Closed Working Closely (Nai'a)

[Erekez]

Letting go and sitting back, he listened to the laughter that filled the air. It was reassuring to know that Nai'a was feeling better than she had been. Erekez wasn't sure by how much, but he was glad to be of any help at all. When Nai'a finally spoke, he could only agree with her words. Except one word. Moonraker wasn't a companion, she was the best friend that he had ever found throughout his travels. There wasn't anyone he'd ever preferred to travel Mizahar with. A true prankster at heart, as well as a loyal friend. Erekez sometimes wondered if Moon could understand him when he spoke to her, even wished that he could understand her. Through it all, she had never left him, always there for him and ready for anything. Raising a brow at Nai'a's question, he smirked as he comprehended the teasing tone in her voice. If you're going to start something, be prepared to see it through. Erekez hadn't teased anyone in a long time, it was time to see just how much of a fight Nai'a could put up. "Are you jealous of me spending time with other women Nai'a? Perhaps you want to check out the competition?" It was always fun to see people's reactions to his goading. Ereke only meant it all in good humour, but there had been times when he had taken things too far back in his youth. He never realised how sharp his tongue was until he had offended someone. He had apologised for his words after but sorry wasn't always enough. Teasing aside, Erekez considered the question. He had done one full journal today, but he was usually capable of doing maybe two or three, depending on the length and detail of the books. There had been cases where one book had spanned over a couple of days. Lisaelis stood on the second floor, obviously enjoying the scene unfold between the two. There is being keen to learn, and then there is being nosey. Erekez smiled up at the kind, old woman. He still held great respect for her to be able to maintain such a place, and to allow him to work here and take part in helping her make the library better. They were both linked to Eyris, therefore both sought the same thing in her name, the gathering and protection of knowledge. Lisaelis raised her hand to her lips, stopping Erekez from calling up to her. It did not seem he needed to say anything, Lisaelis already knew what he was going to ask her. She brushed the air with her hand at him, holding a smile to him that said "Enjoy yourself." Erekez placed his fist over his heart and bowed his head to her. Looking back up after a little while to see Lisaelis bowing her head back. Thank you Lisaelis. Turning back to Nai'a, he stood up and offered his hand to her. "We can go now if you want. It seems that I am finished for the day."

[Nai'a]

Nai’a did not expect Erekez to tease back, but when he did she was a little shocked. The shock on her face was quickly replaced with a smile and a light chuckle, ”So what if I am jealous? Does it bother you that I might want most of your time?” Nai’a winked playfully, ”Plus, there is nothing wrong with a little competition.” Nai’a let out a rather girlish giggle after she was done teasing him again. She really liked that she could tease him and he did not take it serious, and that he also teased her back. It was a breath of fresh air, and lifted her spirits higher than they had been in many weeks. She felt lucky to have met him at the ball last night, it was a strange feeling, but it was still there all the same.

Erekez attention suddenly went up above them, and Nai’a frowned and looked up with him. There was an elderly lady standing there watching their little interaction with a small smile on her withered face. Nai’a blushed slightly; she had not realized there was another pair of eyes on them. The elderly woman was the head librarian, who Erekez worked for. She hoped she had not gotten him in to trouble, she was immensely worried that she may have done so, until they gave one another friendly gestures, and Erekez looked back towards her, standing up offering her his hand, telling her they could go now if she wanted to.

Nai’a grabbed the man’s hand and jumped to her feet excitedly, his hand was slightly more rough compared to her soft one. It was not unpleasant though; it meant that he had done a lot of hard work in his life, and that made Nai’a respect him even more. ”I was worried that I got you into trouble! But yes, I would love to go now!” Nai’a said excitedly with a bright smile on her face. Then she remembered that she too, needed to get permission. Mistress Claira would not mind her calling it a day, she had just worked a 18 hour shift the day before, and today was really supposed to be her off day anyways. ”Let me run and go ask Mistress Claira if it will be alright. Stay right here, do not disappear on me.” Nai’a winked and squeezed his firm hand before letting it go, rushing off to the Infirmary to see if it was alright for Nai’a to be let go for the day.


Nai’a walked back through the library doors 30 chimes later, she had to take care of a few things before she could go, which was understandable. Nai’a was slightly worried that she did not see Erekez where she had left him, her face dropped from happiness to sadness with in that second. Maybe he changed his mind.. Nai’a thought, feeling her heart sink slightly. She walked further into the library, passing the table where she left him. She wanted to call his name but she knew it would disturb the other people that were studying. Maybe he thought I wasn’t going to come back? The Kelvic was really abusing her emotions with such thoughts, as she peered around a bookshelf. Where did he go? She wondered as she brushed her hair back from her face in frustration.


OOCI sped up the post by leaving out the whole going to the Infirmary thing, that way we could get to meeting Moonraker quicker, haha .

[Erekez]

Erekez's expression lost all joviality after Nai'a had left, leaving behind a hard, thoughtful look. You have almost opened up completely to this woman in less than a day, when it has taken weeks to even begin to warm up to others. You are trusting too quickly! The problem wasn't that he was doing it, it was that he knew he was doing it, yet couldn't stop himself. It worried him. Erekez had left himself open, but couldn't bring himself to take the same attitude towards Nai'a that he had done to others. It's because you grew too friendly last night! You let your guard down! His head suddenly felt heavy and his throat ceased. He had grown during his travels, seen things that hardened his exterior, reinforced his beliefs. Yet this sense of trust he felt with Nai'a had shattered it all. She was the one exception to everything that Erekez believed, and he couldn't understand how that had happened in the short amount of time it had, to the point he had offered, not only help, but protection. Erekez had already expressed a willingness to risk his life for hers. It scared him. Three books sat on the table that he had been working at through the morning. The journal, the copy, and the book that Nai'a had wanted. Erekez sighed, looking up at where Lisaelis had stood a few chimes back. She was still there, and he could see the concern on her face for him. She gestured with one hand to come talk to her. Highlighting the journals, he promised he would after he had put the new book on the shelf. Erekez picked up the new book to place back on the shelf and the journal to give to Lisaelis for safekeeping. He froze momentarily, looking back at the third. Nai'a had already held it for a while as they had spoken. She had now made a contribution to it, not a very big one, but had made one nonetheless. He swiped the book up as he returned to the shelves. Lisaelis waited for him where she stood in the restricted section. She only sighed as she took the original journal from him, and he knew what it concerned, the second book he held in his hand. "Living a life alone is not living a life at all dear. If you continue to show constant distrust in others, that is exactly what will happen to you." "There are things I need to do before I die. Until they have been done, I can't allow myself to fall into risk." There were mistakes in Erekez's past, ones that couldn't be set right, but there were some that could be. He needed to set what he could right before he died and, even then, he had no intention of dying of anything other than natural causes. Not a blade, or poison, or anything that was instigated by others. He would die when it was his time. Lisaelis sighed again. "You worry about trusting her so quickly." Erekez nodded as Lisaelis spoke to him. "Does it not strike you as odd how it happened so quickly dear?" That was the exact reason why he held this book now. What other explanation could there be other than his own actions again? He had lost people and objects in the past because he hadn't taken enough precautions, so now he was doing so. "I saw the way you got on with her at the ball last night. Mistress Claira did also. You both enjoyed the others company, and now you want to believe that it was a mistake of sorts, just so you can justify your paranoia." Erekez said nothing, only listened. He looked down at the book that Nai'a had wanted to read, feeling guilty about the whole ordeal, but he still needed to know. If Lisaelis chose not to help, he would understand. He still had is own Lykata, hidden beneath his glove, but he wouldn't get the same information that Lisaelis would. There would be no guarantee that he would get anything. "Give me the book dear." His head snapped back to be greeted by Lisaelis' outstretched hand, smiling at him. He handed her the book gently. "I don't want to know everything about her Lisaelis. Only if I have anything to worry about. I trust your judgement on that matter." She grabbed the book with both hands, closing her eyes as she concentrated. "Thank you Lisaelis." She smiled once more, before breathing out heavily. The short wait wasn't as filled with anticipation has Erekez had thought. It's because you know that what she says is true. You already know what the answer is going to be. He looked up as she opened her eyes again, handing the book back with a smile. "I can't find anything that you have to fear dear. You are among the people that she most trusts." Erekez smiled, bowing his head to Lisaelis and thanking her. "Now, take that knowledge with you and enjoy yourself, knowing you are safe with her, but not before I tell you why I did not need to read her contribution before I knew. Nai'a trusts you the same as you trust her in such I short amount of time. For a Kelvic, that is a big step. I believe that she is, if she hasn't already done so, bonding with you. She will find it as difficult to bring harm to you as you would to her now." Erekez only looked at her, unable to say anything. Could I really have bonded with Nai'a that quickly? She still cares deeply for her last bondmate. How could I replace him so quickly? These were questions that he would have to think about another time as he noticed Nai'a wondering about downstairs, searching for him. Erekez thanked Lisaelis again before walking downstairs. Nai'a looked to be in a mix of emotions as she continued to search for him. It had not been his intention to hide from her, but this was too good an opportunity to pass on. Sneaking up behind her, he did his best to try and avoid being heard. When he was close enough, he wrapped his arms around Nai'a's waist from behind. "I believe you forgot something." He held the book out in front of her. "You said you wanted more of my time, how does this suit your preferences?"

OOCYay for Moonraker! The horse-shaped disco ball!

[Nai'a]

Nai’a was about to end up in tears again, as her emotions seemed to really be mixed up. But before she became to exasperated, she felt strong arms wrap around her waist, and she did not flinch or jump with a start, somehow she just knew who it was behind her. Nai’a smiled brightly, all sadness washed away when she heard Erekez speak to her.

I believe you forgot something. You said you wanted more of my time, how does this suit your preferences?

Nai’a giggled softly, and grabbed the book from the man’s hands. She turned around to face the man with the multi colored eyes and the arms full of stories and looked up at him, ”I cannot believe I forgot my book; I was just so excited about meeting Moonraker. I am sorry it took me so long, I had to finish up a few things before coming back.” Nai’a winked at Erekez, ”As for wanting more of your time, you are correct, and it suits it just well, although… I am a little impatient about meeting your lady, so let us be off my friend.” Nai’a decided to take control of the situation, something she rarely did, and the last time she did so it did lead her into trouble. But she felt as though with this man beside her, no matter what trouble came on their path, together they would defeat it. This thought made a small smile appear on her face as she dragged Erekez out of the library, laughing as she did so at his face.

Once they were outside she smiled at the sun that was in the sky, shining brightly. She was thankful that the weather was starting to slowly change, and soon Spring would be around the corner. She felt a touch of Spring fever as sit neared. She was so excited for warmer weather. She had her days planned out already. Swimming, training, hunting for herbs, exploring new places, and of course deciding what to do with Valo. Nai’a quickly dismissed the mention of Valo in her mind, right now she would not worry on such things, it was just her and Erekez, and she would devote all of herself to this man.

[Erekez]

Before he knew what was going on, Nai'a had set off, holding on to his hand. Erekez almost tripped over as his feet failed to keep up with the rest of his body. It was a sudden shock for Nai'a to suddenly drag him along, seemingly content with herself as he almost stumbled. His shock showed on his face as Erekez managed to regain his footing before keeping pace with her. I get a feeling that you and Moon will get on fine. The sun shone strongly in the sky, bathing the crowded streets of Zeltiva beneath with light and warmth. Spring was approaching and it would be a welcome change from the frost and cold that usually cloaked the city. Erekez held his hand over his eyes, shielding them from the sudden change in light as they exited the building. Momentarily blinded, and still being dragged by Nai'a, his vision quickly rid itself of all shadows and adjusted to the new light. The breeze still held a crisp chill, but nothing as uncomfortable as it had been at the beginning of the season and throughout. In fact, the coastal breeze felt refreshing. Nai'a had released his hand, allowing Erekez to catch up alongside her. You don't know where we're going, do you? Erekez lightly laughed to himself. She had been so keen to drag him along behind, but in actual fact, he still needed to show her where he stayed. Time for payback. Erekez gave Nai'a a mischievous grin as he sped up past her, grabbing her hand this time as he lead the way. Erekez headed for Mirahil Pass. Running was not his strong point. Erekez was more of a sprinter, he could do short distances quite quickly, but got tired after long distances, even at a jogging pace. Walking wasn't really an option when travelling a continent either. The best way to travel was by horse, by back or by carriage, and you were limited by carriage. Relief rushed over him as he breathed the mountain air. It was so different to that which drifted through the city. It was undisturbed, fresh, free. Staying in a city for an entire season had not done anything to improve his views on them, but Zeltiva was one of the better cities Erekez had visited. It was crowds that made him feel uncomfortable. You'd never know what one person was doing whilst you were keeping an eye on another. None of it mattered now. Lisaelis had reassured him that he had nothing to worry about from Nai'a. As he lead Nai'a around to where he usually stayed, he found something else that was a cause for concern. Erekez just stood and stared at the pile of rocks left on the floor. That horse has eaten all the branches and leaves that I found to cover the tent. Whilst the tent was packed away in Moonraker's saddlebag, that was no excuse. Raising a hand to his mouth, Erekez whistled. A chime or two passed before Moonraker appeared, and she showed no signs of stopping as she approached. Letting go of Nai'a's hand, Moon knocked him in the chest, causing him to fall backwards again and onto the floor. His backpack served to cushion the landing. As he laid there, Moonraker whinnied before turning to Nai'a and nuzzling her hand. Don't think me brining a friend back is doing to protect you. I'm still going to kill you. He began to pull himself off the floor.

[Nai'a]

Of course Nai’a thought she was being cute leading the man out of the library, but once they were outside, she was not sure where they were going and she felt a little silly, and glanced over at Erekez with a silly smile and a shrug of her shoulders. She did not have time to really speak though, because the man ran and grabbed her hand, propelling them towards the entrance of Zeltiva. Nai’a laughed as they ran, her breath coming out in gasps. She thought about letting go of his hand and jumping up on his back, but the man would probably fall over. It would be funny, but it may hurt him so she abandoned that idea.

They made their way to Mirahil Pass, and he led her to what looked to be a pile of rocks. Nai’a frowned slightly at the pile of rocks, wondering why he was showing her this. Then the man whistled, and she heard the pounding of hooves on the ground before they even reached them, and decided it was best to take a step back, so she did so as a horse came barreling towards them. Nai’a gasped loudly as Moonraker hit Erekez in the chest. He fell backwards onto the floor, and Moonraker trotted over a little arrogantly to Nai’a and nuzzled her hand.

Nai’a rubbed the horses nose, speaking sweet nothings to her, then looked over at Erekez’s face and could not help but chuckle softly, ”At least she was excited to see you… “ Nai’a said teasingly and rubbed the horse’s ears, ”Isn’t that right beautiful?” Nai’a asked the horse pleasantly, and then she looked back at Erekez, ”She is so beautiful, how did you manage to snag such a beautiful lady like her Erekez?” Nai’a laughed softly; teasing this man was a lot of fun.

[Erekez]

"I found her in a stable fire. Gildings are very easy to spot when they sparkle in all forms of light and glow at night. I untied her to allow her to get away. She's been with me ever since." Erekez brushed himself off, sorting out his clothing after the tumble, smiling as he looked over at Nai'a and Moonraker. Half-truths were a lot easier to tell then full-out lies. The truth was that Erekez did his best to forget that day. The fires hadn't only engulfed the stable, it was much more than that. The flames had burnt the image into his eyes, forever being forced to relive it. The noises as well, too unusual and sickening to be able to forget. It had been the day Erekez started travelling. The day he had ran away, all because of a mistake that he had made. It was not something he intended to bring up. Especially since he had only just gotten to know Nai'a. It was true that she had revealed her past, but Erekez still didn't feel comfortable talking about it. He knew at the time that he didn't feel comfortable with what he was doing, but Erekez still wanted to help. If he had known what the outcome would be, his mistake wouldn't have cost so many their lives. He just wanted to forget it all, except one name. The one thing that would be the key to erasing those images and screams altogether. "Moon." The gilding looked up at him as he approached. Erekez gave her a clip around the ear once he got within reach. "Stop eating all the cover for the tent. We're camping in the mountains in winter. There is very little of it to go around." Moonraker tried to make a bite for his hand, but he moved it in time. "I don't care how hungry you think you were, you're always hungry! You've got time whilst I'm working to search around! Walk in to the city and start begging! Do something productive other than destroy my hard work!" Erekez stepped back as Moon stepped forward in an attempt to knock him over again, sticking his tongue out as he did so. Moonraker continued another attempt after each failure, eventually ending up with Erekez continuously on the defensive as Moon continued to try and knock him over. I'm having an argument with a horse... And the horse seems to be doing a better job than me... Great. Thinking it was a good idea to sidestep and mount Moonraker, Erekez quickly discovered that was a bad idea, as Moon started to buck after he had gotten on. Maybe I should just take the fall to keep her happy.

[Nai'a]

Nai’a stopped petting the horse when Erekez told her the story of how they met. He rescued her from a fire, which was such a brave and dangerous thing to do. He also mentioned that she glowed at night, and sparkled. Nai’a looked over at the horse and noticed that she did indeed sparkle in the light, it was so beautiful to see, so magical. Then she glanced over at Erekez and placed a hand on his shoulder and smiled, ”That was very brave of you to rescue her from that fire. No wonder you two have such a close bond.” Nai’a’s hand dropped from his shoulder and back to her side, ”I wish I could be as brave as you..” Nai’a whispered softly as him and the horse began to interact.

The scene was actually quite funny, a comical dance between man and horse. She obviously did not like being scolded, and was also winning the argument between horse and man. Nai’a laughed merrily at the two, the horse lunging for the man, the man dodging. It was all fun and games until Erekez jumped on Moonraker’s back.

Nai’a gasped loudly as the horse began to buck madly, trying to throw Erekez off of her. Nai’a was scared, she did not want the man getting hurt, ”Moonraker, stop you are going to hurt him!” Nai’a called loudly running over to the horse, ”Maybe you two could compromise, yeah? I could bring you something to eat ever now and again, or make Erekez bring you some food?” Nai’a talked in a soothing, calm, and confident voice as the horse continued to buck at the man on her back. Nai’a was becoming really worried, if reasoning did not make her stop, Nai’a would use force, although she did not know how that would end up. Nai’a glanced at her stomach and sighed, looking the horse in the eyes, ”Please stop.” Nai’a said stern and boldly, keeping eye contact with the horse.

[Erekez]

"You greedy, little toe rag." Moon had stopped bucking for now and was walking back to Nai'a once more. "A promise of food and you obey instantly, yet you still prefer to prank me over offers of food made by me." Moonraker was a difficult one to figure out sometimes, though Erekez considered most of it to be her form of teasing. It's difficult to do when you can't communicate with words. Erekez narrowed his eyes as he thought of an answer. "You're doing this deliberately, aren't you? You're kissing up to Nai'a?" Moonraker just snorted as she attempted to nuzzle Nai'a's hand again. That's a yes. Even after all this time, Moonraker still enjoyed playing with him, as he did with her. It was always welcoming to return and know that Moon would start her tricks again, regardless of where he had previously been, or who he had just had to kill. It was almost as if she understood why he did it, and Moon never thought any different of him. Thinking back to Nai'a's kind words, Erekez couldn't help but disagree with them. Bravery was the absence of fear, and that was far from a description that he would use for himself. Erekez considered it as more of a determination to do what he needed to live. In some cases, that could be considered courage, in others, cowardice. He was not one for labels. Let people call him what they wished. As long as he brought no harm to those who had done nothing against him, Erekez would carry on living the way he had always lived. Erekez had needed to run away, and Moon had been the one to help him to do it. Would I have risked my life to save Moon, had I not needed her to get away from that town? That situation would never arise again, neither would he let anything near it happen to him again. Knowing how happy Moon had made him, Erekez would've liked to have said he would have, but in all honesty, he had a feeling that he wouldn't have. It made him sick. As he felt his feet touch the floor after dismounting Moonraker, he turned to Nai'a and fell into a mock bow. "I would like to thank you for your part in saving my life, my lady." He felt Moon nudge him. "You don't get a thank you. You're the cause of it all." She snorted at him again. Erekez straightened up, ignoring Moonraker's attempts at pushing him, and continued to speak to Nai'a. "As a token of my thanks, I offer you a ride on my noble companion." Moon neighed at him. Thought you'd like that. Turning to Moon, Erekez asked, "Would you behave yourself for that short while, Trouble?" Moonraker didn't seem to have any problems, as she bobbed her head up and down, nodding. "Thought as much, you tend to be on your best behaviour when I introduce people to you, but are still yourself to me." It didn't seem like she was paying attention any more. He turned back to Nai'a. If you're trying to spite Moon, try not to make Nai'a feel awkward about it. Not likely, she still enjoyed teasing him, and he wasn't going to back down. This was fun.

[Nai'a]

When Erekez dismounted her heart stopped racing. She had met horses before, even ridden one a few times, and she adored them. But she knew all too well how a horse could hurt a person, even if it was playing around and not being mean to it’s rider. The horse came to nuzzle her hand and she stroked it’s soft nose once again, placing a kiss on Moonraker’s long face. Erekez’s words made her chuckle and she could not help but to comment, ”Don’t you know Kezzy, that the best way to a woman’s heart is food?” Nai’a gave him a bright smile, liking the nickname she had called him, she hoped he did not become offended by it, but it suited him to her at least so if he asked her not to call him that, she would still in secret in her own mind.

Erekez bowed to Nai’a mockingly thanking her for saving his life, if he only knew how much it frightened her in reality. Offering her a ride on Moonraker, her face lit up with excitement as she looked Erekez in the eyes.”You are most welcome kind sir.” She curtsied in the same mocking manner, and then came back up, ”I would love to have the honor of riding such a noble stead as Moonraker!” Nai’a exclaimed happily. Nai’a had not rode a horse in quite some time, and it made her slightly nervous to be doing so, but she was excited at the same time.

Erekez asked the horse to be on her best behavior, and the horse agreed happily. Then turned her attention on Nai’a nuzzling her, impatient to have Nai’a ride her. Nai’a looked over at Erekez biting her lower lip, ”Do you think you could help me, or maybe even ride with me? I haven’t ridden a horse in quite some time, and would rather not fall off?” Nai’a asked in a soft voice as she made her way to the side of the horse, stroking her back softly. She was excited to get back up on a horse again, but the fact still remained that in her womb was something fragile, and she did not want to endanger the precious being with in her. She glanced over at Moonraker, ”And I would prefer to go slow, if you do not mind doing so Moonraker?” Nai’a asked the horse, hoping she did not offend the beautiful creature, but if they were to gallop instead of just walk, it may jar her stomach a little too much.