fulfill a role? Her placating in the hamlet hadn't left her, but he did not need placation..... Twisting slightly, he hooked his fingers into a plush blanket so she could dry. "Here butterfly. Go by the fire get warm." He smiled softly.

7:51 PM

@🎄A Magpie in a pear tree🎄

The femme leaned into him easily. She was finding herself more and more comfortable with him, and her long hair covered her, and his tail him, enough that her guard was down. She slipped onto his chest with long locks of her pale locks sticking to his chest and arms and between them. But the curves of her body that all the various garments she'd worn at this point betrayed her. Pressing into him softly as he wrapped her close and she laughed in a twittering giggle as she slipped into place. Her cheeks burned and her hands slipped over his warm face with a look of adoration on her own. Pushing her long fingers through his course locks, she made it more of care than he might have expected. She took care to even out the waves and smooth out the knots with care, her eyes following the monochromic nature that entranced her with his beauty. As he splashed water over his head to rinse, she laughed again and one of her legs lifted up in the air behind her at the fun she was having against him in such a manner. She could feel his muscles and the tight body under her. The form that was impressive and strong and held her like a gem. She lost herself in the moment and pushed her hands over his face to clear it from water, her voice soft as she spoke "Trying to blind yourself so you don't have to look at your horrible betrothed?" She teased, clearly with the big smile on her lips. She nearly purred when he encased her face in his large hand and sighed with a little pant to it. A fear, an excitement, but a willingness flooded her as she returned his words before his hand fell "Or we can stay in here... I like it." She smiled a little more but when his hand fell, her eyes darted over his face and her smile dropped slowly. The suddeness of the broken moment hit her as he eased her away and got out to fetch a blanket to get warm as he had instructed. She curled a little in on herself and felt foolish for a moment. She shouldn't have thought, she chastised herself internally,

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that he would feel anything more than duty. Perhaps all the gentle gestures and polite conversation, even the touches, were how his people acted. Maybe their bath that had briefly touched the playful realms of lust was nothing and communal bathing was just what his people did. Lyra had alot to learn, and at the moment she felt the sting of rejection. Curling again with her knees to her chest as she watched him go get the blanket and tried to hold back tears she couldn't explain. Biting her lower lip she reached up to take the blanket from him and said in a quiet and defeated voice "Thank you, Daiviki. I appreciate the hospitality and care." She responded with her eyes closed as she raised up and wrapped herself quickly. Stepping past him with quick steps she made for the fire and curled up infront of it with the blanket tucked around her tightly. She made the effort to put it over her head so Daiviki couldn't see the wounded look she couldn't contain. Some part of her called to say something, anything. But she didn't have any words for it. Internally, she made a promise to herself to watch the Umavi closer, and Daiviki, to not mistake what must be everyday activities for him as anything more to her. She couldn't take the rejection it brought and her heart was still healing from being thrown to the wolves by her ex-lover and village. After a long while, she finally spoke up with a slightly strained voice "What are our plans for tomorrow?" She still didn't know a great deal of what their mating ritual would be, their home, or anything else beyond the day she'd had that had made her forget, until that broken moment, that this was a duty bound vow, not a chosen one. @Vox

He knew she hurt quickly, and it stung his heart. She melted into the blanket in front of the fire and he silently cursed himself for it. "Well a garden to plant. Visiting where the house shall be. Daima's people are preparing a place for our wedding. Honeymoon may have to wait for a time. Theirs soldiers about and I can't leave." He wrapped a blanket about his waist and made sure he was dry. Settling behind her he gently wrapped around her holding her back to his chest. "We need to decide your outfit too. I have things to make as well." He said softly and pressed a kiss to the side of her face with the blankets between them, "My weaving leaves much to be desired but it's the ceremony." He'd make sure she'd eat. Thin boned white fish cooked in smokey spices, thick cut bread with butter. He set the plate aside to take care of later wrapping his arms about her again. "I'm sorry." He said softly gently taking down her blanket hood, face concerned. "I didn't mean to upset you. I got nervous." He admitted, laughing softly at himself. "May I have another chance. When we are ready?" He offered his hands.

5:43 AM

@🎄A Magpie in a pear tree🎄

Lyra was curled in on herself and hidden from him nasty he spoke, somewhat detached. She nodded, the blanket around her head making the motion as she stayed hidden. "It's okay," she said quietly. "I don't mind. It was only a suggestion. It's just a silly human tradition." Her hand appeared from the blanket and waves a little as though dismissing the idea. She took it well at least. Continuing to look at the fire, she smiled just a little at the mention of the other things though. But her body froze a little as he curled up behind her and started to make her a meal. Her brow knit in confusion for a moment as she looked down at what he offered. As usual she took it. And slowly ate. "You don't have to take such care of me," she was quiet still and eating "It's nice, I enjoy it, it even makes me feel... loved for a moment." She paused for a long moment to finish her food. Letting him take the finished plate when she was done. Wiping her hands on the blanket. "But you don't have to keep me happy or comfortable or... anything if you don't want to. I don't want to force this," she felt her stomach drop a little when he wrapped around her again. Her soft form was rigid. She didn't know what to feel or think as he whispered to her and pulled her head free, spilling her hair around in his hands. The apology struck her and she turned to look back at him slightly. Her pale purple eyes were wet with unspilled tears and she gave a forced smile "I'm fine," she clearly lied, but the truth spilled out. "I'm just... confused." She finally admitted with a smile fading to one more of defeat and her head fell down a bit to look at his lap. "I never thought I'd be perfect, or right, or what any Umavi would want in a mate. I knew that going in. I just didn't realize I'd be so... well, we don't have to do anything, Daiviki" she touched his chest with a shaky hand and smiled with a look up at him "I just lost myself in the moment and I'm sorry if I was pushing you. I'm sure I'm a

7:06 PM

n odd creature to you and well... I never liked human men all that much so I suppose I had a leg up on all this. I forgot myself." She assured and went to turn back away "Whenever you feel is right, Daiviki. I'm in no rush. Now or never, either way I'm still happier than I've ever been." @Vox

"Come." He said softly and gently lifted her to his lap, holding her close nuzzled to her neck. "I got worried I'd push too far for you. Not next time mm?" He teased softly hugging her close. "We both worry too much." He purred softly tucking against her neck. "Shall we start again tomorrow. Forget all the mess we made together?" He sighed softly, kissing her jaw lightly. Gently he picked her up walking to go to bed, setting her down on the new mat. Nusa had made them a thicker one they could both fit on. "Would you like to drink?" He offered petting her cheek softly. "You may ask me anything you'd like and I'll answer anything I can..." He offered softly kissing her hair. "And I'll do anything you'd ask me for." He winked a little trying to tease, stepping away to find wine. He returned with a two bottles and a thick plush fur, sinking to sit with her in the evening laying on the mat. "To say sorry, I answer or do whatever you ask me, mm? Okay deal?" He offered lightly holding out the bottle.

7:10 PM

@🎄A Magpie in a pear tree🎄

A little sigh/gasp came from her parted lips as he pulled her up into his arms and nuzzled her. Her body relaxed into his and she returned the gesture with a soft run of her cheek against his neck as he spoke. She smiled a little and laughed, shaking her head. "I think," she started with a soft breath "That this is new for both of us. And I think you're right. It's scary. Even for a man who can rip another in two." She peered up at him with a semi wicked and playful look as her mood returned a bit from how gently he explained to her and opened up. She wrapped her arms around his massive neck as he carried her to their new bed for now and set her down. She smiled a little more for that, a bed for the two of them. A moment ago she had thought he'd keep her in her own space. But knowing he wanted to share with her in sleep made her eyes rise under the long locks of fallen purplish hair up to his as he kissed her head. "I'd love to drink," she decided with a nod that turned into a nuzzle against his cheek and a soft sigh. "You can ask me anything you like." she returned as he did and when he sank down with the bottles, her eyes tracked him with a little happiness to them again. "I suppose, first... What was your biggest fear when you volunteered for this?" She reached out with her petite hand to take a bottle from him and grinned a bit more still "How about just questions?" she laughed nervously "I fear between a bath with an adonis and drink will lead to some very unlady like behavior." She took a deep drink and licked her lips "It's good." She offered. "And yes." She finally answered "I told you, when you're ready, when I am too, we can... explore more. You didn't push, like I said, I forgot myself. You've known me all of 3 days..." She gave a sweeter smile to him. "Humans tend to move... fast. I don't know why." she shrugged a little and with flushed cheeks of embarrassment, took another drink. "Do you have a question for me?" She asked curiously. <@887538

9:14 PM

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9:14 PM

@Vox

"That'd I'd break you." He said softly, laying the fur over her and partially his lap. "You are very small." He compared his hand to the size of her face gently grabbing it, chuffing softly laughing. His own bottle smelled far harder to the point it could probably be used to raise the dead, "My kin are... different. It's a private thing but its..." He struggled to think of how to phrase it, "I've never had fear. Afraid I'll hurt you or lose you. Already. Foolish mm?" He glanced to her ears flicking, sipping his bottle. "When the war eases, do you wish to stay here?" He blinked trying to keep his thoughts, "Your hamlet is not the kindest to you. My own accept you but I know this life is not one for humans." He took another sip sucking his teeth softly. "Why do you put up with their mistreatment...." He added softer, stretching out his legs, snake like tail wrapping over her waist. He was warm and he knew the stone could be cold even with the mats. He emptied half the bottle before he set it aside, laying flat, tail gently tucking around her further and sliding her close to him. "Do you want a dress? Just sort of realized you don't have one..." He laughed a little, the blanket over her, and he gently lifted it higher over her purring. "And why have you allowed me so close? You've been open to me despite this not being favorable..." @🎄A Magpie in a pear tree🎄

A smile grew wider as he pulled the blanket over them both. And her face was turned over in his hand as he emphasized her size and revealed his fear of this all. She laughed a little and touched the back of his hand gently. "I thought as much." She turned a little to take another drink, looking away and than back again with her next question "Did you know what I looked like before we met? Before I was in that silly gitup?" she smirked, remembering how she'd been presented to him. She blushed a little at his admittance though and added "Not foolish at all. Endearing." She assured and took another drink, deeper this time as she moved her form slightly to be closer to his. Considering his question for a long moment, it was a big question, a few of them, and she didn't want to not do them justice. Her hand touching his tail as she sat there with it wrapped around her half covered form. "Well first, you've already had me nude on top of you." She smirked a little and kept her eyes away as her lips encassed her drink and she took another swig. Licking them clean. "And," she began "If I'm going to be an Umavi bride, I should probably get used to nudity among... our people." She smiled and looked to him with bright eyes. Answering his first question and assuring "So yes, I plan to stay." She sighed and leaned her head on his shoulder "I choose to put up with them for as long as I had to. Women don't have alot of say among my people, in my home. I suppose you could say that agreeing to all this was my way of telling them that I didn't want to be part of their world anymore." She was leaning on his shoulder, her legs stretched out and the blanket slipping a little off her shoulder, though she didn't seem to mind. "I've allowed you so close because when I met you, I didn't feel scared. I didn't feel that trepidation that so many men make me feel," She knitted her brow and took yet another drink. "I feel warm around you. Safe. I suppose I've just let you close because

2:14 PM

I like how you feel. You don't scare me. Even after what I saw, I swear. If anything I feel safer." her laughter rung out a little and she sighed "Does it bother you that I'm so small? Is that what makes you afraid to get... closer?" she asked with more boldness. She cranned her head up slightly to look at him better and her hair was all about her form at this point, unpinned and untethered as she was now. @Vox

"No. I did not know of you." He answered lightly, gently holding her close settling to sleep. It felt good what she said. Her second question paused him to think, idly clicking softly in his throat as he repeated the question to himself in his own tongue. "I know how much force it takes to crush your head. To break your hands. I could accidentally hurt you. I worry of it." He explained softly, "I say so not to scare you but to try to explain.... My purpose was to hurt humans. My kind were created long, long ago for war between humans. It all.... is as it is. I just have to get accustomed...." He shook his head gently, and adjusted to have his horns not catch the mat. "Go to sleep butterfly." He chuffed softly, breath smelling of wine, hands folded over her thin waist. He seemed to tell her of that because he was exhausted himself, breath slowing in short time. One of his hands kept about her waist but the other was loose before him laying on the mat. The thick blanket warmed quickly with both of their heat beneath, and he didn't seem to move as he slept, meaning the blanket wasn't pulled around. @🎄A Magpie in a pear tree🎄