Completed Secrets to Remember Part 2

[Savacea Jovellana]

She was a mess, she had started to fall apart all the past and present pain coming from her eyes. She did not wail or sob, but silently cried letting out the pain from all that has happened and just happened spill from her soul. She could not meet his eyes, not sure if he would put the spear through her or not, and at the time she did not care. She just missed the Loda that touched her softly, who had warm eyes, the warrior she could trust and depend on that made her feel safe and protected, the man that brought laughter back into her life, and smiles that she never thought possible again. She just missed him, all of him, who he was and what he was starting to mean to her.

Savacea heard him scoot closer to her, she could not help but flinch slightly ready for the oncoming cold words, perhaps a slap in the face she was not sure, but she prepared herself for the worse. He surprised her as his words reached her sorrow filled mind, telling her that he was poisonous not the plant, that he was a vile idiot and did not know what came over him that it was not him. He reached out with his calloused hands, touching her arm softly. Selfishly she did not back away from his touch, she wanted to feel his touch on her skin. He dropped his spear on the ground and brushed the tears away from her face, as he did this she glanced up into those dark eyes she had came to love, as he explained to her how he truly felt and probably the most emotional words he had ever spoken to her. Loda spoke of how a fear had developed inside his mind, worried this land was curse but he was afraid that his queen goddess Myri would not approve of their friendship, making her an enemy. He brought himself at fault, as the words was bred within him and he did meant to hurt her. He paused and she waited for him to finish as she still gazed into his eyes and he said he was sorry. Brushing her leg, making her move it away from the plant.

The Symenestra continued looking into his eyes, seeing the warmth there that was what she was accustomed to, the cold hate had disappeared. She reached out, her hand still shaking and still bleeding and placed it on his cheek as she spoke soft words, "You are not poisonous, you are not vile. If Myri did not want a friendship between us she would of stopped us the first day, as she would of known what would happen if she did not. Myri did not interevene, for what ever reason. She is not my Goddess you know her better then I do but I feel like she did not and would not stop this." She dropped her hand from his face and brought herself closer to him and wrapped her arms around him resting her head on his chest, "I am sorry as well, I am not sure what just happened it was so unlike both of us. I do care and need you Loda. I forgive you do you forgive me?" She kept her head resting on his chest as she spoke the words, not sure what had just happened, but this place was dark and mysterious and she was ready to get out of it, ready to go back.

She meant what she said though, she did care about him a great deal. It was something that was hard for her to admit out loud, but she did it. Hoping he would understand that coming from her it meant something, it was not words but feeling. She was overwhelmed with happiness that he did not mean to hurt her or burst out with rage at her, that he was sorry. It seemed to make everything better and all the thoughts in anger and words just fell away as meaningless. Savacea felt the darkness pull away inside her, being replaced with something she could not describe, she just kept hugging him afraid to let go.

[Loda]

Indeed a warmth had returned to his eyes, showing even through his fearsome mask. A person afraid of blood like one of the lesser humans would have been disgusted by her act of adoration, rubbing her bloodied hand upon his cheek, but he couldn’t think of a kinder way to show her affection. Not only was blood life, and he would be glad to bear hers, but it was a sign that even though she was hurt, affection toward him was more important.

Ultimately the warrior couldn’t speak to Myri’s thoughts on the matter. She was her own woman and one that he could not predict. She watched over battles and wars, and though this was one, she had not spoken up. Savacea’s hand left his face, still trembling and brought herself around him. His wet chest was now clammy and his hair up to a certain point was wet, but still within there was a warmth. He closed his eyes, enjoying the feeling of the embrace far greater than he had anticipated. He found his own arms slowly wrapping about her skinny frail body, tracing down her armor and utterly enveloping her. He was gentle with her and did not squeeze hard.

She rest her head upon his chest and he took the moment to bend his head down to take in her scent, just to remember how she felt and keep her familiar. Lightly he rubbed her back. She asked him if he forgave her and visa-versa.

“Yes”

The man was simple when it came to such things and it even felt strange coming out of his mouth, but he felt he deserved to put forth a little personal sacrifice for how he acted. Though the distaste of forgiveness in his mouth made him slowly bring his hands to her arms and pull her slowly and gently away from him.

“Some trip to the Black Marsh hmm?” he smirked a bit and was trying to coax the smile back to her face, though unsure if it would work. He looked to the plant near to her. “Are you okay?” He seemed genuinely curious. For all he knew she was going to keel over dead in a few moments. The thought had begun to creep into his mind that it was possible, and he wondered truly what she meant to him. Closing his mind to the thought he likewise closed his eyes and reached for his spear to pick it up, getting ready to leave.

Other's Words ~~ My Words ~~ My Thoughts

[Savacea Jovellana]

Her embrace was returned as his strong but gentle arms wrapped around her, enveloping her in his warmth and protection. She became selfish as she drunk it all in, the heat of his skin, the rhythm of his heart beat, the scent of his skin, the feel of it. She thought it all intoxicating it did not want it to stop, she missed him and the thought of losing him in her life brought fear inside her. She had only knowing him for a short while but through all the trials they had over come together, it seemed like they have known each other longer. The journey and adventure bringing them closer in a way she has never experienced before with no other. His simple 'Yes' was enough to her question of forgiveness, she could not help but smile in happiness at that. Although it was a short answer, it brought many positive vibes with it.

Loda slowly brought his hands to her arms, pulling her gently away. She did not like this, she wanted him to come back and stay there. But she understood that they had to get going. The warrior smirked as he mentioned the trip to Black Marsh and she nodded, giving him a half smirk that did not reach her eyes. She was still in an emotional conflict inside of herself, it was best to distance herself from him she supposed, although she really just wanted to curl back into him and be done with it. She pushed the thoughts aside as it was foolish of her to think about, he was a warrior and probably did not like such contact, or enjoyed her embrace as much as she did his.

Loda glanced to the plant and she just nodded, "It is only poisonous to the touch or if it is infused in drink and food. Otherwise it can help with animal based poisons when dried or chewed on." She brought her silk pack around her shoulder, getting her silk shirt out she grabbed a cluster from the plant and wrapped it inside her shirt putting it into her pack. Her movements were slow and her body still trembling from the emotional stress that she was put under. She put the pack to her back standing up as he grabbed his spear and standing up as well.

She crossed her arms over herself and looked out into the swamp, watching the fog thin out but still a few wisps floating around on the water's surface. She glanced up and noticed that the sun was setting on them, that it would be dark soon. It was probably best to start back, she did not want to be stuck in this place in the dark, even if she could see better then humans in the dark her vision was not perfect. She swiped at her face, the painting now being wiped off with her hands, her wreath sitting awkwardly on her raven black hair as she walked towards the water.

[Loda]

Loda could feel her resistance to leaving his side, but they did really have to get going. "Come, lets go back" He knew the time of day and didn’t want to be out here when the sun began to drop. They would be eaten alive by bugs and it was when Dhani were most active in their hunting. He made sure he had his spear ready and began to head back toward the camp, having a general idea which direction to head. Due to their awkward curving path through the swamp he figured they might be able to just give it a straight shot. None of the obstacles they’d come across could impede their way back from here. Using the sun to decide which way he needed to head, he then proceeded with Savacea at his side. He could tell the girl still really felt distraught.

Her arms were long for her body shape as most Symenestra were, and her claws made her look even longer armed, but as he reached down for her hand, it didn’t bother him. He slid his large hand into hers, brushing up against her palm until he found the edges of her claws. There he interlaced his fingers with hers and kindly brought her hand up toward his side. He let go of her hand, indicating her to hold onto his arm as he went into the marshy waters. It was sort of a gesture for her to know he cared and he didn’t want to part ways with her as an enemy but rather as a friend.

What they were technically heading into was a bog. It was a dangerous place full of deep pits of water and large tufts of grass. From what Loda could see though the tufts of grass were walkable. Upon some of them were large green bushes that he did not know of, some form of mint. In amongst the mint there was another type that was even a more vibrant green. He paid it no mind though as he moved up onto the grass, helping Savacea up as well.

Other's Words ~~ My Words ~~ My Thoughts

[Savacea Jovellana]

She walked quietly letting Loda lead the way, keeping beside him but glancing away from him. She was afraid she would see that fierce look again, it was a sexy look but not directed at her. That fierce look made her feel so weak and insignificant, hated by someone she never wanted to hate or hate her. There was this internal conflict inside her, her heart told her to trust Loda, but her mind was saying to distance herself from him he would only hurt her like all others. She did not want to distance herself, but she wondered if it was best.

Savacea's thoughts were left behind when she felt that warm calloused hand upon her own soft one. Sliding his larger hand into her smaller one, brushing her palm making her shiver slightly at the contact, then he interlaced his large fingers with her smaller ones, bringing her hand up towards his side. Her heart pounded at the gesture and the contact, she thought maybe he did indeed care with that gesture, that he did like her and want to be friends. He indicated for her to hold on to his arm, so she slid her hand on his larger arm, feeling the warmth of his skin beneath her palm as they went into the water. This made her feel a little better about the situation, but she was still scared to lose him and the pain that would ensue when she did. Perhaps if she stopped this now, locked away her feelings, distanced herself she would not hurt like she had in the past.

Savacea stayed silent wrapped in her thoughts as they walked, they made it to a grassy spot and Loda helped her onto it. She sniffed the air as the aroma of mint hit her nostrils. She knew that smell, she glanced down at her feet and she gave a delighted gasp as she went down on her knees examining the plants there. There was serrated leaves on the plant and they were transparent holding a faint green tinge. She picked one of the leaves and placed it in her mouth chewing on it, delighted by the minty taste it provided and the calm that it put into her body. She softly picked a leaf and handed it to Loda, "Wraiths Mint, calming and peaceful. Even calms ghosts too. Glows on full moon." She told Loda, picking some of the mint and placing it in her silk pack she stood up, brushing off the dirt from her knees.

Savacea felt a stinging on her leg and she looked down at the large red whelp of a rash that formed on her leg. It was causing some discomfort and pain, but she supposed that was what happened when you brushed up against a Acson. She winced slightly as she took a step but shook it off gently, ready to go and get out of the Black Marsh before the sun set.

[Loda]

Tawny and white, they stood out in contrast from each other. Her skin was pale like the moonlight that was to doom them soon if they got stuck out here. His was like the earthen ground beneath their feet, strong yet moldable under their the pressure of their feet. Her hand took his arm as indicated and he was happy at least for a bit. She soon enough left his arm though for him to help her up onto the grass and there she seemed to dart after something. Pulling himself up onto the grassy embankment he felt out cushioning the grass was. It felt like he was kneeling on a bed of moss, but it was grass.

Loda pulled himself up to his feet and moved over to see what she was doing with the green bushes he saw. She seemed to go right to the one he discerned was different from the others. “Wraiths Mint?” he liked her explanation of it and considered how nice it would be to calm a ghost. That could be their ticket out of here quicker. “How does it calm them? Just hold it in your hand? Or give it to them?”

She had been picking off pieces of plant so far, but this time he began to pluck off some leaves for himself, trying to remember what the plant looked like. He had been having some problems with Ghosts on the island and so to have this was a blessing. He opened his pouch and started stuffing as much as he could into it. It was only a small bag though, so even packed he didn’t get much into it. He looked over as Savacea brushed her knees and could not only see that her poor legs that were once white were not a muddy brownish color, not just from the dirt but stained from the mud earlier and even though having traveled through water, the color was off. It looked like they both would need a serious bath when getting back to the dorms or at least wash themselves off at the edge of the swamp.

He could see her focusing on something else too and could see the transformation of the poison on her skin. Evidently she wasn’t immune to poison. He stood up tall and asked her, “Do you think the liverwort would help stop the poison?” he tilted his head slightly, not sure what to think or how it all worked.

Other's Words ~~ My Words ~~ My Thoughts

[Savacea Jovellana]

Loda asked how it calmed ghost and she explained, "Ghost say they can taste and smell it. People usually burn it or crush it to make the scent more potent." She gave the answer, it was indeed a helpful plant to have. Not many people knew about the plant, though it was a common enough sight on Black Rock if you had a keen eye and knew what to look for. Other wise on a full moon it is easy enough to spot since it glows.

She stood at the edge of the water examining herself, besides the whelp of a rash on her leg there was mud and muck all over her, she felt like perhaps she smelled funny too. Savacea was not that feminine it was true, though she did pride herself in her looks, hair, and hygiene. She scrunched her nose up at her disgusting appearance, hoping she could wash off soon.

Loda's voice appeared as he stood up tall, asking if Liverwort would help stop the poison, Savacea gave a small shrug "It is fine. Let's get going yeah?" her tone came out faint with a hint of sadness as she turned to walk. Savacea did not mean to brush off the warrior, but she was just conflicted with whether or not to distance herself from him or not to. She rubbed at her arms as a chill ran down them, a cold sweat breaking on her brow. She wondered if this was because of the plant or just emotional exhaustion causing her to feel so strange. She rubbed at her eyes as they began to sting a little, possibly due to the tears that fell earlier. She could not help but wonder if she was a Myrian if Loda would treat her differently, and how different would he treat her.

[Loda]

Curiosity was answered. Now he had something that could be used to not only help them as a bartering tool should any ghosts try to impede their way, but he now knew of a way to make the smell more potent if a ghost really truly was going to give them repeated problems. He also knew now how to identify it.

He wasn’t exactly sure what she was doing staring into the water but he could tell that when he questioned her about her leg she seemed faint, sad, and distant. What stake he had driven between them it seemed to have been a defeating blow.

Thinking it best to leave it alone, Loda nodded to her idea to get going. He would move ahead a bit and look for the best place to jump to the next green grassy area and then would leap across. Sometimes a foot would not make it all the way over and he would sink a leg into the sulfuric smelling water, but it wasn’t too hard going. It probably would have been easier for Savacea being so light and limber to make the jumps, but if she was showing any signs of trouble he would help her, even so much so as to offer to carry her the rest of the way back.

It seemed like they traveled for hours like this, yet it really was not that long. The bugs were starting to come out in mass, but by the time they started biting bad, ahead could be seen lights and even a somewhat dimmer view of the area they had left from. They were a little further east from where they were originally, but it was manageable. The journey while seeming to take a couple hours really only took them about forty minutes to get back, which compared to the hours they spent trudging through thick mud, hiding from beast and ghost alike, it was very speedy.

A surge of speed rose in Loda and he would gladly charge forward toward the camp, making sure not to leave poor Savacea behind. She for the most part was clean at least and had preserved her silks. The woman was still probably not likely to lower her pant legs any time soon due to the mud on her legs, but that could be dealt with now. Loda took off his wreath and enjoyed the cool feeling that it brought to his forehead. Slapping a few biting bugs he moved to the water and dipped the wreath inside. He slapped a few more and made a grimace as one got to his wounds on his back, finding it an easier target. He then moved over to Savacea’s feet and showed her that she could use the wreath as a scrubbing tool to get the mud off while the wreath was wet. If she let him, he would put her foot on his knee as he crouched down and would clean off her legs for her.

"Are you glad to be back here?" He asked, not really caring either way. He could understand her wanting to be back from a long day in which they ended up being pissy at each other. But he also kind of hoped she at least had fun with him when he wasn't being a jerk.

Other's Words ~~ My Words ~~ My Thoughts

[Savacea Jovellana]

Savacea found herself glad to have learned acrobatics, as Loda leaped from spot to spot, she graceful leap in the air, landing soundly on the grassy patches. She was quite happy to not be trudging through murky water, as she glided from one spot to the other with a dancer's ease. Her body ached, it was tired, she did not realize how much endurance was needed for such a day, it made her feel slightly out of shape although she knew she wasn't. She kept herself busy with dance lessons and of course Tokia always had her running about looking for things when she was not in the work shop making Poisons.

She looked at her warrior friend, taking him in, there was a longing to touch him but she pushed it aside. She meant what she said, she did care about him and she did need him. Though perhaps she should back away from these new feelings, she knew that she would dive in and forget everything and express herself. It frightened her at how much she already had expressed to the man, perhaps it frightened him too. Savacea could not help but wonder about him, he was mysterious and quiet, stern and fierce, but so soft and kind all at the same time.

The Symenestra swatted at pesky insects that would have her blood and skin, as she saw lights ahead, she observed the area ahead of them and felt a surge of happiness to be back from whence they came. She was glad to be back, the lingering danger feeling she had dispersed as they came out of the Black Marsh. She realized it was quicker back then going, perhaps it was because of all the obstacles they had encountered along the way.

A sigh escaped her lips, as they stopped for a moment, her leg was hurting badly. She looked down and noticed that the rash and whelp had became worse and spread further up her leg. There was nothing to be done at the moment, especially from being so filthy. She glanced as Loda removed his wreath, dipping it in the water before him, he made a grimace that Savacea did not miss at all and her heart stuttered as he was in pain and an intense need to care for him rose up inside her, before she could say anything though he was there before her.

She lost all words that she wanted to say as he wanted her foot on his knee so she obliged him as he brought the wreath on her legs ridding them of the dirt. She winced as it crossed over her rash suppressing a pain filled gasp. She found the gesture sensitive and soft, making her warm up to him. That sweet husky voice of his reached her ears, she almost did not hear the question as she was happy to hear it from traveling in such silence, "In a way I am.. In a way I am not." She answered him in a riddle she supposed. It was bittersweet as she was happy to be out of that eerie marsh, but then she would soon have to say bye to her companion so that made her sad.

She gestured for Loda to come on as she was in a hurry to get to their campsite. She briskly walked, she could not run due to the pain in her leg, but she kept up a even and fast pace. She waited for Loda as she dug through her silk pack she gestured for the man to sit down, "Let me take care of you...please." Savacea said in her soft voice, as she brought out the healing herbs that she collected on their adventure. She hoped he would comply, if not she would understand, but she really wanted to sooth his pain and help the cuts on his back so they would not become infected causing more pain and more problems. She waited for him to answer as she laid the plants out on the ground, the sun setting slowly and dimming the light, she looked at the burnt place and wondered if building a fire would be a good idea right here.

[Loda]

Impressed was the word. He could easily see how she excelled not only at climbing, but at acrobatics as well. He himself was strained, having been doing a lot of things. He made the fire, built the wreaths, had been sneaking the whole time with water resisting their movements, he carried her through the waters, and then had to jump his way back. All of this after a day of hunting in the morning. She commented that she was pleased, and in a way she wasn’t; and it was the right answer. It made his smile return, and he was impressed with how well she handled it all. He felt he should tell her that, even though he had said the opposite only an hour ago that led to this whole ordeal between them.

"You know...I'm impressed with you. I truly don't know what came over me, because I see a warrior spirit in you, not one of weakness at all. Did you feel the same anger in you? It was almost as if it was misplaced in me and drove me to fight you...but I could not."

Even right then he could see the rash slowly getting larger upon her leg as they went, yet she had carried on. She didn’t seem to want his sympathy though so he didn’t give it when it came to her leg. She offered to take care of him and he shook his head no, and while she may have thought he was being stubborn a moment, he then said “We should move further from the marsh. Let us go closer to town, or to the beach where we met the other day. The bugs will not bite us there. Unless you want me to start a fire here. The smoke should keep them at bay if we stand in it for a few chimes” Either way he would let her perform her task upon him.

If she decided it was best to stay right here he would build a much larger fire this time, using surrounding deadwood, bleached out by the sun. It would burn very hot and very fast, but with some green leaves on the fire it would end up coating them in a layer of smoke to keep the bugs off. He was very practiced in the art of making fires in such conditions so it wouldn’t take him that long at all.

Other's Words ~~ My Words ~~ My Thoughts