An Afternoon Adventure (Naomi)

[Nero Czan]

83rd day of Spring, 510 AV. After gathering more appropriate equipment, Nero was standing with Naomi by the outskirts of the city, clad in a rough leather Martial Arts suit, (Complete with occasional rips and tears), carrying a knapsack over his shoulder. He was wearing a studded gauntlet on his right hand, in place of the usual leather glove. His expression had also changed, his face giving off a feeling of professionalism and excitement, in place of the usual smirk and romantic. A portion of his new smile was due to the warm touch of the sweet woman's hand in his. He had been with his share of women, and had outgrown the urges that he once felt, but whether it was the lingering alcohol, or the thrill of adventure, or even just the beauty of this damsel, he felt intoxicated... In a good way. He had gotten directions from a passerby on the way there, and had managed to return to the same spot his often ventured from as a kid. The same inscribed stone marking the way, bearing some deep but utterly useless meaning in it's words. It had seemed a monolith back in the day, but now he saw it only standing two or three feet off the ground. He chuckled to himself as he walked past it, careful not to go too fast. He had a general idea of where he was going, and could only hope she would enjoy it as much as he would. The only issue was if this route was as he remembered, he might be able to deliver on his promise of an exciting trip. Hurray. "So Naomi," he said as he made subtle corrections to his path, as to avoid obstacles a few feet ahead of him, "You said you were out at the grasses not too long ago? How'd that little escapade end up?" He talked with his head slightly turned, as to indicate his attention to both her and the path. Nero always enjoyed a nice challenge, even in the way he walked.

[Naomi]

Still dressed in her white linen and shorts seen in the bar, she had stopped by her tent and grabbed her shortsword on their way out toward the edge of the city. To keep it out of the way, she had tied the strap around her front and back, the leather running diagonally across her torso. It laid between her breasts, which was somewhat uncomfortable due to the tightness of the strap, but it was easily ignored with the bubbling excitement in her gut. With her hand in his, she followed him cheerfully, watching their environment change as they pushed past the boundaries of Endrykas. As they came near an inscribed stone, she looked back towards the city, keeping its location in comparison to the stars in mind. Returning, if they became lost, would not be an issue. It only took a moment, but she felt her feet trip on a rock as she walked. Instantly catching herself, she chuckled nervously, blushing. "Oh," she said thoughtfully. "Well, I met my first Drykas. Vanator is a very likable man. He saved me from a wolf and escorted me to Endrykas." She flashed him a grin, following his trail carefully. "I've learned not to travel out in the grasses alone, that's for sure. I'm not used to this environment yet. In the forest...well, I can outrun anything, I think."

[Nero Czan]

Nero chuckled as he smiled back at her, "Careful, you don't want to lose your footing here, who knows what's crawling around in the dirt." There was something in the way she walked that was just inherently playful. Her slight blush and laugh were music to his ears, he interlocked his fingers with hers as he continued on with what he was saying. "That sounds like your typical Drykas, very honorable, quick to protect, and all that jazz. Be on your guard though, wolves love to hide out in the forest brush just as much as in the tall grass. Don't worry though, i'll be sure to take good care of you, so that you don't have to roughen up your soft hands with fighting." He flashed his smirk at her for a moment before returning to his half-turned position. His voice a little more peaceful then before, and his volume not as pronounced, he began to feel the tranquility of the forest flow into him, and his pace as well. He slowed as to walk side-by-side with Naomi, and sensing no immediate danger, decided it was okay to let the guard down... Just this once. The canopy overhead had created a vibrant and constantly-changing pattern of light, which illuminated Nero's face as he turned to talk. He bore a smile familiar to one who truly enjoys the peacefulness of nature, even knowing quite well the sorrow it can bring. His expression humbly sincere, and with a passion in his eyes that almost caused them to glowed, he turned his head to look into his companions eyes, and spoke. "If you don't mind my asking, Naomi, What do you enjoy doing, as a hobby? I'm sure a traveler as beautiful as yourself must have picked up some interesting talent or another."

[Naomi]

Grimacing at the thought of creatures along the dirt, she gave a small yuck!. However, a grin quickly plastered onto her face when she felt his fingers interlocked with hers. She hadn't known that feeling in a long time and forgot how absolutely wonderful it felt. A warmth rose to her head while her stomach began to flutter. "He seemed quite the valiant one, that's true," she chuckled. "These hands know the sword quite fine, Nero. I was caught off guard, that's all." She gave a wink. When they slowed to a walk within the forest, Naomi was absolutely dazzled by the beauty of the trees. Yes, she had traveled through this sort of terrain on her way to Cyphrus, but she had not stopped and...breathed it in. Calm, peaceful, and enamored with nature, Naomi closed her eyes for a moment to feel her heart connect with the quiet trees. Opening them, a smile of utter happiness tugged at her lips. Looking to Nero, she was almost taken back by his face under the light. He was handsome, yes, but it was his...connection that he seemed to have, similar to her own. Her heart ached, knowing that he loved nature as much as she. His eyes seemed bright and knowing under the canopy. Naomi felt as if she had known this man for a long time. Her stomach turned, nervous and fearful of what Nero could eventually mean to her. "I sing," she said softly, almost a whisper. Her large eyes gazed into his, searching. "What of you, Nero?"

[Nero Czan]

Nero chuckled a bit at her response. If they had not been so close together, he might not have heard her at all. "I'd love to hear you sing sometime, if you'd give me the pleasure." His reassuring smile kept strong, as he glanced around him, taking in the ambiance for a moment. "Me? I'm not really good at much other than sweet-talking, thinking, and Martial Arts." He shrugged, a slight smirk crawling across his angelically lit face, "I'd prefer singing over fighting any day though. After all, I believe it is much better to work to create, than to destroy." He couldn't help but laugh at himself, "Ironic, seeing as that is my expertise, but beggars can't be choosers." His smirk grew for a moment as he looked into her eyes again. But, now that he thought of it, he had been gazing into her beautiful eyes for a good time now... Naturally, given his sort of luck, Nero's feet had managed to find the single rock big enough to trip him, but not too big as to see in his peripheral vision. It took a lot of skill to do that, and it had come from years of practice. As he tumbled forward, he realized he did not have the time, or capacity to let go of Naomi's hand. He quickly decided to wrap his other arm around her, and gently pulled her against him, his face subconsciously chuckling at the scene. As he braced himself against the impact, which was lessened by an extremely-well placed patch of grass, he checked to make sure Naomi was alright, before bursting out in laughter. "That's just like me to go ahead and ruin the mood with something like this." His smile came as strong as ever as he looked into her eyes, which were not even a foot away now, and his body heated up, as he felt her own faint heat against him. His mind tempted to reach out and kiss her, he fought himself for a few moments before pulling his arms behind his head, and smirking up at her. "I did say this was going to be an Adventure, didn't I?" A shiver passed through him as he felt something wriggle under his back, but he controlled himself, not willing to ruin the mood a second time.

[Naomi]

Smiling, she nodded. "Sure, I could sing for you. I'd have to pull out some of my older ballads, though. Taverns generally want lively tunes." Watching him carefully, she chuckled at the comments on his hobbies. "I love to sing, but I have a feeling I'll need to work on defending myself. Maybe you could give me some pointers, hm?" Knowing it was bound to happen, Naomi first watched as Nero began to fall after tripping. However, noting that she was going down with him, she let out a sharp exclaim of surprise, followed by a curse, as they landed. She felt his other arm around her and blushed, never having been held like this by a man. As she gazed at his eyes, she felt herself unconsciously lower her eyes, embarrassed by the situation. However, when he brought his arms up and behind his head, the tension dispersed into relief. "Eh, I almost tripped earlier. Looks like I have better reflexes than you," she giggled. She rolled off of him, lying next to him for a moment. She looked up at the numerous branches and sighed happily. "Thank you for bringing me out here." Naomi turned her head to grin at him. "It's been a while since I could actually appreciate nature, you know?" She then stood, brushing leaves off of her shirt, plucking them out of her hair. Holding out a hand, she offered to help him up.

[Nero Czan]

Nero smirked as he laid in the rough dirt and grass, his head turned to face her. "Looks like it." Her giggle brought a wave of warmth through his chest. She looked so graceful as she laid there, taking in the scene around her. When she rose, his eyes followed her curves, and afterwards, he smirked back up at her while she extended her hand. He firmly gripped it as he stood, providing a good amount of leverage with his legs, (Which had also had plenty of practice in this situation), in order to not strain her too much. "Thanks. I must've been distracted by something... I wonder what." He gave her a wink as he took her hand in his once more, and continued his walk, this time taking extra care in his steps. "I'd be happy to help you out with your fighting. I may not be too good at swordplay, but the basic principles of combat are still the same." Although adept at fighting, especially through the meditation on his passed-down Tome, his favorite part of studying Martial Arts was the Art itself. He has spent many hours of his time sitting in a grove, atop of a cliff, or in a stone cavern, simply sitting in silence, not a single thought in his mind. He spent seven hours straight painfully perfecting a form which had time and time again eluded him, and only after studying the movements of a nearby mantis was he able to get the flow of motion correct. "You're quite welcome. I don't know what I'd do without the peace and tranquility I draw from it. Syrilas has nothing against these lands though. Nature is coveted above all else here, and rarely is it disturbed." As he continued walking, his eyes were distracted by shifting shadows in the distance. He disregarded it due to the distance, but remained on a steady guard, his mind now keeping a strict watch on his senses. Nevertheless, he managed to keep enough capacity for conversation. In the distance the sun was making it's way towards the horizon, and the pair walked a good distance, making small talk along the way about nature and what not, until they reached a magnificent lake. The water's sheen was magnified by the setting sun, the reflection creating an orange overtone vibrating on the surface of the lake. Nero couldn't help but smirk at this little treasure he had been keeping for the past couple decades. At the same time, even though he expected it, the beauty of the scenery was overwhelming. Nero, a smile glued on his face, strode over to a tree, it's branches grown high and hanging over the water. "Taa-dah" was all Nero had to say.

[Naomi]

"Oh, I didn't mean swordplay," she said, watching the ground intently, careful to miss larger rocks. "You seem very confident in your unarmed abilities, so I find that admirable." She laughed. 'I've just never seen anyone fight like that, you know? I always picture daring swordfights, cavalry, archers...but I bet your style is just as refined and trained. Just think, with your help, if I was snatched up by Eypharian slave traders and forced into slavery, I could fight my way out!" Releasing his hand, she brought up her fists to depict a playful fistfight, complete with sound effects similar to kerPOW and bam. Giggling, her hand returned to his. As her laughing calmed, she sighed happily. "Well, I miss the ocean. I love the forest here and the beautiful scenery, but...I miss the beach. I used to walk along it in the morning and watch the sunrise. When I was upset with a professor or my father, I'd go swim. Or I'd head outside the city walls and sit in the forest." She looked up at him. "It was lovely." As they reached the lake, Naomi's eyes widened and her mouth dropped in a small O shape. "Oh, wow!" she exclaimed, gazing at the majestic water, colors dancing across its surface due to the setting sun. Dazed, she followed him to the large tree. Suddenly feeling the urge to swim, she tugged on his hand. "Can we...swim?" She asked, smile wide and eyes glittering. Oh, she was so excited it was ridiculous.

[Nero Czan]

Another genuine smile came across Nero's face as she inquired about his own style. Many a man had disregarded him for fighting without what they considered a proper weapons, although to their loss, as insulting him was one of the few things that ticked Nero off. He didn't see anything wrong with teaching her some basic techniques, and the practice goes further than combat as well. It's a more fundamental training, one that spreads to every aspect of life. "Maybe later, sometime after we get back. Just remind me, and it'd be my honor." He flashed his smile her way before revealing his prized treasure. It would've been incredibly hard to resist such an adorable face, if Nero had any inclination to do so. He hadn't had a good, relaxing dip for a long while, and had been hoping to persuade her to go in with him. Well, that problem sure solved itself. "How could I say no?" He smirked at her as he set his pack down against the tree, a slight clanking of metal arising as it lands, and threw his cloak atop it as well. He carefully undid the knot securing his shirt together in traditional Martial Arts fashion, and carefully slid it off, hanging it on a low-lying stump of a branch, eagerly carving it's own path in this world. He took a moment to feel the few scars that managed to stay with him, as he did each time, in order to remind him of the price of failure. His somewhat coarse fingers running over the ridges of his skin, rough and once sliced by blade or claw, were the historians of his past, eagerly telling the story of his hardships, and follies. He shook that depressing line of thought off by sidetracking himself, as he turned back to face Naomi with a slightly curious look. "Do you have a swimsuit with you?" Despite the possibility of an awkward situation, Nero was not worried in the least. He was just happy to be out here once more, at this paradise, with such a attractive woman, who was had an even more beautiful personality. He could only hope her voice matched them as well. His guard was slipping, and, as if they could sense it, the tireless shadows from earlier were creeping ever so closer, masked by the vibrant light of the setting sun, and eager for the climax of the hunt.

[Naomi]

Naomi followed suit and removed her sword from her back to let it rest against the tree. She began to remove her boots, sitting and unlacing them slowly. Looking up at his question, she suddenly realized that, no, she had not brought a swimsuit. Thinking for a moment, she shook her head. "No, I didn't think to bring one." She smiled, watching him remove his shirt with some kind of curiosity. Looking over the scars, she remained silent, frown slowly appearing. However, she did not speak. She didn't want him to feel interrogated if she began to ask questions about his past. Returning her gaze to her working fingers, she hmm'd. A sly smile began to form across her face, realizing that, at her age, a free-spirit is completely acceptable. After removing her shoes, she undid the belt at her waist, laying it beside her sword. She then removed her tunic to reveal her body underneath, free any sort of binding. Standing, she wiggled out of her shorts, grimacing slightly at the tightness around her backside. They slid free after a moment and fell to the ground, putting her white undergarments on display. She then turned from him and removed those, placing both her shorts and panties aside. Naomi did not speak, but moved to the water, slipping in calmly and smoothly. She gasped at the coolness, but continued to wade out until the ripples reached just below her waist. Fighting the urge to curse, she let the rest of her body fall into the water. Her head went under for but a moment, resurfacing and laughing. Smoothing back her hair, she turned to look at Nero. "Well, it's a little cold, but it should do." She said giggling, body adjusting to the cold.