Open The Sinister Memory Returns

[Daishira]

The partially dried blood that stained Daishira's blade was slowly wiped off with a cloth. The Kelvic watched, his eyes following the motion of the cloth glide along the smooth, straight surface, a slight friction causing the quiet, but audible rub of the two materials. The blood tinted brown unstuck from the blade and onto the imperfect surface of the cloth. It was wiped away as quickly as the lives were taken and there was no evidence left on the blade that glinted the sunrise with a dull yet appealing orange colour. Of course, to Daishira, the process was nothing different.

It was chilly outside, the morning wintry air of Zeltiva was harsh against his face, which was not covered by any headwear. His leather jacket and warm shirts underneath sufficed for him to keep him warm. He would have loved to stay in the tent just a couple of meters away with the more than welcoming fire and the enticing Synthira still laying there. A final sweep of the cloth perfected the state of his blade.

Just moments before he fell asleep, Daishira remembered Synthira's arms link around his neck. This thought brought a smile to his face. It was comfort that he had not experienced in a long, long time, the only time he felt that close and happy next to someone was Kai in Endrykas. It's been a while since he could settle down.

Damned enemies... The constant threat of death shadowed his movement everywhere he went and he grew more bitter and less sympathetic towards those chasing him. They will all feel no such mercy as they had originally felt at the start of it all, for that was a regrettable decision to say the least. At least here, in Synthira's tent, he was safe for now. He allowed himself to ease mentally.

The weapons were ready to be used again and so, the Kelvic trained once more. Slowly to start with, the extended blade slashed the air, the wind forced out the way and creating that familiar sound of metal slicing the air. Gradually, he built his routine up to go faster and faster, and repeated it as he did the night before.

[Synthira]

Synthira’s eyes fluttered open, her vision slowly adjusting to the dim light in the tent. She glanced towards the still glowing embers of the fire. Immediately she sat up as she heard strange noises from outside. Where is Daishira? She rifled through her backpack, most of its contents ending up on the ground. She cursed her shaking hands, but finally found the suvai. The konti cautiously peered out of the tent, but could see nothing. She listened for a few more seconds before deciding to investigate. She held a tight grip on her weapon, crawling as carefully as she could towards the sounds. She thanked Avalis for her light build – it made it much easier to move quietly. Immediately she saw Daishira, swinging his weapon around. She prepared herself to help him dispel a foe, but soon realized that he was fighting empty air. The konti was confused for a few moments. What on Mizahar was he doing? Training, she supposed… But what for? She would never understand men. Her sigh quickly turned into a mischievous smile as an idea came to mind. He hadn’t seen her, not yet. She patiently stood as he slashed and ducked. He soon whirled around, and his blow was parried easily with a stroke of her blade. The look of shock on his face was absolutely priceless. “Care for a friendly spar?” She asked, eyes glinting with amusement. Forward and back they went, lashing out and blocking and turning. Always Synthira was careful not to actually injure him, but he seemed perfectly able to protect himself. She was by no means a master duelist, but she could handle herself and he seemed more than able to do the same. The konti wondered briefly if he had trained or picked up the skill by himself. “You gave me quite a fright, you know. I thought you were a bandit or attacker. But then, I probably scared you a little as well.” She called out over the clashing blades. She was quite relieved that he was not a bandit or an attacker, and she was also glad that he was not in danger. A play fight was quite all right, and she was enjoying herself. But her muscles still ached from the previous evening and the konti was glad that she didn’t have to defend herself against someone who really wished her harm.

[Daishira]

Just after only five minutes, his strike was parried by a random metal object. Surprise filled his eyes as he looked up and concentrated on the interruption.

"Care for a friendly spar?” She asked, eyes glinting with amusement.

Of course it was Synthira, who else would it be? Paranoia immediately prepared Daishira to switch from training mode to lethal mode, however, and especially luckily for Synthira, he recognised her wonderful and familiar frame. Though, this frame held a weapon, protruding, pointing at him. Daishira swiftly mimicked Synthira's glint of amusement with his own devilish smile.

"Of course," he said, before suddenly attacking the Konti with quick jabs. He wouldn't purposefully hurt her, of course, and these jabs were soft, like child's play. She handled her blade with the same demeanour.

Whilst they were sparring, Synthira called out above the clashes, “You gave me quite a fright, you know. I thought you were a bandit or attacker. But then, I probably scared you a little as well.”

Daishira replied with an exaggerated and sarcastic tone, "Honestly, you did. Don't do that again." His blade secured Synthira's Suvai as a snake would to constrict their pray and he pulled her closer. If this was a foe, he would have punched the stomach, delivering a painful blow capable of winding anyone. However, it was Synthira, so he held a firm grip on her Suvai with his blade, maintaining that constricting hold but not so tight that her hand would fall off. His free hand, instead of balling into a fist, rested upon Synthira's lower back rather tenderly. They locked eye contact and their noses were within millimetres of each other.

[Synthira]

Synthira was out of practice, and Daishira soon had her blade trapped with his. He drew her closer, maintaining a hold on her blade. His other hand rested on her back, and their eyes met. That was quick. I must be out of practice. The konti panted, trying to catch her breath. She had felt a little guilty for surprising the poor kelvic like that, but this moment was worth it. He had handled himself rather well, after all. She was glad that he had recognized her, however, as she assumed he could be lethal when threatened. “You win.” She murmured. Her suvai clattered to the ground in a gesture of surrender. He had the advantage as far as strength was concerned. Her small size didn’t allow for much muscle, and he was much bigger than her. However, the way he put his arm around her reminded her that their fight was nothing but play. He had been so careful not to hurt her. She felt safe with him around. Though they had only met the night before, she was getting quite attached to Daishira. She didn’t want him to leave and then forget her within hours. She wanted to tell him how she felt, though she doubted she could put it into words. She wanted to say so many things. “Daishira… I …. I want to tell you…” Why couldn’t she breathe when he was close? “I just… wanted to say…” Actions speak louder than words. “Maybe this will show you what I’ve been trying so hard to express.” The konti stood on tiptoe, eyelids fluttering. She began to second guess herself, but now it was too late to go back. She closed the distance between them, pressing her lips against his.

[Daishira]

The clatter of the Suvai hitting the ground was a sign of Synthira's surrender, Daishira smirked at this. Then, Synthira tried to speak. The sentences formed were short, unstructured and very hesitant. The same hesitance was apparent in her action. Fluttering eyelids and tiptoeing, she pressed her lips against Daishira's. Her lips were contrastingly warm against the chilling wind and it sent him into that magical state where time was slowed down and the kiss lasted for an eternity, as if the world around them halted just for this moment. He held her closer as they conjoined.

When their lips finally parted, Daishira uttered, "... Wow..."

Speak, do something!

"Umm... that uhh..."

What's wrong with you?! Didn't you want this?!

"I feel... good. That was good."

Good? GOOD?! IS THAT IT?!

Unable to speak coherently, Daishira instead leaned in and once again their lips were sealed. They remained like this for longer.

[Synthira]

It was Daishira’s turn to be at a loss for words. He tried his best, poor fellow, but couldn’t seem to get out a proper sentence. The konti listened carefully, trying to determine whether it had been right to kiss him. He seemed stunned… but was that a good thing? He stumbled about some more. ‘Wow’ had to be a good sign, didn’t it? She certainly hoped so. She couldn’t stand not knowing any longer. “I feel… good. That was good.” Synthira nearly sighed in relief. His confirmation wasn’t exactly poetic, but it was something. She didn’t need poetry, after all. Just affection. Daishira leaned in, kissing her once more. The konti let out a soft whimper of surprise, eyes widening. It took a few seconds to process just what is going on. Daishira is kissing me. I am being kissed. By a man… er, kelvic. She kissed him back, eyes closing as she did so. He did not pull away, and so she moved even closer. One hand found itself on his shoulder, the other entangled in his hair. The world blurred and faded to black, and it was only the two of them. Good indeed.