[Takula Outpost] Mizahar Breathes (Lavia)

[Azurk]

Azurk breathed deeply and Lavia turned away to plot her course. He was ready to continue, and yet he felt a rare spell of happiness exactly where he was. For whatever reason, Azurk reaped enjoyment from the hazard they had only just eluded. His smile persisted, though he closed his lips, and Lavia was not looking, for her eyes were on the grasslands and their possible escape route. Azurk fitted his hands onto his hips, forming a posture that implied impatience. "We must go around and head West, towards the river. We must run quickly." Lavia took him by the hand, and she tugged on his arm as she started running with some urgency. Azurk followed the pull of her hand, keeping pace with the unexpectedly quick woman. They blazed through the dense grass, and the Outpost began to fade from view. Lavia let go of his hand, and Azurk trailed just a few steps behind her. Fortunately, Azurk had had a fair amount of training and conditioning in running, both from his days of training as a warrior and from his occasional hikes into the Sea of Grass. He had been running from a snake the day previous. He had the whole grasslands about him, but he primarily watched Lavia, for his day had taken a decidedly fun turn, and he could not help his jubilence in spite of her injuries. And then his conscience took toll on him, chastising him again for having brought harm to Lavia. He would go with her and find some means of repayment--and he would go also because he did not feel ready to say goodbye. He could hear her breathing and he tried to recall his other friendships or relationships that resembled friendships. Disturbingly, he wondered if the closest friend he had was Kalik. Azurk twitched and shook the thought away. Lavia stopped. She was gasping for breath but she seemed to be okay otherwise. Azurk was also breathing irregularly, but he did not feel so hindered. In fact, the run left him with a sense of liberation. "There. Just to the left. You do not have to continue from here." Lavia faced him and Azurk made eye contact. He reminded himself that Kalik imposed a real danger to her and he still doubted his own ability to combat his darker side. And yet, there had been no trouble in some time now--and with his newfound energy, he would not allow Kalik such an easy coup of his mind. As long as he did not get hit or find himself in a fight, he might be okay. "I take you to tent? To know that all is good?" He almost pouted at her, for his eyes were wide with concern. He was not worried about her safety any more, for she had clearly made it home, and she could manage to reach the tent alone. No; Azurk was more worried about parting ways without a hope of meeting again. He felt he had grazed the thread of companionship, and he was not eager to let go. oocEND

[Baku]

Thou has written, and thou has completed, so I award thee the following.... Azurk: +5 Observation, +1 Meditation, +1 Botany, +1 Investigation, +5 Rhetoric, +1 Subterfuge, +2 Hand to Hand, +3 Fleeing, +3 Running, Lore: Enjoying the Sun, The Bliss of Being in Control, The Burden of Being Cerulean, Offering Homage to Wysar, Blades of Grass, Maintaining Control, Remaining in the Moment, The Perceptions of an Owl, A Closer Look at the Peculiar Bird, Staring Contest, Azurk vs. an Owl, A Tumble Brings Out the Dark Brother, Looking to Collect a Trophy, Holding Attack for Opportunity, Aspirations of a Cerulean, Revelation of True Intentions, Admiration for Resistance, The Struggle of the Souls, Apologizing for the Dark Brother, Making Amends, Kelvics, Suggesting Greener Pastures, Making an Escape, Rooftop Travel, Lavia: +1 Wilderness Survival, +5 Observation, +1 Flying, +1 Investigation, +5 Rhetoric, +1 Tactics, +2 Hand to Hand, +3 Fleeing, +3 Running, Lore: Enjoying a Refreshing Drink, Fetching Provisions, The Attachments that Bring you Back, Interest in the Unknown, Perceptions of Azurk, Playing With Stones, Staring Contest: Lavia vs. an Akalak, The Change of Akalaks, Pleading, Accepting Invitations, Apologizing, Quick Thinking, Fleeing, The Feeling of Defeat, Similarities and Differences, The Nature of Akalaks, Sympathy for Azurk, Ceruleans, The Dangers of Being in Cerulean Populated Areas, Making an Escape, Rooftop Travel, Additional Awards: Azurk +1 Level in Common Fluency, Lavia +1 Level in Tukant Fluency Additional Notes: The unlikely duo meet, they fight, they make up, and they escape other Cerulean. An interesting first encounter for the both of them. Azurk and Lavia, your injuries sustained in fighting each other will be minor. Properly taken care of, they pain will settle down and be healed within a matter of a few weeks.