Open Happy birthday to me {Miria, open to anyone}

[Ronan Dugal]

Ronan looked at Miria, a (fake) hurt look on his face. "Eccentric? You wound me, dear Miria." He returned her smile, which quickly vanished as he found out a little more about this Morello person. Whatever this Morello person had done, it had left a lasting impression on Miria. Realizing the sensitivity of the subject, Ronan dropped it. "A Dugal? Now where can we find one of those. Oh wait..." Ronan produced a big smile as he looked at Miria. "Tadaah." Ronan looked at Miria, the smile on his face genuine and true, unlike most of his smiles so far. Perhaps he was a shifty, balancing on the edge, pervert outsider to Miria but he was also welcome company, apparently. A good combination, Ronan was sure. Ronan was amused by Miria's appreciation for the skills of the Avanthalian youth. "Alright, so we stick to the dulled tips. I'm not a fan of snowballs..." Ronan sometimes really wondered why he had moved to Avanthal. But on the other hand, he also could see why he had moved and why he was staying. Ronan looked at Miria as he though over her last question. Something that would make this the best day of his life... There were a few things that sprung to mind. "Perhaps... no. That wouldn't be socially acceptable. Ooh... That's a good idea... I think... Maybe... no, that didn't end so well last time..." Ronan went over his mental list of ideas, most of them not very smart ones. He finally managed to cut it down to only a few. "Well, there's two things you could do that would make it an incredibly interesting day. Make that three." Ronan's face had slowly lit up like a naughty child. He was already enjoying it even though they were just ideas for now. The expression on his face was that of a little boy with a new and forbidden toy as he looked at Miria. "Make it four, even. If possible. But first, if you want to join, then I want you to promise you'll join me in everything I would like to do even if they are incredibly stupid to do." Even the sudden realization that his ideas might be shocking to the Avanthalian people didn't help to stop the look on his face which, combined with the big grin he was carrying, showed the little boy inside the usually so one-track trader. He waited for her promise before he unraveled the stupidity that were his plans for today. The ideas had obviously sprouted from some boyish sense for danger and the ability to seek it out combined with an touristy outsider view of Avanthal. "Well, first, I would like to ride on of those big bears you have at the gate to Avanthal. They look interesting. And then afterwards I'll tell you the next one. Okay?" The grin on his face remained as he spoke and his hands moved about, showing the excitement Ronan had for the possible adventure that was about to happen. The fact that the bear might eat him slipped passed him for now. Besides, how could a fuzzy hugger like that do any harm to anyone.

[Miria]

"Hmm yea? Just try and suggest it. I'll turn you down faster then the girls back home." Sighing looking rather ashamed for Ronan Miria could only find herself smiling along. Though Miria might have initially misinterpreted a few things Ronan has proven himself in a mostly well manner fashion and the familiarity the archer had with him was starting to show. "Incredible foolish I can do." Shaking her head slightly at the notion Miria could only sigh knowingly. "What is it with you foreign types and wanting to ride a dire bear?"

oocSorry if it's short. Did not give me too much to write about

[Ronan Dugal]

Ronan wasn't sure if Miria had promised or not but he was glad she was up incredibly foolish things. With a big smile on his face he looked at her. "Its furry and fuzzy and it's huge. Who wouldn't want to ride one? Besides, didn't you ask what would make this the best day of my life?" Ronan's eyes sparkled at the idea alone as he hopped a little from one foot to the other, trying to contain his excitement and trying to keep warm at the same time. "Shall we?" With a swirl and a swoosh, Ronan turned around, his cloak spinning behind him. With two, three quick steps, Ronan was on his way. It didn't take him long to realize that he had no idea which way the way was. With another swirl and swoosh, he turned around again and looked at Miria. "Which way to the dire bears?" He smiled as he rubbed the back of his head and started to follow after Miria. Ronan wondered how it was like to ride one of those bears. Would they be the same as horses? He really wasn't a fan of horse riding. But the bears looked different so they probably rode different as well. Ronan assured himself some more as he started asking questions to his partner-in-foolishness. "Any tips for a novice such as myself? Will they try to bite me? Have you ever rode one? Are they nice? They're kelvic, right? Can I talk to them? Anything I should avoid at all costs? You don't want to lose your latest friend to an unfortunate accident, right? Right?" The closer they got to his potential bear ride the closer Ronan resembled a young boy in an adult male's body. The questions kept rolling, barely enough time between them for an answer. He could already envision it, the whole adventure, the rush and thrill. Hmm... perhaps... Ronan shook his head. He was sure she wouldn't agree. Miria seemed too... Avanthal for that. Not at all like the bigger part of the Syliran women he had known in his life. As soon as they got to the bears, Ronan forgot whatever warnings Miria had given him during their walk. With the same gleam in his eyes and the same boyish grin on his face, Ronan started to walk over to the bear. He couldn't really see the danger in it. If these guards could ride on them, surely he could too, right? The usually calculated and focused Ronan had flipped the coin entirely, leaving nothing of his normal behavior behind. Perhaps it was because of his view on birthdays and that they lead one closer to dying that caused this particular change in Ronan or maybe it was just a well hidden secret of Ronan's personality. Whatever the reason, Ronan was walking towards the bear. But the closer he got, the slower he started walking. The sheer size of the creature started to influence his enthusiasm. At a relatively safe distance he stopped and, unsure of himself, turned to look at Miria. The question mark in his features was blindly obvious. "Hmm... you mind... Can you show me first? They looked less... prone to chewing my head off when I was at a distance..." Ronan attempted a casual chuckle but it sounded more like a panicked peeping noise.

[Miria]

Shaking her head no Miria still did not understand the obsession outsiders had of mounting a humongous polar bear. "I suppose I did didn't I? Snow in your shoe?" Letting Ronan set off Miria waited until the trader realized something was amiss. Pointing at a far off structure in the distance Miria started off towards the Icewatch Barracks.

Letting Ronan pander on about how great his latest plot was going to be Miria ran through the frequently asked questions that would eventually be asked. "I would not suggest doing this at all. No but they will give you a stern talking to. I've asked about it once or twice and they explained very well why I could-scratch that should not try it. Kelvics are a type of people yes. Though how they act depends on the person they are talking to and how hungry they are. For the moment I'm sorry to say I don't know you."

Like all others who thought of it as a great idea Ronan stopped in his tracks seeing the full grown dire bear before him. Shrugging slightly Miria could not help but feel sorry for the Syliran. Bears were a common sight in Avanthal so their intimidation factor did not affect the Vantha as badly. Sure Miria saw one Vantha actually try to mount one of the beasts forcefully but that Whitevine was not quite right in the head. Miria doubted that he knew he put his life in danger much like Ronan was doing now. Speaking of Ronan...

"Oh you'll be fine. You said it yourself just a few minutes ago." Smiling wickedly Miria put a finer on her lips as her now azure eyes slowly savored the predicament Roanan put herself in. "Come on then make my. Rather. Make your birthday the best and possibly the final day of your life. Don't be caught flat footing. Talk dirty to the bear. Tell him you want to put a cute pink bow around it and parade him around town calling her Sally." Receiving a lightly veiled threat from the bear Miria only giggled in delight realizing she might have taken the jest too far. Winking reassuringly Miria mouthed an "I'm sorry" at Ronan's direction. Whether it was aimed at Ronan himself or the dire bear though was up for translation.

[Ronan Dugal]

Ronan stood there, ankle deep in the snow, looking from the dire bear in front of him to Miria behind him but keeping his eyes always so he could see the bear, just in case. Although he was shaking in his boots, he turned to Miria. "You... You're not scared, are you?" A smile, a shaky, trembling, scared smile towards the woman. The creature was indeed huge. Ronan had no idea about dire bear sizes but he was sure this one was the biggest in town. He took another half step forward, carefully placing his foot down, moving very slowly in order to not disturb the kelvic bear. You'll be fine. He could feel the evil smile on his back, he just knew the woman was toying with him now. He ignored her teasing and taunting, only listening with a half ear. "Hello mister bear. You're a nice bear, right? You're not going to eat me, no? She's much tastier." He pointed over his shoulder towards Miria, making sure his voice was loud enough for her to hear. "How about we make a deal? If you're hungry, you eat her. And I get to take a short ride on your back? What do you say? Listen to how she's teasing you. I'm sure she'll be much tastier then me. Mhmm" If it wasn't for the shaking of his legs and sound of his knees constantly clicking together because of it, Ronan would have come across as relaxed and perhaps as a natural bear whisperer, but he obviously didn't. The bear responded to Ronan's question with a loud roar and a show of teeth to the young man. "GRAAAWWRAAWRAAWR!!!! The roaring bear sprayed spit everywhere. Ronan had never moved so fast in his life. One moment he had been somewhere between Miria and the bear, closer to the bear, the next moment he stood diagonally Miria, a small, round projectile in each hand and his eyes on the creature in front of them. The snow between where he had been standing and where he stood now was flattened, as if someone had sat in it and then rolled backwards. Realizing that he wasn't going to ride any dire bears today, Ronan attempted to ignore the fact that he was armed now. "Hrm... I errr... I think maybe we should leave this one for... you know... later. Perhaps some other... century." He nodded towards Miria. As if stating the type of weather they were having today. He was obviously failing very hard at hiding the fact that the bear had indeed scared the living shit hells out of him. "Unless you want to have a chat with it...Him...Her? The bear." With shaky hands, Ronan managed to slip the two projectiles he was holding back into their slot on the inside of his lower arms. At least he was still able to draw them properly. OOCI think my bear noise was pretty realistic, right?

[Miria]

"Absolutely terrified. For you that is. Are you sure you want to do this?" Seeing that Ronan actually intended to go on with this foolish notion Miria leaned in closer smiling ear to ear knowing that what would happen next. They say when you see someone running for the first time you truly know howthey carry themselves. It was at that moment Miria saw something genuinely unique in Ronan Dugal. "Bahahaha!" Clutching her sides Miria hunched over absolutely delirious with laughter.

In Ronan's case running portrayed him well with his scrambling with him actually hauling his own ass out of the area. You just would not see a native of Avanthal do that. "Ahh I wish Honey or Vasst were here to see this." Miria called out wiping off a tear from her eye.

A wide smirk followed by a scoff at the bjects held in his hands Miria stepped forth in Ronan's place. "I don't think those little objects are going to scare him Ronan. Stop threatening the poor defenseless thing. He might take offense."

Batting her eyelashes a few times Miria feigned confusion. "What are you saying? You said it yourself. Riding a polar bear would make this the best day in your life. Now all of a sudden your hesitant? You outsiders and your silly ways." Keeping a straight face throughout her razing Miria kept on with he facade before look at the bear questioningly. "It's a boy Ronan. Just like you. Just have to look underneath if you want to check." Shrugging slightly Miria questioned Ronan if he wanted to try again before coming to her own conclusion. "Alright fine. You won't do it. Doesn't mean I won't though."

Her confidence on the matter was entirely due to the appearance of the Kelvic's bondmate joining the scene. Questioning why the pair were harassing his partner Miria took the man aside and had a quiet discussion . Finally a question came from the man followed by Mirir's confirmation. Rubbing his chin in thought the man finally nodded leading Miria to the dire bear. Explaining the situation the bear gave a look in turn at Miria and then Ronan before growling a complaint at his partner. After a session of asking a few more times the chance presented itself as Miria was finally let on the enormous beast. Waving back at Ronan Miria could barely hide her enthusiasm being such high a distance as the bear lumbered towards Ronan. Satisfied with the short trip Miria hopped off the bear before looking back at Ronan. "Right. What was the second thing you wanted to do?"

[Ronan Dugal]

Ronan wasn't too happy with the fact that he was the source of Miria's outburst of laughter, yet at the same time it was nice to know that he was the source of her laughter. He liked the sound, even though it was made at him because he had done something stupid, again. "Defenseless? Do you see the size of his teeth?" Ronan pointed at the bear, who was casually licking his nose. Or licking his lips in anticipation of eating Ronan. Either one was possible. This woman... Ronan shook his head as he took a moment to calm himself. In the short time they had know each other she had managed to crawl under his skin way too many times. Perhaps it was fueled by the fact that he had been alone, with a horse and dog, for so long on the road from Syliras to Avanthal that made him so susceptible to her teasing. Ronan didn't know. "I'll trust your judgment on his gender. Go ahead. I'm sure he'll like to eat you just as much as me." But apparently he wasn't interested in eating her. In fact, he even let her take a ride on his back after Miria had spoken at length with some guy, which Ronan recognized as an Icewatch, and the bear himself. Ronan just stared in amazement as the bear headed for him, carrying Miria on his back. "He just likes you because you're a beautiful woman." Ronan shrugged with a wink. "No, no. I haven't done the first thing yet so we can't do the second thing. Excuse me?" Ronan called out to the Icewatch, his Vani layered thick with his common accent. "I'm not sure what she told you but I would like to take a short ride on your friend as well. I may have started off on the wrong foot though. Could you perhaps...negotiate with your furry friend?" Ronan nodded to the bear who, without him knowing, was standing right behind him. The two discusses for a short while, just as Miria had done before. Ronan explained about it being his birthday and how Miria had told him to make it one to remember, so here he was. After some more persuasion, Ronan was finally allowed to attempt to take a short ride. Turning around to show his triumphant smile to Miria, Ronan stood face to face with the bear, who was only a few inches away from him. Ronan just swallowed and stood there, looking at the bear and hoping that it wouldn't decide to eat him. After a short stare down, which Ronan quickly lost, the bear turned sideways and bent through its legs so Ronan could get on. Shaky but excited, Ronan managed to climb on top of the bear, with a little pushing from the Icewatch. Once on top, the shaky, scared part of Ronan disappeared. As he started waving at Miria. "Whoa!! Amazing. I'm riding on a bear. Look. Can you see me?" Of course she could as she was only a few steps away from him but the excitement called for extreme joy which Ronan expressed in words. "You're so small now. This guy is huuuuge!! And so fuzzy. If it wasn't for the cl-" Ronan's rush of words turned into a long stretched out and quite pathetic peeping sound as the bear turned its head towards the man on his back. "GRAWR!" As soon as it looked ahead again, Ronan kept quiet but his arms didn't stop moving. He pointed at Miria and at him and at the bear and his legs and at the bear again and some more to himself and to the sky and basically everywhere without making any sense what so ever. The short trip quickly ended and Ronan managed to slide off the bear, miss a step and keep his balance. "Thank you very much." He said to the Icewatch as much as to the bear. At the same time he stretched his arm out to sort of pat or pet the bear but a single glare from the beady little eyes and Ronan changed his mind. "Did you see that? I was on top of that. It was amazing. Dire bears are so huge." His excited raving continued for a moment before he suddenly stopped entirely and returned to the business at hand. "Hrmp... The second thing I want to do is equally, if not more, touristy and stupid so now is the time to back out... Actually, number two and three are quite close to each other so I'll list them together. I want to attempt to swim in ice water and I want to visit a hot spring. You have a hot spring right?" Ronan blurted out his next request. What he didn't mention was that asking a woman out for swimming was always a good way to see her in less clothes. But if he said that out loud it would surely mean the end of Ronan Dugal, trader extraordinaire. Only problem with this request was that Ronan's ability to swim was related to his natural ability to float in water, rather than any sort of skill what so ever.

[Miria]

"Not really I'm too busy looking at the nice kelvic that's carrying you. He's such a sweetheart." Standing aside the Icewatch guard Miria stoically watched Ronan do his routine floundering about until the bear finally had enough of the trader. "Yes, yes it's good that we were able to talk to an understanding kelvic." Quietly musing how exactly they were able to convince the bear to let them ride him. I suppose if you ask someone a small favor they are more willing to do bigger ones? "I'm surprised as much as you are to be honest Ronan. I shared with them my intentions and that this little favor would leave a good impression on me. I suppose when they saw you with such want in your eye the bear decided to humor you."

Hearing the next event of the day Miria gave a belligerent stare at Ronan's direction. Taking a step back Miria offering only a sigh in return. "Fine fine. Let's stick with the touristy theme. At least your being honest." Taking a dip in the Makutsi Springs seemed like a simple affair compared to the two encounters with Ronan.Though where they were to find a place that had ice water so close to the springs? "I don't know about where you can find ice water to jump into but we'll come up with something. Do you have a spare change of clothes?"

Taking a look at her own attire Miria quickly realized that she might have to get something else to change into when they visit the springs. I'm wearing all white. Not something I want to wear if I'm gonna get wet. "If not we can just pick up something really quick in the market I suppose. Perhaps tell me about the 4th thing you wanted to do along the way? We can probably figure something out for that ice water bit."

[Ronan Dugal]

"Wasn't it? The kelvic bear was much friendlier than I thought..." Ronan ignored Miria's remark about his childish behavior earlier and his desire to ride a Dire bear. It didn't matter. If Ronan had a bucket list he would be able to cross something off of it now. He rode on a dire bear. How many people could say that. Well, apart from all the Avanthalians, of course. But those didn't count in this case. Ronan felt very alive after the little ride on the dire bear. Partly because he had been riding on an animal that was the embodiment of power and partly because in Ronan's mind the potential for having been eaten had been quite high. Quite happy with himself and his most recent achievement, Ronan didn't feel the sarcastic touristy prick Miria gave him. "Well, I -am- a tourist, after all, so might as well do some touristy stuff, right?" Ronan stopped for a moment. There was the potential kink in the cable. Ronan had a change of clothes but he didn't have anything resembling a swimsuit, which he assumed would be required for going swimming. He wondered if Miria would swim in her all white outfit she was wearing. He reeled his mind back in before it could even begin daydreaming. "I think a quick stop at the market is in order here. How about you? Any other outfits besides this one?" Ronan was hoping, very strongly and with a lot of effort. No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. Should he tell her already? Or wait for after the hot springs and cold shower. Perhaps she would change her mind if he told her now. Or perhaps he would get smacked now and then she would feel bad and agree in the end. Or perhaps nothing would happen. Or... Or... Or... So many scenarios moved through Ronan's head. And all were visible on his face as his features shifted with ever mental image. "I'd like to go see the Aurora at night..." Ronan trailed off, obviously not finished yet but equally obviously not entirely sure if it was a good idea to finish the sentence. Undecided, Ronan turned in the direction he more or less remembered the market to be and started walking, a little lost in thought, not a place he often showed spending time in.

[Miria]

“No I'm embarrassed to say I do not.” Raising an eye to give a reproachful look at Ronan something finally snapped in the kind Vatnha. Knowing exactly what was going through Ronan's mind Miria could not help but leading the merchant on. “What do you think? Should I just not wear anything at all? Would you be fine with that?” Letting the thought distract Ronan for a moment Miria gave a mild shove in his direction. “Just when I thought you were. Tch! I really hope that isn't your opinion of women!” Talking in a higher tone of voice then needed Miria's eyes furrowed with deep brown in revulsion looking away from Ronan. “We are not just wallflowers. Ronan Dugal.” Trying to look for any sort of contrition Miria quietly fumed at the man as the market came in sight. “Come on. Before I change my mind. Stop looking at me like I'm some sort of eye candy.”

Shaking her head Miria tried to breathe easy founding herself once more. Though compliments were in fact quite flattering at times the Coolwater could not help but be seen as only a pretty face to the trader. I really hope I mean more to that man then just someone to lech over. He has all the characteristics to make for a good companion of mine. “Your sweet Ronan. Sickly sweet at times even and you make me laugh.” Overing a condoling smile Miria could not keep her angry face at the Syliran. “Just. I don't want to be hurt if that isn't the real you. Otherwise why are we even on this date? This play date.” Adding in the last sentence with a patronizing look Miria opted not to explain whether she was playing as an adult or child in the play date. Perhaps both.

Blinking stolidly at the mention of the Aurora Miria found herself whistling in mild shock. “We'll see...” Knowing that the Skyglow hold would be the place to go to Miria wasn't quite sure if she was ready to introduce Ronan to other people she might know from the hold. “Much too romantic for me to be your partner watching the lights. Perhaps you should wait on that? The lights aren't going anywhere.” Grinning matter-so-factly Miria set herself with a simple affair of extra undergarments, a skirt and a blouse for extra clothing. Though the quality of the material made the cost a bit too high for her liking. Sigh* The costs of looking good and feeling confident.
“Ready Ronan?” Looking back at the trader Miria hid her new apparel in her backpack before looking at what the merchant bought.

"Right the springs should be thatta way!” Gesturing to far off Miria quietly set the pace for the two her mind musing over recent thoughts. “Be sure to not be wearing anything loose. The hot springs has a tendency to eat up vaulables and spit them out Morwen knows where.” Knowing that the small tidbit might interest Ronan Miria quickly interjected before he asked. “No I don't think she'll tell you. Nor will I. It's for the elders to know and you to fret over.” Regaining her usual upbeat mood Miria's eyes glimmered a dangerous shade of blue as a thought came to the archer. “Ronan dearest?” Taking his arm in hand Miria tried her best to look shy and coy to the Dugal. “I have an idea so you can get that ice bath you wanted but you have to trust me.”

Asking for confirmation Miria let the question go unasked until they came closer to the springs. “Alrighty. Well anyways here was my idea.” Leaning in closer Miria made sure to speak clearly so there wasn't any question to what she said. “I want you to strip for me.” Possibly spurred on by her own feelings of unease at the trader's earlier hounding Miria let the thought linger before explaining the rest. “Then we'll bury you in some snow to cool you off before jumping into the springs. Next best thing right?” I'm such a genius! Not hiding the guile in her eyes Miria looked intently at Ronan mentally antagonizing him to take the offer. “I'll just change while your buried in the snow. When your done I'll fetch you out and we can move on to the hot springs with a clean slate what do you say?”

on another noteSorry I took awhile on this one. I wrote up the post and it was sooo long! Would take me an hour to transfer it to the computer I was using. Flash drives don't even work on it >.>