Zaina and Kinsaeda : Up on the Rooftop

Setting: It was night; the stars shone brilliantly in the indigo sky. The full moon bathed the world in a silver glow. The breezy air was filled with the smell of flowers from the central gardens. The world was quiet, hardly anything stirred unless the soft, lazy wind brushed it. Almost all of the city was sleeping, almost. On the roof of a house, based in the more wealthy district, sat a very small lantern, covered by the cage that housed the flame, illuminating what little couldn’t be seen from the light already present.

Zaina: Zai stood on the roof of the house amid rioting flowers suffused in the light of the moon. She wore only a delicate nightgown, the top encrusted with gems. A robe lay over a chair close to her. She gazed up at the moon, large and full, rising over the city. Before her spread the city, plants growing on some. She couldn’t quite see the city walls, but if she turned her head, she could see the palace.

Softly humming, Zai moved to a settee and curled up, hiding her toes under the cloth. Her body was lit mostly by the moon, though the lantern was able to caress her features slightly.

Kinsaeda:  Kinsaeda moved quietly through the house, simple curiosity of this home his only reason for being up at this hour.  He never received a tour, beyond making sure his room was as close to Zaina’s as possible.  They would probably throw a fit if he was up and moving around so freely, he wouldn’t even blame them for it, so it would only be polite to make sure he woke no one.  
He tried not to pry into anywhere that looked private, and soon found himself walking out onto the roof.  He went to the edge of the roof and closed his eyes, he enjoyed the night, especially a bright night like this one.  Normally, if he was on his own between cities and villages, he would hunt as much as possible.  Here however, he could enjoy the quiet stillness.

The nomad, now bodyguard, enjoyed the wind brush over him, billowing out the lower hem of the warm overrobe he had purchased for himself earlier that night.  The simplest he could find, in a modest light brown.  It’s only purpose not to scandalize anyone of Zaina’s house should he need to leave his room at night.  It was at least a nod to modesty.

Taking a deep breath, he enjoyed the scents of nature, and appreciated the flowers grown here.  He opened his eyes to take in the sights, turning, and stopping abruptly.  It was only then that he noticed he wasn’t alone up here, that Zaina herself was sitting alone, haloed in the moonlight.  He tilted his head, studying her quietly for a few moments.  

“There is beauty out here tonight.” he called out, softly, as he walks towards her.  “What brings you out here so late?”

Zaina: She hadn’t heard him come out onto the roof. She turned her head quickly, looking at him. Her hair fanned out around her in soft curls. Pulling her legs up, hidden by her gown, she wrapped her arms around them and lay her head down on her knees. Smiling at him, she gestured to a chair close to her settee. It was also the one with her robe on it.

“Nothing in particular. The beauty called to me. I couldn’t sleep, and so took solitude up here. But it’s nice to see you. Are you settling in well?”

Kinsaeda: Returned the smile, it didn’t leave so quickly as it did earlier that day.  They were alone, he could drop his guard… a little.  If she was here, that meant he was her protector again.  

He picked up the chair in hand and brought it closer to her seat, though he would have been just as happy to sit on the ground, this did probably make it easier to talk.  “I am, I was curious about your home and decided to look around.  Just a little, I didn’t go anywhere that seemed private.”

“Did the night really call to you?  Or is there much on your mind?  I would hear it if you wanted to speak it.”

Zaina: She shook her head. “Not much, really.” She reached out and plucked a blooming flower of deep purple and smelled it. Smiling softly, she tucked it into her hair. “The night is so peaceful. The anxiety of the day is over, the running around is done. No one yelling, no one calling. Just peace.”

Smiling again, she reached over and picked something up next to her on the settee. “Night is normally when my creativity comes alive.” Bringing the item into view, she showed him a small book. The first section of the book had writing in it, while the rest was almost full of pictures of jewelry, with annotations next to each idea.

Kinsaeda: Leaning over he looked at the book as she turned the pages through the first section, though as he scanned the words, he felt a familiar pang of shame and embarrassment.  He could pick out the letters, but the words just… made no sense to him.  It probably showed on his face when he first saw it, and would have been brushed aside he hoped before she noticed moments later.  Instead he decided to glance at the woman occasionally as she turned the pages.

The next section gained his interest far more readily.  Pictures and designs he could make out easily, and he smiled at some of the designs.  “Then the night must value you very highly.” he nodded, blue eyes scanning over everything.

Zaina: She shrugged. “Sometimes. Sometimes I just come up here to enjoy the night.” She smiled at him again. “What do you do for fun, Kin?”

Kinsaeda: “For fun.” he tilted his head upwards towards the moon, he had to give it a little thought.  Somethings he did because he had to, even if he enjoyed it like hunting.  He didn’t hunt though if he didn’t have to, it would have been wasteful afterall.  

He didn’t have to think long though, and looked back to her with a little smile and a shrug.  “I play my music often, especially on nights like this, at least when I’m alone.  I dance too, practicing with or without the swords. If I don’t do that, I train myself.

Kin didn’t want to mention, it was often that when he was alone at night, he would visit the library in his home city with a lantern, and try and teach himself just a little bit about letters.

Zaina: She seemed melancholy, often not even looking at him unless he was speaking. Her fingers ran over the material of her gown, absently fidgeting with some of the gems on the hem, and overall just being restless.

“Perhaps...perhaps some music might be helpful…” Now she did peer at him, her eyes luminous and very dark in the dim light. “I feel...edgy lately. Restless. Like something going to happen. Perhaps I just need something to do. Making jewelry is nice...and I really love it..but...I don’t want that to be everything.”

She gave him an apologetic smile. “Listen to me just ramble on. It feels like I’ve known you for years, when we just met this morning.” She blushed softly, though it would be difficult to notice.

Kinsaeda:  He smiled softly,  shrugging her last words off.  “I enjoy listening, means I don’t have to talk to so much.” he joked, for him it was an attempt at least.  “I do like it.  I was going to ask you what was bothering you anyway and I’m glad to be talking to you.”
He didn’t blush, but he chuckled softly and glanced away, “and, even if we just met this morning, you are still the only person I have played for besides my grandmother, for whatever that is worth.  I will play for you again. Give me a moment, I’ll go get my pipes.  Maybe you can think about what you would like?  I would like to hear it.” he offered a brief smile and rose to go, he had barely taken three steps before he turning around to look at her again.

“I’ve wondered the same thing I think.  I’ve seen a lot, I always travel, but sometimes I wonder if there’s something more I could be doing.  Something important… or even not important just… just something that made me feel like I had a purpose.”

He shrugged again and moved with quick and quiet steps towards his room.

Zaina: A purpose. That’s what she was looking for. Something more than wife. Than jeweler. Than a jewel. Yes, the perks were great, but was it worth fading into nothing, waiting for life to find her? Shouldn’t she be out there finding life instead?

Hisein’s trip couldn’t come soon enough. Thankfully it would be well within the range of time Kin was allowed to stay in the city, so they’d be leaving soon. And Kin...that connection bothered her. He was someone completely foreign, shaking up her life. Did she need the complication? She knew where her life was going this morning. She even craved it. But...there was always the want for something more.

As she waited for Kin to return, she sighed. Reaching out, she grabbed a stem from a different flower, this one with tiny star-like flowers in a bundle. She pulled each flower off it’s stem, gently, piling them in her lap before picking them all up and tossing them into the air. She watched the breeze catch each flower, laughing softly as they danced.

Kinsaeda: The large man was surprisingly stealthy as he prowled down the steps leading from the roof, pausing to listen for the sounds of life.  Hearing nothing he moved on, as quick as he could be while being as quiet as possible.  A lifetime of hunting had taught him many things, beyond just getting food and resources.  Patience and a soft step chief amongst them right at that moment.  

He nearly rounded a corner when he drew up short and flattened against the wall.  He heard soft footsteps, shuffling by the way the carpets sounded like they were being brushed.  Probably a servant girl then.  The servants had more timid footsteps than their employers louder, more sure if not haughty ones.  Servants would talk but then… he might be seen as one himself.  

Hearing her approach he decided quickly.  There was no place to hide himself, except in plain view.  

Stepping into the middle of the hallway he waited another moment before turning the corner and nearly colliding with the poor startled maid.  She squeaked and threw up her hands as she stumbled back, her feet getting tangled in her own robe.  Kinsaeda couldn’t help but roll his eyes as his hand darted out to grasp her wrist, and pull her back upright.  The clumsy was ever the blight of the stealthy.  

She still looked surprised, but clamped her lips shut as Kin put a finger to his lips.

“Couldn’t sleep either?” he whispered.

“I was j-just… I was just, making sure all the lanterns were accounted for.” she nodded worriedly.  Kin wondered if it was because she was found, or because he was a large Mesarthim man.  Something wafted to his nose, the faint scent of wine.  Maybe that was the reason.

“I was just hoping for some water myself.” he continued to whisper.  “It seems you found your drink of choice already.” the girls eyes went wide and she flushed.  Yep, she was found out, but even if he hadn’t needed anything from her, he wouldn’t have turned her in, of course, she didn’t need to know that.  “Don’t worry about it, I never saw you, you never saw me, and no one hears a thing.”

“If.. please don’t tell anyone.  I could bring you that water if you like?”

No, that wouldn’t do at all.  He shook his head.  “I’m fine, just go back to bed, we’ll pretend this was a dream.” he started to walk backwards down the corridor she had just come.  She nodded her head eagerly and hurried on her way.  

“Can’t hold her drink very well.” he muttered, and hurried on.  He didn’t want to keep the lady waiting.

The rest of the trip to his room and back to the roof steps was quick and uneventful at least, and his eyes went to where he had left her as soon as he returned.

“I’m back.”

Zaina: She gave him a small smile. “Welcome back.” She tossed the stem of the flowers over the side of the house. “You don’t have to play for as long. You don’t even have to play at all if you don’t want to, though I know you went to the trouble to get your pipes.”

She bit her lip, a bit awkward now, for some reason. Looking around, she spotted her robe. Before he sat back down she grabbed it, searching through it for a pocket. “Oh. Here.” She pulled out his fang earring, fully polished and buffed. There was a gold cap on the root end, with a simple hook for his ear. On the cap was a tiny garnet.

“You make me think of fire, tempered slightly with water.”

Kinsaeda: He took the earring and held it up.  “Thank you… I like it.” he hadn’t asked for the gem, it hadn’t even occurred to him to ask.  It wasn’t gaudy at all, it was… good.  He wasn’t sure how else to think.  He wasted no time putting it back in his ear and flashed and appreciative grin.  “I have a gem now.” he chuckled.  “The Sargasian in me must feel a little more whole now, but you have the thanks of all of me.” you’d almost think he was given riches.

“I don’t mind playing for you Zai.  Earlier when you danced, it made me feel good knowing it was my music that inspired you to dance.  You just looked very happy, free.  Maybe I can help you feel that way again.”

“Dance if you want to dance, or not, either is fine with me, but it’s a night for music.  Of that much I’m certain.”

This time he sat on the ground, his back against her settee.  

“What sort of song would you like to hear?”

Zaina: Sitting back against the back of the settee, she gazed up at the stars. She relaxed, her legs laying flat against the cushion. “Something soft, mysterious.” She smiled, gazing down at Kin. “Like the secrets of the night.”

Reaching out, she laid a hand on his shoulder, squeezing it softly before just resting it there. “Something...that talks of friends. Even in the shadows.”

Kinsaeda:  “Hm, mystery and the night seem to come to these pipes as if they were its parents.” he ran his fingers over the carefully carved bone.  Feeling her hand at his shoulder he reached back and laid his hand over hers for a few moments, giving it a soft rub before removing it.  He said nothing else before he began to play.

The music started off very soft, and when it did rise, it wasn’t much louder.  He really was just playing for them, no matter how much of it may waft out with the breeze.  There was more gentleness to that music than one might expect from one of his people, if they didn’t understand the range they could encompass.  

But it wasn’t a lullaby for all it’s quiet softness.  There was still as much of an edge to it as one could get from panpipes, or maybe it was more of a promise.  Something was out there, unknown, the music could only point to the horizon and say ‘walk’.  Kinsaeda played just fast enough to introduce notes that reminded him of walking with someone.  A strong step, intermittent with a softer step.  The pace easy, relaxed.  There was no stress or competition between those steps, just a harmony, and a wonder for what might be at the end of that horizon.

Zaina: She didn’t get up in dance, but she kept time with her bare foot on her cushion. What she did do, was start to sing harmony to his melody, soft tones, the feminine to the masculine. No words, just feeling and pure notes that rose into the night. Her voice was just as soft as the pipes, a gentle soprano.

She didn’t move her hand, just kept it there. It added to the connection, the magic of the music and the night. The night had called them both, whether Kin knew or acknowledged it wasn’t what was important. What was was the bubble of wonder and need they both had. Need for something more, something that was just out of reach. A goal, something to strive for. What it was, she wasn’t sure, but she was looking forward to getting to it.

She wasn’t sure if it was a destination she was searching for, or just the journey.

Kinsaeda: Hearing her voice made him smile into the pipes, he wondered in the back of his head, if the calm he was feeling from hearing her, was the same sort of thing she was feeling hearing him.  He didn’t want the feeling to end, not yet.  It was similar to the feeling he had when he first stepped out onto the roof to enjoy the night, and the moon.  Yet it was far more personal, there was a connection found between the notes and the tones.

The song continued, he’d play until he couldn’t, or her voice stopped, whichever came first.  Then they would rest, and he would play again.  

Zaina: As she continued to sing, her fingers moved of their own accord to his hair. She started playing with it, absently, not even consciously realizing what she was doing. Her voice soon faded out though, leaving the pipes to finish the end of the song alone, though that wasn’t what the end of the song meant. Or at least she hoped not.

A smile graced her features. She had been smiling a lot tonight. All of today, actually. All because of one really tall man. A man whose hair she was caressing. Oh, Sargas.

Kinsaeda: Smiling again at feeling her hands play with his hair, he almost chuckled into the pipes.  He was a little amused at himself, enjoying himself so much like this, the day had been pretty fun all in all.  It was definitely rewarding, and that he was being paid to protect her didn’t occur to him when he thought that.  

The music faded after her song did, but it didn’t come to a conclusion.  The final notes hung in the air, as though the walkers were still walking.  Kinsaeda wasn’t sure it mattered where they were walking, it was that they were still walking together.  The music faded to silence, the final notes carried away on the wind.

Zaina: Her hand stilled and she carefully drew it away. She didn’t want to bring to attention what she had been doing, but she needed to stop all the same. Must be a thing of hers. She did that with Hisein too, but not nearly as automatic as this was.

What was she doing? Friends only. The little flirtings had to stop. She was as good as married. Right? So why did it feel like a prison sentence, when she had all she could ever really want? She shouldn’t even be entertaining these ideas.

She shouldn’t want what his music promised.

“What is your dream, Kin? If you could do anything you wanted, be anyone or anything you wanted to be...what would it be?”

Kinsaeda: He chuckled softly, and leaned his head back against her seat, his eyes going from hers to the sky above.  “Myself, only better.  I’m not sure what the better me is yet, I think that’s apart of the wandering.  I left that village when I was so young, and I’ve barely been back, but I knew even then who I wanted to be wasn’t there.  I want to.. just be a better me.  I like the metal I have to work with, I’ll figure out how I want it shaped.

...I’d also like my own wings, to fly, but that might be pretty silly sounding.” the soft smile on his face said though, that he didn’t care how it sounded,  it was the truth.  

Zaina: She shook her head. “We all must aspire to something. Perhaps wings are what will finally let you be who you are?” She smiled at him. “Life should not be what holds us back, nor our own inhibitions. We should strive to be who we truly are, even if we know not who that is.”

She turned over, facing him instead of the city. “You are so free. Perhaps with the wings, you’d finally see it.”

Kinsaeda: Did she see?  “You’re absolutely right,” did she really see it?  “We only have one life,” He wanted her to see.  “it’s this one.  We live it for ourselves.”

He turned his body to better face her.  “I am free, I do see it.  But there should be more to it than having no responsibilities. Maybe wanting a purpose is at odds with wanting freedom to live my life my way, or maybe that’ll help me appreciate what I have.  I may not have all the answers, but I’m willing to ask the question and seek their answers.”

“Until I sprout wings on my back, I’ll keep them here,” he put his palm over his heart.

Did she see that her own words applied as much, and probably more to herself as they did to him?

Zaina: “You are more free than you seem. Having money does not make one free, though it can, if you buy your way into everything. But...what’s the point in that? Money isn’t everything, though only those who have it normally say that. Another true statement is that money cannot buy happiness. I’m living proof of that.”

She peered at him. “Wanting a purpose is everything. If you don’t have one, or at least are searching for one, then why are you even here? What keeps you ticking, keeps you waking up each day?” She shook her head, looking back up at the stars. “All I know is I want to make a difference. Somehow.”

Kinsaeda:  The smile never left him as she spoke, and she had his full attention for every word.  “I don’t care about money, I may need it sometimes but it isn’t important to me.  I’m pretty happy with my life… well, enough.” he shrugged.  “It won’t be better until I find that purpose I guess, but I’m looking.  Making a difference… that I’m just clueless on.” for that, his smile left him, a faint frown took it’s place as he looked introspective.  He had no idea how he could ever make a real difference.

“And you?” he shook his head and looked back to her.  “Sounds like you’re answering some of your own thoughts too.”

Zaina:  “I keep going because I know there’s a point in my life where things will change, and change drastically. I don’t know any specifics, but it’s a feeling I have. And if it never happens while I live, then I know it’s death that will be the ultimate change.”

She lifted a hand and held it up as if to touch the sky. “Death comes to us all, but at that ending, one must be able to say if they have lead a fulfilling life, if they truly lived, or if they just let life go by without them.”

Kinsaeda: Kinsaeda watched her hand rise up, and stared at it while she spoke.  With a faint shake of his head he reached up and took her hand in his, and brought it back down.  “I have a saying, ‘only once we have danced with death, do we truly come to value life’.  If you want it to happen while you live, take it, make it happen.  What about your wings Zai?  Tell me what your dream is, what would you want to do if you could do anything, be anyone or anything you wanted to be?

The little smile returned, “Though I do hope you’d still be you.  I’m enjoying this person named Zaina.”

Zaina: She laughed softly, smiling at him. Their heads were almost level with her leaning back on the settee and him on the cobbles. “If I could…I don’t want to rule, so some form of ruler is out. I don’t want to be hunted, so an animal is out...Maybe I would be a star, or the moon, or even the sun. They serve a purpose, and make a difference in a person’s life. A star shines to give people hope, a reason to wish. The moon governs the tides and helps us keep track of time with it’s cycles. It also lights our way in the darkness, and the stars help in that. The sun gives us light, it helps grow our crops, warms us.”

She reached out with her other hand and rested it on his head. “Perhaps I am like raw ore. I must be refined and melted down to remove impurities before I can be made into something that is needed.”
Kinsaeda: “So then…. if I have this right,” he thought for a moment.  “You want to give people hope, keep people on track and light their darkness, and make others warm?  That all sounds possible.” chuckling softly himself. She could feel him relax, he leaned forward a little more.  “Though how do you know you wouldn’t like being hunted too?” the little smile became a little wicked grin.

“I think we are both metals, wanting to be refined.  I also think you know what to do.  I can be there with you for it.”

Zaina: She rolled her eyes at the innuendo, then raised an eyebrow at him. “I do hope you’re not talking about what first popped into my mind when you said that.” She shook her head.

“But...I don’t know. There are so many variables that influence the refining process.”

Kinsaeda:  “There are, but nothing happens until you toss the metal into the heat.” he shrugged.  Then tilted his head.  “What first popped into your mind?” he looked thoughtful.  “I don’t think I was thinking anything...wrong.”  of course, she was blushing over his bare arm earlier that day.  

Zaina: “I was thinking you’d tell me to just drop everything and leave Sargas without a backwards glance. I don’t think I could do that.” She smirked at him. “And I wasn’t talking about anything dirty.”

Kinsaeda: “I wouldn’t say to do that, this is your home city.  Even I don’t think it’s all bad.” he shook his head solemnly.  “I would say to leave it for awhile, see more, do more.  Look for the change you want, but not forget about your city and where you came from.”

Zaina: “Where you come from is part of what makes you who you are, and shapes who you will become as you walk the path that is your life. The journey becomes you, and you become your journey from birth to death. Everything is cyclical.”

She squeezed his hand. “So. Wings, huh?” She grinned at him.

Kinsaeda: “Wings,” grinning back and returning the squeeze, “For you too, I’ll need company in the sky.”

He leaned his head against the settee again.  Though he hadn’t turned away from her, his eyes slid elsewhere.  “I began here.  This is the city I was born in, and my father, whoever he was, left me in Sayyad.  Not a great beginning, makes me wonder about my end.”

Zaina: “The beginnings does not always correlate with the ending. One might be a prince, and end a pauper. The opposite might also be true. It is all perception. A person might be rich in money, but poor in spirit. A person might be poor in money but have all the happiness in the world.”

She gestured to around her. “It is your choice how you end up. What you search for. What matters to you, and what can change you.” She poked him gently on the chest, having leaned around him.

Kinsaeda:  “Everything comes down to choice doesn’t it?  I’m not sure I’ve ever encountered a situation where a choice couldn’t be made.  Even if one was unacceptable.” he made a quick bite in the direction of the finger that poked him, not like he could actually bite it this close but it was a fun little gesture he thought.  

This close, she was closer now, in more ways than one.  He didn’t keep close connections to most people he knew, but he was enjoying this.  Something just felt different here today… it had been a strange day hadn’t it?  But one he had enjoyed more than many, many other days before it.

“So, to adventure for riches, experiences or… what?  Why do you want to do it?”

Zaina: She peered at him, her hair falling over her shoulder as she continued to lean. “Do what? Adventure? Live? I’m slightly confused.”

Kinsaeda: The taller man shifted to get more comfortable, eyes looking down in thought for a moment, when they looked back into hers he shrugged one shoulder.  “Yes.  I don’t think there’s much difference, if you’re enjoying yourself.  Though adventure, if nothing else.  That’s what traveling is, an adventure.”

Zaina: She tilted her head, thinking. “If I went adventuring...it would be because I wanted to see what was out there. It’s why I go into the desert. I explore. I look and see what’s there. I like finding new things.”

Kinsaeda: “Both then.” he nodded, absently running his thumb over her hand.  It was chilly some part of him realized, and the warmth of her hand felt nice.  “Me too.  Out there I will find wings.” he grinned softly, but a little crookedly at her.  “Bigger ones, I think I must have some already to be foolish enough to go into the desert alone.”

Zaina: She laughed. “You’re not the only one. I’ve gone out alone as well. Armed with just a shovel and what I’ve shown you.” She turned onto her stomach, almost curled around him. It was like she couldn’t get comfortable, as much as she was moving. However, this was the most comfortable she’s ever been. Her voice dropped, almost to a purr.

“And if you had wings...what would they look like? Would you be a tropical bird, some sort of vulture, or maybe a sea faring avian?”

Kinsaeda: Moved again, he would know how she felt about comfort if he could read her mind, because he was feeling the same as he moved his free arm to rest on the settee next to her, if he stretched it out he could reach across her back.  

The tone of her voice, it’s not quite a purr quality made it that much harder to think of an answer to her question, and it wasn’t one he found easy to answer in any case.  “I haven’t thought of… no, I have thought of it, but could never come up with something.  Tropical birds are pretty but I’m not that colorful, or pretty.  Vultures…” he made a face and grunted, that seemed to sum up his opinion of the birds.  Never enough meat on them for a good meal, competition while he was traveling, and completely obnoxious besides.  “Mountain eagles are appealing, I’m not sure though.  Seagulls are the only sea birds I know.  

Maybe I should have wings like the dragon Mesarthim.” chuckling, a small smirk of amusement.  “But if he exists, I doubt he’d like me having wings like his.  What animal is left though?” he thought for a moment and shrugged again.  “What sort of wings would you like?”

Zaina: “I would probably be some sort of brilliantly colored small tropical bird. Perhaps in different hues of blue, perhaps some purple and green.” She grinned at him. “It’s all about the color.” She reached out and tugged on one of the braids in his hair. “You’d make a magnificent dragon. But...I see you as flame. Perhaps a phoenix? Reds, oranges, yellows. But then blues, for when the fire burns so hot.”

Kinsaeda:  The tug on his braid pulled a warm grin from him.  “Phoenix?  Interesting, I’d like to see one but I like the way you color it.  Maybe we don’t have to stop with animals.  Maybe I could have wings of fire, unless it cooked me.  But light?  Maybe light.”

He tilted his head, it didn’t move, but his eyes looked over what they could see of her.  “I could see you with wings like that, it would suit.  Until then I could see you dressing in them.  A dress of those feathers, though I don’t see it with all the layers you like.  I have seen birds with such colors though.  Very beautiful.”

Zaina: She smiled, blushing slightly. “I am not sure a dress like that would be warm enough for this climate.” She shook her head. “I don’t see myself as anything so exotic though.”

Kinsaeda: Watched her, like he was memorizing the expression.  “It would be around Alderbaran, or Mestarthim.” he moved his free arm again, this time to pull a lock of hair that threatened to fall over her eyes around behind her ear before returning the arm to her side on the seat. “You are very exotic to me.”

Zaina: She laughed again. “Me, exotic? Then I guess you’ve not explored the city much. Perhaps you should do that on the morrow. I’ve got packing to do anyway, so probably won’t be leaving the house.” Turning over, she laid on her back, looking up at the stars. Her voice is soft, not quite reverent, but not ‘normal’ either.

“Sargas blessed me this day. He did so by leading me towards his shores. Where I found you.” She turned her head and smiled at him.

Kinsaeda: Smiled softly, bashfully actually, she had finally gotten a little blush out of him.  “First a gift and now a blessing, maybe I’m the blessed one for finding someone who thinks so highly of me.” still holding her hand, he cupped it in both of his.  The difference in the size of them was great.  Leaning close he blew warm breath over her hand and rubbed it gently.  “I don’t deal with the gods much, I question if Mesarthim exists, and will until I have proof.  It might be my way of honoring him I guess, but I do feel blessed for meeting you too.”

“But you are wrong of one thing.  You are exotic to one nomad.  You’re not like the women of my home city, and the typical woman of Sargas that I have met, is much more like the leather merchant we met today.  Only an exotic woman of this city would have given me not just a gift, but a real apology too.”  

“Maybe I’ll explore more, but I have in the past.  Seeing the city with your eyes as well as my own was much, much more fun.”

Zaina: She smiled at him, tugging his braid again. “Being exotic to one nomad is all that matters.” She blushed as her hand was warmed in his. “And in order to see it as I do, you’d have to be cut a foot shorter.” Grinning, she took the flower out of her hair and placed it in his, the deep purple bridging the gap between his red hair and blue eyes.

Kinsaeda: That nomad made an amused but ‘what-is-this-doing-in-my-hair?’ face up at the flower, but made no move to take it out.  Kinsaeda grinned at her all the same, he seemed to enjoy the little braid tugs. “Perhaps I should just lift you up to my level.  It’ll be easier to travel together if I have both my legs in one piece.”

He started to say something again, then bowed his head and laughed softly.  “I forgot what I was going to say.  But, I don’t remember smiling so much as I have today.  Thank you.”

Zaina: Smiling in response, she poked his nose. “Good. Everyone needs a reason to smile. Or a day that makes things seem so much better. There is always a bright side, no matter how dark your days or moments get.”

She reached over and plucked another flower, smelling it before sticking it into her hair. The breeze caught it’s fragrance, as well as that of it’s parent plant, spilling it over the two of them.

Kinsaeda: “So, by your words, you name yourself as my bright side and reason to smile?” he smiled wider.  “I will agree to this.”

He turned his head a little and shut his eyes when the scent spilled over them, he breathed deeply to take it in.  The nomad wondered where it ended and hers began.  He also hoped he didn’t end up smelling like flowers for too long, if anyone but Zai had stuck that flower in his hair…

But his warm and happy expression hadn’t faded, certainly not when he opened his eyes back up to look at her again.

Zaina: She rolled her eyes. “That is NOT what I was saying. However, having a good day, and most of the night is a good reason to smile.” She shook her head. She had a feeling that she’d be doing a lot of that, and the eye rolling.

Smiling again, she just watched him. “I am glad you’re happy. When I first saw you, it seemed like you have so little reason to have joy in your life.” She then poked him on the nose again. “And don’t think I forgot that height comment. I’ve no idea how I’d reach an extra foot.”

Kinsaeda: “But, you are the reason I’ve been smiling.” he laughs, somewhat softly as he remembers almost at the last moment where and when he was.  Reaching up behind him as she pokes his nose again, he reaches over to tickle her foot.  “What is there to figure out?  I said plainly I would lift you up to my level.”  The Mesarthim tilted his head, was there a riddle in his words that he didn’t intend?  Curious.

Zaina: When he tickled her foot, she all but came off the settee. Almost levitating, she squeaked. Loudly. Covering her mouth with one hand, she looked around, while furiously covering her feet with her nightgown’s skirt.

She gave him a look. The kind females everywhere use on guys. If he thought he was going to get away with that, he had another thing coming. She didn’t know if he was ticklish, but now was a good time to find out.

She bared her teeth at him then lunged off the settee at him. Using her fingers, she tried to find any place on him that might be ticklish.

Kinsaeda: His eyebrows flew up and his eyes widened in surprise, the first laugh she got from him was just the sight of her baring her teeth and jumping at him.  He fell backwards, his grin large as she launched herself atop him.  It barely mattered what she did to him at that point, short of try to kill him of course.  

Laid out, his robe open completely, she had full reign to tickle him wherever she pleased, it was especially amusing considering the blush she made when he asked her to strap a sheath to his arm, not that he was about to say anything that would have her fleeing.  As it was it was hard enough to not at least put his hands at her waist.  

Well, until she actually did find some ticklish spots near his hips.  As soon as she found them, he blinked and started to laugh, only barely clamping his hand over his mouth.  She soon had him squirming about.  Well two can play at that game, and his free hand went for the same spot near her own hip.

Zaina: Zai gasped when he started tickling her in return. Squeaking again, she thrashed on top of him, trying to get away from his hands. Laughing and giggling, she conceded, trying to keep her voice down, moving off of him, or trying to.

“I give. I give!” She leaned over him, making sure his flower stayed in his hair. “You should wear more purple.” She looked down at him, smiling. Only then did she realize how close they were. How she was almost pressed right against him, their faces only inches apart. Her eyes grew large, and she blushed. And yet, she didn’t move. She just bit her lip and watched him.

Kinsaeda: Smiled up at her, there were no traces of being smug or cocky.  He didn’t look like he expected this.  Kinsaeda simply smiled up at her in a way he was quite happy with the way they ended up.  He reached up and lay a hand on the small of her back, wordlessly telling her to stay, but even if he could easily pull her back down, the strong hand just lay there.  

“I accept your surrender, but I don’t own any purple clothing.  You should wear some red.”

Kin kept his voice soft, lower even than the conversational tone they had before, as though worried if he spoke louder she’d bolt.  Even if she moved away, he didn’t want her to go very far.  

“Since you gave up, I’d like you to stay close.  Okay?” he tilted his head, and leaned in a little closer, but still he wondered if this was the right moment to go for it.

Zaina: It was like she couldn’t breathe. He was just so close. She couldn’t move, even if she wanted to. She forced herself to respond to him somehow, and just managed a tiny nod. She felt so warm. Where they touched was like the heat of the desert sun, branding her.

Her hand was still aloft, touching the flower in his hair. It slowly dropped down and rested on his shoulder, the contact sending a tiny shiver through her. She knew later that this would mortify her, especially how she was dressed. But right now...right now she didn’t care.

Her voice came out in a tiny whisper. “Why?”

Kinsaeda: “Because I like you close. And,” this was the right time, “ I wanted to do this…” he closed the small distance between them, bringing a hand to her cheek and his lips to hers.  It wasn’t wispy or uncertain, he wanted to make clear his feelings.  It wasn’t a long kiss either, though he didn’t move to part quickly.  What the kiss was was firm, and honest.  The hand in the small of her back did put on a little more pressure then.  He was no shy boy kissing for the first time, and the only hesitation he felt was in the hope that he didn’t overwhelm her.

Zaina: Her eyes went wide for a moment before she relaxed against him. She’d never really been kissed before. All Hisein ever did was a cheek, or the forehead, making her feel like a child. It was nice. More than nice. She even leaned into him for a moment, her mind blank. She felt like she was floating. It was marvelous.

Until she remembered that small, nasty little detail. Oh, Sargas.

She stiffened, trying to pull away from him. She didn’t want to hurt his feelings, or have him think something untrue about her, but this had to stop. She might not love Hisein, but she was loyal. What a mess. A man she was being forced to marry, and a man she could easily fall for. Blast it all.

Oh, Sargas, what was she going to do?

Kinsaeda: The pressure at her back lessened once more, but his hand still remained where it was.  It didn’t seem like he’d try and stop her if she continued to pull away, but the look in his eyes was proof enough that he hoped she didn’t.  “Zai…” but that was as far as he got with words.  He smiled again though.  “Stay close.” he murmured, unknowingly giving her an answer to the question, the answer he hoped for.

Part of him understood, and knew.  She was engaged, but a larger part of him… he couldn’t say he didn’t care, it was a concern for her, but he didn’t care too much about Hisein’s position.  She was too good for him, who had done nothing to win her but have his father buy her for him.  

Zaina: “I…” she bit her lip, worry and fear in her eyes. Fear not because of what was connecting them, but fear of discovery, of what might happen to Kin. She liked him, as a friend, as a person. But perhaps this was too soon, too fast. Or perhaps it should never be. She was engaged, by Sargas!

And yet, it almost didn’t matter.

She swayed, leaning towards him again before shaking her head. She sat back on her heels, not moving too far, but not staying so close either. Maybe this was worth exploring. Or maybe she should just send him packing. She was so confused and worried, and there was no one to go to.

She’d never felt this confused and indecisive before.

Kinsaeda: Kinsaeda reached out in hopes that she’d give him her hand, it wasn’t the time to just take it.  The way he looked at her, was like he wanted to share his confidence.  He wasn’t afraid, he saw who he wanted.  It was his instinct to fight for what he wanted, to earn his place.  

“I want you with me Zaina.” his tone was still low, but now it was a little rougher too.  “to do all the things we spoke of tonight.  You deserve that too, to be happy and free.  It’s your life to do what you want with.” his voice actually took on a protective quality to it, like saying ‘I’ll fight for you’ in his own way.  “You aren’t happy, and you should be.” he wasn’t sure how to speak any plainer.

Zaina: She took his hand, raising it to her cheek. “Kin...This is...wrong. I know in my head it is. But...I don’t want it to be.” She looked away, biting her lip again. “I don’t know what to do. I have...obligations. Ones I cannot get out of easily, if at all.”

Sighing, she peered into his eyes. “I want to be happy. And I am, for the most part.” She shook her head. “This would have been so much easier if I was from Ta’am or Sayyad.” She bowed her head. “I...I don’t want to become a regret, or a problem for you. I don’t want you in trouble in any way because of me.”

She turned her head, looking out over the small wall encasing the roof to the city. “I want wings too, Kinsaeda. Perhaps...if we are careful...and be who we need to be to everyone else...we might find them.” Turning back, she met his eyes again. “But this...cannot happen again until then. I am not in the business, remember?”

She tried for humor, but it probably fell flat. But she did smile at him, just a bit.

Kinsaeda: Kin’s expression went from saddened, to hopeful, to downcast, to angry and by the end of it when it settled into a more stable expression, there was a touch of loneliness to his eyes.  

“You will not be a regret, or a problem. If I get into trouble I will get out of it.  It’s what wanderer’s do.  There is no one for me to be something else for.” he shook his head, and stroked her cheek.  His brows rose as he had a few thoughts.  “I could challenge him for you.  I would not keep you like the Sargasian men do, but you could live your life how you wanted.  Or, how much did they pay?  If we paid that it would be fine yes?  You worked as one of their employees for several years you mentioned, that should count for something.”

He thought some more, but this was so far afield of anything he had tried to think of before.  With a sigh of frustration he looked back at her.  “How do we find wings when people who don’t want us to have them chain us down?”

Zaina: She smiled at him tenderly. “For now, let’s just be a girl with a bodyguard. I’m not saying that this won’t go anywhere, but let’s start with friendship for now, hmm?” She leaned forward to get to her feet. “And I know you wouldn’t. However, right now, it wouldn’t be a good time to do any of that. Let’s get to know each other first, then think about overthrowing Sargas tradition.”

Inside she was excited about what he suggested. That someone would go to those lengths for her. But...was it fair to Hisein? Was it fair to her? And just how would one do that anyway, and what would the consequences be? She had no idea.

Kinsaeda:  “I really liked kissing you you know, and I held back so much too.” he huffed, but it sounded like it was in resignation.  At least for now.
Kinsaeda sighed as he stood up, “I’d protect you for nothing.” he rumbled.  “I will go along with this, for now.  But I hope Hisein behaves too, so I’m not… motivated to take action sooner rather than later.” he smirked a little, his own attempt at humor.  

Zaina: She reached out and grabbed her robe, sliding it on slowly. “He’s never touched me, Kin. At least not as a man touches a woman he wants.” She shook her head. “I don’t know what I am, but I’m probably more sister to him than mate. All I feel for him is friendship.”

She looked out at the sky again. “Morning will be here soon. We should probably get what little sleep we can.” She looked back at him and gave him a sky but flirty smile. “And it makes me curious on how you held back.” She laughed softly, turning to head back into the house.

Kinsaeda: “Really… like brother and sister.” even if he had thought about it, he may not have been able to hold back the bit of hope that gave.  He might be able to do something with that.  “He hasn’t? Are you sure he doesn’t prefer other men?  He might not want to be married either.”

Kinsaeda walked beside her, chuckling softly at her flirty smile.  He reached around to the side of her furthest from him and tickled her hip once more.  “You can find out anytime you wish.”

Zaina: She squeaked again, jumping away from him. “Oh you!” She batted his hand away. “And honestly, I’ve no idea. It’s not something we talk about. His father is being a bit odd with our relationship and is allowing him to wait until he is twenty five to marry me. Which means I have two years left. I think Hisein wants to make sure he can control the merchant part of the business before he fully settles down with me.”

They were at the door. She hesitated as she reached out for the latch.

Kinsaeda: “I was the first to kiss you, to not touch you at all, I think he must prefer men.” he flashed a small crooked smile.  “I know someone, we can set them up together.” he didn’t mean it, at all, but he would drop to his knees, find religion and give thanks to all the gods if it came true.  The dance instructor’s brother was too obnoxious for any words Kin had.  

“Two years…” in his head, it was as though a clock had begun a countdown.  “alright.” he reached out to the door latch as well, but went to take her hand in his again.  “I’ll kiss you again before two years goes by.  We’ll train after we’ve rested, but I warn you of two things. I will not go easy on you, and a swordswoman is that much more desirable.” with that last he grinned a little again, and took his time removing his hand from hers.

Zaina: All she could do was blush as he spoke, shaking her head as she opened the door to the rest of the house. “We’ll see, won’t we?” She entered the house and was soon gone.

Kinsaeda: He stood outside, waiting for several moments to go by before he entered next.  He remembered as he did the flower in his hair, and plucked it out.  The nomad looked at it, smirked and carried it with him to his room.  “We will.”