Closed Until That Day [Ayatah]

[Razkar]

"Sorry I have only the meal to offer the two of you before you set off, but there's nothing you two are going to need out there that I can offer you."

Razkar found himself shaking his head as if disappointed with the female. When she finally noticed, even the snake coiling around his shoulders seemed to be sharing the gesture, looking back at her with unblinking black eyes like she'd just stolen a tasty rodent from his jaws.

"You've given us both more than we can repay." Razkar said simply and clearly, then rose to his feet before an eye roll or snort or some pithy witticism could defuse the moment. He chose to do that himself. "So let's not both with the bloody maudlin, shall we?"

They were all on their feet at some unspoken signal. Razkar was grateful for the strange group decision. Goodbyes were never easy, and the hardest part of them was beginning that moment when the word formed on your lips. Having to draw a line between that moment and one where you would leave.

Aya seemed to be handling it better than he. The two sisters in all but blood embraced each other and there was no awkwardness or self-consciousness in the gesture. Just the simple physical affection between two women that loved and cared for each other.

Razkar felt a brief grimace on his face. It was easier for the females. Males like himself had to always hide their emotions, compete even with that... but these were not typical females, were they? Halfbreeds both, and more than that...

Wolf drew herself up, topping him by a good few inches and Razkar took her hand. That grip... he would always associate it with her. Firm as oak, hand flexible as vine. She was truly becoming a Witch of the Wilds, just like the revered shamans of the ancient jungle.

"Serve Myri well, and return with all your bits, right?"

Razkar nodded shortly... and then decided that if this were the last time they would see each other for so long, self-control be damned. He jerked her forwards with a quick tug of his muscled arm and wrapped his other arm around her back. A brief, fierce embrace, with their clasped hands pressed between each others' chests.

"Don't die before we come back," he rasped into her ear, and then let go. They stepped away from each other, something akin to shock lurking under her yellow slits, and Razkar felt the strange sensation of her body heat still tickling his skin.

Farewell, Wolf. Don't let the bastards get to you... not that you ever have.

[Ayatah]

Now came those petching goodbyes. Ayatah stood awkwardly, legs and arms stiff. She had said farewell to several people, but other than family, none of them had meant so much to her. ”We’ll be back before you know it.” She said, all too brightly. It was obvious that her words were for herself as much as Tinnok.

She enveloped her friend in a hug, a sad smile on her lips. Perhaps she should have admitted just how much she would miss her fellow half-breed, but then again… Some things didn’t even need to be said aloud.

"So let's not both with the bloody maudlin, shall we?"

Once again it was the male amongst them who provided the dry sense of humour that managed to lift the atmosphere just a bit. All three chuckled, though now their laughter lacked the cheerfulness from earlier.

Ayatah watched her friend and lover say their own goodbye, and even she was surprised when Razkar embraced the half-Dhani so tightly. She watched them fondly. Both were warriors, and alike in many ways - but just as different in others. The two of them were the most important people in her life, outside of family. And soon they would all be separated: Tinnok staying here in the jungle, Ayatah in Zeltiva and Razkar wherever the shyke he ended up. As long as they both remained safe, the space between them would hardly matter… Right?

Soon the hugs were behind them, and the three young Myrians stood around the glowering bonfire as if awaiting some sign. Eventually, Ayatah sighed and grasped her friend’s hand, eyes suddenly serious as if she was scolding a child. ”Stay happy and safe, okay?” Then, to lighter the mood, she grinned, ”I don’t want to have to come back early just to save your arse.”

But just so you know… I would. Without hesitation.

|| Ayatah's speech || Ayatah's thoughts || Others' speech ||

[Tinnok]

Goddess it was going to be hard. Letters would do something to alleviate it, but their absence would be felt. Aya's words brought a smile to her lips, despite the fact her body was tense with contained emotion.

She was entirely taken back with Razkar's hug, however, Pupils thinning visibly with the contact. It was one thing to clean another's wounds, something different this act. But when he spoke her eyes closed for an instant. Just as long as she and he returned alive, the witch would obey his request...and Aya's.

She separated from the Eagle's grasp, giving the couple a two fingered salute. "Show those barbarians what true Myrians are made of, aye?"

It was a ridiculous request, unnecessary to the Nth degree, but it was the closest thing she could say to a goodbye without actually voicing it. That and the fact that the phrase summed up her entire opinion of the two. Nowhere within the Jungle Wilds had she met any Myrians more filled with vigor, honor, and skill as the two that stood before her. Taloba would be lacking two vicious warriors with their departure, but would also gain a strange sort of advocacy...putting them in barbarian lands. She envied them in part, but as they walked from her clearing the witch lay her hand upon the trunk of one of the great trees that bordered her small clearing. It's strength and greatness, slow and purposeful, flowed through her connection via Nura, and her eyes shut for a moment. This was goodbye, but it was not the end, she would see them both again, and each party would be the stronger for it.

The dog padded softly over to sit next to Tinnok, and two pairs of eyes watched the departure of her friends long after they had disappeared into the thick undergrowth. She spent a bell or so, feeling the echoes of their passage through the network of roots and vines that the forest had to offer.

oocThanks for letting me crash your goodbye party, its been fun!

[Razkar]

"Show those barbarians what true Myrians are made of, aye?"

Razkar smiled at her one more time. That lop-sided, half-serious grin that he'd worn the first time they met. Then he squeezed her hand one final time... and let her go.

"May Myri guide your hand..."

"... and Dira your blade."

The smile grew as she finished the old Taloba Army saying, but he added a final addendum for her. A fitting one.

"And Caiyha your heart... Wolf."

The two of them walked away, crunching vines and leaves and moist dirt under their feet. They did not turn back. They knew that all they would see was a lonely hut and it's similar inhabitant, getting smaller and smaller and watching them leave. To see her one final time, Syna still high enough to cast no shadows over her haunted, hardened face...

The male knew he probably wouldn't be able to take it, or could and would hate himself for it. The female must have felt the same, for her head did not waver from the path ahead of them.

Razkar gritted his teeth briefly, and cast a though from his mind into the natural miasma around them. Caiyha was everywhere, on every surface, in every element, and no more so than in the teeming chaos of Falyndar.

Mother of the Jungle... protect your servant... your daughter who loves you so dearly... keep her safe and cast her enemies into confusion when they are before her... Caiyha, so much has changed... so much that was once known had become dark and strange... but I believe you still love your servants... and she is a fine one...

He hoped it took. He hoped she listened. He hoped he saw his friend again. His hand reached out to hold Ayatah's and he felt his stride lengthen and his strength swell from the soft, simple contact.

Razkar and Ayatah did not look back, and the sun began to set behind them, casting long shadows against the stone hill of Taloba as they approached.

[Ayatah]

One down, one to go.

The thought made the entirety of Ayatah’s body tighten and tense. Saying farewell to her friend had been harder than she had expected - and the half-Eypharian had known it was going to be far from easy. Nevertheless, as they trudged through the overgrowth back towards the city, she kept those dark eyes trained on what was ahead. She would not look back; she would not even glance to Razkar in case his face mirrored her own feelings.

Her jaw clenched and unclenched, eyes blinking and feet stepping. Then she felt his hand wrap around hers, and Ayatah exhaled a long, shaking breath. He was feeling her pain as well; the thought bought her some comfort in this uncomfortable shared experience. ”That… was not easy.” Her voice was strange, almost hollow. She thought about the friend they had just walked away from, how she had bought such warmth and goodness to their lives, even if she was not aware of it. ”But she will be fine. She’ll be happy.” Just as before, the words were more to affirm Ayatah’s own hopes, rather than anything else.

Syna was still in the sky when they reached outer Taloba, though she was low and golden, the sky pink in the west and dark blue in the east. They passed through the threshold and into the city itself, and only then did Ayatah turn to face her lover. ”Is there anything else you need to do? Does your clan know--“ She stammered a little. They were both leaving the jungle, but for very different reasons. And that simply meant that they would have to leave each other, ultimately. It was all for the best, she knew, but that didn’t make it any easier.

”-- your adventure?” The eventual end to her sentence came deflated and lowly, and with another sigh, Ayatah rested her head against Razkar’s chest. Just for that moment, she needed to feel his warm skin, hear his heartbeat and just remember that for now, he was still there.

|| Ayatah's speech || Ayatah's thoughts || Others' speech ||

[Razkar]

”Is there anything else you need to do? Does your clan know... your adventure?”

Razkar winced a little at her question. He hadn't even thought about his clan, and the realization of his ignorance filled him with shame. Maybe she saw, maybe she didn't, but before he could form an answer her head was pressed against his chest... and he just sighed... and smiled.

That was another thing he loved so about his Aya. She was never afraid to show her feelings around him, even if they were of weakness. She sagged against his arms when he wrapped them around her, and he felt how much the day had worn on her.

Twin surprises struck him. That she suffered as much as he in her goodbyes, and that she trusted him enough to lower her guard. He held her tighter and pressed his lips to the silky helmet of hair.

"I will alert them by messenger bird before we leave tomorrow," he murmured softly, "But for tonight, we need to do the necessary's for your own clan. We have a long journey ahead of us come the morrow."

He broke their embrace slightly, enough for her to look up into his eyes. Razkar stroked the soft skin of her cheeks, lost in those deep brown eyes. His own black orbs stared back bereft of their usual cold martial purpose. Now they glimmered like obsidian in moonlight, matching the sad but reassuring smile on his face.

"We shall see them again," he whispered, kissing her softly and taking her hands, "All of them."

They began walking again, taking their time. The compound of the Scattered Bones was but a few streets away, and Syna had not been completely devoured by the jungle. Food and feast and packing and tearful farewells were still on the horizon... but they would deal with them as they came.

"Our journey has already begun, my love." He spoke as they walked, careful and steady strides adding weight to his words. "We cast off prior duties and say farewells to those we love. That is the first step. Once they are done, however, we shall be... free, I suppose. And the trail will rise to greet us..."

Razkar squeezed her hand, hoping the words would reassure her. He spoke them as much to himself as to her. His mind and heart still had not grasped a final goodbye spoken to her face. But it was a start.

[Ayatah]

Perhaps it was her Eypharian blood that softened Ayatah, and made her reactions skip that Myrian fury, to go straight to upset and sadness. But that night, she didn’t care, or have shame. Dammit, she was upset, and she wanted her man to comfort her!

Fortunately, he did. And as she felt his arms wrap around her, Ayatah found herself smiling despite her own melancholy. Those arms had bought her much comfort in their time together, but nothing compared to the safety and relief she felt as they stood in the middle of Taloba, frozen in their state of affection and consolation.

"But for tonight, we need to do the necessary's for your own clan. We have a long journey ahead of us come the morrow."

She had already said goodbye to her clan, or at least most of them, the night before last. Instead of a miserable final night together, this evening would no doubt be celebrating the extra time she had with her clan. There were be sadness, of course, but also a sense of relief, or at least of procrastination.

"We shall see them again. All of them."

His lips against hers, and also his words, reassured Ayatah. Nodding slowly, she joined Razkar in his slow walk, savoring their evening in the city. Taloba was slower, quieter, during this time of night, when merchants were putting away their unsold wares and others hurrying home in time for supper. ”I know we will. It’s just--“ For once, Ayatah did not know a word that suited, so she shrugged her shoulders and glanced to Razkar. From his expression, she knew that he understood what she meant, despite her lacking a finishing word.

They passed through Taloba, casting slow shadows that followed them on their steady journey. The prospect of being free from these petching farewells bought a strange sense of relief to Ayatah… quickly followed by a dash of guilt. ”It will be worth it,” She said softly, nodding and smiling as her words formed into genuine belief. ”When we return, it will all be worth it.”

It did not take long for them to reach the Scattered Bones’ compound. A bonfire was already alight and smoking well. The children were finishing the last lesson of their day and the adults were beginning to gather round the center of their home, backs aching and wary smiles on their lips. But when the two young lovers reached the outskirts, fifty or so dark-skinned faces turned to greet them, all smiling widely.

”Let’s enjoy tonight,” She whispered hurriedly, smiling and nodding to her family, ”because we deserve some fun.”

And with that, Ayatah winked to her lover and trotted to join her family in the final night she had with them. When Quinneth appeared with a startling amount of wine, everyone cheered.

|| Ayatah's speech || Ayatah's thoughts || Others' speech ||

[Razkar]

Syna vanished and the skies darkened, but as we've said before, that was never truly accurate in Taloba. Bonfires and torches glowed throughout it, and around the massive bonfire set by the Scattered Bones, there was so much light that Razkar was almost fooled that it was day.

True to form, the Myrian clan was celebrating, not grieving. Dozens of them were talking or joking, bending his and Ayatah's ear with farewells and advice, pledges and hugs and firm handshakes. Bennik even favored him with a warm, solid smile and passed him a cup of wine.

His fourth, if he was keeping track correctly. He almost drained it with a smack of his lips and the older male nodded his approval.

"I see the Garrison is keeping its reputation for consumption," he said with a wry smile and a wink, "Enjoy it. Won't be much of it around in the barbarian lands. Just that ale stuff they like so much..."

Razkar smiled back, taking another proffered plate of roasted deer from one of Ayatah's cousins. He was almost a guest of honor tonight, and wasn't sure how to handle it. But he was not the sole attraction. A ring of manic shadows danced around the bonfire, males and females expressing their joy for life with furious movements, both in praise and worship, offerings to Myri and other deities who might look upon their kin with kindness on their travels.

He looked to his right and saw his love had no left him. From under a curtain of beautiful dark hair, eyes shining happily in their shadows, she looked so darkly radiant that his smile grew quickly into a grin. He set down his cup and got to his feet... hmm... quickly and ably enough.

Good. Means I'm not too drunk to dance.

He held out a hand to her and jerked his head to the bonfire and the ring of capering figures. Razkar's expression was almost daring her to stand and join him.

"Like you said, love. Let's have some fun..."

[Ayatah]

Her clan was recovering. Bennik could walk on his own now - though only for short distances. Roseane was still blind of course, but she was beginning to manage with her lack of sight. She could tell who was approaching from their scent or the sound of their footsteps, and she could even navigate her way around the compound without aid. Even better, she was beginning to show an interest in her children once more, much to the delight of her mate, who had spent the last few seasons trying (and largely failing) to be a mother and father to their two daughters and young son.

Yes, Ayatah thought as she watched them all dancing and drinking and laughing, they will be alright.

Quinneth had drank an impressive amount of alcohol, and despite her shrivelled frame, she was still in good enough form to jostle about with her great- and great-great-grandchildren. Tronx was arguing with his mother, pouting and stomping his feet like child as he tried to prove he was old enough to enjoy alcohol. The others were dancing by the flames, throwing off dramatic shadows that told their own stories.

”You will have to tell me what Zeltiva looks like.” The request came as a surprise to Ayatah - mainly because it came from Roseane. When the half-Eypharian did not answer, the older female smiled, milky eyes staring straight ahead of her. ”Everyone else will be as blind as me in that aspect, so the least you can do is shed some light on the barbarian lands so we can all imagine what it is like out there.” Again, Ayatah could only manage to stammer out some kind of sound; either the alcohol or the awkwardness of the conversation made her words jumble together. Eventually, Roseane laughed and slapped a hand on her cousin’s leg, ”at ease, Ayatah. I’m blind, but even I know the horrified look on your face right now.”

That broke the façade, and the two cousins began laughing. When their giggling died down, Roseanne nodded to something beyond Ayatah, and she turned around to see Razkar on his feet. He was holding a hand out to her, but she wasn’t sure why.

"Like you said, love. Let's have some fun..."

He wanted to dance?! She didn’t even bother to hide her shocked expression as her eyebrows shot up and her jaw slacked open. After she had swallowed her surprise (and the last of her wine), Ayatah slowly stood up, a smirk on her lips and her hand in his. ”I always thought warriors had two left feet when it came to dancing, or am I not giving my man enough credit?”

She led him closer to the fire, where the majority of the younger Scattered Bones spun and stomped to the sound of heavy drumbeats played by the older males. Soon they were amongst the rest of the gyrating bodies, and before she realised it, Ayatah’s own hips and legs were following the pounding rhythm, her arms held above her head. Taking full advantage of the close proximities allowed in dancing, she kept flush to Razkar, her body barely leaving his as she swayed to the music.

Between the laughter, the drinking and the dancing, there was not a single hint of sadness that night.

|| Ayatah's speech || Ayatah's thoughts || Others' speech ||

[Razkar]

Contrary to popular opinion, Razkar did know how to dance. It just wasn't that kind of dance. He'd whooped and stomped and whirled around the bonfires of his clan and the Garrison before, but that was for a different reason. Those were war dances, calling Myri and Dira's attention down on Myrians expressing their worship through their very bodies.

This dance, however... this was one step away from the act of physical love.

Ayatah's back was pressed against his front as she moved, all lithe, sinewy sways and grinds. He was amazed that she could be so erotic but yet so graceful. There was no wanton carnality displayed in her, that could shame her clan all watching as they moved.

There was the movement of one soul against another. He tried to ape her as best he could, hands wrapped around her waist and hips, matching her movements. The wine had loosened his muscles and heightened his senses, so every gasp and breath was fresh in his ears. Every touch of her long, soft fingers over his skin raised prickles.

Twin rows of teeth gleamed in the firelight for all to see. The happiness of two young ones in love, melding their bodies as best they could...

... and they bought others with them.

Paira and her husband. Bennik and a damn determined female who apparently didn't care if he was limping half the time. Quinneth and an old male with the same twinkle in her eyes as she possessed. Cousins and sisters, friends and distant relations. More and more figures began the sensuous flow around them.

"Don't go on too long like this," he rasped in her ear, voice thick with barely-restrained lust, gripping her hips a little harder as he undulated against her back, "We still have one more night... and I want to make it memorable for you..."

Keening, sonorous voices joined the thumping drums that beat out a tattoo of defiance against the night. Dozens of Myrians whooped and growled their passion along with it, and in the midst of it all, Razkar and Ayatah fell against each other, bodies flowing with the beat and letting it drive out all reason, until they moved as one.

A good night. A final night. A happy night.