Completed A Stone in Water

[Shijara]

He smiled and she felt relieved. She listened patiently as he talked about his pod brother, not that she really knew what that was. She refrained from asking, assuming it was something like a friend or an actual family member. His looks and from what he told her kept her thoughts wandering to the man she met previously. The otter must have been his tavan, she realized, almost too tempted to ask if they knew each other. Maybe later. When he accepted her offer, she perked up, and made sure she had everything -- her sketchbook, & charcoal -- allowing him to lead the way. When she was getting ready to follow him on board, she hesitated. She knew it would hold, but the last thing she needed was another brush with the water. She took a deep breath and sped up, leaping quickly on the small vessel, pretending to be fine when she turned to Tydus. "Hmm, this is what a boat feels like...," she jumped in place a few times, testing it. It was sturdy. She moved about, slowing as she neared the railing, peeking over and down at the blue water. She quickly retreated to a location more in the center. Shijara cleared her throat and raised a hand to block the sunlight from hitting her eyes. There was a lightness in her voice, "So, shall I draw you first, or will there be a tour?" The structure wasn't large. It looked as if a single man could handle it, but if he wanted to point out things, she would not argue. It sounded as if she was trying to prevent laughter from spilling out with her words. Her humor got the best of her, "Just curious... Does size matter to you Svefra?" She was smirking mischievously, flipping to a blank page in her sketchbook, feigning innocence when she met his eye.

[Tydus Tempest]

A chuckle escaped the Svefra's lips as he watched the woman react to stepping aboard the vessel. It likely felt to her like what dry land felt to him. Awkward, foreign, uncomfortable, even. But, to the Svefra, the sway of the ship with each pace, the cramped space and the feeling of wood underneath his sandals was the most natural thing in the world. His steps became longer, a light tap for each step, quick, yet fluid movements that did nothing to move the ship or cause it to stir from its resting point. When the woman bounced on the ship, checking its sturdiness, the ship moved ever so slightly, though Tydus was used to the movement.

He immediately adjusted his posture to the changing of position in the water, riding out the movement with legs spread apart to shoulder-width before righting his posture, standing up straight. The sun began its work of drying his skin, the Svefra stroking the flesh marked with his gnosis, murmuring a quiet, Fratava-spoken prayer to Laviku before he did the same to his pod tattoo. It was only when the action was completed, both coloured expanses of skin fully dried, he looked back to the woman, smirking at her as she asked if he would give her a tour. He simply laughed, looking over to the quarters where Vesh was likely hiding as he replied, "A tour, lass? The ship is very small. Everything ya' see is what it is. Instead, if ye'd like, I have a different idea."

The Svefra roared with laughter as she asked her second question, reaching for the Chatawe's hand in his own and pulling her towards him. He held her around the waist as he replied, "That, dear lass, is only a question I can answer in the bedroom. Always an option, but let's jus' focus on the momen'. Where would you like me to place myself for your... drawing?" The Svefra released her from his grasp, allowing his fingers to brush against the skin of her arm just before he looked around, using the same hand to motion about the small vessel in offering.

The Svefra sat himself down before she could answer him, placing himself against the frame of the ship, his arms placed behind his head as the grin slowly worked its way upon his features. Now that he was upon the vessel once again, earlier frustrations seemed to lessen, amusement and curiosity taking precedence over the far more mundane feelings of confusion and frustration. It was a waste of time, and there was company about. Why ruin the moment with his feelings? He could always indulge himself with rum or ale later on in the evening.

- Tydus Tempest

[Shijara]

Shijara laughed, pulling away from the Svefra. As the sound faded to a chuckle, she looked around, trying to decide where she would like the man to stand. Her clothes were drying, her corset and pants more damp than soaked. Even here hair was beginning to curl and wave again instead of laying flat from the water. He was the same, even if shirtless. His hair looked just about completely dry and she was beginning to realize she could completely butcher this job. She needed the practice, and was always willing to try, at least. "The more we talk, the more I wonder about your ideas. You are too bold," Shijara smirked, but continued to move carefully around the boat. She was trying to find her favorite spot, and you could see the concentration on her face. "You can stay there," she said, taking a few steps, pausing to look at the angle of which she faced him, and then repeated the action a few more times until she settled on an area to his right. She cocked her head, pleased that the sun was no longer in her eyes and rested on him well enough. She lowered herself to sit on the deck, which gave her an interesting perspective from where she sat. To her, Ty not only looked relaxed, but the height difference made him look powerful. The light bounced off his hair and caught the blue in his eyes. "Try to stay still." She grabbed the charcoal and held it between her fingers like she always had. She hovered over the page, taking long looks at the Svefra before she dared start. Her mind wandered, and her body relaxed. She could feel the movement of the waves brushing against the side of the vessel, and if she focused hard enough, she thought she felt her fingertips tingling in recognition. And then she began. She start softly, the lightest of lines brushing against the paper. She measured her next actions carefully, visualizing the line on the page before attempting confident strokes to achieve it. "If this looks terrible, I won't show you." She glanced up, and then back down. Drew a few lines. Up then down. She completed his face rather quickly, going over his eyes, using dark lines around the pupils to make them stand out, careful to outline the iris but not shade it in. She traced his jawline, and lips. His hair was tricky, and no matter how she tried, she had a hard time giving it the feeling of being wet. She sighed and forced herself to move past that, to the neck, and then the torso. When she looked back up at Tydus, she let her hand rest, just taking a moment to observe him again, "Would you consider yourself attractive?" The question hung in the air, and she was genuinely curious. How others saw themselves interested her. As she looked at Tydus' muscles, her mind briefly wandered to when she was being pulled against him, but then refocused her attention, "I spent time with someone these past day or so. Enjoyed the sound of his own voice. Arrogant. But, I'm not sure. He was not as terrible as I originally thought." Shijara casually continued her sketch, "You remind me of him, in a different way, but..." Shijara paused, "I guess I want a comparison." The Chaktawe simpered, trailing her charcoal in a line cut off at his naval.

[Tydus Tempest]

Try to stay still? The chuckle sounded from his lips, the Svefra grinning at his new friend as the reply escaped from his lips, "Not usually the words coming outta such a lovely lass's mouth, but aye, lass. I'll do what'n told. Wanna see how yer picture comes out. Get me good side." A hearty chuckle escaped his lips as he winked at the woman, fully allowing himself to relax against the wooden surface of the ship. Her question, though, brought yet another smile to his lips.

Did he consider himself attractive? In the recent weeks, the question could be answered easily as yes. Though in his answer would be distraction. Turmoil as he remembered the plethora of sashes he had tied around the hammock in the sunken sloop's living quarters. Whether or not he considered himself attractive had always been an unnecessary question, for he had the opinions, though not names, of a plethora of young, lovely lasses to his name on who's opinions he could steadily rely upon. '

Now, however, without the sashes to remember such a thing, he wondered. Aye, lad. Yer' a handsome devil, righ'? Men envy you as you step back, those ruddy normals worshipping yer mark from ol' man Laviku himself, bless him. Yer' the envy of the world, ye' best be remembering that. He nodded resolutely to himself before he parted his lips to answer, feeling for, the first time in ages, the full extent of the confident swagger he had held when his pod was alive,

"Attractive, lass? The Tempests are the envy of whoever they pass'n by on the street. Laviku's blood fills us with purpose an'a swagger we rightfully deserve. Born on th' sea, raised by it, moulded by its hands, we're the children Laviku lavishes with 'is blessin'. And I consider meself attractive caus Laviku's ordained it to be so." He grinned at the woman who was drawing him, a chuckle escaping his lips once again as he listened for her answer, her rebuttal to his statement. Though, he lost his patience, quickly asking a question of his own.

"Ye asked the question, lass. Meanin' you must have an opinion of yer' own. What do you think of the Svefra yer' drawing?" The words in it of themselves, his own question was already providing to him most of his answer. Why draw something unattractive, but there was a reward in coaxing a young woman to say it herself. It was amusing, to say the very least.

- Tydus Tempest

[Shijara]

Shijara took a moment to think about his own assessment. She didn't know him well enough to call what she thought of as a bluff. Your god made you attractive and so it must be true? Shijara was sure that not all fish were pretty, and so she doubted every one of his... Tempests to be so. But perhaps she was wrong. She was smirking as she listened, thinking on how to carefully reply, her charcoal slowing across the page. "Opinion? Who dares to have one of those?" Shijara laid down her charcoal, flexing her hand and smiling. "Hmm, I think you're asking a risky question. I don't think you're prepared for my answer." Shijara leaned back from her drawing, letting her eyes scan over it briefly. It was going to be near completion soon. It was simple, but she thought it captured the intensity of his eyes well enough. She grabbed her stuff and pushed herself from the deck, stretching her legs slowly. She took a step closer, wanting to get a better look at Tydus' tattoos and started sketching again. "You've got things that stand out. Your eyes are nice," she paused, "I wish I could paint them instead. And your-" she paused again, this time distracted by her memories of the days before, no longer drawing the details of his sleeve. She shook the thoughts away, a brief flash of frustration in her eyes before sighing. She no longer knew where she was going with her explanation, "You're not bad." She looked out among the sea, "What do you think so far? Tell me honestly," She walked over to where he was and handed him the book, "It's not my best work." She sat next to the Svefra, grinning, "Not sure it matches your vision of yourself. People are harder to capture."

[Tydus Tempest]

The woman misunderstood what he had said. Yes, in the past, the Tempest pod had several less than attractive sorts, older males, grizzled and worn from the years at sea, women cursed with faces that did not match the body that living atop the sea bestowed. But, it was no longer the case. As into his mourning as he was, the Tempest male could only assume that Laviku decided to preserve him and Adney because they were the best suited to preserve the ancestry of the Tempest pod.

In truth, Tydus wished there was a Lia, a woman to carry on the name as well, but the wreckage, still visible in the distance, had yielded only males. It was a shame, for the younger of his Pod were rather lovely young ladies, particularly Callipsia, the eldest biological daughter of the deceased Lia, Tatianna. A scowl crossed the Svefra's features as he remembered the Lia's death again, self-loathing washing upon the shores of his consciousness, though in remembrance of the company he was entertaining, he snapped himself out of it.

He looked to the Chatawe, chuckling as she made her observation. A risky question? Ha! There was no life without risk. No power without danger. The life of a Svefra was synonymous with danger, and many fell to the power of the very God that they considered their lifegiver. And it was rightfully so. Laviku so gives, and he takes away, he thought to himself, nodding resolutely. Her assessment was restrained in nature, but he could see that she stared at him, proving her opinion was held back.

"Aye, lass. Not all Svefra are beautiful, godly beings. But, we are all blessed by Laviku in more ways than one. For the lad you're staring at, he happens to be blessed physically, as well." He chuckled as she completed her assessment, Tydus rising from the ground and stepping towards the woman, presumably to get a better look at her sketch.

The Tempest decided to take a risk, stepping forward so that he was directly in front of the woman. He took her hands in his own, lowering them with care not to tarnish her sketch as he leaned forward, his lips several inches from her as he whispered against her lips, "It's lovely, Shijara. As are you, in fact." He grinned at her, though the expression was likely not visible from so close. He leaned forward further, pressing his lips to the Chatawe's, his left hand loosing from her right, the one holding the utensil the woman used. The Svefra pressed his palm to the side of the woman's face, fingers caressing the desert walker's sun-kissed skin as he held the kiss for a number of ticks.

When the Svefra pulled away from her, he winked at her, grinning, "Absolutely lovely. People may be difficult to capture upon the canvas of paper that is your medium, but there are... other ways to capture someone, as well." Tydus chuckled again, leaning forward again to press a kiss to the woman's cheek.

- Tydus Tempest

[Shijara]

Shijara gave him a curious look when he took her hand and set down her stuff. And then she knew. Realization dawned on her, and she looked up at him, unsure on how to respond, and so she just went with it. What was the worst thing ever? He was a terrible kisser? He closed in, and Shijara could smell the sea on him. It was an interesting experience. It reminded her of being surrounded by the ocean, but warmer. Much more pleasant. It wasn't as though she was particularly against Ty kissing her, or moving in. But her mind was racing. Not many men made moves on her, especially since leaving Eyktol, and this one was one of the few that had actually helped her in some way since her arrival to Riverfall. He had joked with her. He had smiled and welcomed her. He saved her life. She accepted the kiss, feeling his lips press against her own. Her body relaxing slightly and when it ended, all the thoughts that had been racing now slowed, trying to piece themselves back together again. She waited quietly, gathering herself when the feeling of the second kiss on her cheek pulled her from her thoughts. Shijara laughed. Tawna soon filled the air, and a ghost of a smile played at her lips. Running fingers through thick, black hair, she gave the male in front of her a disbelieving look, "You are the risk here". He might not of understood her words, but there was a shake of her head, a tone that tried to sound scolding but came out more amused. She looked down at the deck and then back up. She was surprised Sonnet didn't have anything to say to her in that moment. Shijara took a step back, "Some of us aren't so easily caught, ya' know." She retreated once more, but not out of discomfort. It was to look at him better, and then the perfect line popped into her mind, "If that is the best bait you've got, then this fish isn't biting." "But thanks for the compliment." She winked.

[Tydus Tempest]

Usually, it required a tad more alcohol in the woman's stomach for the move he had pulled to work, but he had decided to take a risk. It paid off to a large extent, the woman's lips pressing to his without protest rather than the hand he had half expected to mar his cheek with a red stain of colour. It was relieving, and amusing, the feelings combining together, the fusion brought a smile to the Svefra's lips. Upon reflection of what had occurred when he kissed her cheek, he thought to himself,

Perhaps using the weaker move would've yielded a stronger result. From lips to cheek didn't work this time around.

He noted this in his mind to remember for later, the Svefra listening as the woman spoke in an unfamiliar tongue, though judging by her tone and again, the lack of a slap, that the words were not angry ones. He did not dwell on what the words meant, but instead listened to when the woman began to speak again, baiting the Svefra with her words of challenge.

Aye, lass. Not easily caught. Most women aren't when they're in their right minds. Alcohol seems like the seducer's best friend.

He chuckled inwardly, the sound not escaping his lips as he nodded in response to the woman's words. Then, the woman challenged him again, suggesting that his bait was not adequate to capture her, his fleeting kiss too weak to send out. He took a step forward, closing the distance the woman had made, his left arm curling around her weight, bringing the woman's now-fried body against his, so that she would be able to feel the toned musculature of his abdomen against her chest and stomach, as well. His other hand reached up to thread through her hair, which was rather stuck together due to the saline water of the ocean. He weaved his hands through the tresses, pressing his fingertips gently against the tip of his neck.

Tydus leaned close to the woman again, brilliant eyes of Laviku's blood staring into the black depths of the Chatawe's eyes as he leaned forward, whispering against her lips, "I suppose it's due time to reinforce the reel, then. To reel in the beautiful dolphin, one must use a bait far more worthy of it." With this, the Svefra pressed his lips to the woman's once again, his head tilting his slightly, his lips positioned with the intent of parting hers with them. This time, he would not pull away. What resulted was ultimately up to her.

[Shijara]

A challenge. Shijara loved a good challenge. She loved a good game. When Tydus closed in on her a second time, she was more prepared. This time it was not to repay him, or to to see what it would be like. She was not thrown off guard. This time the stakes were slightly higher, and she was smirking when he disposed of their distance. She continued smirking even after she could feel his muscles through the fabric of her shirt, a move she thought to be unfair, but decided would be repaid in time. Shijara leaned into his touch, the feeling of hands gently running through her hair quite relaxing, and just when she was ready, the Svefra saw his opening. Lips once again pressed against her own, but this time with more power. More gusto. Shijara grinned inwardly, knowing he wanted passage. She parted her lips, and allowed their tongues to dance. It was still her turn. The kiss deepening, the Chaktawe stood on her tiptoes, hands coyly running up the males sides and around to his back. She let her fingertips turn into fingernails, long, easy strokes scratching carefully along his skin. Down his shoulder blades, to the base of his spine.The move was deliberate and she pushed back with her own body, pressing her hips into his. She knew she was walking a dangerous line. If she enjoyed this too much, he would win, and she knew she needed to play an unintroduced card. It could be risky, but he liked risky, did he not? Shijara's hands found their way into the Svefra's own locks and when she saw the opportunity in the kiss arise, she took his bottom lip between her own and let her teeth run gently along the skin. After all, didn't a fish need to at least nibble once? "Mmm." When she pulled back barely, her dark eyes danced with amusement. There was something unspoken, something obvious. Something in her look that just taunted boldly, your turn.

[Tydus Tempest]

My, my how things have gone.

The Svefra's thoughts were to expand, but the moment did not allow it. First, she parted her lips, allowing her tongue to move forward, Ty doing the same, flurried entanglement ensuing as Tydus felt his face begin to flush with body heat. Her nails trailed along the lean musculature of his back, breath escaping his lips in a pleased sigh as the tingling sensation lingered for moments after her machinations ceased. This was what Tydus so enjoyed so, the thing that drove so many of his ventures. The rush... of intimacy.

He reveled in it, gloried in it, his senses of the outside world devoured by the beast beginning to build within. It fed upon lust, it thrived on his desire. It drove his movements, and instilled in him the cunning need to press forward. This was, after all, a search for nothing more than pleasure. When the woman pressed her hips to him, he pressed forward with his entire body, bringing the woman against the wall of the ship's living quarters with a soft thud, their kiss broken as a soft 'mm' escaped the woman's lips. His body pressed against hers, the musculature of his pectorals pressing against the woman's breasts as his hand moved from her hair, the other parting from around her waist.

Both hands began to slide along the woman's waist, trailing higher to press against her corseted top. While the woman's skin was still dry, her remained damp, the Svefra able to feel the water press into his fingertips as he trailed along the garment, the release of water imminent from the pressure. Her lips were parted from his, the Svefra deciding not for another kiss, which would keep their standings level, body heat exchange and the trailing of thought more of a whiplash to him than was useful. His lucidity had returned with a breath filling his lungs, his lips pressing to the woman's jaw rather than her lips.

Hands continued their machinations as his lips trailed along the woman's jaw, lowering to press into her neck as the Svefra's hands moved towards her back, undoing the knot of her corseted garment. He surprised himself with the move, but taking risks was the way to advance. After all, this was simply a game. An exciting, dynamic game where the result could vary from pain, to pleasure, to a variety of both. Lose, win or draw, from what he gathered. He chuckled inwardly just as his lips pressed to the Chatawe's clavicle, his hands stalling their movement exactly at her ribs, fingertips pressing into the curvature of her breasts.

Win, lose or draw? Which will it be?