Completed Steady As She Goes (Garland)

[April Windweaver]

"Mmn~" She happily accepted his kiss and hugged him tight. With her size and weight, it felt like being tackled by a medium-sized dog. For a while the two looked at each other, lost in the others eyes, before finally returning to reality.

"W-we should probably get going before someone come along and gets the wrong idea."

Hmhm, whose to say their ideas are wrong?" She poked him in the belly before leaping back up to her feet. "Well, I'm not really into fancy places to be honest. I like small and cozy, so a tavern will float my boat just fine. I much prefer the smell of sweat and work than be suffocated by all that perfume. Ugh..." She shuddered, and went on to elaborate,

"My father, he had lost of businessmen and women over. They smelled like... flower farts. Like... I don't know how else to describe it" She scrunched up her mouth and shook her head. "Anyways, as long as we aren't dining on expired food, I'm all good." Her hand found his and she clutched it happily. But her heart dropped a bit when she saw the crowd.

"Ehhm... Yeah, I'll be fine. Just... I guess, uh... just don't let go" She held on tighter. As they moved, she focused her mind onto the questions rather than the situation.

"Well, I don't think I could ever leave the sea. It just doesn't feel right, being on land all the time. I've never stayed in port for more than a season or two. But Syliras, so far, has been a really nice place. Full of sorta-nice people. But like I said before, I'm not opposed to calling Syliras my home port. I'm sure there's lots of jobs to be had fishing and the like. I just can't bring myself to give up Tosca for good. Even if nice men like you come along and sweep me off my feet." She gave him a wink.

"Buuuuut... If, and this is a big if... if I decide to stay here in Syliras with Tosca, maaaaaybe I'd make time to go see a certain squire every day." She stuck the tip of her tongue out playfully.

[Garland]

He held April's hand tightly, feeling her hands warm his. As they walked through the thick crowd, Garland pulled April in closer, their arms brushing against each other.

He pushed passed people rather quickly, trying his best to keep the crowd away from them. It was an onslaught of people, it just never stops, person after person, it was so crowded, it was almost surreal. After a few chimes he finally they finally got through the large crowd, and then ran into a tavern.

The Rearing Stallion, luckily for them, today's special was venison, and there aren't that many people today. "I guess we're here." He said and led April to a seat. "I know it's not the fanciest of places, but I think you wanted to get out of the street sooner rather than later. Are you alright?"

He waved his hand to call over a waitress to their table. He sat down opposite to April. This was not in his plan, but it seems better than staying outside through the endless crowded streets.

A serving girl came to them. "Hello Garland, who's this girl? Oh and have you seen Sayana? She hasn't been in for a while now."

"Hi, this is April, and no I haven't seen Sayana. We're just here for lunch." He said, honestly. "What's on the menu today?"

"Venison, fresh. It just came in this morning, and since the snow it's staying extra fresh in the cold weather. Two orders?"

"If you please." With that, the waitress left and went off to get their food. "Oh, right. You haven't met Sayana yet. She's a friend and a dancer here. You should meet her, I think you two would get along great."

[April Windweaver]

"I know it's not the fanciest of places, but I think you wanted to get out of the street sooner rather than later. Are you alright?"

"I'm good. Just... a bit shaken: Her composure was holding, but there was still a twitcyness in her fingers as they reached in the tavern. The grip on Garland's hand loosened up a bit and she let out a deep breath.

"Not too bad. We made it. We made it" She spoke as if to reassure herself rather than Garland. And, granted, while the Rearing Stallion was far from being upscale, it did have a unique charm of its own. Old, musky wood, the smell of ale and spirits, the warmth of a roaring hearth, it had endeared itself to April. It brought forth images of her father's ship.

"I like this place. It makes me think of home. But less rocking." She smiled at Garland and looked up to meet the gaze of their waitress.

She let Garland order while she idly scratched at the table with her fingernails, keeping an ear out for anything in their server that might give her cause for alarm. But, she seemed nice enough, and was quick to deliver their orders to the chef. There was a mention of another girl though.

"Oh, right. You haven't met Sayana yet. She's a friend and a dancer here. You should meet her, I think you two would get along great."

A series of images rose up in her mind. She had met dancers before. One of them stood out in her mind, but a name couldn't be attached to the memory. That night she discovered many, many things. Oh the things she learned. She never knew a single woman could bend in so many directions. Or know so much about poison. Or knock out an entire crew with only their hands. Either way, it was a night she would never forget. Except for the parts that she did forget because of the poison. And when she got knocked out.

"I suppose so. If you trust her, then I see no reason not to. But uh... I'm not the best when it comes to talking with strangers."

[Garland]

Garland was glad that April was happy with the rather homely tavern. It seemed like a good place for them, not too fancy and not to rowdy or revealing. The roaring fire in the hearth warmed the entire tavern, it wasn't like the hard biting cold outside or the cramped up heat in some parts of the streets.

Garland thought that Sayana was not here, then again she must still be getting use to the cold and snow of Syliras. He was hoping that she was alright, after their little date he might check up on her or something.

He noticed April's haggard breath and the fact that she was still a bit shaken up. "April, relax. We're fine now." He said, trying to calm her down, she seemed a bit better than the first time they went out. She seems to have a problem with large crowds, he hopes that the time he's spending with her will make her more... confident? No, that's not the word, she's plenty confident already... Less nervous around crowds would be the best way to describe what Garland was hoping for.

When he mentioned Sayana, there was a slight look in April's eyes, like she was remembering something that had happened to probably. He would probably ask her about it later if it wasn't too much trouble.

"I suppose so. If you trust her, then I see no reason not to. But uh... I'm not the best when it comes to talking with strangers."

He raised one of his eyebrows, as if he wasn't so sure that what she said was right. "Really? I mean, you seem rather good when we first met... Then again I pretty much saved you from a barrel of smelly fish and then an ironic watery grave. Which, now that I think of it... Was pretty much my fault." He gave an apologetic look.

[April Windweaver]

oocAah! Sorry, sorry >.< I know I haven't been posting as often. I got caught up in personal affairs, but I'll try to reply in a much more timely manner.

The warmth of the fire and the comfort of Garland's words helped calm the Svefra. She was slowly adapting to life back on land, but it looked like she still had a ways to go. Just te idea of so many people in just one space worried her. Too much activity for such a crowded space. Her brain couldn't process it all.

But here, in the tavern, she was able to see everyone and everything, and felt at ease with that thought. She liked to know her surroundings. It made her feel comfortable. On the sea, it was fairly easy. On the ground, she sat shorter than most, so more often than not she'd be obstructed by taller folks. She thought about riding piggyback on Garland at some point.

She giggled at the thought.

"Really? I mean, you seem rather good when we first met... Then again I pretty much saved you from a barrel of smelly fish and then an ironic watery grave. Which, now that I think of it... Was pretty much my fault."

"Hey, don't beat yourself up on it. You did save me, so I think that makes up for it. Give and take, yeah? Buuuut, if you really do feel that bad about it, then I guess I won't mind you paying for our date." She chuckled.

She put her hand to her forehead and gave a fake sigh of exhaustion. "Oh dear, oh my, I think I feel a dizzy spell coming on." She tried to get through the act without laughing but failed, snickering loudly.

"Heheh, sorry. She reached across the table and held his hands. " I don't blame you for it, Garland. You're a nice guy, I couldn't be mad at you... Do you get that from your parents or did you just develop such a likeable personality by yourself?" She asked with a crooked grin.

[Garland]

He was glad that she didn't hold it against him, though he did pout when she started faking herself getting faint. "I would pay for the meal, what kind of date doesn't pay for the meal?" He asked and held April's hand. "I was really worried about you, you know." He smiled and blushed. "I'm glad I got to save your sorry butt!" He laughed and gave a small pinch on her hand.

"Hello there, loves. I got your venison right here, and two mugs of ale. Don't you be worrying, I'll make sure to keep you two as alone as possible. Their bartender have a small wink and left the food on their table. "I'll give you the bill when you two are done." With that, she left the two alone, pushing back a few idling waitresses back and away from the two.

Garland gave nervous smile. "Don't worry about that... I guess she just likes playing match maker or something."

When she mentioned his personality and his parents, his mood faltered a bit but he kept his composure. "Never really had parents, they died while they were moving to Syliras. Meh, they came from Sunberth, they probably wouldn't have fit the city... I wouldn't know though, I never met them, I shouldn't speak ill of the dead. Anyway, let's dig in." He took a knife and a fork and started cutting his venison into small chunks. He avoided April's eyes, he felt vulnerable when people ask him about his parents, but he mostly kept his composure and knew that he wasn't vulnerable to anyone as long as he has his fists or a sword, but against April, he couldn't help but feel weak under her gaze.

[April Windweaver]

April gave the other waitresses a playful wink, knowing that they might have an audience tonight. She didn't mind. April was proud of herself, having managed to meet a nice boy like Garland. And he hadn't run away or tried to murder her yet, so that was an achievement for her.

Her eyes grew as big as her stomach the moment she caught sight of the Venison. It was just as big and juicy as she had imagined. Fresh, cooked meat. Finally! She wasted no time sinking her teeth into it, viciously tearing at the meat with her fork and knife in a very... unladylike manner.

April was having a blast, gobbling up meat like it was her god-given right. To taste real, cooked food was so blissful, April almost forgot about Garland.

"Never really had parents, they died while they were moving to Syliras. Meh, they came from Sunberth, they probably wouldn't have fit the city... I wouldn't know though, I never met them, I shouldn't speak ill of the dead. Anyway, let's dig in."

Ouch. April felt her heart sink. Poor guy. She couldn't imagine how that must feel. April was not someone known to be sympathetic, but she did feel something for Garland. Family was incredibly important to April, more than anything money could buy. The love she shared with her mother, father, brothers and sisters was more powerful than any magic that could be cast on Mizahar. Losing one of them was like losing a part of herself.

A heavy silence fell on the table, And April continued to eat in silence. She felt a bit shameful after having brought up the topic, sheepishly prodding her meal.

After some time she spoke up. "Sorry. I uh... didn't mean to make it... uncomfortable for you. Uhm..." She rubbed her neck. "If it makes it any better... I still like you." She said playfully, giving him a smile. "Seriously, you're a pretty great guy. I mean... I've never been treated like such a lady before. In the good way, ya know? Most guys I meet would rather just bring me to a seaside bar and try to get me drunk.

Her words took on a more humble tone, something the Svefra wasn't use to doing.

"I know I'm not the best there is to offer. I'm just some... girl playing fairytale on the high seas. Half the time I don't even know what I'm doing. And... I guess... It's nice to have someone that actually cares about me. In a more romantic sense. Not just some guy wanting to 'board my lower deck' if you know what I mean."

Her eyes met his, sparkling with sincerity. "I... heh. Look at me, I'm about to tear up. Uggh... Garland, you're just far too nice to me. I feel so bad. I mean, look at this!" She cupped what little of her breasts she had. "I'm not even a full woman! I... gah... Sorry. Sorry, I'm getting carried away. I guess I just don't know what you see in me. I really don't have all that much to offer" She shook her head and took a long drink of water.

[Garland]

He didn't mind April just shoving down food into her gullet, he wasn't exactly the most "Honorable" or "Well-mannered" squire in the knighthood. He masked his longing for a family quite well, he had been doing it for most of his life, he essentially grew up faster than the other kids, his childhood was rather sad now that he thought about it, but if it taught him anything it was that you can never take anyone for granted and sometimes you gotta relay on yourself to protect the ones you care about.

He smiled back at April as she started complimenting him. He blushed and poked his food around the plate. "Well, you're not half bad either. I've met a lot of girls and a few crushes here and there, but none of them were really my type... I'll be honest... They're boring sometimes, with you though you're like Djed, something that if left unchecked, could just wreck havok all over the place." He said, it felt a bit like a strange compliment, but he meant well enough. "Please, I'm slightly a bit fancier than that." He laughed and gave a rather inaccurate impersonation of the nobility of the city. "Ello, Ello, my word! You are absolutely disgusting! Eating with silverware! We have the finest gold kitchenry with diamond gems for our finest guests, then we never use them again. Fish and chips and jolly good show! Taxes!" He waved around his fork like some sort of cane, putting his arm behind his back and closing his eyes, trying his best to look more... Regal.

He laughed and sat back down, taking a bite of his venison. He looked confused for a bit. "Board you lower deck? I don't understa-Oh... Well, I mean... " He blushed just thinking about it, this was neither the place nor the time for this kind of stuff. Hopefully he didn't need to loosen his pants TOO much...

His eyes met hers, and he swore that he saw a tear in her eyes, and it was confirmed when she said she was tearing up. "April..." He grabbed her hands and looked into her ocean blue eyes. "Your breasts are perfect... OK... That was not the best thing to say, but I mean it. April, I see... An adventurous girl, a caring girl, a fighter, and the greatest thing I can ever hope to get." He said honestly and gave a small squeeze. "I must sound like such a cheesy person right now."

[April Windweaver]

April's eyes were welling up with tears as Garland spoke, his words making her heart grow and grow. So sincere and kind he was that the Svefra couldn't contain her admiration. Never before had she felt so loved by a boy, loved not because of what she was but who she was. He spoke of things that she had seen as weaknesses in her character. But to him... They were more. Her heart wanted to burst in joy.

Tiny rivulets of tears were dripping from her eyes and her mouth was scrunched into a pout.

She couldn't contain it.

Without warning, April leapt over the table and tackled Garland to the floor with a heavy and passionate kiss. Tears streamed down her face while whimpers melted into his mouth. Her tongue slivered out in search for the squire's, exploring the warmth of his mouth. She didn't care who saw, she didn't care what they thought, her thoughts were only for Garland.

Her hands grabbed at his chest before pulling him as close as she could. The curves of her body fit into his like a puzzle piece, their combined heat making her brain go crazy. Every inch of body her was shivering in excitement and ecstasy. Even her lips, pressed firm against his own, were trembling. She was like a stick of dynamite about to explode.

She didn't know how long they were kissing, but by the time they were done, she almost passed out. With a long, deep gasp, April sat up. Her chest was heaving, her arms were shaking, and her eyes looked void of thought and emotion. A string of drool ran down from her lips. She had gone momentarily braindead. But before long her senses returned and she looked down at Garland with a smile.

"Wow." She took another few deep breaths, her balance wavering back and forth. Her cheeks were about as pink as pink could be. "That felt really good. Like... Really, really g-" She coughed as a thin line of blood ran down from her nostrils. "u-uhn~... W-wow... Garland... I... Chug... Bruh..."

Her eyes looked dim, her brain failing to process the information flooding its synapses. She stopped talking and continued sitting on him, motionless, as her mind played back the kiss on an endless loop. She had the biggest, silliest smile on her face.

[Garland]

He gave a small smile, as he finished his sentence, he was about to reach over and wipe away some of April's tears, but then she leapt from her chair over the table, and knocked him to the ground. Before he could react. He felt her tongue crawl it's way into his, searching for his own tongue. He gladly helped hers along, and closed his eyes, making his own tongue try and find April's.

He wrapped his arm around April's body and just enjoyed the kiss. The dark and cold wooden floor didn't even bother him, he didn't care what would happen to them, he might get kicked out or banned, but it didn't worry him one bit, all that mattered was April and her sweet lips on his. He smiled as they parted ways. Even April sort of stuck in some sort of trance. He was enjoying the company a lot more than he thought.

She could barely make a coherent sentence. "You kissed me and that was amazing. Now shut up and kiss me again." He wiped away some of the blood on her nose and kissed her again.

The waitresses heard the commotion and came out to investigate. She smiled and gave a sigh. "Ahh... Young love. It's a magical thing, but can you two kiss some time later. The more lonely patrons here might get a little peeve at you two." She gave a wink and walked off.