Closed Amber Sunsets and a Handful of Clams (Sira, Kovac, Aidara)

[Iosha]

Still leaning up against the wall, Iosha watched the look on Kovac face. He was definitely enjoying the situation he had fallen into with Sira and her. Iosha could only imagine the thoughts going through the man's head right at this moment. It didn't matter to her at all. Honestly, she didn't mind him thinking of her in that way. He was a roguish man with a big heart. On the other hand, Sira's beauty was intoxicating, and Aidara was a lucky woman for finding someone like her. She watched in silence as Sira talked to Kovac, and when Sira tossed her a glance. She started to wonder if the two of them were scheming. She shook her head and dismissed the thought all together. When Sira walked back to her aerie, Iosha decided to follow behind her when she opened the door. Iosha glanced at Kovac and said quietly with a smile, “It good to see you again, Kovi. Sorry about the other day...I think all the excitement went to my head. We should go swimming again, so I can make it up to you without the well....” With a silly grin, she twiddled her fingers at him to indicate magick. As she walked, Iosha's eyes watched the sway of the kelvic woman's hips, she felt a little ashamed because she was Aidara's bond mate, but what was the harm in enjoying the view? When they went into Sira's aeries, Iosha was astonished at the amount of room the woman had at her disposal. Iosha walked into the center of the room, and she guessed two adult wind eagles could fit in here. She was amazed at the size of the elaborate saddle. She smiled up at wind chimes hanging from the ceiling. Iosha eyes fall upon the view. Sira had a fantastic view of Thunder bay and the surrounding forest. Luckily, the Leth was starting raise over the view of the bay illuminating the water and the forest with a soft lunar glow. When she watched the moon, she started to wonder where Cephei was at the moment. She smiled to herself and turned around with a idea for Sira's aeries. However, she had to stop in mid sentence as the kelvic woman dropped her blanket. She walked over to Kovac, gave him a soft elbow in the ribs, and to mess with him, she put up her small webbed hands over his eyes. She smirked at him and whispered softy, “Kovi give the woman some privacy...” She tried to keep her eyes on Kovac, but she couldn't help sneak a glance or two at the Kelvic woman. She hoped Kovac knew she was teasing him. When Sira had all her clothing on, she noticed she was staring at the collar. Iosha started to wonder what she needed it for, but by the way, she was staring at it. She could tell the woman was displeased that she had it in her possession. Iosha messed Kovac's hair up before she walked over to Sira and put a hand on the woman's shoulder. She gave the Kelvic woman a silly grin and said softy, “Don't be scared, Sira. I have a idea.” She let the golden eyed woman ponder what her idea could be before continuing, “See my mother was a bard before she came to Wind Reach and met my father, but she told me before she left for Mura to give birth to me. She wanted to do something for him, so he would always remember her. She decided to make him a small flower garden in his aeries for him and his wind eagle Aferon.” Iosha blew a piece of silver hair from her face and said to her with a grin, “Well if you want, I could help you and Aidara make a garden of your own. Hai you have enough room for it.” Iosha squeezed Sira shoulder before letting her hand fall to her side, and she continued, “Give the idea some thought and let me know. By the way, the view is magnificent, Sira.”

[Aidara]

Whether Sira had realized it or not, Addy had much the same plan as her bondmate. The days were filled with long bells in the Infirmary, while the early evening and even into the night was spent wandering around the city, observing and otherwise keeping the peace. Old friendships were renewed, old and new flirtations discovered. Having always been inclined towards the social end of the spectrum, this did a great deal to take the little woman’s mind off her problems.

Both Keah and Miquel had practically shoved her out the door a couple bells earlier, telling her to get on her way home and they would take care of the rest. A few children with fever lingered within, but were currently sleeping. There was just no need for Addy to be there. Her collogues might have noticed her reluctance to return to Sira, but they didn’t say anything to her directly and Addy pretended not to see the glances that passed between them when they thought she wasn’t looing.

Addy watched as Syna and Leth both battled for the sky, the darkening of the horizon heralding the end of the day, perched on a lonely segment of the wall that boarded the Courtyard of the Sky. Around her, things grew quiet as the Inarta sought the comfort of a meal and their beds, leaving the little healer to watch the sunset on her own.

“It’s beautiful.” If the deep voice startled her, Addy hid it well as her gaze dipped from the horizon to the ember-haired man that leaned against the stone wall beside her, lids half lowered as she cast a languid glance over him from top to toe before responding.

“Sure is.” A carefully practiced smile hinted at the dimples in her cheeks as her gaze dropped from where it had lingered on his own, coyly turning her face into her shoulder before flicking her eyes back up at the glowing sunset. “I try to watch it every evening. There is a calming sort of…”

“It’s not nearly as beautiful as you, though.” He wasn’t even listening. Sighing inwardly while keeping the air of intriguing reluctance for company going, Addy offered a blush and another little smile in response to the terrible pickup line. Oh, and he’d been so pretty too, shirtless and muscled, arms rippling in the cool night air, the sunset turning his thick head of hair into living fire…

“How kind.” He expected a titter, and he got one, Addy lifting a hand to press to her cheek as she again turned her face away in what seemed like embarrassment. If this were a battle of skill, Addy could have him wrapped around her finger while she wrapped around him in bed in a matter of ticks.

But not even that seemed fun.

It was halfway through the next cheesy line- one that Addy was hardly paying any attention too- that Sira called her home. Half a bell earlier and the little healer would have stayed out longer just to spite her bondmate and to indulge in her need to stay away in an attempt to avoid all those feelings, but this was getting old, fast; the young man had wormed his way closer, turning so that they both faced out towards the sunset and was getting ready to sling his arm around her shoulders and, presumably, sweep her off her feet.

“I have to go.” Straightening, Addy dropped the shy but charmed and somewhat embarrassed act, slithering out from underneath the extended arm and marched across the courtyard and away from the man without a backwards glance. “I have places to be. Work on your pickup lines, as I doubt they wouldn’t even work on a Yasi…” Pausing, Addy did finally glance over her shoulder, giving the man a much more hostile one-over, fiery green gaze lingering on every imperfection that she could find on the fine mans form; he visibly flinched each time and Addy thought she could hear his ego burst. “Though if you’re going for Yasi, you have much bigger problems on your hands. Goodnight.”

It took barely a quarter of a bell for the little woman to reach her Aerie. Perhaps she had walked a bit slow, but there had been promise of surprises and while not the biggest fan of them, perhaps this is what both women needed…

Attempting to keep this optimistic outlook alive while actively smothering the louder, stronger, pessimistic voice that usually controlled her thoughts these days, Addy hesitated only a moment to listen for sound within before pushing open the Aerie door.

“Sira?”

[Kovac]

Kovac wondered where Aidara was, but decided not to inquire. He simply flashed a wry smile at Sira as she spoke, and a knowing look was exchanged between the two before both turned their eyes to Iosha. Poor Konti, she didn't stand a chance. Sira knew well enough what was going through the half-breed's imagination, and Kovac did not care hide it from the eagle girl. Sira's smoldering style of flirtation was more subtle than her bondmate's, but equally exciting . Much of the intimidation he had felt regarding Sira had waned, assured by Addy that the bonded lovers were as open in their relationship as any in Wind Reach. And the fact that Sira had not hunted him down and rent him apart with her talons seemed to confirm her claim. Gone too was Shayth, and the hold she had kept on the archer. Nevertheless, as thrilled as he was for a chance to get to know Sira better, to engage in a little playful fun, the Avora reminded himself the woman was a Wind Eagle, and not to be aggravated.

Accepting the offer to join the tour, Kovac leaned his lute against a chair, joining the Konti as they followed Sira to her aerie. Iosha tried to apologize for the awkward ending to their last meeting, but the Avora dismissed it with a wave of his hand and a smile. He spoke low between them, giving her a wink. "No worries Io, it was a very interesting evening. Another skinny dip would be in order though, I believe." Kovac then saw the violet gaze of the Konti fix on the blanket-wrapped figure of Sira in front of them, seeing a hint of interest in Iosha's brief glance. His smile grew wider. Was Iosha really as innocent as she appeared?

The layout of the aerie was similar to the one he had lived in with Shayth, though the decor was different. The eclectic collection of wind chimes tinkled lightly in the slight, cool breeze. The magnificent view distracted the Avora for a moment before his gaze returned just in time to see the blanket fall from Sira into a pool at her feet. The Kelvic's body had met the expectation of past imaginations, physically fit and lithe with pleasing feminine curves. Kovac only caught a glance, however, distracted by Iosha's elbow to his ribs and the cover of her pale hand over her eyes.

"Hey!" He protested with mock irritation. "First you don't let me see you naked, and now her? Are you trying to ruin all my fun? She didn't seem to mind if I looked!" By the time the teasing Konti had dropped her hand, Sira was clothed again in her vinati and bryda, a collar in her hand. The Avora did not know the significance of the collar, not fully understanding things Kelvic, so he dismissed it as it was stored on a shelf.

Iosha mussed up his hair, and Kovac gave her a faux growl and he smoothed it back down, listening to her gardening offer to Sira. The Konti was different, he had learned, but she was kind. Something that could get her used as a door mat among the Inarta.

Moving back to the door to the main chamber, they heard the sound of the main door opening, and a familiar voice calling to her mate. Addy. The dynamics of the evening had just changed, becoming a delicious tangle. It was all still an innocent gathering of friends, but with three of Wind Reaches most infamous flirts and a beautiful exotic foreigner, the randy mongrel could not help but anticipate a most interesting evening. The odds were in his favor for sure.

[Sira]

It was absolutely true that Sira and Aidara were very open with their relationship, allowing each other to pretty much do whatever they wanted when it came to sex. It was only when things went deeper that there might be a problem. Sira did not like it when things took Addy from her, especially if those things were another person's bed. Sira did get jealous, occasionally, but never over sex. It was only when she thought someone was trying to steal the healer's heart that she ever cared, and luckily, such a thing had never really happened. At least not enough for Sira to intervene. The couple had more than enough problems with just the two of them, another heart getting tangled in the mix was the last thing they needed, at least as far as Sira was concerned.

Sira did not notice the playful teasing between Kovac and Iosha in regards to her getting dressed, but when Iosha came over and offered to make her a garden, that did spark Sira's interest a bit. She knew absolutely nothing about gardening, or plants, save for being able to recognize a few berries she shouldn't eat and bushes she shouldn't touch. But she knew there were a lot of useful plants out there, and had on occasion flown Addy and other healers out to collect plants while Sira hunted.

"Oh, I bet Addy would love a garden if you could plant us some of the things she uses in the infirmary. Then we wouldn't have to go foraging for them!"

To Sira foraging was boring, even though it was very much like hunting. Both required a lot of searching and patience, but when hunting Sira usually got a good meal out of it. While she did eat plants from time to time, Sira definitely preferred meat and hunting for it. Plants were just boring. They didn't even try to run away.

When Aidara came home the dynamics did change, though for Sira, they changed from confident and seductive to nervous and maybe a little scared. Sira wasn't afraid of the healer, of course, but with the problems they had been having lately, Sira didn't want to screw things up. So far they had both been ignoring the issues, avoiding each other for the most part, and not talking about it when they were together. They were also both stressed, not getting a lot of sleep, and being overworked. Sira offered a silent prayer to Priskil in hopes that everything would go smoothly before walking back into the main room to greet her bondmate. She put on a confident face, but she was pretty sure Addy would see through it to the nervous kelvic behind. Problems or not, Addy knew her better than anybody.

"Hi, Addy! I hope you don't mind, but I found a couple lost eggs and though I'd bring them home to show you," she joked, before moving out of the way so that Kovac and Iosha could enter the room with her.

OOC..sometimes my attempts at converting everything to bird terminology just sound silly, lol

[Iosha]

When Iosha heard Aidara voice, she smiled to herself and said quietly to Kovac, “Now it is definitely a party! The only person we now is Red Daghul, and we would have all my friend from Wind Reach in same room together.” She knew Red wasn't the social type like Kovac, Sir, and Aidara, so she didn't really know if he would enjoy a night like this one. She smiled at Sira, hoping the Kelvic woman heard what she said about her being a friend. When she entered the room, she saw Aidara with a confused look on her face. Iosha wasn't sure, but she noticed Sira's demeanor just changed in front of the tenderhearted healer. Iosha wished she couldn't notice it, but being a Konti, she tends to be a bit sensitive to reading people emotions. Iosha looked at Aidara trying to ease the tension between the two lovers, and said jokingly to her fellow healer, “I hope you know, Addy. It was my evil plan to convince Sira to let me see your home.” She twirled around to look at all the room in all it splendor. She stopped, blew a piece of silver blond hair from her face, and said with a giggle, “Addy, I have just decided to pitch a tent in Sira's aeries and squat in there for a few seasons. Don't worry. You and Sira won't even noticed I am here.” She gave the healer a look with a innocent twinkle in her eye. Iosha just realized Sira made a bird joke when she compared her and Kovac to a pair of “lost eggs”. It was terribly bad joke, but the pale healer was a sucker for bad jokes, and she figured it would be great joke with the wind eagles. She gave Sira a wink and said to Aidara with a warm smile on her face, “Yep, Sira found the oddest eggs in the nest since I would be the sunny side up egg.” She turned her head to Kovac, gave him a impish grin, and said to him with a giggle, “And Kovi over there would be the hard boiled egg...” Suddenly, she just remembered the Inarta didn't eat birds, and they probably had no clue what she was referring too. Iosha quickly turned pink, and slowly turned to Sira and said meekly, “I am sooo sorry, Sira. I hope I didn't offend you just now. Besides I haven't eaten a chicken or a egg since Avanthal or was it the Lhavit?” She just realized she confessed her guilt that she had eaten a bird in front of the people who worshiped them! She looked down at the ground her blond hair covering her face and said melodramatically, “OK...I am just going to die now, and maybe Eywaat will forgive me for my barbaric ways.”

[Aidara]

They all erupted from the Aerie as Addy was halfway through unwinding the scarf from around her neck, the cloth covering her face when Sira and Iosha appeared and spoke at the same time, startling Addy into a yelp and a jump that sent her stumbling into the nearby chair. “Holy petch!” Initially unaware that they had visitors, Addy felt her heart leap into her throat as she struggled to regain her bearings, fumbling with the final twist of the scarf that allowed her to toss the fabric aside.

When she was finally free, all of them were pinned with an emerald glare, a tiny frown flirting with the corners of her mouth as the pounding of her heart worked on subsiding. It was only a few ticks of this reproachful silence before Addy regained her charismatic flare and plied her dimples on them all. Really, it was hard to throw the woman for a loop for too long before she was able to bounce back, especially in her own home.

“Well, what a pleasant surprise! I had no idea we were having guests!” Barely a flicker of her gaze went to Sira as she spoke, but the reproach wasn’t at all obvious to Kovac and Iosha, who were too busy accepting the hugs and kisses to the cheek that Addy had stepped forward to offer; the Konti woman received a warm hug and a kiss on either cheek before Addy held her at arms length and smiled warmly. “Wind Reach is doing you good, woman. You look fantastic. I am so glad Sira brought you here to see the aerie.” When the Konti threatened to stay via tent, Addy couldn’t help but laugh. “You don’t have to do that. We have a spare room, you know. I’m sure a real bed, indoors, would be much more comfortable than a lousy tent.”

Leaving Iosha with a smile, Addy turned to Kovac and opened her arms to him as well. When they came together in a full-body hug, he was on the receiving end of a soft, slow kiss that sent her up onto her toes just to be able to properly reach his lips. Addy lingered there, her teeth clamping down on his bottom lip, for long enough that it was almost indecent before pulling away, his lip stretching with her as she sank back down to the flats of her feet. “And Kovac. How did you get so lucky? Three women? You’re learning.” Her smile was wicked when she finally turned away.

Sira was the only one left, and Addy stepped around the other two to greet her; though they had never really been at such odds before, nor had Addy really ever dealt with needing to hide personal disputes from the rest of the world, she knew that is what she preferred to do. Transparent about almost everything else in her life, this struck just a bit too close to her heart. To let onto the troubles she and Sira were having, when they could hardly talk about it between themselves in private, made the little healer just a bit uncomfortable.

Pressing herself close to her bondmate, Addy rose quickly to her toes, one arm looping over the back of Sira’s neck while the other hooked around her waist; an insistent tug of each brought the Kelvic woman down closer to the healers level, Sira’s hips shifting forward so that they fit snugly against Addy’s own. The kiss was an intimate one, less showy than Kovac’s but with far more heat despite the fact that it seemed as though they only barely pressed their lips together; no one but them knew that it had been a very long while since they had shared even the barest of touches.

Addy kept her eyes open and focused on Sira’s when they came together, her grip on her lover tight and desperate while she tried to pull it all off as just another, normal, end of the day kiss. Prayers were sent out to every god whose name she knew with the hopes that Sira would have the decency to follow along.

Whether it was from nerves or just to break the silence, Iosha’s tittering about birds eggs and the resulting, furiously embarrassed back-peddling finally drew Addy and Sira apart as she turned to the young Konti with a light laugh. “I couldn’t agree more. I think I would be scrambled eggs, if we’re being honest.” Winking at Iosha, Addy unwound her arms from around Sira and took both her and Kovac’s hand, leading them to the couch, where a gentle and insistent shove sent them down into its comfortable embrace. “If I had known about this little get together, I would have had some more food waiting, but for now…” Disappearing into a little alcove off to the side of the common room, Addy returned with four beautifully sculpted wine glasses. “We’ll just have to drink!”

Little did they know how often Addy had been turning to that recreational activity as a solution.

[Kovac]

Once Kovac's typical thoughts about being alone with three beautiful women had waned, reality reminded him that his fantasies were just that, fantasies. And no matter what happened that evening...he now had a new one. He watched as the healer greeted the Konti. There was always excitement and a hint of trepidation every time he encountered Aidara, unsure of what would happen. Their last encounter was rather revealing and volatile, leaving things between them as much in question as ever. Likewise, the ardent kiss she gave him in front of Sira, and the playful tug on his lip, made him as apprehensive as it did excited. As did the taunt she left him with, Addy loved to tease him.

But when Kovac saw her kiss Sira, he knew it was different. He had wondered, only for brief moments, if things were alright between them. He always saw them as a perfect couple. But, lately, the rare odd glance, or word from Aidara, had bred the slightest doubt. However, the kiss they shared was unlike one the healer had ever given him. Addy loved Sira, that much was apparent. Kovac felt a twinge, and lied to himself that it was not jealousy.

With her unique, innocent charm, Iosha fumbled through with a wonderful gaff, which brought a smile to everyone's face, and Kovac nudged her teasingly, then kissed her on the cheek. "Silly Konti." Then, he was cast down on the sofa next to Sira, Addy off to fetch drinks. He glanced at the sensual Kelvic, the intimidation he once felt towards her waning. The mongrel gave the eagle woman a wide grin, but his words were directed to Aidara.

"I am just a hired musician. I expect to be paid when the evening is over!"

[Sira]

The kiss that Aidara gave Kovac did not bother Sira in the slightest. It wasn't the first time Addy had done exactly the same thing right in front of Sira, and it wasn't likely to be the last. The kiss was as much a taunt to the avora as much as it was to the kelvic, most likely, but Sira played the same game just as often. The kiss and embrace that the bondmates shared was much different. Sira wanted more than anything to wrap her arms around Aidara and never let go. She practically melted at the healer's touch, but the look in Addy's eyes told her she should play it cool. The kiss was no different than any other one they had shared, as far as any innocent bystanders were concerned, and there were no problems between the two for anyone to see.

It was a lie, of course. That was their first true embrace in some time, and Sira didn't want it to end. Luckily, Iosha made a terrible attempt a a joke, to which Addy responded, and Sira could only laugh.

"You are a silly konti," Sira echoed after Kovac, "A chicken is hardly even a bird. They can't even fly! Unless you call madly flailing through the air short distances flying."

As soon as Sira was shoved down to the couch next to Kovac she immediately made herself comfortable, which involved leaning heavily against the avora. She knew she made Kovac nervous, or at least she used to, and Sira always had liked to tease him. Snuggling up next to the handsome man was just another opportunity for fun.

As to the alcohol, Sira had mixed feelings. Ever since the incident, she had been sober. Sira had touched neither drug nor drink since it happened, and unlike Aidara who could find escape in the bottle, Sira had suffered through her days completely aware. She certainly wasn't going to let on to those fears, however, and she wouldn't say no to the drinks. She would just pace herself...

"Have a seat, Iosha. Oh, and Addy, I already called up for some extra food. It should be here in a few chimes."

[Iosha]

Iosha smiled innocently as they all laughed at her joke. Iosha knew the joke was bad because she heard Inarta didn't eat birds since they think of them as sacred. Also, Sira didn't think chickens were birds, so in the end, no one took offense at her culturally insensitive joke. Iosha gave Aidara a warm smile when she greeted her with a hug. Iosha liked the healer, and she hoped they would be come good friends over time. However, the Konti was taken by surprise when Aidara gave Kovac a kiss that was clearly not a friendly kiss. Honestly, she felt kind of awkward watching them too. She immediately thought they were lovers at one point in the lives, and by the kiss, Iosha was starting to think they were still lovers. What surprised her even more was Sira's reaction or lack of reaction. While Iosha just stood their waiting for Kovac to become eagle food, the Kelvic didn't make any move to stop the kiss between the hunter and healer. It was a uncomfortable two chimes for the young konti as she waited for them to quit their embrace. When Aidara greeted Sira, Iosha could tell the two women were in love. She decided to give the two lovers some privacy and look at the ground till they were finished, but suddenly, she felt a nudge and soon after kiss on her cheek by Kovac, and she blushed and said with a smirk, “I still think your a hard boiled egg, Kovac.” She giggled to herself, and she thought to herself with a grin on her face, “I need to watch him.” She smiled up at them when Aidara ushered them to sofa. Iosha decided to take a seat in a chair on the opposite side of them. She watched with amusement as Sira decided to snuggle up to the Kovac. She started to wonder if the Kelvic was just messing with the human. Iosha smiled at Aidara when she went and got some wine glasses, and Kovac decided to be clever and demand payment for his services. Iosha tilted her head at the other Avora and teased him, “Kovac, we are Avora, so it is our job to please the whims of the Endal, so you, my hired musician, shouldn't demand compensation for your services. You should give your services freely to our brave men and women who risk their lives for the sake of our survial. Besides if you sing a song for Sira and Aidara than maybe...just maybe they will catch you something extra tasty in their next hunt.” After her speech, Iosha winked at Sira as she took the glass from Aidara and said with a smile to Aidara, “You are quite the host, Addy. Thank you.”

[Aidara]

Iosha’s reaction to the intimate greetings that the Inarta exchanged made the surprise of finding guests in her home completely worth it; Addy might have wanted to bask in the peace and quiet she had come to associate with her Aerie as of late, but this wasn’t that bad.

“I knew I liked you, Io. Anyone that can so easily sass Kovac is a winner in my book.” Generous portions of a sweet, white wine were splashed into all the cups, the Konti first before she leaned to fill Sira’s and then Kovac’s glasses. The ornery hunter almost got a showered with stuff as the little healer leaned and extended her reach too far, only barely managing to get the mouth of the bottle over the opening of the glass. Either way for Kovac, it wasn’t really that bad; drowned in the booze he loved so much or a facefull of Addy’s chest. It was a win-win.

“Hopefully the food will be here soon, then. I’m starving. The Infirmary was crazy today.” Settling down in the only remaining seat, Addy collapsed in the chair and tucked her feet up and under, the half full wine bottle cradled gently in her lap as she stoutly ignored the glass she had retrieved for herself and drank directly from the bottle; that was something she had most definitely learned from Kovac. “A whole group of Yasi came in sick. They were cleaning the Archery Rances for their Bendi and one of them found a bush of blueberries… well, they weren’t blueberries.” The bottle was tipped back to her mouth, another deep swig taken before she wiped her mouth on the back of her hand. “I’ve never cleaned up so much puke in my entire life. Thank the gods that you weren’t there, Io.”

Falling into silence for a bit while the others socialized, Addy carefully and diligently nursed the bottle of wine, swigging down its contents when she thought no one else was looking. The little healer had been through this drinking stage before, though it had taken one rough night with a pompous Avora and a big, blue mouse for her to get over it. Much hungover groaning and swearing to never drink so much again had occurred the following day but it seemed, at least for now, a distant memory as the wine slowly dwindled within the bottle.

“You know, I think I should try and sing a song.” Whatever conversation had been flowing back and forth between the other three was interrupted by Addy’s loud declaration. Though her words were not yet slurred, there was a slight wobble to her frame when she sat upright and swung to face Kovac. “Show me how to play that thing and I’ll sing you all a little ditty.” Reaching out her arms and making grabby hands like a child would do, Addy plied what she thought was a winsome smile and tried to wink at the Avora hunter, though she only managed to blink somewhat rapidly. “Com’on give’er here. I’m good!”