[The Stone Garden] A Small Request (Nero, Ora)

[Ora Sa'vina]

"I am not worried about the trip, I am sure we will be fine, and if trouble comes I have no doubt you will be able to handle it. I trust you." The woman smiled slightly, she could handle a little scuffle as well, but her preferences remained in avoiding such scuffles. "Promise you will not do anything foolish?" The woman asked, her eyes intently lock on his, if he lied, she would know, but at the same time, she knew he wouldn't lie to her, not when it came to this at least.

Her eyes closed as she leaned against him, she was tired, the Konti did not handle highly negative emotional situations well. The woman was glad it was over with, though she found it odd that she was remaining close to the man who seemed to have such a violent side.

Ora found it difficult to understand why one would need to fight to relieve stress, was there not a better way? "I would rather you kiss me again than nearly break your hand." She muttered. Did I just say that? Before she realized what she was doing, Ora was sitting up straight, her hand clamped over her mouth, shocked at her own words. "I am sorry," Ora moved her hand away from her mouth. "Was that a bad thing to say?" She frowned slightly, the phrasing was odd, it seemed like she disliked being kissed. Maybe she did, the woman still wasn't sure about how she felt when it came to the whole situation.

"So that is who you are under all of your layers," Ora smirked, remembering the drunken night she had, remembering what Nero told her, telling her what alcohol did to a person. "You hit things and I dance," Ora laughed slightly, such a difference between the two, but for some reason, they were similar. Ora had seen women on the Isle training in martial arts, it was elegant, but dangerous, while dancing was elegant, but lacked the broken bones.

Violet eyes glanced over at the man who's arm rested around her, his eyes were closed as his head was leaned back. Nero appeared to be relaxing, his breath was calm, his body relaxed, he was an entirely different man from what she had seen a few moments before. "I want to show you something," Ora said quietly, standing up, her eyes remaining on his face. "But you have to be silent." She said, standing still, her attention locked on him awaiting a response.

[Nero Czan]

He smiled, his eyes returning her gaze. He was glad to have her trust, and he would make sure to live up to his word, and to it's worth. He answered her with a smooth and relaxed voice, his words carrying gently through the slight breeze of the gardens. "I wish I could make that promise, but I'm afraid I'd only break it." He chuckled, preferring the honesty to what was inevitably true. He found himself often making simple mistakes when his mind was distracted, or, as both parties were now very aware, a reckless decision made by fierce emotions. It was a possibility Nero had managed to reduce, but never eliminate. It was simply too far into his being. "I do what I feel is right, and I Can promise you that I would never do anything to endanger you." He felt more secure in keeping his word with that promise, and had already made up his mind on the subject. This was simply a formal declaration of sorts. He smirked as he laid back, his eyes once again enjoying their study of the inside of his eyelids. Nero chuckled, a slight smirk across his face as he answered with his eyes shut. "Relax. You're free to say whatever's on your mind. There is no 'Wrong' answer. And I understand, I'll be extremely careful with my hand." He chuckled as he thought over his words, and the loophole they entailed. Nevertheless, he would indeed have to be more careful. He did not wish to cause Ora any sorrow or despair for his sake. He let the serious topic slide under the folds of his mind, delegating it for a later time. The playful tone was better suited for a man such as Nero. She had hit the nail right on the head, broadly. Nero could only laugh his playful chuckle as he spoke, his voice cheery and light-hearted. "Yep. That about sums it up... What a pair we make, Eh?" He smirked as he briskly over-viewed the upcoming trip, the adventurous excitement boiling under his skin. It would be another exotic travel, with an equally exotic companion. It would be Fun, in all shapes, forms, and meanings of the word. There was nothing more to it. Nero opened his eyes gently as he felt her heavenly touch leave his side, at first the bright mid-day sun stinging his eyes. As he refocused, he found Ora standing a few feet off, her posture perfectly straight, as if in a military drill. His curiosity piqued at this showing, which, guessing from her voice, was something not easily shown. He threw on his sincere smile as he leaned over, his arms laying on his knees, and his eyes gazing across to her own. This should be Fun as well.

[Ora Sa'vina]

It was a simple answer that he gave her, not unexpected, but not expected either. Violet eyes fell to her lap as he continued to speak. He would not endanger her, but it seemed endangering himself would be fine? The young Konti didn't understand fully, she understood part of it, but not all. "I suppose I should not argue with you, should I?" The woman smiled up at Nero for a moment, maybe sometime in the future she would be able to help him avoid harmful situations? Unlikely, her mother had taught her this. If you find a dog, you can train it, this does not apply to men, for they are not trainable.

The blushing girl relaxed again, smiling and bowing her head slightly. "Thank you," Ora felt reassured knowing he would take care of his hand, at least it wouldn't get worse. "Try to take care of the rest of yourself as well, I do not know enough to set broken bones." She joked, her eyes resting on her hands in her lap.

The Konti joined in his laughter, they were an odd pair to be together, but it seemed to work out well enough, Ora felt comfortable around him and it was fairly obvious that Nero was comfortable around her. "Oranges and apples," Ora said calmly, sighing slightly. "The same in some ways, but drastically different in the long run."

Ora stood, her eyes watching her feet for a moment before looking over her shoulder to smile at Nero. Her eyes noted his attention, leaning forward, resting his arms against his knees. He wouldn't speak, that would make this easy. The Konti closed her eyes, her head turning to face forward, her mind slowly emptying itself of worries and troublesome thoughts. Slowly, she took off her tan boots, setting them to the side of her. Once her feet were bare she began to move slowly, her right foot grazing over the stones as she slowly lowered herself with her left leg, her left arm was held out to her side at a slight downward angle, her fingers were relaxed and curling towards her palm, her palm was facing up. Ora's right arm mimicked the left, but the palm was facing down and the fingers were rigid. Once the back of her left hand touched the ground, the young woman moved suddenly, popping up and twirling, her hands meeting over her head, her movements were swift and concise, she had practiced this dance thousands of times. The fast spins and jumps kicked up small pebbles along the ground, scattering them away from her stage. These quick, sharp movements lasted for a few minutes with small pieces of slow, methodical movements. The dance slowed down, much like it had began, her arms and legs moving slowly and fluidly as she returned to the stance she had been in before she moved so swiftly.

Violet eyes opened again, looking down at the stones beneath her, she had finished. Ora stood, her eyes moving to look at Nero. "I suppose that is what I am under my layers." A small smile crossed her face as she moved to her boots, slipping her feet back into the tan leather.

[Nero Czan]

Nero smiled down at her as her voice graced his ears. "Please Do. If you don't argue with me, I might end up doing something stupid." He patted her on the shoulder as his eyes locked with hers, his voice gentle, but precise. "Sometimes, one needs a different perspective on things to make the right decision. I'm counting on you for that Ora." He chuckled as he withdrew his arm, his head relaxing once more. He finished through closed eyes, and a clear mind. "Oh, and also. Don't ever hesitate to speak your mind. I want you to feel as free as possible with me." He let his graceful smile rest upon his expression as he returned to his peaceful position, glad to give a few nuggets of advice. Nero watched her movements with studious eyes, his mind trained to understand and observe swift movements. It was a trait that came with years of martial training, but contained multiple applications, most of them civilian in nature. Every motion was simply an opening to another, an endless stream of fluid movement. It was graceful, elegant, and flat-out beautiful. Her body swerved and twisted around itself, but in perfect precision, and Nero didn't doubt that after ten times, he would see the exact same motions. He was duly impressed, and after she had finished, he, as was one's courtesy after such a marvelous performance, gave her a round of applause. He chuckled as she spoke, her wit showing itself once more. He laid back against the bench and smirked, his own playful and excited voice coming through the air. "I see. So you're a Pearl on the outside, and a Diamond underneath. Somehow, I'm not surprised." He smiled to her as he rose to his feet as well, his body itching for a stretch. "That was truly marvelous Ora, I'm honored to have you share such a personal beauty with me." He chuckled, his arms giving small cracks as he ran through a quick series of stretches. "Honestly, you could've passed that off as a form of Martial Arts and I would've been hard-pressed to call it otherwise. It was amazing." He smirked as another thought entered his mind however, and he found himself strained to hold it in. "Perhaps sometime in the future, we can dance Together. I'm a quick learner, and my body can move almost as nimbly as yours I'd guess. Just a proposal..." He chuckled as he threw it out there. It made sense to him after all. She could definitely do it, as long as she could get over her fear of contact, and that was what Nero intended to work on. He had helped her get this far, but he wasn't exactly sure at what cost, and the thought brought a tinge of sadness over it all. Nevertheless, he let the feeling pass, and sat back down on the solid bench, his smile still plastered across his face. He was definitely looking forward to this trip.

[Ora Sa'vina]

Ora found herself lacking the confidence to speak frankly with Nero, she didn't wish to upset him, not out of fear, but because she did not want for him to be displeased with her. "If you request so," She paused a moment, her fingers interlacing on her lap. "I am having trouble understanding the logic in assuring I will not be endangered while you will be?" Ora's frown seemed to deepen. "While I will not directly come to harm, I will still be hurt," Violet eyes moved from her twisting hands to lock with Nero's brown eyes. "I feel what you feel, I suppose that is the best way to put it." Her hands relinquished their grasp on each other, moving to hold the edge of the bench. "See, it is as if I were to say, I will be sure you are fed everyday, but I will not do the same for myself," Her face twisted a little with her odd comparison, it worked, sort of. "You will be full, but you will still," She paused again, sorting her sentence. "Feel my hunger." Ora's face moved to look over the stones that surrounded them.

Red cheeks looked over at Nero, how Ora hated blushing so frequently. "Thank you, Nero, but you are embarrassing me." She said in a small voice as her feet wiggled in her boots. The Konti smiled as he described what he saw underneath all her layers, on the outside she was a bit of dirt that irritated the poor creature enough for it to cover it with its own substances, but on the inside she was a brilliant sparkling gem. Ora preferred what she was on the inside compared to being an irritant.

Ora bowed her head as Nero stood up, it was odd to show someone else something that close to Ora's heart, but it was also an honor to the young woman, she found someone worth showing it to. The Konti was unsure of how to react to such flattering compliments, her mind came to a halt once he ask her if they could dance together. Ora had never danced with a partner, it was always Ora, dancing by herself in solitude. There was no reason for her not to try it, besides her dislike of physical contact. "Well, I have never danced with anyone before," Ora paused, mulling over the thought. "I would happily try, but I'm not sure how to dance with someone else." Ora frowned, all the dances she knew were singular dances, ones that didn't require a partner.

[Nero Czan]

Nero smirked, not quite expecting her to take his advice so suddenly, but pleased nonetheless. She had a valid point, and it was definitely not his place to try and understand how her powers functioned. His mind worked out a logical, albeit a bit confusing, answer. One that Ora would hopefully be satisfied with, and one that made quite a bit of sense to Nero, who always enjoyed a puzzling answer. "Well then, you have a good point. Let me answer that with a statement of my own. I promised that no harm would come to you. However, if you are hurt by my own pain, then I cannot allow that to come to pass, Can I?" He smiled down at her, subtly making another promise, and accommodating to her wishes for a peaceful trip. He knew that this would not be without it's incidents, and most likely a few scuffles, but Nero would have to be very careful about how he handled his fights, or suffer the unrelenting consequences delivered by his own chivalry. "In other words, If you're hurt by my being hurt, than I cannot technically allow Myself to be hurt, either." He chuckled, his words now becoming confusing even to himself. The point had been made however, and with that, he was content. "So Rest Easy Ora. I may not be able to stay out of Danger, per say, but as long as I'm protecting you, I cannot come to any harm. Nothing can offset the pleasure I feel by doing so." He smiled as he returned his gaze to the sky, the uncommon clouds drifting across in a slow rhythm. Nero chuckled as her cheeks lit up once more, the beautiful shade of pink gazing at him with her shy smile. His voice carried a small chuckle as he apologized, his kind smile glowing. "I'm Sorry. I don't mean to, it's just that there are so many amazing things about you. Like your silky hair, and your vibrant eyes, and your beautiful figure, and your talented dancing..." Nero let the list die off in a bit of laughter, his playful joke once again carrying a tinge of cheer and affection. He truly meant all those things, but he only brought them up out of play. "I'd like to see more of this diamond interior of yours Ora. I'm looking forward to our trip..." He smirked to her, hoping she didn't mistake his meaning. He was enjoying her company even more now that she was opening up to him, and perhaps that was a result of him doing the same. Regardless, his words naturally carried nothing but truth, and he indeed wished to see more of her inner self, in all meanings of the word. Nero was not an easily changed man. Nero laughed, excited at the pleasant situation. It was better than he expected then. "Perfect! Then we can learn together. It'll be a nice way to spend our off time during the long journey to Riverfall." Another aspect to look forward to. This new travel of his had been steadily increasing in amazement ever since he had 'accepted' the proposal. But, now that he thought over it... Why was Ora going to Riverfall? He wasn't a master of culture, but his curiosity still bested any sense he contained to rationalize the situation, and thought it easier to simply ask her, which, his logic agreed to. It was a valid question, and perhaps this would be another story from which Ora could bond with Nero, albeit for just a little bit. "Say, Ora. Why exactly are you travelling to Riverfall? I know it's a very exotic location, but as far as I know, it's not exactly a tourist hot-spot." He thought hard onto her previous tales, briskly skimming through her stories, until he had found something worth noting. "Is it something to do with that Pull you were seeking?"

[Ora Sa'vina]

A smile rose quickly across Ora’s face as she turned to face him. She was pleased with his response; he seemed to understand what she was talking about, at least sort of. “You are very wise, Nero,” She spoke to him with a serious tone, a soft smirk lying across her face. “But that is not surprising. Thank you,” Her eyes moved to look at the pale blue iridescent scales that curled over her hands and arms. “I am not sure many would understand what I mean,” Her eyes moved back to Nero. “But you seem to.”

Ora’s attention snapped to the ground as Nero began to say things that caused the red in her face to deepen. Such kind and loving things graced her ears, but Ora found it all a little bit much, a bit over whelming. The woman still hadn’t figured out her feels when it came to the man before her, she was unsure if the things he was saying to her were things she wanted him to say to her. Her hands twisted in front of her, her eyes peering up through her ivory bangs. “Yes, perfect, but I will decide when, you will need to learn to dance alone before you can dance with someone else.” Ora’s face lifted slowly as she smiled at his cheerful brown eyes. This was the Nero Ora loved being around, the happy, classic smirk, Nero.

Ora slowly, much like her dancing, moved to sit down on the bench, her legs crossed at the ankles as she thought over his question. “I am not sure,” The young woman sighed as her eyes looked over the pattern that graced her arms. “I do not know what it is that pulls me from my Isle, I will only know what it is once I find it.” A soft smile graced her face as a small twinge of excitement filled her. “I am going to Riverfall to meet my father,” Her eyes moved to meet Nero. “I have his Lakan and I wish to return it to him,” Ora frowned, she knew that when she would hand her father his Lakan, he would know, and San would be entirely free of this world, no one would expect her. “I know little to nothing about him, it may be a foolish adventure, but I do wish to find him, to speak with him.” Her mind wandered to a conversation she had with a dark woman. He could be dead, though. She shook the idea from her as her attention moved back to Nero. “I suppose that’s all of an answer I am able to give you.”

[Nero Czan]

Nero gazed upon her curiously, his expression showing his curiosity blatantly. This would be an interesting trip indeed. He hadn't the slightest idea that Ora's father was an Akalak, rather, he wasn't entirely sure what race her father may have been. It's an interesting situation when an all-female race needs to 'further' the themselves, and they need candidates to fill the position. He shrugged off the thought, lest his mind get curious in all the wrong ways. It was still an interesting reason, and he doubted many Konti had a similar situation. Ora was unique, in every aspect of her being, and now even her life. He was quite satisfied with the answer, and his dangerously powerful curiosity was satiated for the time being. He smiled his approval towards her with his usual smirk. "That's plenty of answers, Ora. Thank you." He playfully took his hand and gave her back a pat or two as he smirked to her with his uniquely reassuring smirk. "Oh, and about your 'Pull' thing. As long as you stand by what you truly Believe in, and do what you feel is Right, I'm sure you'll find whatever it is your soul is searching for. That's how I've followed my live at least, and it's saved my skin more than a few times." He chuckled as a couple familiar situations, none very pleasant at the time, popped up in his mind. All of them were only overcome by the pure chance of his recklessness, but all due to one chivalrous act, or some honest deed. It was the thought that counts, or so he liked to believe. Nero refocused his attention to reality, and cautiously pulled back his arm, which had been subconsciously, sensuously rubbing her back, between her shoulders. After his earlier joke, he tried to hold off on the awkward contact for a while, as he saw that same eerie expression once more. Rather, it was a compilation of symptoms, only collectively betraying some meaning, and then only a slight one. He saw it for a split second, as she was gazing down at her feet, while he was speaking of a few of her traits. A quick twitch of the hands, and a wide focus in her violet eyes. An eerie feeling accompanied the actions, as she gazed up, and, in just a brief moment, her smile had returned, by some sight of grace. His mind somberly serious, he drilled this sight into his memory, as a caution for his future self. She was not like any woman he had met before, as he had said both to her and himself. Take it Easy. Things will Unwind as they should... Hopefully. Nero chuckled as he interlaced his hands behind his head, his short hair brushing his palms. "Well, this has certainly been one of my most interesting rendezvous yet. We haven't even left the city yet." He smirked. If there was anything this man enjoyed, it was an Adventure. And Riverfall would satiate his hunger just fine...

[Ora Sa'vina]

A smile and nod was directed at Nero as he thanked her. "No need to, you deserve to know as you will be taking a great deal of time to accompany me." Ora listened as Nero continued to speak, addressing the idea of a 'pull', specifically, hers. The young woman was slightly amused at the knowledge and thought this man had, behind his tough-guy appearance and womanizing smirk, he was deep and thoughtful. "That is what I am trying to do," Her eyes moved to look at Nero. "I am glad you follow your life that way, I do not see how someone could lead life a different way." Ora's opalescent shoulders shrugged slightly as she closed her eyes, enjoying the rays of sun that landed on her face.

The young woman hadn't minded the subtle rubbing between her shoulder blades, it was not overly affectionate but was a reassuring feeling, much like that of a mother calming her child. What Ora needed to be calmed from, she was unaware, but she enjoyed the feeling non-the-less. Once his hand moved away her eyes opened and looked over at Nero, a small smile on her face.

Ora chuckled, mostly to herself, it seemed she was not what most people expected. "I hope that is a good thing, I have a feeling there will be many more interesting moments to come." Ora leaned forward on the bench, her hands holding onto the edge as her eyes watched her feet swing slowly above the stones. "Would you like to get lunch, Nero? I have been here since this morning and am feeling quite famished." Her eyes moved to meet his brown ones as she smiled slightly, pushing herself up off the bench that held her.

[Nero Czan]

Nero smiled back to her, his voice reassuring and smooth, "Oh, It is. I'm always fond of the unique." He chuckled as he rose, his usual expression taking place. He swiftly wheeled about and leaned down to her eye-level for a moment, as he spoke. "I'm sure you'll make things plenty interesting though." Nero swore on that phrase in his mind. It was an inevitability with this couple, and no one understood that better than this man. Granted, he would probably cause those interesting events, most likely with a tinge of awkward atmosphere, but they would happen. Oh boy, would they happen... Nero smiled as his companion popped to her feet, her beautiful violet eyes looking into his with a polite gaze. Nero was just about to have his meal before he realized the time, and Lunch was an enticing offer, one he did not intend to refuse. Then again, he doubted he could refuse any of her requests by this point. "It'd be my pleasure Ora." His sincere smiled gleamed as he spoke, his psyche reflecting that feeling. His train of thought was cut off as he rewound over her words. Since morning? He chuckled as he added a note to his words, with a slightly apologetic overtone. "Oh, and I'm sorry to make you wait so long, I didn't realize you were here so early." He shook the feeling as he readied himself to leave, eager to get some food. His smirk took precedent as his hand went out to interlace with hers, and he began his walk. "Shall we then?"