Completed All In Good Time (Nalik)

[Ra'eesah]

Summer, Day 25, 513 AV

It had been a few years since Ra’eesah had last tried to go out find her Strider. She always kept her eyes open but to make the trip specifically to find one it had been a long time. Both she and Nalik had been disappointed that the trip had not been successful and the young woman had done her best to just put it behind her and forget. Forgetting was impossible when you failed so miserably at something but as her father said it just meant it was not the right time for her.

Ra'eesah and Nalik had grown closer to each other over the years since their first meeting and Ra’eesah had come to depend on him. He had proved the daily the value of a good and loyal friend. The man was always honest and forthcoming with her, even when he knew it was something she did not want to hear he still told her the truth because it was what was good for her and she was the same with him. Having someone who could be brutally honest with you was important at the stage of life they were both in.

The pair were young but both were adults now and as was typical with men and women the mention of finding a mate and starting a family was talked about to them quite a bit. Nalik had his windmarks and was in a position that he could take a wife; Ra’eesah on the other hand would be hard pressed to find a man who wanted a woman without her windmarks. Because of this the hints that maybe it was time to go searching for her Strider was being brought up again by just about everyone in Ra’eesah’s life except for Nalik.

Nalik knew Ra’eesah probably better than anyone these days, including her mother. The women were close but there were things that she just could not bring herself to tell her mother, but she felt safe in talking to Nalik about her fears and her dreams. They shared their secrets and could read one another like a book. The young woman sighed, as she could no longer deny the pull she was feeling to go seek for her Strider once again. She doubted she would find it but she reasoned you would not find if you did not seek.

Ra’eesah got her morning chores done and told her mother she was going to go seek Nalik out and spend some time with him. Her mother wrapped two large cookies she had baked earlier to share with him. As the girl headed out for his pavilion hoping he would be near she stopped here and there to talk with those she knew or to help with some small chore. She loved to help others and never minded pitching in to help where she could.

Ra’eesah spotted Nalik as he began to walk away from his tent. She had a huge grin on her face as she took off in a sprint and ran up behind him grabbing him and yelled “Gotcha” giggling. She smiled up at him, her happiness at finding him evident in her eyes. “How’s my favorite Drykas?” she asked him as she squeezed his hand. One thing she had not really thought about was if Nalik would think it was a good idea and possibly turn her down.

Ra’eesah and had learned that having Nalik with her helped greatly when the disappointment came. He would hold her and let her cry until she was ready to go back and face her family. The thought of searching without him never even crossed her mind. Suddenly a bit shy with him knowing how he hated to see her hurting and must dread coming on these trips with her but she needed him. She looked up at him and smiled in that way that always gave away her nervousness to those that knew her best. “Nalik, I want to go Strider hunting again. Will you come with me?”

[Nalik Fallingleaf]

It was a radiant morning, Syna's soft light bathing the tents of Endrykas. It was warm for a morning, and Nalik rose without his usual reluctance. Yawning he stretched off his bed roll and dressed himself pulling on his clothes, noting that they would soon need a wash.

He sighed and took a swig from his water skin, swilling it round his mouth and ridding the taste of a nights sleep. He absently picked at some nuts that were lying on a plate next to his bed, thinking about what he would do today.

It was sunny, a good time to be in the sea of grass, maybe not hunting this time, but more for just some relaxation. Being single and of marring age, Nalik had felt stress from the marriage edict, and couldn't help but feel a little guilty for not finding a wife.

It wasn't that Nalik did not want to marry, well maybe that was the case slightly but he adamantly denied so. It was just that he was fussy, or maybe no one appropriate piqued his interest. Or maybe he had jsut spent to much time away from Endrykas, spending too much time in the grasslands, too meet someone.

He shook the thoughts away and slowly made his way out of his tent. He was in no hurry. It was a lovely day and he would spend it how he pleased, today would be a stress free day just to relax and enjoy being young and free.

He turned, not knowing exactly were he was heading, and had managed a few steps before a familiar weight landed on to his shoulders. He smiled, knowing who it was before he even turned round and met her round grey eyes that seemed to make him melt into a smile, no matter his mood.

He laughed and squeezed her hand as she took it in her own.

"I'm well thanks Ra'eesah, how is my second favorite Drykas?"

His laughter echoed louder this time as the reaction to the 'second' comment blossomed across her face. He squeezed her hand again and smiled still chuckling to himself

"I'm joking, I'm joking. How is my Favorite Drykas this fine morning?

They were still holding hands as they gazed at each other. He had never really noticed how nice her hand felt in his, or how well it seemed to fit there. Almost as if both hands were made to slot together like a piece of a puzzle. Nalik couldn't help but look down at their hands as the thought danced in his mind.

When he did look up at her again, he could tell something was on her mind. Her eyes kept shifting across his face, and she even looked down. She was wanting something, and she was feeling shy about asking.

Nalik was curious as to what she wanted so teasingly said

"Oh go on, what is it you want from me this time?" His words were teasing with no malice in them and he sighed playfully pretending listening to a question was a chore, but couldn't help cracking a smile ruining the facade.

If he had thought hard enough he could have guessed her request.

A Strider. Another attempt at finding one.

It had been a couple of years since there last attempt but Nalik still remembered the upset and depression it had caused. He hated seeing her in pain and distress. He blamed himself a little for her failures as she always sought his advice. What if he was giving the wrong advice? Could he cope with seeing her through failure again? Could he just stand there and watch as she was broken again?

Yes, he must. If that is what she wanted then how could he say no? It wasn't a strange request, after all she was now an adult however she couldn't be a full member of her clan without her Windmarks. It must be so frustrating.

Nalik had once wished that they could trade places, but that would be impossible. What would be possible is helping her find her Strider and being there for her if that didn't happen.

That is what he must do.

He realized he had been silent for a while, looking down at their hands still clasped together. A symbol of their friendship. He looked up at her, his face calm but not smiling, concern for what might happen replacing previous happiness.

"You know I will help you in any endeavor you seek my aid with. I will help you once again, but please. Please try and not to get you're hopes up so much. You know it hurts me to see you upset. I feel so helpless with something like this. I can only be there to support you with what happens, i can't change the outcome. I hate not being able to help you more, I feel so useless, but if you find some comfort in me coming, then yes. Yes i will come.

[Ra'eesah]

Ra’eesah grinned as a smile spread across his face. She pouted and gave him a dirty look as he called her is second favorite Drykas. She stuck her tongue out at him as he laughed at her and then admitted she was his favorite. She smiled again looking into his eyes. Something tiny changed in his gaze, a question possibly but it was something she had not seen before. She watched as he looked at their hands, her thumb caressing the back of his hand. When he looked at her again she searched his face for a hint at what he was thinking but her thoughts turned to her reason for being here.

As always Nalik patiently heard her out but it tore at her heart when she heard how it hurt him to watch her disappointed. She hated that part of it. She hated being disappointed but lately it bothered her more when she saw things hurt Nalik. He was such a sweet person. She knew one day they would have their own families and this closeness they shared would come to an end. She dreaded that day; she could never imagine trusting anyone like she trusted him. She wanted these last few weeks or years to be free of pain.

Ra’eesah smiled tenderly at her friend and reached up to caress his face. “Nalik I promise to try hard to not get my hopes up. You know how I am, I get excited and failure does not seem a possibility until it happens. I know there is a chance, a huge chance that I will come home walking yet again but I won’t know until I try now will I?” She grinned up at him. “You know I remember this young, handsome Drykas boy who told me once that I cannot succeed if I don’t try. He was very wise if I remember right,” she giggled as she winked at him. She stood on her tip toes and pulled his head down and kissed the tip of his nose and softly talked to him face to face “I know this could end badly but we will be together, we will have some fun so whether I come home riding on the back of a strider or riding on your back it will be a good day!” Their eyes locked and she smiled hoping to give him strength to endure it if things went bad.

A gentle breeze was blowing and though the day was hot it was comfortable. The girl grabbed his hand and pulled him along into the Sea of Grass laughing at the freedom she felt. She stopped, smoothing a tendril of hair from her face, an impish grin on her face. “Where do you think we should go? You think that outcropping of trees over there?” Her excitement was evident, showing on her face. She was just happy for a day off work and to spend time with Nalik.

[Nalik Fallingleaf]

For now instead of Nalik reassuring her, she was reassuring him. Her words and how she said them struck a chord with the young man. He felt his cheeks warm as a soft hand gently stroked his cheek. It felt nice, comforting. Like it belonged.

He looked into her sincere eyes, and new that she would be just as hurt as last time despite her words. But he nodded, pretending to be completely soothed by her words and he smiled when she reminded him of what he had said all those years ago.

Then all was lost as she pulled his head towards her and and kissed the tip of his nose. Everything about her was a comfort to him. Her touch, her smell. Her smile. He felt completely comfortable around her, but also a new feeling was starting to blossom, something he wasn't sure of. It was in his stomach, feeling like it was turning over and over and he felt warmth rising in his cheeks.

He was drawn away from these thoughts when e realized that he wasn't listening to her words, just staring at her eyes. Lost. He forced himself to listen and laughed with her as she joked about using him as a Strider.

If only it were that easy!

She was right, it would be fun. After all he hadn't really needed convincing. He would follow her anywhere if she asked.

He just managed to grab his bow and quiver before he was dragged away by a now very exited Ra'eesah, back towards the grasslands.

It was warm and comfortable breeze blew across there faces as they walked out of Endrykas and into the green green landscape.He was happy, and he found himself grinning back at her completely caught up in her excitement. He looked at the outcrop of trees and agreed with her, taking her hand and leading the way.

Peaceful.

he smiled down at her. They were content with each other, completely relaxed, and he felt the tension of the last couple of days dissipate just enjoying being with a good friend.

"So are you thinking that there might be some Striders getting some shade? Even if we don't find a Strider I bet i can climb higher in the trees than you"

He nudged her with his shoulder and flashed a boyish grin as he issued his challenge.

[Ra'eesah]

As Ra’eesah and Nalik headed for the copse of trees the girl tried not to think about how her heart had jumped at the way he had stared into her eyes. Something about the looks he gave her today seemed different but she was not sure if she had really seen what she thought. It was Nalik; they were friends, nothing more, nothing less. She looked at him as they walked hand in hand towards the trees admiring his looks. He was a handsome man and wondered why she had never noticed it before. She looked down at their hands; hers seemed to fit perfectly into his. How odd she reasoned. Ra’eesah suddenly felt shy next to him and blushed wondering what he would think if he could read her mind.

“I do think maybe we will find some striders this way as the day lengthens. There is a small stream here I think as well so perhaps they will come to drink.” She smiled up at him as they arrived in the area. The trees were like in an oasis compared to the grasslands around it. The trees gave cooling shade, the grass under them lush and green; a bubbling brook ran through the middle of it. It was actually quite lovely she realized. Ra’eesah sat down for a moment pulling Nalik down beside her. “I have a good feeling about this place.” The shyness returned as she looked at him. What was wrong with her she thought? Why was she mooning over Nalik, he would never think of her like that. She quickly gained control of her wayward thoughts and smirked at him.

“You think you can beat me. I am smaller and a better climber than you so try to keep up!” she teased him as she went to the tree and jumped to catch a branch. She missed. She jumped again and missed again. She went to another branch and jumped and missed it as well this time falling on her backside. “Hmmm” she looked around and could not find a lower branch and there was no fence or anything she could stand on except Nalik. She sighed and rolled her eyes hating to have to give into her pride and ask for help. She slowly turned around to see Nalik standing there, amusement written all over his face.

Ra’eesah bit her lip as she closed the distance between them, coming to a stop in front of him so they were toe to toe, she looking up at him. With a very proper voice she looked at him “I seem to be at a disadvantage, could you see fit to give me a helping hand so that I may get into the tree then I will beat you.” She stood there looking innocent and smiling sweetly at him.

[Nalik Fallingleaf]

They arrived in the little copse, hand in hand, a slight color in each of there cheeks. Did something feel different? Or was it all in Nalik's head? Why did his stomach keep fluttering every time she gave him that look. No, no it was nothing. He just enjoyed her company that's all, surely?

The place she had spotted was really rather pretty. The little stream provided a lovely soundtrack for the little area, the trees providing comfortable shade from Syna's light. She was right. This was a great place to wait for a while, the Striders would go for shade as well as refreshments.

Besides, the tree's here looked good to climb as well!.

She shouldn't have said she was smaller in such a gleeful way before looking at the trees. Nalik smiled as he watched his good friend desperately try and reach the lower branches, but to no avail. He was prepared, with a huge smile on his face, when she turned to him and asked for help. The pout she wore on her face caused a stifled laugh from the young man.

And then she was walking closer. And closer, until they were so close that their toes were touching. The feeling of his stomach turning over and over came back to him, and a felt heat rise once more in his cheeks.

What was this feeling? Was he unwell? Had he caught something? Her close proximity was extremely distracting, and he couldn't think of anything but her for more than a tic. She was there, looking up at him, her big round eyes causing him to once again forget what he was thinking and focus solely on her.

He smiled back at her and nodded that he would help. He couldn't do anything else, she had him completely enchanted, so much so that he couldn't speak. Instead he took her hand and led her to the closest tree, kneeling down with one knee up for her to step up not and take to the tree.

[Ra'eesah]

Ra’eesah stood in front of Nalik, so close they were almost touching awaiting his answer. Her heart appeared to be trying to jump from her chest; her stomach was suddenly in knots as she looked up at him. She saw a slight blush appear on his face and that look she had seen earlier on his face appeared once more. It confused her, that look. Had she done something she wondered? She looked into his eyes waiting for his answer and found herself getting lost in them. She really could not remember what she had even asked him. She wondered what had gotten into Nalik. He seemed to be distracted by something every time she got near him. She was clean and did not smell as far as she knew. She wondered if he felt ok.

What worried Ra’eesah more was her own reaction to him. She noticed that when that look came over him her heart pounded and her stomach felt like it was full of butterflies. What on earth was wrong with her she wondered? She had heard her mother talk of feelings like this when she had met her father but this could not be the same thing, not at all. It was just Nalik, the young Drykas boy as her parents called him. They were wrong. He was a man now and a handsome one at that. “Where the heck did that thought come from?” she silently asked herself once more.

As Nalik’s hand took hers and lead her to the lowest branch, he knelt so that she could use his knee as a step. She looked down at him and smiled, placing a hand on his shoulder. She jerked her hand away shocked at what felt like electricity running through her. She looked at him, cocking her head, looking at him in surprise. Her eyes wandered to his lips for a second wondering what it would be like to kiss him. Her face turned bright red as she chastised herself once again for her wayward thoughts. Something must be wrong with her she decided, she never thought of these types of things. She took a deep breath and climbed up on his knee, grabbed the branch and hoisted herself up. She straddled the branch and scooted towards the tree waiting for him come up so they could start evenly.

The distance was a good thing. Thinking was becoming a problem when the two were close to one another. Ra’eesah smirked at him, “What’s taking so long?” She teased, her mind confused, her emotions confused. A smile broke out on her face, as she looked him.

[Nalik Fallingleaf]

Nalik waited patiently for Ra'eesah to use him as a climbing frame so they could have their friendly competition. Besides maybe when they were not so close and having a game he might be able to think straight. He was concerned by the way his stomach felt when she was in close proximity, and the way he felt warm around the face.

'Maybe i'm coming down with something? Or maybe it was breakfast? What did I eat??

Nalik was torn away from his thoughts as Ra'eesah put her hand on his shoulder, and again the funny feelings were there clouding his thoughts. However she surprised him by jerking her hand away as if she had been shocked by something. Her head tilted in a silent question and her cheeks started to fill with color.

Naliks first thought was to question if she was ok, but something told him she was and that this was different t an illness. Or maybe he had passed whatever he had to her? The thought troubled him and he was just about to ask if she was ok, when she turned and pulled herself up into the tree.

He was left staring up at her, the question un-asked. What was wrong today? What had changed? He had never felt this way around her before, why all this confusing feeling? He wracked his brains, trying to find a logical explanation for why he felt, unwell? Was it an unwell feeling? Or was it just odd.

He wasn't sure.

But what he was sure that he had been standing for a chime now, in silence staring up at her. She was there, looking back down on him, staring. Questioning. A flashed a quick smile. It was easier to think when she wasn't so close, easier to act normal.

He jumped, grabbing the low branch and with a little effort heaved himself so his belly was over the branch and then pushed himself onto it, finding his feet. It was a medium sized tree, with branches spread evenly up its trunk. A clear path left and right. He looked the tree up and down, boyish competitiveness taking over, and decided that the left side looked the better route.

He turned and smiled at her, not looking directly into her eyes. It was too easy to loose himself in them.

"Ready?"

"3"
"2"
"1"

"Go!"



He grabbed the branch above him and pushed up with his feet, heaving himself onto the higher branch.

Physical was good. Maybe what he needed was exercise, it always seemed to make him feel better in the past.

[Ra'eesah]

Ra’eesah sat straddling the tree limb gazing down at Nalik. Her face held a smile as she watched him climbing up into the tree. It was an easy feat for him to accomplish and she looked at him with pride in her eyes. He stood on the branch looking up at the tree. She knew he was trying to figure which side would give him the advantage. She stood and grinned at him as she looked at both sides as well. The right seemed to have the branches a little closer together, which would only help her. He offered his hand to her to help balance her as she stood on the branch. As her hand touched his she looked in his eyes and that now all too familiar feeling in her stomach came back. She held his hand for what seemed eternity but in reality was only the briefest of moments. She felt the blush return as she turned towards the tree cursing whichever elder had passed on a blushing gene.

“As far to the top as we can get.” He agreed and counted down for their race to begin. When he said go they both rushed to opposite sides of the tree and began to climb. He was taller and naturally made more headway quicker than her but she was lighter and more agile so it was anyone guess who would win this race.

The pair were happy for the distraction the race gave to them. They both were unsure of what they were feeling, not recognizing their feelings due to their close friendship. They both enjoyed doing something physical when they were unsure of themselves or bored. Ra’eesah climbed up quickly, sometimes falling behind and other times ahead of Nalik. They both were expert climbers spending hours upon hours climbing every tree in sight through the years. They had replayed this scene in their life over and over.

The tree began to narrow, the branches smaller causing both parties to slow their ascent. Ra’eesah spared a moment to look at Nalik to see if she needed to speed up or could slow down. He was slightly ahead of her but she knew she could go further because she weighed less. She looked down to gain her footing and that was when she heard it. The winnie of a horse, looked down there was a strider directly under the tree looking up at her. It almost seemed to be beckoning to her.

She looked once more up at Nalik and groaned not wanting to leave his side but she had to go, this horse seemed familiar to her somehow. She climbed down slowly; the horse seemed to be watching her descent. She got to the branch where they had started and, as she was ready to drop the down the horse moved directly underneath her. She stopped looking at the strider with a question, “You want me to ride you?” The horse simply looked at her. “The last time I tried that I got thrown, a pretty girl like you wouldn’t do that to me would you?”

Ra’eesah dropped down on the horse and waited to be bucked off. She looked up to see Nalik looking down at her now with a smile on his face. She gingerly climbed down on the horse and got settled. Ra’eesah talked gently to the strider, petting it. She was a beautiful animal pure black, just the right size for Ra’eesah. She felt powerful beneath her thighs yet gentle.

Ra’eesah grabbed her mane as she walked out to the open. “Shall we canter just a bit?” The horse immediately obeyed and followed her voice as well as her gentle guidance with its mane. She saw a stone fence in the distance. She looked at it and told the horse to gallop to the fence. As she spoke the words the horse took off in that direction. She held tight with her thighs, her body down next to the horse, the two moving as one. Her gently tugging on its mane was all it took to guide her where she wanted to go.

She turned the horse to return and with a gentle tug of its mane she explained, “Let us return to the tree we started from”. She hugged the horses body once again, her long dark hair fly out behind her in the wind. They worked in perfect harmony. Ra’eesah smiled as they road wondering if this was truly her strider. The horse felt as if it were a part of her.

The horse and rider slowed as they approached the tree and Ra’eesah sat up, smiling. “What is your name horse?” She looked at it as she slid from its back thinking what a good name would be. Ra’eesah slid from the animal and ran her hands along the length of the animal, checking every inch of her out. She was beautiful and strong. Ra’eesah laid her head against the animal’s neck whispering softly to her.

The horse stood still as leaned her head against it, whispering to it. “You’re a good girl. You want to come with me?” She smiled looking at the horse. It seemed to understand her, maybe that was a good sign. “I will name you Kawa. It means strength.”

She was excited and could not contain herself and threw herself into Nalik’s arms, hugging him tightly. That same all too familiar fluttering started in her stomach, her heart started racing. She pulled far enough back to look into his eyes, a question on her face.

[Nalik Fallingleaf]

Naliks competitive side battled with caution, as he climbed higher seeking to beat Ra'eesah. They had climbed before, but Nalik still had to take his time, really planting his feet and testing hand hold before he pulled himself up.

He kept glancing over at his friend, the distractions from earlier lost to childish glee. They were children again, playing in the trees. Teasing each other. Laughing. No strange feelings.

This is how it was supposed to be with Ra'eesah.

Were he relied on strength to haul himself upwards, she relied on flexibility and placement. She looked graceful. Natural. Beautiful.

No!

No these thoughts had no place here. Not now. Now was a time for fun and enjoyment. No complications. And besides, she was getting ahead.

He reached up above him, both hands grasping the thick log and he heaved pulling himself up and into the lead. Another two good thick branches and he was a couple of feet above. But the branches were getting thinner and she was lighter. Was this a fight he couldn't win?

He glanced down at her with the intentions of telling her is sudden realization. But she had stopped? Why? His first thought was danger, and he looked down narrowing his eyes trying to analyse everything around him. Where was the danger?

She looked up at him, confusion in her eyes. What was she confused about? She started climbing her way down, and that's when he saw it.

A black Strider directly underneath Ra'eesah. In the excitement of re-discovering fond memories and emotions he had forgotten the reason they were here.

To find her a Strider.

He started to climb down just as she mounted the horse. He held his breath. Would this be another disappointment? Another cruel trick?

No. This felt different. Looked different. They both looked comfortable. And for once, it was the Strider seeking her. Not the other way around.

He let out the held air in a relieved sigh and climbed down until he was sat on the lowest branch. And watched.

She rode the Strider, almost effortlessly. A few bumps and slips here, but over all both woman and animal seemed confident with each other. The same words sprung into his mind. Graceful. Natural.

Beautiful.

He was too lost in what he was watching to chastise himself for such thoughts and instead just watched, a huge smile spreading across his face. This was it. This was her day.

She made her way back to the tree and dismounted, walking around the Strider. Inspecting. Cooing. Falling in love.

He slid of the tree, landing heavily on his feet and straightened. Waiting for her to come to him.

She turned joy all over her. Kawa. It was a good name. that thought process was interrupted as she threw herself at him and he embraced her warmly, happiness radiating out of him as he hugged and laughed with his childhood companion.

"You did it Ra'eesah! You did it! She is yours and you are hers! Finally all the waiting is over, and what a pretty girl she is! Almost as pretty as her.... What is it? Whats wrong?"

The feeling was back. Just more, intense. And she was looking at him. Wide eyes. Flushed complexion. Was she feeling the same? What was it? Why did he feel like this? What was wrong?