Completed [Windswept Condos] Homestead (Rinya)

[Jorin Ertihan]

Season of Fall, Day 23, 513 AV

Jorin grinned when Rinya told him that words were good, but kisses were better. His thoughts exactly. In that one moment of romantic bliss he was able to convey everything he was feeling to her without having to resort to clumsy words. The bond made it even easier, to the degree he was beginning to wonder why he even bothered with words at all.

Jorin just nodded dumbly as Rinya quite rationally pointed out they might want to find a place to stay. He had sold his condo, after all, and if they didn't buy one of their own, then they'd be in a bit of trouble. So Jorin allowed his new mate to pull him to the Windswept Condos, and listened politely as Rinya told Allasta about their new living arrangements. He calmly handed over his bag of Mizas and walked with Rinya to their new home.

Jorin chuckled slightly when Rinya mentioned potentially not being a good roommate. "Rinya, when I was with the Thespians I traveled with some of the loudest snorers you've ever heard. Seriously, Trelaine could probably wake the dead with his snores," Jorin joked lightly. "When you live with a traveling troupe, you learn to deal. And I'm in love with you, Rinya. No matter what, just you being there is enough."

"Besides," Jorin winked, "How do you know I'll be such good company? They say the loudest snorers are the ones who insist they never snore." Jorin laughed brightly. "In all seriousness I don't snore. I don't think." he added with a slight grin.

Jorin blushed alongside Rinya when Allasta reminded them of the rules. Right. He knew about those rules, having lived here for almost a season, but nonetheless being reminded of it brought heat to his cheeks. Part of him didn't think they'd break that rule. And part of him, a rather large part, actually, was rather hoping they would.

"Rinya," he said to her softly, as they walked hand-in-hand down the pathway. "About the vows- yes, I would dearly love to do that with you. Among humans, it's a way of showing that we belong to each other; that now and forever, we would be together. And I want that with you, my love. I want it more than anything. But I can understand if you're not quite ready for it..."

And they were there. The first condo at the end of the path. Jorin looked into Rinya's gold eyes and gave her a quick kiss. "Are you ready, love?" he asked, face mere inches from hers. "Time to start our new lives together."

While he'd been speaking to her, Jorin had inserted his key into the lock and turned it. The door to their new home swung open-

"-Jorin?" the soft, feminine voice drifted over from their right, and as Jorin turned to see, the owner of the voice had glided over.

Farline was wearing a simple yellow dress with light blue highlights, accentuating mostly her breasts but also some of her hips. She was not wearing any makeup but had her hair done up in a fancy-looking braid, which she'd slung over her shoulder so that it fell down her front. She gave Jorin a soft smile, all but ignoring Rinya at his side.

"Jorin I know you're not too happy with me," Farline soothed, her voice soft and vulnerable. "But it has been several days ... are you still angry with me?"

Jorin sighed through gritted teeth. The truth was yes, he was still angry with her. And Rinya likely felt that frustration through the bond since he was doing absolutely nothing to suppress it. But this was Farline. For all the frustration he felt he didn't want to make the situation any worse.

"Farline, Rinya and I-"

"-are purchasing property together, yes I noticed," Farline hummed, interrupting Jorin's explanation that they were together and thus unavailable.

"It must be quite economical to do that," Farline mused, "I hope you two are getting quite a deal. Ooh, is that the kitchen?"

And before Jorin could say anything or even stop her, Farline skipped into Jorin and Rinya's new home, dashing off to see the large kitchen, cooing over the excellent workmanship and many amenities. Jorin gave Rinya a helpless look and apologetic shrug.

"I'm sure she's just trying to be friendly," Jorin tried, but his face and emotions betrayed that he didn't really believe his own words. He sighed. "Well, let's just go inside..."

[Rinya]

Day 23, Season Fall, 513 AV

Rinya couldn’t help but burst out laughing. She knew Jorin understood her nerves about possibly being a bad roommate—snoring was not one of her concerns. But of all the ways he could think of to relieve her tension, other than kissing her, was the fact he might snore? Rinya couldn’t help the large grin plastered to her face as she shook her head.

”Jorin you don’t snore. I slept pressed right next to you all night. Not a sound.” Rinya brushed her thumb across the back of his hand in light circles. Remembering the night sleep she got next to Jorin, Rinya wondered how she was going to be able to sleep knowing he was just that far away. At the moment the excuse was easy, she couldn’t be next to him without possibly harming him. But in a week or so when they were finally getting adjusted and comfortable…

”The vows… it would not bother me when we take them Jorin. If you said tomorrow, then it would be tomorrow. But I understand that for you it may have a little more meaning. For me—I have the bond, and you share in that. For you I suppose it would be vows.” Rinya shrugged lightly. ”This step we take when you are ready.”

As they stopped in front of their door, Rinya could feel butterflies in stomach. A tingling sensation she usually only associated with Jorin. But this was all part of him, and Rinya looked up at him as he bent to kiss her. New lives… it had a good ring to it. She thought just moving to Riverfall would bring her a new life, but it wasn’t until she started to let go did it really begin. Rinya smiled softly and nodded her head.

"-Jorin?"

Her good day was just ruined. Rinya felt every muscle in her body tense into steel. What the petch was that woman doing here!? Rinya whirled around in time to see Farline float up to them in a dress that—well glancing between the two of them Jorin certainly noticed. Rinya rolled her eyes, willing jealousy to keep at bay. The woman was her walking bane of existence. Rinya had to close her eyes and block their voices out to keep from opening her mouth. And apparently that was an invitation to Farline. The woman breezed past them and into their home. Uninvited.

"I'm sure she's just trying to be friendly,"

Rinya shot Jorin a warning glare. The kind that said “don’t even bother trying” look. Rinya did her best not to storm into the condo, watching Farline with a critical eye. Apparently she loved their kitchen. Gritting her teeth, Rinya crossed her arms over her chest and told herself to breath in and out. Only Farline would lose a battle at the hospital and seriously think she could regain footing with Jorin.

But if she did, then Rinya realized she was on very dangerous ground. While she certainly didn’t expect Jorin to skip off with his once love, it didn’t stop her head from spinning. The longer this whole charade went on, the less patience Rinya had. And this was really pushing it this time. Jorin was letting her worst of all.

”Do you always just barge in uninvited? Or have you really forgotten you were supposed to have manners?” Rinya raised an eyebrow, amazed at all that she was able to keep her voice calm and level. At least for the time being.

[Jorin Ertihan]

Season of Fall, Day 23, 513 AV

Jorin could feel Rinya's anger and frustration, which really mirrored his own. He wasn't pleased by any stretch with what Farline did, or was doing right now, but his strategy was usually much less confrontational. More to the point, he was surprised that Farline would be so blatantly disrespectful. He wondered what it was that he or Rinya had done to warrant that sort of treatment from her. His natural kindness prevented him from just storming in as he could feel Rinya desperately wished to do, but her warning glare spoke volumes. There was only so much of this his mate was willing to take.

"Do you always just barge in uninvited? Or have you really forgotten you were supposed to have manners?"

Farline whirled around and gave Rinya a look. It was difficult to describe, but it was something of a challenging look. A "let's see you try to get rid of me" look. Then the look vanished as she smoothed her face out into a wide smile.

"Oh come on, now, Rinya. It's Jori! He doesn't mind, right Jori?" she looked at Jorin with large eyes, almost pouting.

Jorin cleared his throat. "Look, Farline, how much longer do you suppose you'll be?" Jorin not-so-subtly hinted. Farline gave him a shocked look. He couldn't tell if it was genuine or not. She had gotten better.

"Can't I stay for just a little bit longer?" she pleaded. Jorin rubbed his temple and sighed.

"Farline, it's been a long day. For both of us," he explained. As he said 'us', Jorin released Rinya's hand and instead put his arm around her waist and hugged her to his side, as though to imply that the 'us' was referring to himself and Rinya and not himself and Farline.

"Besides, what are you doing here? If you've lived here I haven't seen you around."

"Oh! I just heard some single-occupancy condos had just become available here," Farline said. "I thought I'd check them out! Fancy that they'd be yours, eh?"

Jorin gave her a blank look. "Yes," he replied, completely deadpan. "Quite convenient."

If Farline noticed Jorin's sarcasm she didn't express it. Instead she nodded brightly. "It really is!" she cried excitedly. "Now we can see each other all the time."

Farline's eyes twinkled and Jorin could feel anger starting to boil over in his bondmate, like a teakettle that had been left on the fire for too long. He remembered the last time he felt her building rage like this. Jorin wondered why Farline insisted on pushing Rinya's buttons in this manner. Didn't she know that Rinya was perfectly capable of violence? She'd quite proven that already...

"That's wonderful, Farline," Jorin replied mildly. His face betrayed no emotions, so it was impossible for her to tell whether his sentiment was genuine or not. But he couldn't hide his emotions from Rinya, which were telling her that he did not think it was wonderful at all.

"But I think Rinya and I are quite tired, and would like to enjoy our new home alone. If you wouldn't mind terribly," Jorin added. With each passing chime it was harder and harder for him to couch his words. Pretty soon he was going to end up simply telling her to get out, like that time at the hospital. And if he did that here, he'd have to pay a fine for disturbing the peace.

Farline's face took on an unreadable expression. For a few moments she seemed undecided. Then she nodded once, smiled, shrugged, and said, "Of course, Jori dear. But would you mind if I borrowed your pet for just a moment?"

Jorin's blood froze instantly. That had been the absolute wrong thing for Farline to say.

"What." the word fell out of Jorin's mouth and onto the floor, like his jaw.

"Your pet, Jori dear. Do you mind if-"

"-call Rinya that again, and you and I are going to have some serious problems, Farline." Jorin's tone had taken on a very dangerous timbre, and Farline actually backed away slightly, eyes wide.

"Oh!" Farline nodded quickly, "I just assumed ... I mean the people here-"

"-I don't care how the Akalaks think or talk. You should know that I don't care for it," Jorin growled.

"And it isn't just this conversation either. I don't ever want to hear you refer to Rinya as a ... pet again. Because I may be a fairly forgiving man but there are some things you should know I have no tolerance for. This will be your first and last warning. Am I understood?" It wasn't really a question. It was a command. Farline nodded, eyes once again like a frightened rabbit.

Jorin grunted. His anger had not subsided. Of all people ... he hadn't expected Farline to call Rinya a pet. Though romance was no longer really possible between them, Jorin still held a fairly high opinion of Farline, despite the damage his perception of her suffered from her cavalier treatment of Rinya's feather. But this pet thing ... Jorin's opinion of his former love plummeted. He no longer saw her as the graceful, elegant queen. She was now someone quite ordinary. And quite a bit less attractive, at least in the ways that mattered to him.

"I really think you ought to leave." Jorin had abandoned all semblance of tact. Farline nodded, but indicated Rinya with her left hand.

"I would like to speak to your p-ah, I mean, to Rinya. Alone." Farline's face almost drained of blood at her near-mistake. Jorin just glared at her. "Please?" she added. Jorin gave a hard nod.

"I'll be in the bedroom if you need me," he announced as he marched into said room and closed the door. Farline turned to Rinya, her eyes going from frightened to angry in a flash.

"I don't know what you did to poison him against me, you stupid bird, but I'll find a way to undo the damage," she spat, as she circled Rinya.

"You may have won at the Hospital, but I won at the Grotto. As far as I'm concerned, we're even. This isn't over."

[Rinya]

Day 23, Season Fall, 513 AV

All the time… Rinya wanted to scream. Maybe she could get Jorin to live out in the woods in a tent or something. Anything! Just not this woman hanging around all the time. Despite the rage building in her form, she felt very exhausted. Apparently Farline was just a draining person to be around. How anyone got along with her was beyond her, but then again—the woman didn’t show her true side very often. But either way Rinya could feel her fingertips digging into her skin in an attempt to not lash out the woman as she so wished.

As Jorin tried to usher Farline out as tactfully as possible, Rinya remained silent. Rooting herself to the floor and deciding it would be resolutely best not budge. But Farline wanted to stay, and if it wasn’t for the bond telling her that Jorin didn’t want her here either, Rinya would have thrown some colorful curses at the petching rodent and tossed her out of the house. Honestly her best behavior right now was all she could offer Jorin.

"Of course, Jori dear. But would you mind if I borrowed your pet for just a moment?"

Instantly Rinya knew without a thought that was the wrong thing to say. Jorin was never fond of Rhys calling her a pet; and he didn’t even mean it. Rinya wasn’t sure if it was Farline’s intentions to insult her—if it was she just barked up the wrong tree. Rinya couldn’t care less, and Jorin couldn’t care more. However as Jorin’s tone of voice shifted, she couldn’t help but shiver. This part of Jorin wasn’t something she was used to—and so far only Farline brought it out of him. Not even Rhys had pushed his buttons this far before.

But it was rather enjoyable to watch her back up like he was going to hit her. Rinya there was no way Jorin would probably ever hit the woman—hell that was her job really. She’d gladly hit Farline for Jorin’s sake of proper manners and upbringing. Farline was beginning to view her as an animal, and that was a dangerous thing to do in Rinya’s opinion.

"I'll be in the bedroom if you need me,"

Rinya’s head whipped up to look at Jorin however as he agreed to leave the two of them alone. Oh no—there was no way she was going to be able to handle this! Jorin couldn’t seriously underestimate her violence… could he? Rinya felt a grimace form on her face as the door shut and she was left with this…

"I don't know what you did to poison him against me, you stupid bird, but I'll find a way to undo the damage,"

Rinya couldn’t help the soft laugh that came from her. With nothing holding her back, Rinya dropped her arms and shook her head. She really was stupid in mind wasn’t she?

”Sorry sweetie you did that all on your own. If you stopped to know anything about Jorin, you’d known that feather trick was bad idea. Gods, you didn’t even listen to him rant did you? He even told you why he was so mad.”

"You may have won at the Hospital, but I won at the Grotto. As far as I'm concerned, we're even. This isn't over."

Rinya could feel her fingers tingle. The urge was there, to just hit her and get it over with. But Farline was pulling all the wrong moves today, apparently she was just plum out of practice today. Rinya felt her body snap as Farline circled her—predators circled, and in this room only one of them knew how. Farline may have considered herself hunting Jorin, but Rinya knew the kill all too well.

As Farline circled and came across her front, Rinya moved. Her hands came up in one fluid motion and thoroughly shoved Farline backwards with all her strength. The only thing that kept the girl from ending up on her ass was the wall behind her. Rinya was in her face not a moment later, her left hand pressing against Farline’s chest. Nowhere near hard enough to restrict her breathing, but it was a proper threat.

”First of all, do not circle a predator… you won’t like the outcome. Secondly, if you want to count the game, I’m two points ahead of you. Who is the one living with him?” Rinya snarled in a low, and quite frankly, dangerous tone. The same one she had used before when she had decked Farline in the cheek.

”Third, if you can’t even win against someone not playing the game—then how do you play at all? If nothing else, I will always have the upper hand. I can feel Jorin. Do you understand me? His anger, his love, his sorrow, his happiness. Regardless of how I broke at the medical center, Jorin knows when I’m being honest. The only reason I haven’t told him of your little secret is because he cares for you. But do not mistake the fact that when I tell him, he’ll be able to know if I’m lying.”

Rinya used the hand against Farline’s chest to shove off her. There was no game, and she just didn’t get it. Pursing her lips a little, Rinya shook her head and glared at the woman.

”You had your chance, and you blew it, even more so by calling me a pet. I could care less of how the Akalak see me. The only one that matters to me is the person in that room right now. I love him, and there isn’t anything you can do to change that. Keep playing Farline… you’re losing and I don’t even have to play. Because Jorin is not a toy.” Rinya growled out before stalking away from the girl before she actually got even more violent. She was surprised Jorin didn’t hear Farline hit the wall actually, it did make a rather resounding thud.

”Get out if you know what’s good for you… which is asking a lot from someone without a brain.”

[Jorin Ertihan]

Season of Fall, Day 23, 513 AV

Farline's rage seemed to build with every point that Rinya made. She glared daggers into the other woman, but kept her mouth shut as Rinya listed out all her points. When Rinya had shoved Farline into the wall, Farline's breath left her with a soft "Oof!" but otherwise she remained defiantly silent.

"You're in love with that poor fool?" Farline scoffed when Rinya had finished speaking. Farline jumped forward, stabbing a finger into Rinya's chest, eyes blazing.

"Don't make me laugh," Farline sneered, as her voice dropped.

"You fall in love with a man who can take care of you. Who can provide. Someone big and strong and handsome and rich, not a failure of an actor who was kicked out of his own troupe," Farline hissed, her gaze briefly landing on the door that Jorin had disappeared into. The last thing she needed was for him to hear this. What she was saying was for Rinya's ears only; if Jorin caught wind of it, the game was well and truly over.

"Jorin is good for one thing, and you expressed it best of all." Farline's mouth twisted into an almost cruel smile.

"He is a toy," she spat, using Rinya's own word against her, "good for dancing upon our strings when ordered, and discarded when he's no longer useful. You should learn that while you still can."


Farline's expression changed, the frown lines disappearing into one of her airy laughs. "You don't even know what game you're playing, do you?" she giggled. "The game was never about love. I could tell he was in love with you."

Farline shrugged, swaying her hips as she sashayed to the door, lingering there and smirking at Rinya. "That gave you an advantage," Farline admitted, "but you squandered it. You never even took advantage of it to get what you wanted, you silly girl. And because of that, I am going to win this game in the end. You think you have an advantage? We shall see."

Farline shrugged. "And you won't hit me," Farline insisted, nose upturned and eyes haughty. "Before, I'd sent Jorin far away. Now, he's right there in that room. What will you do if I go in there crying? You think he'll still take your side? That toy will do everything I want, because I know how to work his strings."

Farline laughed.

"I mean really, did you see how he looked at my dress? All too easy!"

[Rinya]

Day 23, Season Fall, 513 AV

"You fall in love with a man who can take care of you. Who can provide. Someone big and strong and handsome and rich, not a failure of an actor who was kicked out of his own troupe,"

Rinya literally had to bite her tongue. If Farline could only imagine—there may be plenty of men capable of being strong, handsome, and rich… but so very few with heart like Jorin’s. It was rare to find anyone with perfect qualities, but the one thing Farline seemed blind to was that material things just got in the way. She couldn’t imagine saying yes to Rhys just because of his physical attributes and that he’d pay her to have children. There would be nothing to truly enjoy personally between them. Rhys was a good friend, but there had to be passion beyond that, passion that had to span just beyond the physical.

But Farline jumped between men too much to understand what having a real connection was. Her game was all about gain—which meant she could only fall once she got to the top. There was nothing steady below her to catch her and she’d most likely land in the harshest way possible. Despite Rinya’s anger and general hate for the woman, she could feel pity. Because there was nothing pretty about the girl on the inside.

"He is a toy, good for dancing upon our strings when ordered, and discarded when he's no longer useful. You should learn that while you still can."

Rinya couldn’t help but snort. Jorin was a lot of things, but stupid he was not. Yes, it tended to get on her nerves that Jorin was generous to a fault with people that didn’t deserve it, but judging by his rant in the medical center—he knew more than he let either of them on to. Even if she wanted to use Jorin in such a manner, he’d feel it. There was no hiding that kind of deception. Their bond was far too open for that. Though Rinya found it interesting that Farline thought she wouldn’t hit her.

”Silly girl. If I was afraid of whose side Jorin would take… do you think I would have hit you the first time? I may be bonded to Jorin, but I am still capable of doing things I want.” Rinya grinned at her almost in a feral sense. The idea of giving her another bruise was appealing, but by the sounds of it… Farline wanted Rinya to hit her. So she could play her little game.

"I mean really, did you see how he looked at my dress? All too easy!"

Rinya rolled her eyes, crossing her arms over her chest. She really thought she had the advantage didn’t she? That she couldn’t lose. But Rinya realized something that Farline wasn’t factoring into the whole scheme.

”You really are quite ridiculous. Because it’s not me that has the advantage in anything… and neither do you. Apparently you’re just so blind into thinking men only react one way. And part of that may even be true. But for someone who says she knows Jorin so well—you really don’t understand him at all.”

Rinya sighed and looked towards the bedroom door. This whole “game” was just exhausting. Farline wasn’t going to show Jorin her true colors any time soon. And Farline was just going to keep yanking her around until she either caved, or drove Jorin away in a constant strain of jealousy and mistrust.

”You go ahead, keep your little mind games to yourself. But I won’t play with you anymore.” Rinya hooked her thumb over her shoulder to the bedroom door. She only had one major thing left to do. Rinya’s tone was flat, but determined. Jorin wasn’t going to keep secrets from her—why should she keep them from him? She didn’t like the idea that this might hurt him… hell maybe he even knew. But it was something Rinya needed to get off her chest. He needed to hear it from her. Whether he believed her or not—that would be a bridge to cross when she got to it.

Shrugging her shoulders slightly, Rinya started to back towards the door on her heels, waving one hand at Farline in a move along motion. ”And I never squandered anything. I got what I wanted—it’s just different than what you want. And it just burns you that I didn’t have to lie or play games to get it. After all—it’s not about love for you. It’s getting what you want, anyway you can get it isn’t it?”

[Jorin Ertihan]

Season of Fall, Day 23, 513 AV

Farline was floundering. She'd never been in this position before. The worst part was, she knew Jorin. She knew the man, or at least she thought she did. When they were in the troupe together he had been easy. Oh so easy! Farline just had to flip her hair, or smile, or pull one of her many tricks and the boy would be so eager, so willing.

And she could push and push and push and he'd never push back. She thought he was a fool, but a reliable fool. An easy backup, someone she could count on to do what she wanted.

Now? Now Jorin was a brick wall. Unmoving. Farline had to push and shove and work just to get him to move in the direction she wanted. And it was all Rinya's fault, she was sure of it! She was the only anomalous factor here, the only thing that was different.

"You listen here, you stupid bird," Farline hissed, her right hand shooting out and grabbing Rinya's left arm to prevent her from going any further.

"Back in the old days, Jorin would never have yelled at me like he did in the hospital, or threaten me like he did when I just said one stupid word," she growled. Tears were welling up in her eyes, but whether they were of frustration or anger, it was impossible to tell.

"Jorin might have been a toy, but he was a predictable toy. He's changed. He isn't easy anymore, and the only thing that's different is you." Farline ran an arm angrily across her face to wipe away her tears, then looked furiously into Rinya's eyes, dragging her close to ask the one question on her mind.

"What did you do to him?!" she snarled.

__________

Jorin had been in the bedroom for nearly an entire ten chimes. He was pacing back and forth, not even noticing the pleasant furnishings or the nice big bed. No, he was thinking about Rinya. What was going on out there? He could feel the anger, and he saw first-hand how Farline seemed to enjoy pressing Rinya's buttons. Why?!

It didn't make any sense. Jorin sighed, flopping down on the bed and putting his head in his hands. He shouldn't have left her alone with Farline, he thought. It was too volatile a combination; only bad things could come of this.

Jorin looked up. No. He loved Rinya. He trusted Rinya. He trusted her completely. If Farline pushed it too far, Rinya would probably hit her again. Jorin groaned. He remembered what happened the last time that occurred, and he steeled himself for yet another wet shirt. Only this time, he didn't have the patience for Farline's histrionics. Last time he had no idea what was going on.

And while he couldn't hear what the women were talking about out there, he had a good guess that Farline was not trying to soothe things over with Rinya, if Rinya's roiling emotions were anything to go by.

Deciding that enough was enough, Jorin sprang up from the bed and went for the door, preparing to kick Farline out of his and Rinya's home. Farline may have been a friend, but Rinya was his mate. The more he used the word, the more comfortable it became. He decided if it didn't bother Rinya, it wouldn't bother him.

He'd just have to deal with the consequences later. Right now, he wanted time alone with Rinya. Taking a deep breath, he grasped the door handle and swung it open.

[Rinya]

Day 23, Season Fall, 513 AV

"You listen here, you stupid bird,"

Rinya froze. While Rinya was generally the one for violence of the two of them, she didn’t actually think that Farline would get the backbone to actually grab her. But the woman was actually treading on very thin water with Rinya. The fingers of her left hand clenched immediately to the intrusion to her personal space. If Farline hadn’t grabbed her, Rinya might have actually found it slightly hilarious. Farline was reduced to tears because she was losing her own game.

The way Farline was describing Jorin however—had he really been that different? At the moment Farline had to no reason to lie. Rinya knew Jorin would have done anything for Farline; he had loved her after all. Even now, Rinya could probably ask almost anything of Jorin and he would do it. There could be any number of reasons as to why Jorin wasn’t easy anymore. Farline pulled her in closer, and Rinya could feel the familiar blinding rage she felt at the grotto building.

"What did you do to him?!"

”There could be any number of reasons as to why Jorin has changed. And gods if any of it of it is my fault, I will take that blame with pride. The fact you can no longer use him as your own personal toy really must suck doesn’t it? I must really get under that pretty little skin of yours. All this work and you just can’t get anywhere.” Rinya sneered. She didn’t like the emotions Farline brought out in her—but there was something amusing shoving this game back in Farline’s face. She would probably feel bad later, but right now she couldn’t focus on anything but the fact the woman had a hold on her. ”But there is one fact that doesn’t change in any of this. Do not ever touch me again.”

Farline was lucky, she had grabbed onto Rinya’s dominant arm. Last time, her left arm had been injured when she hit the woman. This time it wasn’t her stronger arm. Farline was much closer than the last time too, which meant aiming for her face was too obvious. While the woman held onto her left arm, Rinya curled her fingers of her right hand and did the only thing she could really think of.

Jabbing the fist into Farline’s ribs.

The hit was muted; Rinya wasn’t aiming for any kind of real damage. Not that she had any idea how much force to put behind a punch in the first place. Whether it was shock value or bruising she couldn’t tell. With the amount of anger threading through her Rinya highly doubted there would have been control even if she had wanted. Farline brought out the worst in her—but it seemed more like instinct. Anger yes, but Farline was messing with Jorin’s head. And he was her mate. Though she wasn’t entirely sure if the violence was necessary for protecting Jorin.

And it seemed she had ill timing too. The minute everything in her head caught up to her actions, Rinya realized that Jorin was standing behind her. While she certainly didn’t care how Farline saw her—as she had told the woman before. Jorin mattered. And Rinya was torn between looking sheepish, or looking guilty. They had been down this road before—and Rinya hadn’t handled it very well. So instead she remained silent and completely still. An unreadable expression on her face, though Jorin would read through that. Everything from guilt to anger moved through her, and Rinya realized she was close to tears herself. But it was completely unacceptable to show that to Farline again.

[Jorin Ertihan]

Season of Fall, Day 23, 513 AV

Jorin's mouth had opened to say something, but whatever it was, it was lost with what he saw as he opened the door. Farline had apparently at some point seized Rinya by the arm. Jorin could have told her not to do that; Rinya was not a woman to be trifled with. Even Rhys didn't touch Rinya too often, and he was a large, muscular Akalak. Jorin felt a small swell of pride when he realized he might be the only person who could safely touch Rinya like that without any issue.

But it wasn't the grab that caught his attention; no, it was Rinya's gut punch. Her balled right fist sailed in a graceful arc under and up, hooking Farline right in the solar plexus. Farline's eyes grew wide as her breath was knocked out of her and she choked briefly. She let go of Rinya's arm and stumbled back, clutching her stomach and hacking.

Rinya, for her part, had frozen, her chest still heaving and he could feel equal parts embarrassment, rage, and guilt emanating from her. Her face had an unreadable expression, but Jorin figured that was more for Farline's benefit than for himself, since he knew she knew he could feel her emotions anyway. Jorin's face took on a grim look as he turned to Farline.

Jorin had no idea if Rinya's blow (which, sadly, he could not in honesty say he did not see coming) had done any damage. But he did know that regardless of if it did, Farline would probably react the same way she did at the Grotto. And in that, he was not disappointed. Farline recovered slowly, and she shot a glare at Rinya which Jorin caught. Despite it being rather counter to Farline's normally graceful, ladylike behavior, Jorin honestly couldn't say he was entirely shocked. After all, the woman did take a shot right to the gut.

But when Farline noticed Jorin's presence behind Rinya she predictably ran over, stumbling a bit over herself as she sobbed out, "She hit me!" over and over.

Jorin sighed, as he gently but firmly pried Farline from himself. It wasn't that he wasn't sympathetic, but he was really tired of Farline running to him every time she couldn't handle Rinya. And it wasn't like Rinya was difficult to handle either; Jorin was absolutely convinced his mate was a nice person, you just needed to get to know her. Farline, for her part, looked up at Jorin wildly, her eyes wide in incomprehension.

"Jori...?" her voice came out in a weak whisper. Jorin grunted.

"You've had your ten chimes, Farline. I really think you should leave." As he was saying this, Jorin had, once again gently, yet firmly, begun leading Farline to the door. As they reached the threshold, she pivoted, facing Jorin and tried to say something, but Jorin just cut her off with, "Word of advice. If you anger my mate, you won't be finding very much sympathy from me. The next time this happens, I may not be here to prevent things from getting any worse for you."

Farline's eyes filled with tears. "Mate?" she choked out. "But you don't even have any marks..."

Jorin just shrugged. "Nevertheless," he replied simply. "Go home, Farline."

Farline lingered at the entryway for another half-chime. She seemed torn between trying to stay, or rushing off, but apparently made her decision when she stepped over the threshold and dashed off down the path. Jorin sighed heavily and closed the door after her.

What a mess. This was supposed to be a happy moment for them. Their first home together. And now, Rinya was upset, Jorin was exhausted, and it seemed, the entire evening was ruined. At least Rinya didn't run from him this time, Jorin was very glad of that. He walked over to his fuming mate and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into an embrace.

"I'm sorry about all of that, my love," he murmured into her hair as he sank his face into it. "But I've got something that might maybe make it a little better."

Jorin released Rinya and went into the bedroom he'd entered a few chimes ago, rummaging for something, before saying "Aha!" He returned carrying a very familiar feather, but it had been modified to have a quill tip at the end. The tip was clearly an expensive one; likely an alloy of nickel and silver and it gleamed in the sunlight.

Jorin had found the feather when he was leaving Gilia and recognized Rinya's plumage immediately. It had truly touched him, that Rinya had thought so much of him that she'd give him such a gift to replace the one Farline had lost. He'd thought for Bells about the best thing he could do with the feather. Should he just keep it in his pocket, like the blue feather before? No. A feather like this, he could only think of one thing that would truly honor it.

"I'm pretty sure you recognize this," he smiled, holding up Rinya's feather-turned-quill. "Now every poem I write will have a piece of you."

Dropping his hand, Jorin carefully placed the quill on a nearby table and walked over to Rinya, grasping her hands and leaning in. "Let's just forget about Farline. Right here, right now, it's just the two of us."

He indicated with his head that Rinya look around them. "Welcome home, Rinya," he smiled, when she looked back at him. And then he leaned in, and kissed her.

[Rinya]

Day 23, Season Fall, 513 AV

"She hit me!"

It was the grotto on repeat. Rinya kept herself rooted to her spot, refusing to look at either of them as she tried desperately to get a hold of herself. Farline was still slightly stunned from the gut punch, but glare Rinya received was expected. But Farline seemed to notice Jorin—and there went the water works. Rinya gritted her teeth together. There was no way she was going to react to this… at least not like she did before. It would have been easy to storm off, though really she didn’t have anywhere to go this time.

"You've had your ten chimes, Farline. I really think you should leave."

Rinya tilted her head slightly, taking in Jorin’s form pushing Farline towards the door. Well… this was new. Farline seemed more shocked than she did though. Completely confused that Jorin would actually shoo her out their condo after Rinya hit her—again.

"Word of advice. If you anger my mate, you won't be finding very much sympathy from me. The next time this happens, I may not be here to prevent things from getting any worse for you."

Mate. The word seemed to cause more tears from Farline, these Rinya was certain to be false. By the mention of marks, Rinya could only assume it was something similar to the vows they had been discussing earlier—which seemed like forever ago already. Somehow the appearance of that woman was just… draining. Even Jorin seemed to feel it this time. But she was a little surprised when Jorin came over to her to hold her to him. She had expected perhaps at least a little scolding—she really shouldn’t be hitting people after all.

But her body moved instantly the moment he wrapped his arms around her. Her hands came up under his arms and gripped his shirt tightly, a deep sigh escaping her. The tension started to slip from her body and she really just wanted to sleep all of a sudden. But Jorin apparently had other plans.

"But I've got something that might maybe make it a little better."

Rinya released his shirt rather reluctantly. As Jorin went about looking something from his room—that was a pleasant thought at least—Rinya rubbed her fingers over her face. It was amazing how quickly things had escalated. One moment Rinya was actually holding out rather well, the next… Rinya wasn’t sure how much longer she could take Farline’s nagging presence.

"Aha!"

Rinya cocked her head slightly. That was… her feather? Rinya opened her mouth to say something, but she didn’t know what to say. She wasn’t even entirely sure Jorin had found that yet. At the time it had seemed like a good idea, replacing the blue feather with one of her own. But as time went on and Jorin hadn’t said anything about it, she wondered if maybe perhaps it had gotten lost. It had been a thought crossing her mind of lately—pulling another one. After all she had done it for a reason.

"Now every poem I write will have a piece of you."

Rinya smiled softly. Leave it to Jorin to turn her gift into something even more meaningful. Farline really didn’t realize what she was missing out on—but if she did, then Rinya wouldn’t have her own chance. With a touching sense of delicate care, Jorin put the feather down and approached her.

”Welcome home Jorin.” Rinya whispered back, letting go of his hands in favor of framing his face instead. Electricity spread across her body, and Rinya dearly wished she could get caught up in a kiss with him. But the nagging in the back of her mind wouldn’t leave her alone. Rinya withdrew from the kiss after only a few moments, stroking his face with her fingers.

As much as she wished she could leave this moment happy, Jorin had witnessed her violence for a second time. It left a heavy feeling in her stomach. Even if he didn’t question her—she wasn’t sure there would ever be a good time to talk to him about this. Sighing softly, Rinya reached down and grabbed his hand again, before pulling him to his bedroom.

”I know you want to forget about Farline right now but Jorin… right now I can’t.” Sitting down on the edge of his bed, Rinya motioned for him to sit with her. Her head felt like a jumbled mess, she really had hoped for more time to figure out how to go about this in the first place.

”I really hate her Jorin.” That wasn’t anything new to the either of them, but it was the first time she had voiced it. Rinya couldn’t even look up at him, just glared hard at the ground in front of her. ”She’s… fake. All she wants to do is mess around in your head! A predictable toy.” Rinya mocked in an overly drastic version of Farline’s voice.

”And that’s just not acceptable Jorin. She actually expects me to play this game with her too! Get in your head and make you do things for me, and then dump you like she did the first time. Gods, she wanted to teach me how to get you to do whatever I wanted. And don’t even get me started on the things she called you…” Rinya fairly snarled.

Pathetic, useless, failure, fool…

It actually hurt to think of him like that. Rinya could feel a solitary tear escape her. Petch it, she wanted to hit Farline again. She was being a tad over protective of her mate. Jorin was more than capable of taking care of himself, he didn’t need her attacking everyone who thought low of him.

”It’s why I hit her the first time. So adorable, like a little puppy, doing anything for just a scrap of love... so pathetic!" Rinya recited, though it sounded like the words made her sick. It was stuck in her head, on repeat. And worse yet, she still couldn’t look at him. Because if he believed her, she didn’t want to see the look on his face.

"It was instinct even the grotto. Protecting you, even though hitting her was more for my benefit than yours. I just hadn't wanted to admit it yet—that you were my mate. But she..." Rinya couldn't finish. Really there wasn't much of anything left to say.